Extrasynaptic N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Stimulation Induces Cytoplasmic Translocation of the CDKL5 Kinase and Its Proteasomal Degradation*

PubMed Central

Rusconi, Laura; Kilstrup-Nielsen, Charlotte; Landsberger, Nicoletta

2011-01-01

Mutations in the X-linked gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) have been found in patients with epileptic encephalopathy characterized by early onset intractable epilepsy, including infantile spasms and other types of seizures, severe developmental delay, and often the development of Rett syndrome-like features. Despite its clear involvement in proper brain development, CDKL5 functions are still far from being understood. In this study, we analyzed the subcellular localization of the endogenous kinase in primary murine hippocampal neurons. CDKL5 was localized both in nucleus and cytoplasm and, conversely to proliferating cells, did not undergo constitutive shuttling between these compartments. Nevertheless, glutamate stimulation was able to induce the exit of the kinase from the nucleus and its subsequent accumulation in the perinuclear cytoplasm. Moreover, we found that sustained glutamate stimulation promoted CDKL5 proteasomal degradation. Both events were mediated by the specific activation of extrasynaptic pool of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. Proteasomal degradation was also induced by withdrawal of neurotrophic factors and hydrogen peroxide treatment, two different paradigms of cell death. Altogether, our results indicate that both subcellular localization and expression of CDKL5 are modulated by the activation of extrasynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors and suggest regulation of CDKL5 by cell death pathways. PMID:21832092

Extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor stimulation induces cytoplasmic translocation of the CDKL5 kinase and its proteasomal degradation.

PubMed

Rusconi, Laura; Kilstrup-Nielsen, Charlotte; Landsberger, Nicoletta

2011-10-21

Mutations in the X-linked gene cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) have been found in patients with epileptic encephalopathy characterized by early onset intractable epilepsy, including infantile spasms and other types of seizures, severe developmental delay, and often the development of Rett syndrome-like features. Despite its clear involvement in proper brain development, CDKL5 functions are still far from being understood. In this study, we analyzed the subcellular localization of the endogenous kinase in primary murine hippocampal neurons. CDKL5 was localized both in nucleus and cytoplasm and, conversely to proliferating cells, did not undergo constitutive shuttling between these compartments. Nevertheless, glutamate stimulation was able to induce the exit of the kinase from the nucleus and its subsequent accumulation in the perinuclear cytoplasm. Moreover, we found that sustained glutamate stimulation promoted CDKL5 proteasomal degradation. Both events were mediated by the specific activation of extrasynaptic pool of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors. Proteasomal degradation was also induced by withdrawal of neurotrophic factors and hydrogen peroxide treatment, two different paradigms of cell death. Altogether, our results indicate that both subcellular localization and expression of CDKL5 are modulated by the activation of extrasynaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and suggest regulation of CDKL5 by cell death pathways.

d-Aspartate oxidase influences glutamatergic system homeostasis in mammalian brain.

PubMed

Cristino, Luigia; Luongo, Livio; Squillace, Marta; Paolone, Giovanna; Mango, Dalila; Piccinin, Sonia; Zianni, Elisa; Imperatore, Roberta; Iannotta, Monica; Longo, Francesco; Errico, Francesco; Vescovi, Angelo Luigi; Morari, Michele; Maione, Sabatino; Gardoni, Fabrizio; Nisticò, Robert; Usiello, Alessandro

2015-05-01

We have investigated the relevance of d-aspartate oxidase, the only enzyme known to selectively degrade d-aspartate (d-Asp), in modulating glutamatergic system homeostasis. Interestingly, the lack of the Ddo gene, by raising d-Asp content, induces a substantial increase in extracellular glutamate (Glu) levels in Ddo-mutant brains. Consistent with an exaggerated and persistent N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) stimulation, we documented in Ddo knockouts severe age-dependent structural and functional alterations mirrored by expression of active caspases 3 and 7 along with appearance of dystrophic microglia and reactive astrocytes. In addition, prolonged elevation of d-Asp triggered in mutants alterations of NMDAR-dependent synaptic plasticity associated to reduction of hippocampal GluN1 and GluN2B subunits selectively located at synaptic sites and to increase in the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-to-N-methyl-d-aspartate ratio. These effects, all of which converged on a progressive hyporesponsiveness at NMDAR sites, functionally resulted in a greater vulnerability to phencyclidine-induced prepulse inhibition deficits in mutants. In conclusion, our results indicate that d-aspartate oxidase, by strictly regulating d-Asp levels, impacts on the homeostasis of glutamatergic system, thus preventing accelerated neurodegenerative processes. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Neurosteroid-like Inhibitors of N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor: Substituted 2-Sulfates and 2-Hemisuccinates of Perhydrophenanthrene.

PubMed

Slavikova, Barbora; Chodounska, Hana; Nekardova, Michaela; Vyklicky, Vojtech; Ladislav, Marek; Hubalkova, Pavla; Krausova, Barbora; Vyklicky, Ladislav; Kudova, Eva

2016-05-26

N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) display a critical role in various diseases of the central nervous system. The activity of NMDARs can be modulated by neurosteroids. Herein, we report a structure-activity relationship study for perhydrophenanthrene analogues possessing a framework that mimics the steroidal ring system. This study comprises the design, synthesis, and assessment of the biological activity of a library of perhydrophenanthrene 2-sulfates and 2-hemisuccinates (1-10). Their ability to modulate NMDAR-induced currents was tested on recombinant GluN1/GluN2B receptors. Our results demonstrate that such structural optimization leads to compounds that are inhibitors of NMDARs. Notably, compound 9 (IC50 = 15.6 μM) was assessed as a more potent inhibitor of NMDAR-induced currents than the known endogenous neurosteroid, pregnanolone sulfate (IC50 = 24.6 μM).

Blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor activation suppresses learning-induced synaptic elimination

PubMed Central

Bock, Jörg; Braun, Katharina

1999-01-01

Auditory filial imprinting in the domestic chicken is accompanied by a dramatic loss of spine synapses in two higher associative forebrain areas, the mediorostral neostriatum/hyperstriatum ventrale (MNH) and the dorsocaudal neostriatum (Ndc). The cellular mechanisms that underlie this learning-induced synaptic reorganization are unclear. We found that local pharmacological blockade of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in the MNH, a manipulation that has been shown previously to impair auditory imprinting, suppresses the learning-induced spine reduction in this region. Chicks treated with the NMDA receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) during the behavioral training for imprinting (postnatal day 0–2) displayed similar spine frequencies at postnatal day 7 as naive control animals, which, in both groups, were significantly higher than in imprinted animals. Because the average dendritic length did not differ between the experimental groups, the reduced spine frequency can be interpreted as a reduction of the total number of spine synapses per neuron. In the Ndc, which is reciprocally connected with the MNH and not directly influenced by the injected drug, learning-induced spine elimination was partly suppressed. Spine frequencies of the APV-treated, behaviorally trained but nonimprinted animals were higher than in the imprinted animals but lower than in the naive animals. These results provide evidence that NMDA receptor activation is required for the learning-induced selective reduction of spine synapses, which may serve as a mechanism of information storage specific for juvenile emotional learning events. PMID:10051669

Pharmacological specificity of N-methyl-D-aspartate discrimination in rats.

PubMed

Grech, D M; Willetts, J; Balster, R L

1993-04-01

The purpose of this study was to provide further information on the usefulness of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) discrimination in rats as a behavioral model for NMDA receptor activation. The pharmacological specificity of the NMDA discriminative stimulus was examined in rats trained to discriminate 30 mg/kg, i.p. NMDA from saline using a 2-lever fixed-ratio (FR) 32 food reinforcement schedule. Pharmacologically diverse centrally-acting agents were examined for their ability to substitute for NMDA. Morphine did not substitute for NMDA; neither did the central stimulants, caffeine and (+)-amphetamine, which produced a maximum mean of only 16 and 35% NMDA-lever responding, respectively. Pentylenetetrazol and picrotoxin also did not substitute for NMDA. Compounds interacting with cholinergic neurotransmission including nicotine, physostigmine, arecoline and mecamylamine, produced at best, only intermediate levels of NMDA-lever responding (32-61%), with the highest levels of NMDA-lever responding generally occurring at doses that also reduced rates of responding. These results suggest that the discriminative stimulus properties of NMDA are dissimilar from those of a number of centrally-acting drugs. Combined with the results of studies indicating that the NMDA discriminative stimulus can be antagonized by competitive NMDA antagonists, these results provide further evidence that NMDA receptor activation is the basis of NMDA discrimination and that this model may be useful for studying site-selective NMDA agonists and antagonists.

Learning and memory: regional changes in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the chick brain after imprinting.

PubMed Central

McCabe, B J; Horn, G

1988-01-01

An extensive series of experiments has implicated a restricted region of the chick forebrain in the learning process of imprinting. The region is the intermediate and medial part of the hyperstriatum ventrale (IMHV). Previous studies have shown that training is associated with an increase in the area of the postsynaptic density of axospinous synapses in the left but not the right IMHV. The postsynaptic density is a site of high receptor density, and at least some axospinous synapses are excitatory. We found that imprinting is associated with a 59% increase in N-methyl-D-aspartate-sensitive binding of the excitatory amino acid L-[3H]glutamic acid in the left IMHV. The increase is probably due to an increased number of binding sites. The profile of sensitivity of the sites to a series of amino-, phosphono-substituted carboxylic acids (2-amino-3-phosphonopropionate to 2-amino-8-phosphonooctanoate) is characteristic of N-methyl-D-aspartate-type receptors. There were no significant effects of training on binding in the right IMHV. The effect of training on left IMHV binding could not be attributed to light exposure, arousal, or motor activity per se but was a function of how much the chicks learned. The changes in the left IMHV could increase the effectiveness of synaptic transmission in a region crucial for information storage and so form a neural basis for recognition memory. PMID:2833757

N-(3-azidophenyl)-N-methyl-N'-([4-1H]- and [4-3H]-1-naphthyl)guanidine. A potent and selective ligand designed as a photoaffinity label for the phencyclidine site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.

PubMed

Gee, K R; Durant, G J; Holmes, D L; Magar, S S; Weber, E; Wong, S T; Keana, J F

1993-01-01

A novel radiolabeled photoaffinity ligand has been synthesized for the phencyclidine (PCP) site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. N-(3-Azidophenyl)-N-methyl-N'-([4-3H]-1-naphthyl)guanidine (13) was prepared with a specific activity of 25 Ci/mmol by diazotization of N-(3-aminophenyl)-N-methyl-N'-([4-3H]-1-naphthyl)guanidine (12) followed by treatment with sodium azide. Guanidine 12 was obtained by catalytic tritiation of N-(4-bromo-1-naphthyl)-N'-methyl-N'-(3-nitrophenyl)guanidine (11). The nontritiated analog 5 of 13 was prepared beginning with N-methyl-N'-1-naphthyl-N-(3-nitrophenyl)guanidine (9). The guanidines 9 and 11 were prepared in moderate yield by the aluminum chloride-catalyzed reaction of N-methyl-3-nitroaniline hydrochloride with 1-naphthylcyanamide and 4-bromo-1-naphthylcyanamide, respectively. Azide 5 showed high selectivity and affinity (IC50 = 100 nM vs [3H]MK801; 3000 nM vs [3H]ditolylguanidine) for the PCP site of the NMDA receptor in guinea pig brain homogenate. Photolabeling experiments with 13, however, failed to radiolabel a significant amount of receptor polypeptide.

Brain MRI Characteristics of Patients with Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis and Their Associations with 2-Year Clinical Outcome.

PubMed

Zhang, T; Duan, Y; Ye, J; Xu, W; Shu, N; Wang, C; Li, K; Liu, Y

2018-05-01

Anti- N -methyl-D-aspertate receptor encephalitis is an autoimmune-mediated disease without specific brain MRI features. Our aim was to investigate the brain MR imaging characteristics of anti- N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and their associations with clinical outcome at a 2-year follow-up. We enrolled 53 patients with anti- N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and performed 2-year follow-up. Brain MRIs were acquired for all patients at the onset phase. The brain MR imaging manifestations were classified into 4 types: type 1: normal MR imaging findings; type 2: only hippocampal lesions; type 3: lesions not involving the hippocampus; and type 4: lesions in both the hippocampus and other brain areas. The modified Rankin Scale score at 2-year follow-up was assessed, and the association between the mRS and onset brain MR imaging characteristics was evaluated. Twenty-eight (28/53, 53%) patients had normal MR imaging findings (type 1), and the others (25/53, 47%) had abnormal MRI findings: type 2: 7 patients (13%); type 3: seven patients (13%); and type 4: eleven patients (21%). Normal brain MRI findings were more common in female patients ( P = .02). Psychiatric and behavioral abnormalities were more common in adults ( P = .015), and autonomic symptoms ( P = .025) were more common in pediatric patients. The presence of hippocampal lesions ( P = .008, OR = 9.584; 95% CI, 1.803-50.931) and relapse ( P = .043, OR = 0.111; 95% CI, 0.013-0.930) was associated with poor outcome. Normal brain MRI findings were observed in half of the patients. Lesions in the hippocampus were the most common MR imaging abnormal finding. The presence of hippocampal lesions is the main MR imaging predictor for poor prognosis in patients with anti- N -methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis. © 2018 by American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Alpha-Synuclein Produces Early Behavioral Alterations via Striatal Cholinergic Synaptic Dysfunction by Interacting With GluN2D N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunit.

PubMed

Tozzi, Alessandro; de Iure, Antonio; Bagetta, Vincenza; Tantucci, Michela; Durante, Valentina; Quiroga-Varela, Ana; Costa, Cinzia; Di Filippo, Massimiliano; Ghiglieri, Veronica; Latagliata, Emanuele Claudio; Wegrzynowicz, Michal; Decressac, Mickael; Giampà, Carmela; Dalley, Jeffrey W; Xia, Jing; Gardoni, Fabrizio; Mellone, Manuela; El-Agnaf, Omar Mukhtar; Ardah, Mustafa Taleb; Puglisi-Allegra, Stefano; Björklund, Anders; Spillantini, Maria Grazia; Picconi, Barbara; Calabresi, Paolo

2016-03-01

Advanced Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by massive degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons, dramatic motor and cognitive alterations, and presence of nigral Lewy bodies, whose main constituent is α-synuclein (α-syn). However, the synaptic mechanisms underlying behavioral and motor effects induced by early selective overexpression of nigral α-syn are still a matter of debate. We performed behavioral, molecular, and immunohistochemical analyses in two transgenic models of PD, mice transgenic for truncated human α-synuclein 1-120 and rats injected with the adeno-associated viral vector carrying wild-type human α-synuclein. We also investigated striatal synaptic plasticity by electrophysiological recordings from spiny projection neurons and cholinergic interneurons. We found that overexpression of truncated or wild-type human α-syn causes partial reduction of striatal dopamine levels and selectively blocks the induction of long-term potentiation in striatal cholinergic interneurons, producing early memory and motor alterations. These effects were dependent on α-syn modulation of the GluN2D-expressing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in cholinergic interneurons. Acute in vitro application of human α-syn oligomers mimicked the synaptic effects observed ex vivo in PD models. We suggest that striatal cholinergic dysfunction, induced by a direct interaction between α-syn and GluN2D-expressing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, represents a precocious biological marker of the disease. Copyright © 2016 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

H-Ras Modulates N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Function via Inhibition of Src Tyrosine Kinase Activity*

PubMed Central

Thornton, Claire; Yaka, Rami; Dinh, Son; Ron, Dorit

2005-01-01

Tyrosine phosphorylation of the NR2A and NR2B subunits of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor by Src protein-tyrosine kinases modulates receptor channel activity and is necessary for the induction of long term potentiation (LTP). Deletion of H-Ras increases both NR2 tyrosine phosphorylation and NMDA receptor-mediated hippocampal LTP. Here we investigated whether H-Ras regulates phosphorylation and function of the NMDA receptor via Src family protein-tyrosine kinases. We identified Src as a novel H-Ras binding partner. H-Ras bound to Src but not Fyn both in vitro and in brain via the Src kinase domain. Cotransfection of H-Ras and Src inhibited Src activity and decreased NR2A tyrosine phosphorylation. Treatment of rat brain slices with Tat-H-Ras depleted NR2A from the synaptic membrane, decreased endogenous Src activity and NR2A phosphorylation, and decreased the magnitude of hip-pocampal LTP. No change was observed for NR2B. We suggest that H-Ras negatively regulates Src phosphorylation of NR2A and retention of NR2A into the synaptic membrane leading to inhibition of NMDA receptor function. This mechanism is specific for Src and NR2A and has implications for studies in which regulation of NMDA receptor-mediated LTP is important, such as synaptic plasticity, learning, and memory and addiction. PMID:12695509

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibodies encephalitis mimicking an autistic regression.

PubMed

Hacohen, Yael; Wright, Sukhvir; Gadian, Jonathan; Vincent, Angela; Lim, Ming; Wassmer, Evangeline; Lin, Jean-Pierre

2016-10-01

Expressive dysphasia and mutism are common clinical features in children and adults with N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibodies (NMDAR-Ab) encephalitis, and are likely to result from NMDAR hypofunction. A prodromal loss of social and communication skills can typify that of an autistic regression, particularly when presenting under the age of 3 years. Here we describe two toddlers who presented with developmental regression, particularly of their social communication skills, mimicking an autistic regression, who were found to have NMDAR-Ab in the serum and cerebrospinal fluid. Although both patients had some other neurological features, they were subtle, which resulted in delayed diagnosis of NMDAR-Ab encephalitis. Importantly, immunotherapy was beneficial in both patients, with significant improvement of their language skills and behaviour. © 2016 Mac Keith Press.

Evidence for spinal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor involvement in prolonged chemical nociception in the rat.

PubMed

Haley, Jane E; Dickenson, Anthony H

2016-08-15

We used in vivo electrophysiology and a model of more persistent nociceptive inputs to monitor spinal cord neuronal activity in anaesthetised rats to reveal the pharmacology of enhanced pain signalling. The study showed that all responses were blocked by non-selective antagonism of glutamate receptors but a selective and preferential role of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the prolonged plastic responses was clearly seen. The work lead to many publications, initially preclinical but increasingly from patient studies, showing the importance of the NMDA receptor in central sensitisation within the spinal cord and how this could relate to persistent pain states. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled SI:50th Anniversary Issue. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Development of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Subunits in Avian Auditory Brainstem

PubMed Central

TANG, YE-ZHONG; CARR, CATHERINE E.

2012-01-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor subunit-specific probes were used to characterize developmental changes in the distribution of excitatory amino acid receptors in the chicken’s auditory brainstem nuclei. Although NR1 subunit expression does not change greatly during the development of the cochlear nuclei in the chicken (Tang and Carr [2004] Hear. Res 191:79 – 89), there are significant developmental changes in NR2 subunit expression. We used in situ hybridization against NR1, NR2A, NR2B, NR2C, and NR2D to compare NR1 and NR2 expression during development. All five NMDA subunits were expressed in the auditory brainstem before embryonic day (E) 10, when electrical activity and synaptic responses appear in the nucleus magnocellularis (NM) and the nucleus laminaris (NL). At this time, the dominant form of the receptor appeared to contain NR1 and NR2B. NR2A appeared to replace NR2B by E14, a time that coincides with synaptic refinement and evoked auditory responses. NR2C did not change greatly during auditory development, whereas NR2D increased from E10 and remained at fairly high levels into adulthood. Thus changes in NMDA NR2 receptor subunits may contribute to the development of auditory brainstem responses in the chick. PMID:17366608

[Autoimmune encephalitis associated to antibodies against the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor: Report of two cases].

PubMed

Bustos, José; Sánchez, Yasmin; Medina, Jhon; Olivieri, Rommy; Mojica, Julián; Ortiz, Johan

2017-04-01

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis is a neurological syndrome that is more common in young women and is often associated with ovarian teratoma. It is characterized by acute general unspecific symptoms that evolve to neurological deterioration, psychosis and seizures. In its more advanced stage it is associated with abnormal movements and dysautonomia.We report two cases in women of 23 and 12 years of age. Given its low incidence, we present the clinical exercise that led to their diagnoses and the treatment options employed.

Anti-N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Severe, Potentially Reversible Autoimmune Encephalitis.

PubMed

Liu, Cai-Yun; Zhu, Jie; Zheng, Xiang-Yu; Ma, Chi; Wang, Xu

2017-01-01

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is potentially lethal, but it is also a treatable autoimmune disorder characterized by prominent psychiatric and neurologic symptoms. It is often accompanied with teratoma or other neoplasm, especially in female patients. Anti-NMDAR antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum are characteristic features of the disease, thereby suggesting a pathogenic role in the disease. Here, we summarize recent studies that have clearly documented that both clinical manifestations and the antibodies may contribute to early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care. The clinical course of the disorder is reversible and the relapse could occur in some patients. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis coexisting with demyelinating disorders makes the diagnosis more complex; thus, clinicians should be aware of the overlapping diseases.

Anti-N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Severe, Potentially Reversible Autoimmune Encephalitis

PubMed Central

Liu, Cai-yun; Zheng, Xiang-Yu; Ma, Chi

2017-01-01

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is potentially lethal, but it is also a treatable autoimmune disorder characterized by prominent psychiatric and neurologic symptoms. It is often accompanied with teratoma or other neoplasm, especially in female patients. Anti-NMDAR antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum are characteristic features of the disease, thereby suggesting a pathogenic role in the disease. Here, we summarize recent studies that have clearly documented that both clinical manifestations and the antibodies may contribute to early diagnosis and multidisciplinary care. The clinical course of the disorder is reversible and the relapse could occur in some patients. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis coexisting with demyelinating disorders makes the diagnosis more complex; thus, clinicians should be aware of the overlapping diseases. PMID:28698711

Ethanol Inhibition of Constitutively Open N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors

PubMed Central

Xu, Minfu; Smothers, C. Thetford; Trudell, James

2012-01-01

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors gate a slow and calcium-rich component of the postsynaptic glutamate response. Like all ionotropic glutamate receptors, NMDA subunits contain a highly conserved motif (SYTANLAAF) in the transmembrane (TM) 3 domain that is critically involved in channel gating. Mutation of an alanine in this domain (A7; underlined above) results in constitutively open receptors that show reduced sensitivity to several allosteric modulators. In this study, we examined the effects of ethanol, a substance that inhibits NMDA currents via an unknown mechanism, on tonically active NMDA receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Ethanol (100 mM) inhibited currents from GluN1(A7R)/GluN2A and GluN1(A7R)/GluN2B receptors by approximately 50%, whereas those from GluN1/GluN2B(A7R) receptors were reduced by less than 10%. In cysteine-substituted GluN1 and GluN2 A7 mutants, estimated ethanol IC50 values for agonist-gated currents were 101, 117, 103, and 69 mM for GluN1(A7C)/GluN2A, GluN1(A7C)/GluN2B, GluN1/GluN2A(A7C), and GluN1/GluN2B(A7C) receptors, respectively. After exposure to the thiol-modifying reagent 2-(trimethylammonium)ethyl methanethiosulfonate (MTSET), A7C mutants showed robust agonist-independent currents and reduced sensitivity to ethanol (IC50 values of 371, 256, 715, and 958 mM, respectively, as above). In contrast, cysteine modification of the ligand-binding domain resulted in constitutively open receptors that showed robust ethanol inhibition. Ethanol inhibition of MTSET-treated GluN1(A7C) receptors was further reduced by TM3/TM4 mutations previously shown to reduce ethanol sensitivity of agonist-gated receptors. Overall, these results show that ethanol affects NMDA receptor function at a site distal from agonist binding and appears to exert greater effects via perturbation of GluN2 subunits. PMID:22005043

Opiate physical dependence and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

PubMed

Noda, Yukihiro; Nabeshima, Toshitaka

2004-10-01

The present review focused the involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors in morphine physical dependence. The increased levels of extracellular glutamate, NMDA receptor zeta subunit (NR1) mRNA, NMDA receptor epsilon 1 subunit (NR2A) protein, phosphorylated Ca(2+)/calmodulin kinase II (p-CaMKII) protein, c-fos mRNA, c-Fos protein, are observed in the specific brain areas of mice and/or rats showing signs of naloxone-precipitated withdrawal. In preclinical and clinical studies, a variety of NMDA receptor antagonists and pretreatment with an antisense oligonucleotide of the NR1 have been reported to inhibit the development, expression and/or maintenance of opiate physical dependence. In contrast to data obtained in adult animals, NMDA receptor antagonists are neither effective in blocking the development of opiate dependence nor the expression of opiate withdrawal in neonatal rats. In the NMDA receptor-deficient mice, the NR2A knockout mice show the marked loss of typical withdrawal abstinence behaviors precipitated by naloxone. The rescue of NR2A protein by electroporation into the nucleus accumbens of NR2A knockout mice reverses the loss of abstinence behaviors. The activation of CaMKII and increased expression of c-Fos protein in the brain of animals with naloxone-precipitated withdrawal syndrome are prevented by NMDA receptor antagonists, whereas the increased levels of extracellular glutamate are not prevented by them. These findings indicate that glutamatergic neurotransmission at the NMDA receptor site contributes to the development, expression and maintenance of opiate dependence, and suggest that NMDA receptor antagonists may be a useful adjunct in the treatment of opiate dependence.

Protective effect of methanol extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla against excitotoxicity induced by N-methyl-D-aspartate in rat hippocampus.

PubMed

Lee, Jongseok; Son, Dongwook; Lee, Pyeongjae; Kim, Dae-Keun; Shin, Min-Chul; Jang, Mi-Hyeon; Kim, Chang-Ju; Kim, Yong-Sik; Kim, Sun-Yeou; Kim, Hocheol

2003-05-01

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a medicinal herb used for convulsive disorders in Oriental medicine. In this study, the effect of the methanol extract of Uncaria rhynchophylla against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced excitotoxicity was investigated. Pretreatment with the extract of Uncaria rhynchopylla reduced the degree of neuronal damage induced by NMDA exposure in cultured hippocampal slices. In the patch clamp study, Uncaria rhynchophylla significantly inhibited NMDA receptor-activated ion current in acutely dissociated hippocampal CA1 neurons. These results indicate that Uncaria rhynchophylla offers protection against NMDA-induced neuronal injury and inhibitory action on NMDA receptor-mediated ion current may be a mechanism behind the neuroprotective effect of Uncaria rhynchophylla.

Inflammatory pain-induced signaling events following a conditional deletion of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in spinal cord dorsal horn.

PubMed

Cheng, H T; Suzuki, M; Hegarty, D M; Xu, Q; Weyerbacher, A R; South, S M; Ohata, M; Inturrisi, C E

2008-08-26

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH) is one of the mechanisms involved in central sensitization during chronic pain. Previously, this laboratory created a spatio-temporal knockout (KO) of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor I (NR1) subunit in the mouse SCDH. The NR1 KO completely blocks NR1 gene and subsequent NMDA receptor expression and function in SCDH neurons. In the NR1 KO mice, the mechanical and cold allodynia induced at 24 h after complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) was reduced. However, the protective effects of KO were transient and were not seen at 48 h after CFA. These observations suggest the presence of NMDA-independent pathways that contribute to CFA-induced pain. CFA induces the activation of several signaling cascades in the SCDH, including protein kinase C (PKC)gamma and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2). The phosphorylation of PKCgamma and ERK1/2 was inhibited in the SCDH of NR1 KO mice up to 48 h after CFA treatment, suggesting that these pathways are NMDA receptor-dependent. Interestingly, neuronal cyclooxygenase (COX) -2 expression and microglial p38 phosphorylation were induced in the SCDH of the NR1 KO at 48 h after CFA. Our findings provide evidence that inflammatory reactions are responsible for the recurrence of pain after NR1 KO in the SCDH.

The role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and nitric oxide in cochlear dopamine release.

PubMed

Halmos, G; Horváth, T; Polony, G; Fekete, A; Kittel, A; Vizi, E S; van der Laan, B F A M; Zelles, T; Lendvai, B

2008-06-23

Dopamine (DA) released from lateral olivocochlear (LOC) terminals may have a neuroprotective effect in the cochlea. To explore the role of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and nitric oxide (NO) in the modulation of a cochlear DA release, we measured the release of [3H]DA from isolated mouse cochlea in response to the application of NMDA. NMDA at 100 muM significantly increased the electrical-field stimulation-evoked and resting release of DA from the cochlea. The NO donor sodium nitroprusside enhanced the basal outflow of DA but failed to influence the evoked release. The administration of the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N omega-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) alone was ineffective, but it significantly inhibited the initial phase of the NMDA-induced elevation of DA outflow, which suggested the role of NO in the NMDA-induced DA release. The DA uptake inhibitor nomifensine increased the electrically evoked release of DA. Nomifensine failed to change the effect of NMDA on the resting or electrically-evoked DA release, which suggested that the uptake mechanism does not play a role in NMDA-evoked and NO-mediated DA release. In summary, we provide evidence that NO can modulate the release of DA from the cochlea following NMDA receptor activation, but does not affect the uptake of DA.

Characterization of N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked taurine release in the developing and adult mouse hippocampus.

PubMed

Saransaari, P; Oja, S S

2003-01-01

Taurine is an inhibitory amino acid acting as an osmoregulator and neuroromodulator in the brain, with neuroprotective properties. The ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) greatly potentiates taurine release from brain preparations in both normal and ischemic conditions, the effect being particularly marked in the developing hippocampus. We now characterized the regulation of NMDA-stimulated taurine release from hippocampal slices from adult (3-month-old) and developing (7-day-old) mouse using a superfusion system. The NMDA-stimulated taurine release was receptor-mediated in both adult and developing mouse hippocampus. In adults, only NO-generating compounds, sodium nitroprusside, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine and hydroxylamine reduced the release, as did also NO synthase inhibitors, 7-nitroindazole and nitroarginine, indicating that the release is mediated by the NO/cGMP pathway. On the other hand, the regulation of the NMDA-evoked taurine release proved to be somewhat complex in the immature hippocampus. It was not affected by the NOergic compounds, but enhanced by the protein kinase C activator 4 beta-phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and adenosine receptor A(1) agonists, N(6)-cyclohexyladenosine and R(-)N(6)-(2-phenylisopropyl)adenosine in a receptor-mediated manner. The activation of both ionotropic 2-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA) receptors and metabotropic glutamate group I receptors also enhanced the evoked release. The NMDA-receptor-stimulated taurine release could be a part of the neuroprotective properties of taurine, being important particularly under cell-damaging conditions in the developing hippocampus and hence preventing excitotoxicity.

Synthesis and characterization of a radiolabeled derivative of the phencyclidine/N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ligand (+)MK-801 with high specific radioactivity

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Keana, J.F.W.; Scherz, M.W.; Quarum, M.

1988-01-01

A (/sup 3/H)-labelled derivative of the drug (+)MK-801 with a high specific radioactivity was synthesized by first preparing a tribromo derivative of (+)MK-801 followed by catalytic reduction in the presence of (/sup 3/H)-gas and subsequent purification of the radioactive product by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC). This resulted in pure (+) (/sup 3/H)MK-801 with a specific radioactivity of 97 Ci/mmol. The (+) (/sup 3/H)MK-801 was shown to interact with high affinity and selectivity with the phencyclidine (PCP) receptor in guinea pig brain membrane suspensions. The PCP receptor is associated with a cation channel that is chemically gated by glutamatemore » and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA). Drugs that interact with the PCP receptor block this channel. The (+) (/sup 3/H)MK-801 described here will be useful to investigate the biochemistry of PCP/NMDA receptors in experiments where a high specific radioactivity is essential.« less

Activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors reduces heart rate variability and facilitates atrial fibrillation in rats.

PubMed

Shi, Shaobo; Liu, Tao; Wang, Dandan; Zhang, Yan; Liang, Jinjun; Yang, Bo; Hu, Dan

2017-07-01

The goal of this study was to assess the effects of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors activation on heart rate variability (HRV) and susceptibility to atrial fibrillation (AF). Rats were randomized for treatment with saline, NMDA (agonist of NMDA receptors), or NMDA plus MK-801 (antagonist of NMDA receptors) for 2 weeks. Heart rate variability was evaluated by using implantable electrocardiogram telemeters. Atrial fibrillation susceptibility was assessed with programmed stimulation in isolated hearts. Compared with the controls, the NMDA-treated rats displayed a decrease in the standard deviation of normal RR intervals, the standard deviation of the average RR intervals, the mean of the 5-min standard deviations of RR intervals, the root mean square of successive differences, and high frequency (HF); and an increase in low frequency (LF) and LF/HF (all P< 0.01). Additionally, the NMDA-treated rats showed prolonged activation latency and reduced effective refractory period (all P< 0.01). Importantly, AF was induced in all NMDA-treated rats. While atrial fibrosis developed, connexin40 downgraded and metalloproteinase 9 upgraded in the NMDA-treated rats (all P< 0.01). Most of the above alterations were mitigated by co-administering with MK-801. These results indicate that NMDA receptors activation reduces HRV and enhances AF inducibility, with cardiac autonomic imbalance, atrial fibrosis, and degradation of gap junction protein identified as potential mechanistic contributors. Published on behalf of the European Society of Cardiology. All rights reserved. © The Author 2016. For permissions please email: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Role of hydrogen bonding in ligand interaction with the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ion channel

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Leeson, P.D.; Carling, R.W.; James, K.

1990-05-01

Displacement of (3H)MK-801 (dizocilpine, 1) binding to rat brain membranes has been used to evaluate the affinities of novel dibenzocycloalkenimines related to 1 for the ion channel binding site (also known as the phencyclidine or PCP receptor) on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of excitory amino acid receptor. In common with many other agents having actions in the central nervous system, these compounds contain a hydrophobic aromatic moiety and a basic nitrogen atom. The conformational rigidity of these ligands provides a unique opportunity to evaluate the importance of specific geometrical properties that influence active-site recognition, in particular the role of themore » nitrogen atom in hydrogen-bonding interactions. The relative affinities (IC50s) of hydrocarbon-substituted analogues of 1 and ring homologated cyclooctenimines illustrate the importance of size-limited hydrophobic binding of both aryl rings and of the quaternary C-5 methyl group. Analysis of the binding of a series of the 10 available structurally rigid dibenzoazabicyclo(x.y.z)alkanes, by using molecular modeling techniques, uncovered a highly significant correlation between affinity and a proposed ligand-active site hydrogen bonding vector (r = 0.950, p less than 0.001). These results are used to generate a pharmacophore of the MK-801 recognition site/PCP receptor, which accounts for the binding of all of the known ligands.« less

N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Blockade Prevents Neuronal Death Induced by Zika Virus Infection

PubMed Central

Costa, Vivian V.; Del Sarto, Juliana L.; Rocha, Rebeca F.; Silva, Flavia R.; Doria, Juliana G.; Olmo, Isabella G.; Marques, Rafael E.; Queiroz-Junior, Celso M.; Foureaux, Giselle; Araújo, Julia Maria S.; Cramer, Allysson; Real, Ana Luíza C. V.; Ribeiro, Lucas S.; Sardi, Silvia I.; Ferreira, Anderson J.; Machado, Fabiana S.; de Oliveira, Antônio C.; Teixeira, Antônio L.; Nakaya, Helder I.; Souza, Danielle G.

2017-01-01

ABSTRACT Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency that causes significant neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative processes may be exacerbated by N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent neuronal excitoxicity. Here, we have exploited the hypothesis that ZIKV-induced neurodegeneration can be rescued by blocking NMDA overstimulation with memantine. Our results show that ZIKV actively replicates in primary neurons and that virus replication is directly associated with massive neuronal cell death. Interestingly, treatment with memantine or other NMDAR blockers, including dizocilpine (MK-801), agmatine sulfate, or ifenprodil, prevents neuronal death without interfering with the ability of ZIKV to replicate in these cells. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrate that therapeutic memantine treatment prevents the increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by infection and massively reduces neurodegeneration and microgliosis in the brain of infected mice. Our results indicate that the blockade of NMDARs by memantine provides potent neuroprotective effects against ZIKV-induced neuronal damage, suggesting it could be a viable treatment for patients at risk for ZIKV infection-induced neurodegeneration. PMID:28442607

Glycine aggravates ischemia reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury through N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor activation in rats.

PubMed

Arora, Shiyana; Kaur, Tajpreet; Kaur, Anudeep; Singh, Amrit Pal

2014-08-01

The present study was designed to investigate the role of glycine in ischemia reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) in rats. The AKI was induced in rats by occluding renal pedicles for 40 min followed by reperfusion for 24 h. The AKI was assessed by measuring creatinine clearance, blood urea nitrogen, plasma uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, and microproteinuria. The oxidative stress in renal tissues was assessed by quantification of myeloperoxidase activity, thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, superoxide anion generation, and reduced glutathione level. Glycine (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to rats 30 min before subjecting to AKI. The glycinergic receptor blocker, strychnine (0.75 mg/kg i.p.), and glycine-binding site blocker at N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, kynurenic acid (300 and 600 mg/kg i.p.), were used in the present study. The ischemia reperfusion induced AKI as witnessed by significant change in plasma, urinary, and tissue parameters employed in the present study. Glycine treatment increased ischemia reperfusion-induced AKI. The treatment with strychnine did not show any protection, whereas kynurenic acid ameliorated renal ischemia reperfusion-induced AKI. The results obtained in present study suggest that glycine increases ischemia reperfusion-induced renal damage through NMDA receptor agonism rather than strychnine-sensitive glycinergic receptors. Hence, it is concluded that glycine aggravates ischemia reperfusion-induced AKI. In addition, the activation of strychnine-insensitive glycine-binding site of NMDA receptors is responsible for its renal-damaging effect rather than strychnine-sensitive glycinergic receptors.

Selective Impairment of Spatial Cognition Caused by Autoantibodies to the N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor

PubMed Central

Chang, Eric H.; Volpe, Bruce T.; Mackay, Meggan; Aranow, Cynthia; Watson, Philip; Kowal, Czeslawa; Storbeck, Justin; Mattis, Paul; Berlin, RoseAnn; Chen, Huiyi; Mader, Simone; Huerta, Tomás S.; Huerta, Patricio T.; Diamond, Betty

2015-01-01

Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) experience cognitive abnormalities in multiple domains including processing speed, executive function, and memory. Here we show that SLE patients carrying antibodies that bind DNA and the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), termed DNRAbs, displayed a selective impairment in spatial recall. Neural recordings in a mouse model of SLE, in which circulating DNRAbs penetrate the hippocampus, revealed that CA1 place cells exhibited a significant expansion in place field size. Structural analysis showed that hippocampal pyramidal cells had substantial reductions in their dendritic processes and spines. Strikingly, these abnormalities became evident at a time when DNRAbs were no longer detectable in the hippocampus. These results suggest that antibody-mediated neurocognitive impairments may be highly specific, and that spatial cognition may be particularly vulnerable to DNRAb-mediated structural and functional injury to hippocampal cells that evolves after the triggering insult is no longer present. PMID:26286205

Synthesis of water-soluble polyamine derivatives effective as N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.

PubMed

Masuko, Takashi; Yoshida, Shuhei; Metori, Koichi; Kizawa, Yasuo; Kusama, Tadashi; Miyake, Muneharu

2010-06-01

The novel water-soluble N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, N-{4-[4-(4-Guanidinobutylamino)butylamino]butyl}-p-toluenesulfonamide trihydrochloride (1a, TsHSPMG), N-{4-[4-(4-Guanidinobutylamino)butylamino]butyl}butane-1-sulfonamide trihydrochloride (1b, BsHSPMG), N-{3-[4-(3-Guanidinopropylamino)butylamino]propyl}-p-toluenesulfonamide trihydrochroride (2a, TsSPMG) and N-{3-[4-(3-Guanidinopropylamino)butylamino]propyl}butane-1-sulfonamide trihydrochroride (2b, BsSPMG), were synthesized, and the effects of these polyamine derivatives on NMDA receptors were studied using voltage-clamp recordings of recombinant NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. Although spermine potentiates 153% and 310% of NMDA (NR1A/NR2B) receptors in the presence of saturated and unsaturated glycine, respectively, all the novel polyamine derivatives, TsHSPMG (1a), BsHSPMG (1b), TsSPMG (2a) and BsSPMG (2b), significantly inhibited NR1A/NR2B receptors in both conditions. The degree of NMDA receptor inhibition by TsHSPMG (1a) and BsHSPMG (1b) was stronger than that by TsSPMG (2a) and BsSPMG (2b).

Characterization of l-Theanine Excitatory Actions on Hippocampal Neurons: Toward the Generation of Novel N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Modulators Based on Its Backbone.

PubMed

Sebih, Fatiha; Rousset, Matthieu; Bellahouel, Salima; Rolland, Marc; de Jesus Ferreira, Marie Celeste; Guiramand, Janique; Cohen-Solal, Catherine; Barbanel, Gérard; Cens, Thierry; Abouazza, Mohammed; Tassou, Adrien; Gratuze, Maud; Meusnier, Céline; Charnet, Pierre; Vignes, Michel; Rolland, Valérie

2017-08-16

l-Theanine (or l-γ-N-ethyl-glutamine) is the major amino acid found in Camellia sinensis. It has received much attention because of its pleiotropic physiological and pharmacological activities leading to health benefits in humans, especially. We describe here a new, easy, efficient, and environmentally friendly chemical synthesis of l-theanine and l-γ-N-propyl-Gln and their corresponding d-isomers. l-Theanine, and its derivatives obtained so far, exhibited partial coagonistic action at N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, with no detectable agonist effect at other glutamate receptors, on cultured hippocampal neurons. This activity was retained on NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes. In addition, both GluN2A and GluN2B containing NMDA receptors were equally modulated by l-theanine. The stereochemical change from l-theanine to d-theanine along with the substitution of the ethyl for a propyl moiety in the γ-N position of l- and d-theanine significantly enhanced the biological efficacy, as measured on cultured hippocampal neurons. l-Theanine structure thus represents an interesting backbone to develop novel NMDA receptor modulators.

Citrate Modulates the Regulation by Zn2+ of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor-Mediated Channel Current and Neurotransmitter Release

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Westergaard, Niels; Banke, Tue; Wahl, Philip; Sonnewald, Ursula; Schousboe, Arne

1995-04-01

The effect of the two metal-ion chelators EDTA and citrate on the action of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors was investigated by use of cultured mouse cerebellar granule neurons and Xenopus oocytes, respectively, to monitor either NMDA-evoked transmitter release or membrane currents. Transmitter release from the glutamatergic neurons was determined by superfusion of the cells after preloading with the glutamate analogue D-[^3H]aspartate. The oocytes were injected with mRNA isolated from mouse cerebellum and, after incubation to allow translation to occur, currents mediated by NMDA were recorded electrophysiologically by voltage clamp at a holding potential of -80 mV. It was found that citrate as well as EDTA could attenuate the inhibitory action of Zn2+ on NMDA receptor-mediated transmitter release from the neurons and membrane currents in the oocytes. These effects were specifically related to the NMDA receptor, since the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 abolished the action and no effects of Zn2+ and its chelators were observed when kainate was used to selectively activate non-NMDA receptors. Since it was additionally demonstrated that citrate (and EDTA) preferentially chelated Zn2+ rather than Ca2+, the present findings strongly suggest that endogenous citrate released specifically from astrocytes into the extracellular space in the brain may function as a modulator of NMDA receptor activity. This is yet another example of astrocytic influence on neuronal activity.

High sensitivity and specificity in proposed clinical diagnostic criteria for anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

PubMed

Ho, Alvin C C; Mohammad, Shekeeb S; Pillai, Sekhar C; Tantsis, Esther; Jones, Hannah; Ho, Reena; Lim, Ming; Hacohen, Yael; Vincent, Angela; Dale, Russell C

2017-12-01

To determine the validity of the proposed clinical diagnostic criteria for anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in paediatric patients. The diagnostic criteria for anti-NMDAR encephalitis proposed by Graus et al. (2016) use clinical features and conventional investigations to facilitate early immunotherapy before antibody status is available. The criteria are satisfied if patients develop four out of six symptom groups within 3 months, together with at least one abnormal investigation (electroencephalography/cerebrospinal fluid) and reasonable exclusion of other disorders. We evaluated the validity of the criteria using a retrospective cohort of paediatric patients with encephalitis. Twenty-nine patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis and 74 comparison children with encephalitis were included. As expected, the percentage of patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis who fulfilled the clinical criteria increased over time. During the hospital inpatient admission, most patients (26/29, 90%) with anti-NMDAR encephalitis fulfilled the criteria, significantly more than the comparison group (3/74, 4%) (p<0.001). The median time of fulfilling the criteria in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis was 2 weeks from first symptom onset (range 1-6). The sensitivity of the criteria was 90% (95% confidence interval 73-98) and the specificity was 96% (95% confidence interval 89-99). The proposed diagnostic criteria for anti-NMDAR encephalitis have good sensitivity and specificity. Incomplete criteria do not exclude the diagnosis. The proposed clinical diagnostic criteria for anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis by Graus et al. (2016) have high sensitivity and specificity in paediatric patients. The median time of fulfilling the criteria in patients with anti-NMDAR was 2 weeks from first symptom onset. © 2017 Mac Keith Press.

Choline exposure reduces potentiation of N-methyl-D-aspartate toxicity by corticosterone in the developing hippocampus.

PubMed

Mulholland, Patrick J; Self, Rachel L; Harris, Barton R; Littleton, John M; Prendergast, Mark A

2004-11-25

Exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids (GCs) may adversely affect neuronal viability, particularly in the developing hippocampus, via increased function or sensitivity of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type glutamate receptors. Conversely, choline supplementation in the developing brain may reduce the severity of subsequent insult. The present studies aimed to examine the extent to which short-term exposure to high concentrations of corticosterone would produce neuronal injury mediated by NMDA receptor activity. These studies also assessed the ability of choline to prevent this form of injury via interactions with nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) expressing the alpha7 subunit. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures derived from neonatal rat were pre-treated for 72 h with corticosterone (100 nM) alone or with choline (0.1-10 mM), prior to a brief (1 h) NMDA exposure (5 microM). NMDA exposure produced significant cellular damage, reflected as increased fluorescence of the non-vital marker propidium iodide, in the CA1 region. While exposure to corticosterone alone did not produce damage, pre-treatment of cultures with corticosterone markedly exacerbated NMDA-induced toxicity. Pre-treatment with choline (> or =1 mM) alone or in combination with corticosterone markedly reduced subsequent NMDA toxicity, effects blocked by co-exposure to methyllycaconitine (100 nM), an antagonist active at nAChRs expressing the alpha7 subunit. These data suggest that even short-term exposure to high concentrations of GCs may adversely affect neuronal viability and that choline supplementation protects the brain from NMDA receptor-mediated damage, including that associated with hypercortisolemia.

Extended fear conditioning reveals a role for both N-methyl-D-aspartic acid and non-N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors in the amygdala in the acquisition of conditioned fear.

PubMed

Pistell, P J; Falls, W A

2008-09-09

Pavlovian conditioning is a useful tool for elucidating the neural mechanisms involved with learning and memory, especially in regard to the stimuli associated with aversive events. The amygdala has been repeatedly implicated as playing a significant role in the acquisition and expression of fear. If the amygdala is critical for the acquisition of fear, then it should contribute to this processes regardless of the parameters used to induce or evaluate conditioned fear. A series of experiments using reversible inactivation techniques evaluated the role of the amygdala in the acquisition of conditioned fear when training was conducted over several days in rats. Fear-potentiated startle was used to evaluate the acquisition of conditioned fear. Pretraining infusions of N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) or non-NMDA receptor antagonists alone into the amygdala interfered with the acquisition of fear early in training, but not later. Pretraining infusions of a cocktail consisting of both an NMDA and non-NMDA antagonist interfered with the acquisition of conditioned fear across all days of training. Taken together these results suggest the amygdala may potentially be critical for the acquisition of conditioned fear regardless of the parameters utilized.

Rehabilitation for a child with recalcitrant anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: case report and literature review

PubMed Central

Guo, Yao-Hong; Kuan, Ta-Shen; Hsieh, Pei-Chun; Lien, Wei-Chih; Chang, Chun-Kai; Lin, Yu-Ching

2014-01-01

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a newly recognized, potentially fatal, but treatable autoimmune disease. Good outcome predictors include milder severity of symptoms, no need for intensive care unit admission, early aggressive immunotherapy, and prompt tumor removal. We report a case of a young girl aged 3 years 2 months and diagnosed as recalcitrant anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis without any underlying neoplasm. The patient had initial symptoms of behavioral changes that progressed to generalized choreoathetosis and orofacial dyskinesia, which resulted in 6 months of hospitalization in the pediatric intensive care unit. One year after initial onset of the disease, she had only achieved the developmental age of an infant aged 6–8 months in terms of gross and fine motor skills, but she resumed total independence in activities of daily living after receiving extensive immunotherapy and 28 months of rehabilitation. Our brief review will help clinical practitioners become more familiar with this disease and the unique rehabilitation programs. PMID:25473290

Alkaloid fraction of Uncaria rhynchophylla protects against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced apoptosis in rat hippocampal slices.

PubMed

Lee, Jongseok; Son, Dongwook; Lee, Pyeongjae; Kim, Sun-Yeou; Kim, Hocheol; Kim, Chang-Ju; Lim, Eunhee

2003-09-04

Uncaria rhynchophylla is a medicinal herb which has sedative and anticonvulsive effects and has been applied in the treatment of epilepsy in Oriental medicine. In this study, the effect of alkaloid fraction of U. rhynchophylla against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced neuronal cell death was investigated. Pretreatment with an alkaloid fraction of U. rhynchophylla for 1 h decreased the degree of neuronal damage induced by NMDA exposure in cultured hippocampal slices and also inhibited NMDA-induced enhanced expressions of apoptosis-related genes such as c-jun, p53, and bax. In the present study, the alkaloid fraction of U. rhynchophylla was shown to have a protective property against NMDA-induced cytotoxicity by suppressing the NMDA-induced apoptosis in rat hippocampal slices.

Implication of Genes for the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor in Substance Addictions.

PubMed

Chen, Jiali; Ma, Yunlong; Fan, Rongli; Yang, Zhongli; Li, Ming D

2018-02-10

Drug dependence is a chronic brain disease with harmful consequences for both individual users and society. Glutamate is a primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the brain, and both in vivo and in vitro experiments have implicated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor, a glutamate receptor, as an element in various types of addiction. Recent findings from genetics-based approaches such as genome-wide linkage, candidate gene association, genome-wide association (GWA), and next-generation sequencing have demonstrated the significant association of NMDA receptor subunit genes such as GluN3A, GluN2B, and GluN2A with various addiction-related phenotypes. Of these genes, GluN3A has been the most studied, and it has been revealed to play crucial roles in the etiology of addictions. In this communication, we provide an updated view of the genetic effects of NMDA receptor subunit genes and their functions in the etiology of addictions based on the findings from investigation of both common and rare variants as well as SNP-SNP interactions. To better understand the molecular mechanisms underlying addiction-related behaviors and to promote the development of specific medicines for the prevention and treatment of addictions, current efforts aim not only to identify more causal variants in NMDA receptor subunits by using large independent samples but also to reveal the molecular functions of these variants in addictions.

Probing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor desensitization with the substituted-cysteine accessibility method.

PubMed

Thomas, Christopher G; Krupp, Johannes J; Bagley, Elena E; Bauzon, Reginald; Heinemann, Stephen F; Vissel, Bryce; Westbrook, Gary L

2006-04-01

Several forms of macroscopic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor desensitization affect the amplitude and duration of postsynaptic responses. In addition to its functional significance, desensitization provides one means to examine the conformational coupling of ligand binding to channel gating. Segments flanking the ligand binding domain in the extracellular N terminus of the NMDA receptor NR2 subunit influence the glycine-independent form of desensitization. The NR2A pre-M1 region, the linker between the glutamate binding domain and the channel pore, plays a critical role in desensitization. Thus, we used the substituted-cysteine accessibility method to scan the accessibility of residues in the pre-M1 region and the first transmembrane domain (M1) of NR2A. Cysteine mutants were expressed with NR1 in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and were assayed by whole-cell recording. With activation of the receptor by glutamate and glycine, only a single mutant, V557C, which is located at the beginning of M1, led to irreversible inhibition by the methanethiosulfonate derivative methanethiosulfonate ethyltrimethylammonium (MTSET). The NR2 ligand glutamate was insufficient on its own to induce modification of V557C by MTSET, suggesting that the change in accessibility required channel gating. The rate of MTSET modification of the homologous residue on NR1 (NR1-1a(L562C)/NR2A) was much slower than V557C. We also substituted cysteine in the V557 site of mutant subunits that exhibit either enhanced or reduced desensitization. Modification by MTSET correlated with the degree of desensitization for these subunits, suggesting that V557C is a sensitive detector of desensitization gating.

Acute Mechanisms Underlying Antibody Effects in Anti–N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis

PubMed Central

Moscato, Emilia H; Peng, Xiaoyu; Jain, Ankit; Parsons, Thomas D; Dalmau, Josep; Balice-Gordon, Rita J

2014-01-01

Objective A severe but treatable form of immune-mediated encephalitis is associated with antibodies in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) against the GluN1 subunit of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR). Prolonged exposure of hippocampal neurons to antibodies from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis caused a reversible decrease in the synaptic localization and function of NMDARs. However, acute effects of the antibodies, fate of the internalized receptors, type of neurons affected, and whether neurons develop compensatory homeostatic mechanisms were unknown and are the focus of this study. Methods Dissociated hippocampal neuron cultures and rodent brain sections were used for immunocytochemical, physiological, and molecular studies. Results Patient antibodies bind to NMDARs throughout the rodent brain, and decrease NMDAR cluster density in both excitatory and inhibitory hippocampal neurons. They rapidly increase the internalization rate of surface NMDAR clusters, independent of receptor activity. This internalization likely accounts for the observed decrease in NMDAR-mediated currents, as no evidence of direct blockade was detected. Once internalized, antibody-bound NMDARs traffic through both recycling endosomes and lysosomes, similar to pharmacologically induced NMDAR endocytosis. The antibodies are responsible for receptor internalization, as their depletion from CSF abrogates these effects in hippocampal neurons. We find that although anti-NMDAR antibodies do not induce compensatory changes in glutamate receptor gene expression, they cause a decrease in inhibitory synapse density onto excitatory hippocampal neurons. Interpretation Our data support an antibody-mediated mechanism of disease pathogenesis driven by immunoglobulin-induced receptor internalization. Antibody-mediated downregulation of surface NMDARs engages homeostatic synaptic plasticity mechanisms, which may inadvertently contribute to disease progression. Ann Neurol 2014;76:108–119 PMID

Enhanced splicing correction effect by an oligo-aspartic acid-PNA conjugate and cationic carrier complexes.

PubMed

Bae, Yun Mi; Kim, Myung Hee; Yu, Gwang Sig; Um, Bong Ho; Park, Hee Kyung; Lee, Hyun-il; Lee, Kang Taek; Suh, Yung Doug; Choi, Joon Sig

2014-02-10

Peptide nucleic acids (PNAs) are synthetic structural analogues of DNA and RNA. They recognize specific cellular nucleic acid sequences and form stable complexes with complementary DNA or RNA. Here, we designed an oligo-aspartic acid-PNA conjugate and showed its enhanced delivery into cells with high gene correction efficiency using conventional cationic carriers, such as polyethylenimine (PEI) and Lipofectamine 2000. The negatively charged oligo-aspartic acid-PNA (Asp(n)-PNA) formed complexes with PEI and Lipofectamine, and the resulting Asp(n)-PNA/PEI and Asp(n)-PNA/Lipofectamine complexes were introduced into cells. We observed significantly enhanced cellular uptake of Asp(n)-PNA by cationic carriers and detected an active splicing correction effect even at nanomolar concentrations. We found that the splicing correction efficiency of the complex depended on the kind of the cationic carriers and on the number of repeating aspartic acid units. By enhancing the cellular uptake efficiency of PNAs, these results may provide a novel platform technology of PNAs as bioactive substances for their biological and therapeutic applications. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

N-Methyl-D aspartate receptor-mediated effect on glucose transporter-3 levels of high glucose exposed-SH-SY5Y dopaminergic neurons.

PubMed

Engin, Ayse Basak; Engin, Evren Doruk; Karakus, Resul; Aral, Arzu; Gulbahar, Ozlem; Engin, Atilla

2017-11-01

High glucose and insulin lead to neuronal insulin resistance. Glucose transport into the neurons is achieved by regulatory induction of surface glucose transporter-3 (GLUT3) instead of the insulin. N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA) receptor activity increases GLUT3 expression. This study explored whether an endogenous NMDA receptor antagonist, kynurenic acid (KynA) affects the neuronal cell viability at high glucose concentrations. SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to 150-250 mg/dL glucose and 40 μU/mL insulin. In KynA and N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) supplemented cultures, oxidative stress, mitochondrial metabolic activity (MTT), nitric oxide as nitrite+nitrate (NOx) and GLUT3 were determined at the end of 24 and 48-h incubation periods. Viable cells were counted by trypan blue dye. High glucose-exposed SH-SY5Y cells showed two-times more GLUT3 expression at second 24-h period. While GLUT3-stimulated glucose transport and oxidative stress was increased, total mitochondrial metabolic activity was significantly reduced. Insulin supplementation to high glucose decreased NOx synthesis and GLUT3 levels, in contrast oxidative stress increased three-fold. KynA significantly reduced oxidative stress, and increased MTT by regulating NOx production and GLUT3 expression. KynA is a noteworthy compound, as an endogenous, specific NMDA receptor antagonist; it significantly reduces oxidative stress, while increasing cell viability at high glucose and insulin concentrations. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Psychiatric Autoimmunity: N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor IgG and Beyond.

PubMed

Kruse, Jennifer L; Lapid, Maria I; Lennon, Vanda A; Klein, Christopher J; Toole, Orna O'; Pittock, Sean J; Strand, Edythe A; Frye, Mark A; McKeon, Andrew

2015-01-01

Descriptions of psychiatric autoimmunity beyond N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis are sparse. To report the autoimmune psychiatric spectrum currently recognized in Mayo Clinic practice. Medical record review, testing of stored serum and cerebrospinal fluid for IgGs reactive with synaptic receptors and ion channels, neuronal nuclear and cytoplasmic antigens (including glutamic acid decarboxylase 65-kDa isoform) and case-control comparison were conducted. Patients were categorized into group 1, all adult psychiatric inpatients tested for neural autoantibodies (2002-2011; n = 213), and group 2, all Mayo NMDA receptor IgG-positive patients (2009-2013; n = 13); healthy control subjects were also included (n = 173). In group 1, at least 1 serum autoantibody (but not NMDA receptor IgG) was detected in 36 of 213 psychiatric inpatients. In total, 12 patients were determined retrospectively to have high-likelihood autoimmune encephalitic diagnoses. The most commonly detected autoantibody specificities were voltage-gated potassium channel ([Kv1] VGKC) complex (6) and calcium channel (P/Q type or N type; 5). Symptoms seen were as follows: depressive (8), anxious (7), psychotic (7), disorganized (5), suicidal (3), manic (1) and catatonic (1). In group 2, among 13 NMDA receptor IgG-positive patients, 12 had encephalitis; their psychiatric symptoms were as follows: depressive (9), catatonic (9), disorganized (8), anxious (8), psychotic (7), manic (6), and suicidal (3). Catatonic symptoms were more common in the 12 NMDA receptor IgG-positive patients than in the 12 group 1 patients with high likelihood of encephalitis (p = 0.002). Antibody positivities were usually low positive in value among healthy controls (12 of 16 vs 3 of 12 group 1 encephalitis cases, p = 0.025). NMDA receptor IgG was not detected in any healthy control subject. A spectrum of psychiatric autoimmunity beyond NMDA-R IgG may be under-recognized. Diagnosis is facilitated by combining results of

Role of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Action-Based Predictive Coding Deficits in Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Kort, Naomi S; Ford, Judith M; Roach, Brian J; Gunduz-Bruce, Handan; Krystal, John H; Jaeger, Judith; Reinhart, Robert M G; Mathalon, Daniel H

2017-03-15

Recent theoretical models of schizophrenia posit that dysfunction of the neural mechanisms subserving predictive coding contributes to symptoms and cognitive deficits, and this dysfunction is further posited to result from N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction. Previously, by examining auditory cortical responses to self-generated speech sounds, we demonstrated that predictive coding during vocalization is disrupted in schizophrenia. To test the hypothesized contribution of NMDAR hypofunction to this disruption, we examined the effects of the NMDAR antagonist, ketamine, on predictive coding during vocalization in healthy volunteers and compared them with the effects of schizophrenia. In two separate studies, the N1 component of the event-related potential elicited by speech sounds during vocalization (talk) and passive playback (listen) were compared to assess the degree of N1 suppression during vocalization, a putative measure of auditory predictive coding. In the crossover study, 31 healthy volunteers completed two randomly ordered test days, a saline day and a ketamine day. Event-related potentials during the talk/listen task were obtained before infusion and during infusion on both days, and N1 amplitudes were compared across days. In the case-control study, N1 amplitudes from 34 schizophrenia patients and 33 healthy control volunteers were compared. N1 suppression to self-produced vocalizations was significantly and similarly diminished by ketamine (Cohen's d = 1.14) and schizophrenia (Cohen's d = .85). Disruption of NMDARs causes dysfunction in predictive coding during vocalization in a manner similar to the dysfunction observed in schizophrenia patients, consistent with the theorized contribution of NMDAR hypofunction to predictive coding deficits in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2016 Society of Biological Psychiatry. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

N-linked glycosylation of cortical N-methyl-D-aspartate and kainate receptor subunits in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Tucholski, Janusz; Simmons, Micah S; Pinner, Anita L; McMillan, Laurence D; Haroutunian, Vahram; Meador-Woodruff, James H

2013-08-21

Dysfunctional glutamate neurotransmission has been implicated in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Abnormal expressions in schizophrenia of ionotropic glutamate receptors (iGluRs) and the proteins that regulate their trafficking have been found to be region and subunit specific in brain, suggesting that abnormal trafficking of iGluRs may contribute toward altered glutamatergic neurotransmission. The post-translational modification N-glycosylation of iGluR subunits can be used as a proxy for their intracellular localization. Receptor complexes assemble in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum, where N-glycosylation begins with the addition of N-linked oligomannose glycans, and is subsequently trimmed and replaced by more elaborate glycans while trafficking through the Golgi apparatus. Previously, we found abnormalities in N-glycosylation of the GluR2 AMPA receptor subunit in schizophrenia. Here, we investigated N-glycosylation of N-methyl-D-aspartate and kainate (KA) receptor subunits in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex from patients with schizophrenia and a comparison group. We used enzymatic deglycosylation with two glycosidases: endoglycosidase H (Endo H), which removes immature high mannose-containing sugars, and peptide-N-glycosidase F (PNGase F), which removes all N-linked sugars. The NR1, NR2A, NR2B, GluR6, and KA2 subunits were all sensitive to treatment with Endo H and PNGase F. The GluR6 KA receptor subunit was significantly more sensitive to Endo H-mediated deglycosylation in schizophrenia, suggesting a larger molecular mass of N-linked high mannose and/or hybrid sugars on GluR6. This finding, taken with our previous work, suggests that a cellular mechanism underlying abnormal glutamate neurotransmission in schizophrenia may involve abnormal trafficking of both AMPA and KA receptors.

Age-related peculiarities of contractile activity of rat myocardium during blockade of hyperpolarization-activated currents.

PubMed

Zefirov, T L; Gibina, A E; Sergejeva, A M; Ziyatdinova, N I; Zefirov, A L

2007-09-01

Contractile activity of atrial and ventricular myocardial strips isolated from rats of various age was examined under conditions of blockade of non-selective hyperpolarization-activated cation currents. Addition of ZD7288, a blocker of non-selective hyperpolarization-activated cation currents, to the perfusion solution increased the contraction force of atrial and ventricular strips in 1-, 8-, and 20-week rats, but produced an opposite effect on contractile activity of atrial and ventricular strips in 3-week rats.

Differential Effects of TM4 Tryptophan Mutations on Inhibition of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors by Ethanol and Toluene

PubMed Central

Smothers, C. Thetford; Woodward, John J.

2017-01-01

The voluntary use and abuse of alcohol and inhalants is a recognized health problem throughout the world. Previous studies have shown that these agents affect brain function in a variety of ways including direct inhibition of key ion channels that regulate neuronal excitability. Among these, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is particularly important given its key role in glutamatergic synaptic transmission, neuronal plasticity and learning and memory. Previous studies from this laboratory and others have identified key residues within transmembrane (TM) domains of the NMDA receptor that appear to regulate its sensitivity to alcohol and anesthetics. In this study, we extend these findings and examine the role of a TM4 residue in modulating sensitivity of recombinant NMDA receptors to ethanol and toluene. HEK293 cells were transfected with GluN1-1a and either wild-type or tryptophan-substituted GluN2(A–D) subunits and whole-cell currents were recorded using patch-clamp electrophysiology in the absence or presence of ethanol or toluene. Both ethanol (100 mM) and toluene (1 or 3 mM) reversibly inhibited glutamate-activated currents from wild-type NMDARs with GluN2B containing receptors showing heightened sensitivity to either agent. Substitution of tryptophan (W) at positions 825, 826, 823 or 850 in the TM4 domain of GluN2A, GluN2B, GluN2C or GluN2D subunits; respectively, significantly reduced the degree of inhibition by ethanol. In contrast, toluene inhibition of glutamate-activated currents in cells expressing the TM4-W mutants was not different from that of the wild-type controls. These data suggest that despite similarities in their action on NMDARs, ethanol and toluene may act at different sites to reduce ion flux through NMDA receptors. PMID:27814790

Differential effects of TM4 tryptophan mutations on inhibition of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors by ethanol and toluene.

PubMed

Smothers, C Thetford; Woodward, John J

2016-11-01

The voluntary use and abuse of alcohol and inhalants is a recognized health problem throughout the world. Previous studies have shown that these agents affect brain function in a variety of ways including direct inhibition of key ion channels that regulate neuronal excitability. Among these, the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is particularly important given its key role in glutamatergic synaptic transmission, neuronal plasticity and learning and memory. Previous studies from this laboratory and others have identified key residues within transmembrane (TM) domains of the NMDA receptor that appear to regulate its sensitivity to alcohol and anesthetics. In this study, we extend these findings and examine the role of a TM4 residue in modulating sensitivity of recombinant NMDA receptors to ethanol and toluene. HEK293 cells were transfected with GluN1-1a and either wild-type or tryptophan-substituted GluN2(A-D) subunits and whole-cell currents were recorded using patch-clamp electrophysiology in the absence or presence of ethanol or toluene. Both ethanol (100 mM) and toluene (1 or 3 mM) reversibly inhibited glutamate-activated currents from wild-type NMDARs with GluN2B containing receptors showing heightened sensitivity to either agent. Substitution of tryptophan (W) at positions 825, 826, 823 or 850 in the TM4 domain of GluN2A, GluN2B, GluN2C or GluN2D subunits; respectively, significantly reduced the degree of inhibition by ethanol. In contrast, toluene inhibition of glutamate-activated currents in cells expressing the TM4-W mutants was not different from that of the wild-type controls. These data suggest that despite similarities in their action on NMDARs, ethanol and toluene may act at different sites to reduce ion flux through NMDA receptors. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Protective effect of thalidomide against N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced retinal neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Takada, Kazuhide; Munemasa, Yasunari; Kuribayashi, Junko; Fujino, Hiromi; Kitaoka, Yasushi

2011-10-01

Thalidomide, an inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production, has been indicated to be useful for many inflammatory and oncogenic diseases. In the present study, we examined whether thalidomide (50 mg/kg/day, p.o.) has a protective effect against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal neurotoxicity in rats. A morphometric analysis showed that systemic administration of thalidomide protects neural cells in the ganglion cell layer (GCL) in a dose-dependent manner and significantly decreases the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-positive cells in GCL and in the inner nuclear layer (INL). ELISA showed that thalidomide significantly suppressed the elevation of TNF-α 6 and 24 hr after an NMDA injection. Western blot analysis revealed a significant increase in nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) p65 level in the retinas treated with NMDA at 24 hr after the injection, but not at 6 or 72 hr. Furthermore, an increase in p-JNK and p-p38 levels was also observed in the retina after NMDA injection. Thalidomide suppressed the increased expressions of NF-κB p65, p-JNK, and p-p38 after NMDA injection. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that thalidomide attenuated NF-κB p65 immunoreactivity in the GCL induced by NMDA treatment. In the NMDA-treated group, translocation of NF-κB p65 from the cytoplasm to the nucleus was detected in TUNEL-positive cells exposed to NMDA treatment. These results suggest new indications for thalidomide against neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2011 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Iron Mediates N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor-dependent Stimulation of Calcium-induced Pathways and Hippocampal Synaptic Plasticity*

PubMed Central

Muñoz, Pablo; Humeres, Alexis; Elgueta, Claudio; Kirkwood, Alfredo; Hidalgo, Cecilia; Núñez, Marco T.

2011-01-01

Iron deficiency hinders hippocampus-dependent learning processes and impairs cognitive performance, but current knowledge on the molecular mechanisms underlying the unique role of iron in neuronal function is sparse. Here, we investigated the participation of iron on calcium signal generation and ERK1/2 stimulation induced by the glutamate agonist N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA), and the effects of iron addition/chelation on hippocampal basal synaptic transmission and long-term potentiation (LTP). Addition of NMDA to primary hippocampal cultures elicited persistent calcium signals that required functional NMDA receptors and were independent of calcium influx through L-type calcium channels or α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors; NMDA also promoted ERK1/2 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. Iron chelation with desferrioxamine or inhibition of ryanodine receptor (RyR)-mediated calcium release with ryanodine-reduced calcium signal duration and prevented NMDA-induced ERK1/2 activation. Iron addition to hippocampal neurons readily increased the intracellular labile iron pool and stimulated reactive oxygen species production; the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine or the hydroxyl radical trapper MCI-186 prevented these responses. Iron addition to primary hippocampal cultures kept in calcium-free medium elicited calcium signals and stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation; RyR inhibition abolished these effects. Iron chelation decreased basal synaptic transmission in hippocampal slices, inhibited iron-induced synaptic stimulation, and impaired sustained LTP in hippocampal CA1 neurons induced by strong stimulation. In contrast, iron addition facilitated sustained LTP induction after suboptimal tetanic stimulation. Together, these results suggest that hippocampal neurons require iron to generate RyR-mediated calcium signals after NMDA receptor stimulation, which in turn promotes ERK1/2 activation, an essential step of sustained LTP. PMID:21296883

Mercury-induced toxicity of rat cortical neurons is mediated through N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptors.

PubMed

Xu, Fenglian; Farkas, Svetlana; Kortbeek, Simone; Zhang, Fang-Xiong; Chen, Lina; Zamponi, Gerald W; Syed, Naweed I

2012-09-14

Mercury is a well-known neurotoxin implicated in a wide range of neurological or psychiatric disorders including autism spectrum disorders, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, depression, mood disorders and tremor. Mercury-induced neuronal degeneration is thought to invoke glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity, however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we examine the effects of various mercury concentrations (including pathological levels present in human plasma or cerebrospinal fluid) on cultured, rat cortical neurons. We found that inorganic mercuric chloride (HgCl₂--at 0.025 to 25 μM) not only caused neuronal degeneration but also perturbed neuronal excitability. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of pyramidal neurons revealed that HgCl₂ not only enhanced the amplitude and frequency of synaptic, inward currents, but also increased spontaneous synaptic potentials followed by sustained membrane depolarization. HgCl₂ also triggered sustained, 2-5 fold rises in intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺]i). The observed increases in neuronal activity and [Ca²⁺]i were substantially reduced by the application of MK 801, a non-competitive antagonist of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Importantly, our study further shows that a pre incubation or co-application of MK 801 prevents HgCl₂-induced reduction of cell viability and a disruption of β-tubulin. Collectively, our data show that HgCl₂-induced toxic effects on central neurons are triggered by an over-activation of NMDA receptors, leading to cytoskeleton instability.

Initial evaluation of 18F-GE-179, a putative PET Tracer for activated N-methyl D-aspartate receptors.

PubMed

McGinnity, Colm J; Hammers, Alexander; Riaño Barros, Daniela A; Luthra, Sajinder K; Jones, Paul A; Trigg, William; Micallef, Caroline; Symms, Mark R; Brooks, David J; Koepp, Matthias J; Duncan, John S

2014-03-01

N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) ion channels play a key role in a wide range of physiologic (e.g., memory and learning tasks) and pathologic processes (e.g., excitotoxicity). To date, suitable PET markers of NMDA ion channel activity have not been available. (18)F-GE-179 is a novel radioligand that selectively binds to the open/active state of the NMDA receptor ion channel, displacing the binding of (3)H-tenocyclidine from the intrachannel binding site with an affinity of 2.4 nM. No significant binding was observed with 10 nM GE-179 at 60 other neuroreceptors, channels, or transporters. We describe the kinetic behavior of the radioligand in vivo in humans. Nine healthy participants (6 men, 3 women; median age, 37 y) each underwent a 90-min PET scan after an intravenous injection of (18)F-GE-179. Continuous arterial blood sampling over the first 15 min was followed by discrete blood sampling over the duration of the scan. Brain radioactivity (KBq/mL) was measured in summation images created from the attenuation- and motion-corrected dynamic images. Metabolite-corrected parent plasma input functions were generated. We assessed the abilities of 1-, 2-, and 3-compartment models to kinetically describe cerebral time-activity curves using 6 bilateral regions of interest. Parametric volume-of-distribution (V(T)) images were generated by voxelwise rank-shaping regularization of exponential spectral analysis (RS-ESA). A 2-brain-compartment, 4-rate-constant model best described the radioligand's kinetics in normal gray matter of subjects at rest. At 30 min after injection, 37% of plasma radioactivity represented unmetabolized (18)F-GE-179. The highest mean levels of gray matter radioactivity were seen in the putamina and peaked at 7.5 min. A significant positive correlation was observed between K1 and V(T) (Spearman ρ = 0.398; P = 0.003). Between-subject coefficients of variation of V(T) ranged between 12% and 16%. Voxelwise RS-ESA yielded similar V(T)s and coefficients of

Testing synaptic plasticity in dynamic mate choice decisions: N-methyl d-aspartate receptor blockade disrupts female preference

PubMed Central

Ramsey, Mary E.; Vu, Wendy; Cummings, Molly E.

2014-01-01

Social behaviours such as mate choice require context-specific responses, often with evolutionary consequences. Increasing evidence indicates that the behavioural plasticity associated with mate choice involves learning. For example, poeciliids show age-dependent changes in female preference functions and express synaptic-plasticity-associated molecular markers during mate choice. Here, we test whether social cognition is necessary for female preference behaviour by blocking the central player in synaptic plasticity, NMDAR (N-methyl d-aspartate receptor), in a poeciliid fish, Xiphophorus nigrensis. After subchronic exposure to NMDAR antagonist MK-801, female preference behaviours towards males were dramatically reduced. Overall activity levels were unaffected, but there was a directional shift from ‘social’ behaviours towards neutral activity. Multivariate gene expression patterns significantly discriminated between females with normal versus disrupted plasticity processes and correlated with preference behaviours—not general activity. Furthermore, molecular patterns support a distinction between ‘preference’ (e.g. neuroserpin, neuroligin-3, NMDAR) and ‘sociality’ (isotocin and vasotocin) gene clusters, highlighting a possible conservation between NMDAR disruption and nonapeptides in modulating behaviour. Our results suggest that mate preference may involve greater social memory processing than overall sociality, and that poeciliid preference functions integrate synaptic-plasticity-oriented ‘preference’ pathways with overall sociality to invoke dynamic, context-specific responses towards favoured males and away from unfavoured males. PMID:24807251

The N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor in Heart Development: A Gene Knockdown Model Using siRNA

PubMed Central

Lie, Octavian V.; Bennett, Gregory D.; Rosenquist, Thomas H

2009-01-01

Antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) may disrupt the development of the cardiac neural crest (CNC) and contribute to conotruncal heart defects. To test this interaction, a loss-of-function model was generated using small interfering RNAs (siRNA) directed against the critical NR1-subunit of this receptor in avian embryos. The coding sequence of the chicken NR1-gene and predicted protein sequences were characterized and found to be homologous with other vertebrate species. Analysis of its spatiotemporal expression demonstrated its expression within the neural tube at pre-migratory CNC sites. siRNA targeted to the NR1-mRNA in pre-migratory CNC lead to a significant decrease in NR1 protein expression. However, embryo survival and heart development were not adversely affected. These results indicate that the CNC may function normally in the absence of functional NMDAR, and that NMDAR antagonists may have a complex impact upon the CNC that transcends impairment of a single receptor type. PMID:19737608

Neuroprotective Effect of Tauroursodeoxycholic Acid on N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-Induced Retinal Ganglion Cell Degeneration

PubMed Central

Fernández-Sánchez, Laura; Rondón, Netxibeth; Esquiva, Gema; Germain, Francisco; de la Villa, Pedro; Cuenca, Nicolás

2015-01-01

Retinal ganglion cell degeneration underlies the pathophysiology of diseases affecting the retina and optic nerve. Several studies have previously evidenced the anti-apoptotic properties of the bile constituent, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, in diverse models of photoreceptor degeneration. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid on N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced damage in the rat retina using a functional and morphological approach. Tauroursodeoxycholic acid was administered intraperitoneally before and after intravitreal injection of NMDA. Three days after insult, full-field electroretinograms showed reductions in the amplitudes of the positive and negative-scotopic threshold responses, scotopic a- and b-waves and oscillatory potentials. Quantitative morphological evaluation of whole-mount retinas demonstrated a reduction in the density of retinal ganglion cells. Systemic administration of tauroursodeoxycholic acid attenuated the functional impairment induced by NMDA, which correlated with a higher retinal ganglion cell density. Our findings sustain the efficacy of tauroursodeoxycholic acid administration in vivo, suggesting it would be a good candidate for the pharmacological treatment of degenerative diseases coursing with retinal ganglion cell loss. PMID:26379056

A comparison of N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked release of adenosine and ( sup 3 H)norepinephrine from rat cortical slices

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hoehn, K.; Craig, C.G.; White, T.D.

1990-10-01

Tetrodotoxin reduced N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-evoked release of adenosine by 35% but virtually abolished (3H)norepinephrine release. Although (3H)norepinephrine release from rat cortical slices evoked by 500 microM NMDA was abolished by 1.2 mM Mg++, which produces a voltage-sensitive, uncompetitive block of NMDA-channels, adenosine release was increased in the presence of Mg++. Partial depolarization with 12 mM K+ relieved the Mg++ block of 500 microM NMDA-evoked (3H)norepinephrine release but did not affect adenosine release, indicating that a Mg++ requirement for the adenosine release process per se cannot account for this discrepancy. NMDA was 33 times more potent in releasing adenosine than (3H)norepinephrine. Atmore » submaximal concentrations of NMDA (10 and 20 microM), adenosine release was augmented in Mg+(+)-free medium. Although a high concentration of the uncompetitive NMDA antagonist MK-801 ((+)-5-methyl-10,11,dihydro-5H-dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5-10-imine maleate) (3 microM) blocked NMDA-evoked release of (3H)norepinephrine and adenosine, a lower concentration (300 nM) decreased NMDA-evoked (3H)norepinephrine release by 66% without affecting adenosine release. These findings suggest that maximal adenosine release occurs when relatively few NMDA receptors are activated, raising the possibility that spare receptors exist for NMDA-evoked adenosine release. Rather than acting as a protectant against excessive NMDA excitation, released adenosine might provide an inhibitory threshold which must be overcome for NMDA-mediated neurotransmission to proceed.« less

An N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-independent excitatory action of partial reduction of extracellular [Mg2+] in CA1-region of rat hippocampal slices.

PubMed

Hamon, B; Stanton, P K; Heinemann, U

1987-03-31

Partial reduction of [Mg2+]o from 2 to 1 mM markedly enhanced neuronal responses evoked by Schaffer collateral-commissural fiber stimulation in the CA1-region of rat hippocampal slices. The amplitude of extracellular population potentials recorded in the CA1-pyramidal cell layer and maximum dV/dt of extracellular population EPSP's recorded in the CA1-pyramidal apical dendritic layer were both increased. However, unlike findings from slices where Mg2+ was completely removed from the bathing medium, there was no spontaneous or evoked epileptiform activity, and the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (2-APV) did not antagonize the enhancement of evoked responses. These results indicate that, in addition to the participation of NMDA receptors in the epileptiform activity observed when Mg2+ is completely removed from the bathing medium, there is also an NMDA receptor-independent excitatory action of partial reduction of [Mg2+]o in hippocampal slices.

Indistinguishable Synaptic Pharmacodynamics of the N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Channel Blockers Memantine and Ketamine

PubMed Central

Emnett, Christine M.; Eisenman, Lawrence N.; Taylor, Amanda M.; Izumi, Yukitoshi; Zorumski, Charles F.

2013-01-01

Memantine and ketamine, voltage- and activation-dependent channel blockers of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs), have enjoyed a recent resurgence in clinical interest. Steady-state pharmacodynamic differences between these blockers have been reported, but it is unclear whether the compounds differentially affect dynamic physiologic signaling. In this study, we explored nonequilibrium conditions relevant to synaptic transmission in hippocampal networks in dissociated culture and hippocampal slices. Equimolar memantine and ketamine had indistinguishable effects on the following measures: steady-state NMDA currents, NMDAR excitatory postsynaptic current (EPSC) decay kinetics, progressive EPSC inhibition during repetitive stimulation, and extrasynaptic NMDAR inhibition. Therapeutic drug efficacy and tolerability of memantine have been attributed to fast kinetics and strong voltage dependence. However, pulse depolarization in drug presence revealed a surprisingly slow and similar time course of equilibration for the two compounds, although memantine produced a more prominent fast component (62% versus 48%) of re-equilibration. Simulations predicted that low gating efficacy underlies the slow voltage–dependent relief from block. This prediction was empirically supported by faster voltage-dependent blocker re-equilibration with several experimental manipulations of gating efficacy. Excitatory postsynaptic potential–like voltage commands produced drug differences only with large, prolonged depolarizations unlikely to be attained physiologically. In fact, we found no difference between drugs on measures of spontaneous network activity or acute effects on plasticity in hippocampal slices. Despite indistinguishable synaptic pharmacodynamics, ketamine provided significantly greater neuroprotection from damage induced by oxygen glucose deprivation, consistent with the idea that under extreme depolarizing conditions, the biophysical difference between drugs

Rapamycin prevents N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced retinal damage through an ERK-dependent mechanism in rats.

PubMed

Ichikawa, Atsuko; Nakahara, Tsutomu; Kurauchi, Yuki; Mori, Asami; Sakamoto, Kenji; Ishii, Kunio

2014-06-01

Recent studies have demonstrated that inhibition of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) protects against neuronal injury, but the mechanisms underlying this protection are not fully understood. The present study investigates whether rapamycin, an inhibitor of the mTOR pathway, protects against N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-induced retinal neurotoxicity and whether the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway contributes to this protective effect in rats. Significant cell loss in the ganglion cell layer and a reduction in thickness of the inner plexiform layer were observed 7 days after a single intravitreal injection of NMDA (200 nmol/eye). These NMDA-induced morphological changes were significantly reduced by rapamycin (20 nmol/eye). The number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling-positive apoptotic cells had increased 6 hr after NMDA injection, an effect that was significantly attenuated by rapamycin. The ERK inhibitor U0126 (1 nmol/eye) almost completely abolished rapamycin's inhibition of NMDA-induced apoptosis. Immunohistochemical studies showed that NMDA caused a time-dependent increase in levels of the phosphorylated form of the ribosomal protein S6 (pS6), a downstream indicator of mTOR activity. The increased pS6 levels were markedly decreased by rapamycin. Both NMDA and rapamycin increased the level of phosphorylated ERK (pERK) in Müller cells, and coinjection of both agents further increased pERK levels. These results suggest that rapamycin has a neuroprotective effect against NMDA-induced retinal neurotoxicity and that this effect could be patially mediated by activation of the ERK pathway in retinal Müller cells. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis and Rasmussen-like Syndrome: An Association?

PubMed

Gurcharran, Kevin; Karkare, Shefali

2017-01-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis is an immune-mediated condition that has a broad spectrum of manifestations, including seizures, coma, psychosis, and focal neurological deficits. Although usually a diffuse process, unihemispheric involvement mimicking early stages of Rasmussen encephalitis can occur. Rasmussen's encephalitis is a unique syndrome characterized by progressive hemiplegia, drug-resistant focal epilepsy, cognitive decline, and hemispheric brain atrophy contralateral to the hemiplegia. We describe a two-year-old girl with progressive right weakness and epilepsia partialis continua, concerning for early Rasmussen's encephalitis, who tested positive for anti-NMDA receptor antibodies. She experienced complete clinical recovery after immunotherapy. Anti-NMDA receptor antibodies were absent at three weeks and again at one year after the first treatment of intravenous immunoglobulin. There are few reports of Rasmussen-like encephalitis in individuals with anti-NMDA receptor antibody positivity. Thus the clinical significance of this association is yet to be determined. In addition, several other antibodies have been documented in individuals with Rasmussen encephalitis. The lack of a consistently reported antibody in Rasmussen encephalitis patients and the temporary nature of the anti-NMDA receptor antibody in our patient raise the following question: Is the presence of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies the cause of the symptoms or secondary to the pathogenic process? Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

A role for D-aspartate oxidase in schizophrenia and in schizophrenia-related symptoms induced by phencyclidine in mice

PubMed Central

Errico, F; D'Argenio, V; Sforazzini, F; Iasevoli, F; Squillace, M; Guerri, G; Napolitano, F; Angrisano, T; Di Maio, A; Keller, S; Vitucci, D; Galbusera, A; Chiariotti, L; Bertolino, A; de Bartolomeis, A; Salvatore, F; Gozzi, A; Usiello, A

2015-01-01

Increasing evidence points to a role for dysfunctional glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) neurotransmission in schizophrenia. D-aspartate is an atypical amino acid that activates NMDARs through binding to the glutamate site on GluN2 subunits. D-aspartate is present in high amounts in the embryonic brain of mammals and rapidly decreases after birth, due to the activity of the enzyme D-aspartate oxidase (DDO). The agonistic activity exerted by D-aspartate on NMDARs and its neurodevelopmental occurrence make this D-amino acid a potential mediator for some of the NMDAR-related alterations observed in schizophrenia. Consistently, substantial reductions of D-aspartate and NMDA were recently observed in the postmortem prefrontal cortex of schizophrenic patients. Here we show that DDO mRNA expression is increased in prefrontal samples of schizophrenic patients, thus suggesting a plausible molecular event responsible for the D-aspartate imbalance previously described. To investigate whether altered D-aspartate levels can modulate schizophrenia-relevant circuits and behaviors, we also measured the psychotomimetic effects produced by the NMDAR antagonist, phencyclidine, in Ddo knockout mice (Ddo−/−), an animal model characterized by tonically increased D-aspartate levels since perinatal life. We show that Ddo−/− mice display a significant reduction in motor hyperactivity and prepulse inhibition deficit induced by phencyclidine, compared with controls. Furthermore, we reveal that increased levels of D-aspartate in Ddo−/− animals can significantly inhibit functional circuits activated by phencyclidine, and affect the development of cortico–hippocampal connectivity networks potentially involved in schizophrenia. Collectively, the present results suggest that altered D-aspartate levels can influence neurodevelopmental brain processes relevant to schizophrenia. PMID:25689573

Contribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors to attention and episodic spatial memory during senescence

PubMed Central

Guidi, Michael; Rani, Asha; Karic, Semir; Severance, Barrett; Kumar, Ashok; Foster, Thomas C.

2015-01-01

A decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) function is associated with age-related cognitive impairments. However, NMDAR antagonists are prescribed for cognitive decline associated with age-related neurodegenerative disease, raising questions as to the role of NMDAR activity in cognitive function during aging. The current studies examined effects of NMDAR blockade on cognitive task that are sensitive to aging. Young and middle-age rats were trained on the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) and challenged with MK-801 (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1 mg/kg or vehicle). Attention deficits were apparent in middle-age and performance of young and middle-age rats was enhanced for low doses of MK-801 (0.025 and 0.05). The beneficial effects on attention were reversed by the highest dose of MK-801. Older animals exhibited a delay-dependent impairment of episodic spatial memory examined on a delayed-matching to place water maze task. Similarly, a low dose of MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) impaired performance with increasing delay and aged animals were more susceptible to disruption by NMDAR blockade. Despite MK-801 impairment of episodic spatial memory, MK-801 had minimal effects on spatial reference memory. Our results confirm that NMDARs contribute to rapidly acquired and flexible spatial memory and support the idea that a decline in NMDAR function contributes to the age-related impairments in cognition. PMID:26234588

Contribution of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors to attention and episodic spatial memory during senescence.

PubMed

Guidi, Michael; Rani, Asha; Karic, Semir; Severance, Barrett; Kumar, Ashok; Foster, Thomas C

2015-11-01

A decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) function is associated with age-related cognitive impairments. However, NMDAR antagonists are prescribed for cognitive decline associated with age-related neurodegenerative disease, raising questions as to the role of NMDAR activity in cognitive function during aging. The current studies examined effects of NMDAR blockade on cognitive task that are sensitive to aging. Young and middle-age rats were trained on the five-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT) and challenged with MK-801 (0.025, 0.05, and 0.1mg/kg or vehicle). Attention deficits were apparent in middle-age and performance of young and middle-age rats was enhanced for low doses of MK-801 (0.025 and 0.05). The beneficial effects on attention were reversed by the highest dose of MK-801. Older animals exhibited a delay-dependent impairment of episodic spatial memory examined on a delayed-matching to place water maze task. Similarly, a low dose of MK-801 (0.05mg/kg) impaired performance with increasing delay and aged animals were more susceptible to disruption by NMDAR blockade. Despite MK-801 impairment of episodic spatial memory, MK-801 had minimal effects on spatial reference memory. Our results confirm that NMDARs contribute to rapidly acquired and flexible spatial memory and support the idea that a decline in NMDAR function contributes to the age-related impairments in cognition. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Blockade Prevents Neuronal Death Induced by Zika Virus Infection.

PubMed

Costa, Vivian V; Del Sarto, Juliana L; Rocha, Rebeca F; Silva, Flavia R; Doria, Juliana G; Olmo, Isabella G; Marques, Rafael E; Queiroz-Junior, Celso M; Foureaux, Giselle; Araújo, Julia Maria S; Cramer, Allysson; Real, Ana Luíza C V; Ribeiro, Lucas S; Sardi, Silvia I; Ferreira, Anderson J; Machado, Fabiana S; de Oliveira, Antônio C; Teixeira, Antônio L; Nakaya, Helder I; Souza, Danielle G; Ribeiro, Fabiola M; Teixeira, Mauro M

2017-04-25

Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency that causes significant neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative processes may be exacerbated by N -methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent neuronal excitoxicity. Here, we have exploited the hypothesis that ZIKV-induced neurodegeneration can be rescued by blocking NMDA overstimulation with memantine. Our results show that ZIKV actively replicates in primary neurons and that virus replication is directly associated with massive neuronal cell death. Interestingly, treatment with memantine or other NMDAR blockers, including dizocilpine (MK-801), agmatine sulfate, or ifenprodil, prevents neuronal death without interfering with the ability of ZIKV to replicate in these cells. Moreover, in vivo experiments demonstrate that therapeutic memantine treatment prevents the increase of intraocular pressure (IOP) induced by infection and massively reduces neurodegeneration and microgliosis in the brain of infected mice. Our results indicate that the blockade of NMDARs by memantine provides potent neuroprotective effects against ZIKV-induced neuronal damage, suggesting it could be a viable treatment for patients at risk for ZIKV infection-induced neurodegeneration. IMPORTANCE Zika virus (ZIKV) infection is a global health emergency associated with serious neurological complications, including microcephaly and Guillain-Barré syndrome. Infection of experimental animals with ZIKV causes significant neuronal damage and microgliosis. Treatment with drugs that block NMDARs prevented neuronal damage both in vitro and in vivo These results suggest that overactivation of NMDARs contributes significantly to the neuronal damage induced by ZIKV infection, and this is amenable to inhibition by drug treatment. Copyright © 2017 Costa et al.

Spinal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and nociception-evoked release of primary afferent substance P.

PubMed

Nazarian, A; Gu, G; Gracias, N G; Wilkinson, K; Hua, X Y; Vasko, M R; Yaksh, T L

2008-03-03

Dorsal horn N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors contribute significantly to spinal nociceptive processing through an effect postsynaptic to non-primary glutamatergic axons, and perhaps presynaptic to the primary afferent terminals. The present study sought to examine the regulatory effects of NMDA receptors on primary afferent release of substance P (SP), as measured by neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1r) internalization in the spinal dorsal horn of rats. The effects of intrathecal NMDA alone or in combination with D-serine (a glycine site agonist) were initially examined on basal levels of NK1r internalization. NMDA alone or when co-administered with D-serine failed to induce NK1r internalization, whereas activation of spinal TRPV1 receptors by capsaicin resulted in a notable NK1r internalization. To determine whether NMDA receptor activation could potentiate NK1r internalization or pain behavior induced by a peripheral noxious stimulus, intrathecal NMDA was given prior to an intraplantar injection of formalin. NMDA did not alter the formalin-induced NK1r internalization nor did it enhance the formalin paw flinching behavior. To further characterize the effects of presynaptic NMDA receptors, the NMDA antagonists DL-2-amino-5-phosphonopentanoic acid (AP-5) and MK-801 were intrathecally administered to assess their regulatory effects on formalin-induced NK1r internalization and pain behavior. AP-5 had no effect on formalin-induced NK1r internalization, whereas MK-801 produced only a modest reduction. Both antagonists, however, reduced the formalin paw flinching behavior. In subsequent in vitro experiments, perfusion of NMDA in spinal cord slice preparations did not evoke basal release of SP or calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Likewise, perfusion of NMDA did not enhance capsaicin-evoked release of the two peptides. These results suggest that presynaptic NMDA receptors in the spinal cord play little if any role on the primary afferent release of SP.

A novel photoaffinity ligand for the phencyclidine site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor labels a Mr 120,000 polypeptide

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Sonders, M.S.; Barmettler, P.; Lee, J.A.

1990-04-25

A radiolabeled photoaffinity ligand has been developed for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-preferring excitatory amino acid receptor complex. (3H)3-Azido-(5S, 10R)(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H- dibenzo(a,d)cyclohepten-5,10-imine (3H)3-azido-MK-801 demonstrated nearly identical affinity, density of binding sites, selectivity, pH sensitivity, and pharmacological profile in reversible binding assays with guinea pig brain homogenates to those displayed by its parent compound, MK-801. When employed in a photo-labeling protocol designed to optimize specific incorporation, (3H)3-azido-MK-801 labeled a single protein band which migrated in sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels with Mr = 120,000. Incorporation of tritium into this band was completely inhibited when homogenates and (3H)3-azido-MK-801 were coincubated with 10 microM phencyclidine. These datamore » suggest that the phencyclidine site of the NMDA receptor complex is at least in part comprised of a Mr = 120,000 polypeptide.« less

Cutoff in Potency Implicates Alcohol Inhibition of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors in Alcohol Intoxication

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Peoples, Robert W.; Weight, Forrest F.

1995-03-01

As the number of carbon atoms in an aliphatic n-alcohol is increased from one to five, intoxicating potency, lipid solubility, and membrane lipid disordering potency all increase in a similar exponential manner. However, the potency of aliphatic n-alcohols for producing intoxication reaches a maximum at six to eight carbon atoms and then decreases. The molecular basis of this "cutoff" effect is not understood, as it is not correlated with either the lipid solubility or the membrane disordering potency of the alcohols, which continue to increase exponentially. Since it has been suggested that inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors by alcohols may play a role in alcohol intoxication, we investigated whether a series of aliphatic n-alcohols would exhibit a cutoff in potency for inhibition of NMDA receptors. We found that although potency for inhibition of NMDA receptors increased exponentially for alcohols with one to five carbon atoms, potency for inhibition of NMDA receptors reached a maximum at six to eight carbon atoms and then abruptly disappeared. This cutoff for alcohol inhibition of NMDA receptors is consistent with an interaction of the alcohols with a hydrophobic pocket on the receptor protein. In addition, the similarity of the cutoffs for alcohol inhibition of NMDA receptors and alcohol intoxication suggests that the cutoff for NMDA receptor inhibition may contribute to the cutoff for alcohol intoxication, which is consistent with an important role of NMDA receptors in alcohol intoxication.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis: an unusual cause of autistic regression in a toddler.

PubMed

Scott, Ori; Richer, Lawrence; Forbes, Karen; Sonnenberg, Lyn; Currie, Angela; Eliyashevska, Myroslava; Goez, Helly R

2014-05-01

Anti N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis in children is associated with psychiatric changes, seizures, and dyskinesias. We present the first report of autistic regression in a toddler caused by this entity. A 33-month-old boy presented with decreased appetite, irritability, and insomnia following an upper respiratory tract infection. Over the next few weeks he lost language and social skills, and abnormal movements of his hand developed. Within a month, this patient came to fit the diagnostic criteria for autistic spectrum disorder. Upon investigation, anti-NMDA receptor antibodies were found in the boy's cerebrospinal fluid. He was treated with intravenous immunoglobulins and steroids, resulting in reacquisition of language and social skills and resolution of movements. Our case emphasizes the significance of suspecting anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis as the cause of autistic regression, even in an age group where the diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorder is typically made, and especially when presentation follows a febrile illness.

(+)-3-( sup 123 I)Iodo-MK-801: Synthesis and characterization of binding to the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ransom, R.W.; Wai-si Eng; Burns, H.D.

1990-01-01

Synthetic methods have been established for preparing high specific activity (+)-3-({sup 123}I)Iodo-MK-801 in high radiochemical yield. The binding of the radiotracer to rat cortical membranes has been examine to assess its potential use as an in vivo imaging agent for the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-ion channel complex. Under the conditions of the assay, specific (+)-3-({sup 123}I)Iodo-MK-801 binding to membrane homogenates represented greater than 95% of the total binding. Several structurally distinct, noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonists inhibited binding with potencies in accordance with their reported inhibitory activity at the receptor complex. The concentration of ({plus minus})-3-Iodo-MK-801 required to inhibit 50% of (+)-3-({supmore » 123}I)Iodo-MK-801 binding (IC{sub 50}) was 3.4 nM when using a low ionic strength assay buffer and 5.5 nM in a physiological buffer. In a thoroughly washed membrane preparation, (+)-3-({sup 123}I)Iodo-MK-801 binding was enhanced by L-glutamate and glycine at concentrations known to activate the NMDA receptor. The results indicate that (+)-3-({sup 123}I)Iodo-MK-801 specifically labels the NMDA receptor complex in rat brain membranes and the retention of high affinity under near physiological assay conditions suggests that it may be useful as a SPECT imaging agent for the receptor in vivo.« less

Age Dependency of Inhibition of α7 Nicotinic Receptors and Tonically Active N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptors by Endogenously Produced Kynurenic Acid in the Brain

PubMed Central

Alkondon, Manickavasagom; Pereira, Edna F. R.; Eisenberg, Howard M.; Kajii, Yasushi; Schwarcz, Robert

2011-01-01

In the mouse hippocampus normal levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), a neuroactive metabolite synthesized in astrocytes primarily by kynurenine aminotransferase II (KAT II)-catalyzed transamination of l-kynurenine, maintain a degree of tonic inhibition of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). The present in vitro study was designed to test the hypothesis that α7 nAChR activity decreases when endogenous production of KYNA increases. Incubation (2–7 h) of rat hippocampal slices with kynurenine (200 μM) resulted in continuous de novo synthesis of KYNA. Kynurenine conversion to KYNA was significantly decreased by the KAT II inhibitor (S)-(−)-9-(4-aminopiperazine-1-yl)-8-fluoro-3-methyl-6-oxo-2,3,5,6-tetrahydro-4H-1-oxa-3a-azaphenalene-5carboxylic acid (BFF122) (100 μM) and was more effective in slices from postweaned than preweaned rats. Incubation of slices from postweaned rats with kynurenine inhibited α7 nAChRs and extrasynaptic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) on CA1 stratum radiatum interneurons. These effects were attenuated by BFF122 and mimicked by exogenously applied KYNA (200 μM). Exposure of human cerebral cortical slices to kynurenine also inhibited α7 nAChRs. The α7 nAChR sensitivity to KYNA is age-dependent, because neither endogenously produced nor exogenously applied KYNA inhibited α7 nAChRs in slices from preweaned rats. In these slices, kynurenine-derived KYNA also failed to inhibit extrasynaptic NMDARs, which could, however, be inhibited by exogenously applied KYNA. In slices from preweaned and postweaned rats, glutamatergic synaptic currents were not affected by endogenously produced KYNA, but were inhibited by exogenously applied KYNA. These results suggest that in the mature brain α7 nAChRs and extrasynaptic NMDARs are in close apposition to KYNA release sites and, thereby, readily accessible to inhibition by endogenously produced KYNA. PMID:21270133

Interaction of ( sup 3 H)MK-801 with multiple states of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor complex of rat brain

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Javitt, D.C.; Zukin, S.R.

1989-01-01

N-Methyl-D-aspartate (N-Me-D-Asp) and phencyclidine receptors interactively mediate central nervous system processes including psychotomimetic effects of drugs as well as neurodegenerative, cognitive, and developmental events. To elucidate the mechanism of this interaction, effects of N-Me-D-Asp agonists and antagonists and of glycine-like agents upon binding of the radiolabeled phencyclidine receptor ligand ({sup 3}H)MK-801 were determined in rat brain. Scatchard analysis revealed two discrete components of ({sup 3}H)MK-801 binding after 4 hr of incubation. Incubation in the presence of L-glutamate led to an increase in apparent densities but not in affinities of both components of ({sup 3}H)MK-801 binding as well as conversion ofmore » sites from apparent low to high affinity. Incubation in the presence of combined D-serine and L-glutamate led to an increase in the apparent density of high-affinity ({sup 3}H)MK-801 binding compared with incubation in the presence of either L-glutamate or D-serine alone. These data support a model in which phencyclidine receptor ligands bind differentially to closed as well as open conformations of the N-Me-D-Asp receptor complex and in which glycine-like agents permit or facilitate agonist-induced conversion of N-Me-D-Asp receptors from closed to open conformations.« less

Periventricular anteroventral third ventricle lesions diminish the pressor response produced by systemic injection of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Whalen, E. J.; Beltz, T. G.; Lewis, S. J.; Johnson, A. K.

1999-01-01

This study examined whether electrolytic ablation of the periventricular anteroventral third ventricle (AV3V) would affect the increases in mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) in conscious rats produced by systemic injection of the centrally acting N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ion-channel blocker, (+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d]cyclohepten-5, 10-imine (MK-801; 250 microgram/kg, i.v.). MK-801 produced a smaller increase in MAP in rats with AV3V lesions than in sham-lesion rats (+36+/-2% vs. +52+/-5%, respectively, P<0.05). In contrast, MK-801 produced similar increases in HR in the AV3V- and sham-lesion rats (+28+/-3% vs. +22+/-4%, respectively, P>0.05). These findings demonstrate that the MK-801-induced pressor response is dependent upon the integrity of the AV3V region, whereas the MK-801-induced tachycardia is not. Copyright 1999 Elsevier Science B.V.

Influence of Genetic Variants of the N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor on Emotion and Social Behavior in Adolescents.

PubMed

Lee, Li-Ching; Cho, Ying-Chun; Lin, Pei-Jung; Yeh, Ting-Chi; Chang, Chun-Yen; Yeh, Ting-Kuang

2016-01-01

Considerable evidence has suggested that the epigenetic regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors plays a crucial role in neuropsychiatric disorders. Previous exploratory studies have been primarily based on evidence from patients and have rarely sampled the general population. This exploratory study examined the relationship of single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) variations in the genes encoding the NMDA receptor (i.e., GRIN1, GRIN2A, GRIN2B, GRIN2C, and GRIN2D) with emotion and social behavior in adolescents. For this study, 832 tenth-grade Taiwanese volunteers were recruited, and their scores from the Beck Youth Inventories were used to evaluate their emotional and social impairments. Based on these scores, GRIN1 (rs4880213) was significantly associated with depression and disruptive behavior. In addition, GRIN2B (rs7301328) was significantly associated with disruptive behavior. Because emotional and social impairment greatly influence learning ability, the findings of this study provide important information for clinical treatment and the development of promising prevention and treatment strategies, especially in the area of psychological adjustment.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist effects on prefrontal cortical connectivity better model early than chronic schizophrenia.

PubMed

Anticevic, Alan; Corlett, Philip R; Cole, Michael W; Savic, Aleksandar; Gancsos, Mark; Tang, Yanqing; Repovs, Grega; Murray, John D; Driesen, Naomi R; Morgan, Peter T; Xu, Ke; Wang, Fei; Krystal, John H

2015-03-15

Prefrontal cortex (PFC) function contributes to schizophrenia onset and progression. However, little is known about neural mechanisms behind PFC functional alterations along illness stages. Recent pharmacologic studies indicate that glutamate dysfunction may produce increased functional connectivity. However, pharmacologic models of schizophrenia overlook effects of illness progression on PFC function. This study compared N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist effects in healthy volunteers with stages of schizophrenia with respect to PFC functional connectivity. First, we tested ketamine effects on PFC functional connectivity in healthy volunteers in a data-driven way (n = 19). Next, we compared healthy subjects (n = 96) with three clinical groups: individuals at high risk for schizophrenia (n = 21), people early in their course of schizophrenia (EC-SCZ) (n = 28), and patients with chronic illness (n = 20). Across independent analyses, we used data-driven global brain connectivity techniques restricted to PFC to identify functional dysconnectivity. Results revealed robust PFC hyperconnectivity in healthy volunteers administered ketamine (Cohen's d = 1.46), resembling individuals at high risk for schizophrenia and EC-SCZ. Hyperconnectivity was not found in patients with chronic illness relative to EC-SCZ patients. Results provide the first evidence that ketamine effects on PFC functional connectivity resemble early course but not chronic schizophrenia. Results suggest an illness phase-specific relevance of NMDAR antagonist administration for prefrontal dysconnectivity associated with schizophrenia. This finding has implications for the neurobiology of illness progression and for the widespread use of NMDAR antagonists in the development of therapeutics for schizophrenia. Copyright © 2015. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Implementation of a Fluorescence-Based Screening Assay Identifies Histamine H3 Receptor Antagonists Clobenpropit and Iodophenpropit as Subunit-Selective N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Antagonists

PubMed Central

Hansen, Kasper B.; Mullasseril, Praseeda; Dawit, Sara; Kurtkaya, Natalie L.; Yuan, Hongjie; Vance, Katie M.; Orr, Anna G.; Kvist, Trine; Ogden, Kevin K.; Le, Phuong; Vellano, Kimberly M.; Lewis, Iestyn; Kurtkaya, Serdar; Du, Yuhong; Qui, Min; Murphy, T. J.; Snyder, James P.; Bräuner-Osborne, Hans

2010-01-01

N-Methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are ligand-gated ion channels that mediate a slow, Ca2+-permeable component of excitatory synaptic transmission in the central nervous system and play a pivotal role in synaptic plasticity, neuronal development, and several neurological diseases. We describe a fluorescence-based assay that measures NMDA receptor-mediated changes in intracellular calcium in a BHK-21 cell line stably expressing NMDA receptor NR2D with NR1 under the control of a tetracycline-inducible promoter (Tet-On). The assay selectively identifies allosteric modulators by using supramaximal concentrations of glutamate and glycine to minimize detection of competitive antagonists. The assay is validated by successfully identifying known noncompetitive, but not competitive NMDA receptor antagonists among 1800 screened compounds from two small focused libraries, including the commercially available library of pharmacologically active compounds. Hits from the primary screen are validated through a secondary screen that used two-electrode voltage-clamp recordings on recombinant NMDA receptors expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes. This strategy identified several novel modulators of NMDA receptor function, including the histamine H3 receptor antagonists clobenpropit and iodophenpropit, as well as the vanilloid receptor transient receptor potential cation channel, subfamily V, member 1 (TRPV1) antagonist capsazepine. These compounds are noncompetitive antagonists and the histamine H3 receptor ligand showed submicromolar potency at NR1/NR2B NMDA receptors, which raises the possibility that compounds can be developed that act with high potency on both glutamate and histamine receptor systems simultaneously. Furthermore, it is possible that some actions attributed to histamine H3 receptor inhibition in vivo may also involve NMDA receptor antagonism. PMID:20197375

Effects of volatile solvents on recombinant N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors expressed in Xenopus oocytes

PubMed Central

Cruz, Silvia L; Balster, Robert L; Woodward, John J

2000-01-01

We have previously shown that toluene dose-dependently inhibits recombinant N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors at micromolar concentrations. This inhibition was rapid, almost complete and reversible. The NR1/2B combination was the most sensitive receptor subtype tested with an IC50 value for toluene of 0.17 mM. We now report on the effects of other commonly abused solvents (benzene, m-xylene, ethylbenzene, propylbenzene, 1,1,1-trichlorethane (TCE) and those of a convulsive solvent, 2,2,2-trifluoroethyl ether (flurothyl), on NMDA-induced currents measured in Xenopus oocytes expressing NR1/2A or NR1/2B receptor subtypes. All of the alkylbenzenes and TCE produced a reversible inhibition of NMDA-induced currents that was dose- and subunit-dependent. The NR1/2B receptor subtype was several times more sensitive to these compounds than the NR1/2A subtype. The convulsant solvent flurothyl had no effect on NMDA responses in oocytes but potently inhibited ion flux through recombinant GABA receptors expressed in oocytes. Overall, these results suggest that abused solvents display pharmacological selectivity and that NR1/2B NMDA receptors may be an important target for the actions of these compounds on the brain. PMID:11090101

Increased serum anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody immunofluorescence in psychiatric patients with past catatonia

PubMed Central

Lin, Chin-Chuen; Hung, Yi-Yung; Tsai, Meng-Chang

2017-01-01

Objective Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody was thought to be the cause of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, with manifestations similar to catatonia and schizophrenia. Anti-NMDAR antibody in neuropsychiatric patients who had catatonia before were investigated in a follow-up evaluation. The intensity of antibody immunofluorescence was quantified and compared with healthy controls. Method Nineteen patients (eight males and eleven females) agreed to be followed-up. Thirteen had the diagnosis of schizophrenia, two had the diagnosis of major depressive disorder, two had bipolar disorder, one had postpartum depression, and one had herpes simplex encephalitis. No patient had catatonia during the follow-up. Nineteen sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Results Using Mann-Whitney U test, patients had greater intensity of anti-NMDAR antibody immunofluorescence than the healthy controls (121,979 ± 86,526 vs. 47,692 ± 26,102, p = 0.003). No correlation was found between immunofluorescence intensity and catatonia scales or symptom severity scores. Neuropsychiatric patients with past catatonia showed greater anti-NMDAR antibody response than the healthy controls. Conclusion NMDAR dysfunction might play a role in the mechanism underlying catatonia. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding. PMID:29073246

Increased serum anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody immunofluorescence in psychiatric patients with past catatonia.

PubMed

Lin, Chin-Chuen; Hung, Yi-Yung; Tsai, Meng-Chang; Huang, Tiao-Lai

2017-01-01

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibody was thought to be the cause of anti-NMDAR encephalitis, with manifestations similar to catatonia and schizophrenia. Anti-NMDAR antibody in neuropsychiatric patients who had catatonia before were investigated in a follow-up evaluation. The intensity of antibody immunofluorescence was quantified and compared with healthy controls. Nineteen patients (eight males and eleven females) agreed to be followed-up. Thirteen had the diagnosis of schizophrenia, two had the diagnosis of major depressive disorder, two had bipolar disorder, one had postpartum depression, and one had herpes simplex encephalitis. No patient had catatonia during the follow-up. Nineteen sex-matched healthy controls were recruited. Using Mann-Whitney U test, patients had greater intensity of anti-NMDAR antibody immunofluorescence than the healthy controls (121,979 ± 86,526 vs. 47,692 ± 26,102, p = 0.003). No correlation was found between immunofluorescence intensity and catatonia scales or symptom severity scores. Neuropsychiatric patients with past catatonia showed greater anti-NMDAR antibody response than the healthy controls. NMDAR dysfunction might play a role in the mechanism underlying catatonia. Further studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Novel nootropic drug sunifiram enhances hippocampal synaptic efficacy via glycine-binding site of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor.

PubMed

Moriguchi, Shigeki; Tanaka, Tomoya; Narahashi, Toshio; Fukunaga, Kohji

2013-10-01

Sunifiram is a novel pyrrolidone nootropic drug structurally related to piracetam, which was developed for neurodegenerative disorder like Alzheimer's disease. Sunifiram is known to enhance cognitive function in some behavioral experiments such as Morris water maze task. To address question whether sunifiram affects N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent synaptic function in the hippocampal CA1 region, we assessed the effects of sunifiram on NMDAR-dependent long-term potentiation (LTP) by electrophysiology and on phosphorylation of synaptic proteins by immunoblotting analysis. In mouse hippocampal slices, sunifiram at 10-100 nM significantly enhanced LTP in a bell-shaped dose-response relationship which peaked at 10 nM. The enhancement of LTP by sunifiram treatment was inhibited by 7-chloro-kynurenic acid (7-ClKN), an antagonist for glycine-binding site of NMDAR, but not by ifenprodil, an inhibitor for polyamine site of NMDAR. The enhancement of LTP by sunifilam was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisozazole-4-propionate receptor (AMPAR) through activation of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and an increase in phosphorylation of NMDAR through activation of protein kinase Cα (PKCα). Sunifiram treatments at 1-1000 nM increased the slope of field excitatory postsynaptic potentials (fEPSPs) in a dose-dependent manner. The enhancement was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of AMPAR receptor through activation of CaMKII. Interestingly, under the basal condition, sunifiram treatments increased PKCα (Ser-657) and Src family (Tyr-416) activities with the same bell-shaped dose-response curve as that of LTP peaking at 10 nM. The increase in phosphorylation of PKCα (Ser-657) and Src (Tyr-416) induced by sunifiram was inhibited by 7-ClKN treatment. The LTP enhancement by sunifiram was significantly inhibited by PP2, a Src family inhibitor. Finally, when pretreated with a high

Anti–N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor (NMDAR) Encephalitis in Children and Adolescents

PubMed Central

Florance, Nicole R.; Davis, Rebecca L.; Lam, Christopher; Szperka, Christina; Zhou, Lei; Ahmad, Saba; Campen, Cynthia J.; Moss, Heather; Peter, Nadja; Gleichman, Amy J.; Glaser, Carol A.; Lynch, David R.; Rosenfeld, Myrna R.; Dalmau, Josep

2010-01-01

Objective To report the clinical features of anti–N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in patients ≤ 18 years old. Methods Information was obtained by the authors or referring physicians. Antibodies were determined by immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using HEK293 cells ectopically expressing NR1. Results Over an 8-month period, 81 patients (12 male) with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were identified. Thirty-two (40%) were ≤18 years old (youngest 23 months, median 14 years); 6 were male. The frequency of ovarian teratomas was 56% in women >18 years old, 31% in girls ≤18 years old (p = 0.05), and 9% in girls ≤14 years old ( p = 0.008). None of the male patients had tumors. Of 32 patients ≤18 years old, 87.5% presented with behavioral or personality change, sometimes associated with seizures and frequent sleep dysfunction; 9.5% with dyskinesias or dystonia; and 3% with speech reduction. On admission, 53% had severe speech deficits. Eventually, 77% developed seizures, 84% stereotyped movements, 86% autonomic instability, and 23% hypoventilation. Responses to immunotherapy were slow and variable. Overall, 74% had full or substantial recovery after immunotherapy or tumor removal. Neurological relapses occurred in 25%. At the last follow-up, full recovery occurred more frequently in patients who had a teratoma that was removed (5/8) than in those without a teratoma (4/23; p = 0.03). Interpretation Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is increasingly recognized in children, comprising 40% of all cases. Younger patients are less likely to have tumors. Behavioral and speech problems, seizures, and abnormal movements are common early symptoms. The phenotype resembles that of the adults, although dysautonomia and hypoventilation are less frequent or severe in children. PMID:19670433

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in children and adolescents.

PubMed

Florance, Nicole R; Davis, Rebecca L; Lam, Christopher; Szperka, Christina; Zhou, Lei; Ahmad, Saba; Campen, Cynthia J; Moss, Heather; Peter, Nadja; Gleichman, Amy J; Glaser, Carol A; Lynch, David R; Rosenfeld, Myrna R; Dalmau, Josep

2009-07-01

To report the clinical features of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis in patients < or = 18 years old. Information was obtained by the authors or referring physicians. Antibodies were determined by immunocytochemistry and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using HEK293 cells ectopically expressing NR1. Over an 8-month period, 81 patients (12 male) with anti-NMDAR encephalitis were identified. Thirty-two (40%) were < or =18 years old (youngest 23 months, median 14 years); 6 were male. The frequency of ovarian teratomas was 56% in women >18 years old, 31% in girls < or =18 years old (p = 0.05), and 9% in girls < or =14 years old (p = 0.008). None of the male patients had tumors. Of 32 patients < or =18 years old, 87.5% presented with behavioral or personality change, sometimes associated with seizures and frequent sleep dysfunction; 9.5% with dyskinesias or dystonia; and 3% with speech reduction. On admission, 53% had severe speech deficits. Eventually, 77% developed seizures, 84% stereotyped movements, 86% autonomic instability, and 23% hypoventilation. Responses to immunotherapy were slow and variable. Overall, 74% had full or substantial recovery after immunotherapy or tumor removal. Neurological relapses occurred in 25%. At the last follow-up, full recovery occurred more frequently in patients who had a teratoma that was removed (5/8) than in those without a teratoma (4/23; p = 0.03). Anti-NMDAR encephalitis is increasingly recognized in children, comprising 40% of all cases. Younger patients are less likely to have tumors. Behavioral and speech problems, seizures, and abnormal movements are common early symptoms. The phenotype resembles that of the adults, although dysautonomia and hypoventilation are less frequent or severe in children. Ann Neurol 2009;66:11-18.

Chronic neonatal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockade induces learning deficits and transient hypoactivity in young rats.

PubMed

Latysheva, Nadejda V; Rayevsky, Kirill S

2003-08-01

A blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-type of glutamate receptor in rodents is believed to provide a pharmacological model of schizophrenia-related psychosis. Since neurodevelopmental abnormality, at least partly, could contribute to the pathogenesis of schizophrenia, the aim of this study was to recapitulate cognitive impairments accompanying this disorder in rats by a chronic neonatal treatment with a noncompetitive NMDA antagonist MK-801. Rat pups were treated with a low dose of MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg s.c.) chronically from early postnatal period (PD 7-49) known to be critical for glutamatergic system maturation. Locomotor activity in the "open-field" test, anxiety level in the elevated plus-maze test, and learning capacity in food rewarded spatial task were examined in young animals. Chronic MK-801 treatment produced a decrease of spontaneous motor and exploratory activity in 16- to 28-day-old rats. At the same time, a hyperlocomotion in response to acute administration of MK-801 was observed as well. Spatial learning of MK-801-treated rats was found to be negatively affected. Treated rats were able to respond to stress stimuli in the adequate manner but their anxiety level was found to be lower than in controls. Behavioral disturbances appeared to be temporary, and no such abnormalities could be detected at the age of 16 weeks. Thus, even mild chronic neonatal blockade of NMDA receptors may lead to a specific pattern of cognitive abnormalities presumably resulting from impairments of sensory information processing at the cortical-basal ganglia level.

Competitive and noncompetitive antagonists at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors protect against methamphetamine-induced dopaminergic damage in mice.

PubMed

Sonsalla, P K; Riordan, D E; Heikkila, R E

1991-02-01

The administration of methamphetamine (METH) to experimental animals results in damage to nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons. We have demonstrated previously that the excitatory amino acids may be involved in this neurotoxicity. For example, several compounds which bind to the phenyclidine site within the ion channel linked to the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor protected mice from the METH-induced loss of neostriatal tyrosine hydroxylase activity and dopamine content. The present study was conducted to characterize further the role of the excitatory amino acids in mediating the neurotoxic effects of METH. The administration of three or four injections of METH (10 mg/kg) every 2 hr to mice produced large decrements in neostriatal dopamine content (80-84%) and in tyrosine hydroxylase activity (65-74%). A dose-dependent protection against these METH-induced decreases was seen with two noncompetitive NMDA antagonists, ifenprodil and SL 82.0715 (25-50 mg/kg/injection), both of which are thought to bind to a polyamine or sigma site associated with the NMDA receptor complex, and with two competitive NMDA antagonists, CGS 19755 (25-50 mg/kg/injection) and NPC 12626 (150-300 mg/kg/injection). Moreover, an intrastriatal infusion of NMDA (0.1 mumol) produced a slight but significant loss of neostriatal dopamine which was potentiated in mice that also received a systemic injection of METH. The results of these studies strengthen the hypothesis that the excitatory amino acids play a critical role in the nigrostriatal dopaminergic damage induced by METH.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis after Herpes simplex virus-associated encephalitis: an emerging disease with diagnosis and therapeutic challenges.

PubMed

Schein, Flora; Gagneux-Brunon, Amandine; Antoine, Jean-Christophe; Lavernhe, Sylvie; Pillet, Sylvie; Paul, Stéphane; Frésard, Anne; Boutet, Claire; Grange, Rémi; Cazorla, Céline; Lucht, Frédéric; Botelho-Nevers, Elisabeth

2017-08-01

Morbidity and mortality of Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE) remain high. Relapses of neurological signs may occur after initial clinical improvement under acyclovir treatment. We report here a case of post-HSE anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor-mediated encephalitis in an adult and perform a systematic search on PubMed to identify other cases in adults. We identified 11 previously published cases, to discuss diagnostic and therapeutic management. Symptoms in adults are often inappropriate behaviors, confusion and agitation. Diagnosis of anti-NMDA-R encephalitis after HSE is often delayed. Treatment consists in steroids, plasma exchange, and rituximab. Prognosis is often favorable. Anti-NMDA-R antibodies should be searched in cerebrospinal fluid of patients with unexpected evolution of HSE. This emerging entity reopens the hot debate about steroids in HSE.

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and anti-ribosomal-P autoantibodies contribute to cognitive dysfunction in systemic lupus erythematosus.

PubMed

Massardo, L; Bravo-Zehnder, M; Calderón, J; Flores, P; Padilla, O; Aguirre, J M; Scoriels, L; González, A

2015-05-01

Autoantibodies against N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) and ribosomal-P (anti-P) antigens are potential pathogenic factors in the frequently observed diffuse brain dysfunctions in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Although studies have been conducted in this area, the role of anti-NMDAR antibodies in SLE cognitive dysfunction remains elusive. Moreover, the specific contribution of anti-P antibodies has not been reported yet. The present study attempts to clarify the contribution of anti-NMDAR and anti-P antibodies to cognitive dysfunction in SLE. The Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB) was used to assess a wide range of cognitive function areas in 133 Chilean women with SLE. ANCOVA models included autoantibodies, patient and disease features. Cognitive deficit was found in 20%. Higher SLEDAI-2K scores were associated with impairment in spatial memory and learning abilities, whereas both anti-NMDAR and anti-P antibodies contributed to deficits in attention and spatial planning abilities, which reflect fronto-parietal cortex dysfunctions. These results reveal an association of active disease together with specific circulating autoantibodies, such as anti-NMDAR and anti-P, with cognitive dysfunction in SLE patients. © The Author(s) 2014 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav.

Molecular Mechanisms Elicited by d-Aspartate in Leydig Cells and Spermatogonia

PubMed Central

Di Fiore, Maria Maddalena; Santillo, Alessandra; Falvo, Sara; Longobardi, Salvatore; Chieffi Baccari, Gabriella

2016-01-01

A bulk of evidence suggests that d-aspartate (d-Asp) regulates steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in vertebrate testes. This review article focuses on intracellular signaling mechanisms elicited by d-Asp possibly via binding to the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in both Leydig cells, and spermatogonia. In Leydig cells, the amino acid upregulates androgen production by eliciting the adenylate cyclase-cAMP and/or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways. d-Asp treatment enhances gene and protein expression of enzymes involved in the steroidogenic cascade. d-Asp also directly affects spermatogonial mitotic activity. In spermatogonial GC-1 cells, d-Asp induces phosphorylation of MAPK and AKT serine-threonine kinase proteins, and stimulates expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and aurora kinase B (AURKB). Further stimulation of spermatogonial GC-1 cell proliferation might come from estradiol/estrogen receptor β (ESR2) interaction. d-Asp modulates androgen and estrogen levels as well as the expression of their receptors in the rat epididymis by acting on mRNA levels of Srd5a1 and Cyp19a1 enzymes, hence suggesting involvement in spermatozoa maturation. PMID:27428949

Vitamin B6 prevents isocarbophos-induced vascular dementia in rats through N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor signaling.

PubMed

Li, Peng; Zhu, Mo-Li; Pan, Guo-Pin; Lu, Jun-Xiu; Zhao, Fan-Rong; Jian, Xu; Liu, Li-Ying; Wan, Guang-Rui; Chen, Yuan; Ping, Song; Wang, Shuang-Xi; Hu, Chang-Ping

2018-01-01

We have previously reported that the long-term exposure of organophosphorus induces vascular dementia (VD) in rats. As a coenzyme, vitamin B6 is mainly involved in the regulation of metabolisms. Whether vitamin B6 improves VD remains unknown. The model of VD was induced by feeding rats with isocarbophos (0.5 mg/kg per two day, 12 weeks). The blood flow of the posterior cerebral artery (PCA) in rat was assessed by transcranial Doppler (TCD). The learning and memory were evaluated by the Morris Water Maze (MWM) test. Administration of vitamin B6 increased the blood flow in the right and left posterior cerebral arteries and improved the functions of learning and memory in isocarbophos-treated rats. Vitamin B6 increased the protein levels of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) 2B, postsynaptic densities (PSDs) protein 95, and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMK-II) in the hippocampus, which were decreased by isocarbophos in rats. Morphological analysis by light microscope and electronic microscope indicated disruptions of the hippocampus caused by isocarbophos were normalized by vitamin B6. Importantly, the antagonist of NMDAR signaling by eliprodil abolished these beneficial effects produced by vitamin B6 on PCA blood flow, learning, memory, and hippocampus structure in rats, as well as the protein expression of NMDAR 2B, PSDs protein 95, and CaMK-II in the hippocampus. Vitamin B6 activates NMDAR signaling to prevent isocarbophos-induced VD in rats.

Approach to the Management of Pediatric-Onset Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (Anti-NMDA) Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Series.

PubMed

Brenton, J Nicholas; Kim, Joshua; Schwartz, Richard H

2016-08-01

Anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate (anti-NMDA) receptor encephalitis is a treatable cause of autoimmune encephalitis. It remains unclear if the natural history of this disease is altered by choice of acute therapy or the employment of chronic immunotherapy. Chart review was undertaken for pediatric patients diagnosed with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Data obtained included patient demographics, disease manifestations, treatment course, and clinical outcomes. Ten patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis were identified. All patients were treated with immunotherapy in the acute period, and all patients experienced good recovery. Neurologic relapse did not occur in any patient. All patients received varied forms of chronic immunosuppression to prevent relapses. Complications of chronic immunotherapy occurred in 50% of patients. The benefits of chronic immunotherapy and the duration of use should be carefully weighed against the risks. Complications from immunotherapy are not uncommon and can be serious. Clinical trials assessing the benefit of long-term immunotherapy in this population are needed. © The Author(s) 2016.

Initial clinical presentation of young children with N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis.

PubMed

Favier, Marion; Joubert, Bastien; Picard, Géraldine; Rogemond, Véronique; Thomas, Laure; Rheims, Sylvain; Bailhache, Marion; Villega, Frédéric; Pédespan, Jean-Michel; Berzero, Giulia; Psimaras, Dimitri; Antoine, Jean-Christophe; Desestret, Virginie; Honnorat, Jérôme

2018-05-01

Autoimmune encephalitis with anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor autoantibodies (NMDA-R-Abs) is a recently described disease affecting adult and pediatric patients. Symptoms of the disease are now perfectly described in the adult population but the clinical presentation is less known in young children. The aim of the present study was to describe the clinical presentation and the specificities of symptoms presented by young children with NMDA-R-Abs encephalitis to improve diagnosis of this disease, and to compare these to a series of previously published female adult patients. Fifty cases of children younger than twelve years of age diagnosed with NMDA-R-Abs encephalitis between January 1, 2007 and December 31, 2016 (27 females and 23 males) were retrospectively studied. The first neurological symptoms observed in young children with NMDA-R-Abs encephalitis were characterized by seizure (72%), especially focal seizure (42%), within a median of 15 days before other encephalitis symptoms; other patients mostly had behavioral disorders (26%). The seizures were frequently difficult to diagnose because of the transient unilateral dystonic or tonic posturing presentation or sudden unilateral pain in the absence of clonic movements. A post-ictal motor deficit was also frequently observed. This clinical presentation is different from that observed in adult females with NMDA-R-Abs encephalitis who initially present mainly psychiatric disorders (67%) or cognitive impairment (19%), and less frequently seizures (14%). The diagnosis of NMDA-R-Abs encephalitis should be systematically considered in young children of both sexes who present neurological symptoms suggesting recent seizures (focal or generalized) without obvious other etiology. Copyright © 2017 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Epileptiform activity induced by lowering extracellular [Mg2+] in combined hippocampal-entorhinal cortex slices: modulation by receptors for norepinephrine and N-methyl-D-aspartate.

PubMed

Stanton, P K; Jones, R S; Mody, I; Heinemann, U

1987-01-01

Reduction of extracellular Mg2+ concentration induced spontaneous and evoked epileptiform activity in the entorhinal cortex (EC) and dentate gyrus (DG) of combined hippocampus (HC)-EC slices. Extracellular field potentials, as well as changes in extracellular Ca2+ and K+ concentrations, were measured in EC and DG with ion-selective/reference electrodes during both repetitive and single stimuli. In the EC, lowering extracellular [Mg2+] induces both spontaneous and single stimulus evoked ictal events consisting of extracellular negative potential shifts (up to 5 mV, 30 sec), decreases in [Ca2+]0 and increases in [K+]0. In the DG, spontaneous events were much shorter, but similar changes in [Ca2+]0, [K+]0 and field potentials (FPs) could be evoked by brief high-frequency stimulation. In both areas, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-aminophosphonovalerate (2-APV) completely blocked spontaneous as well as stimulus evoked epileptiform events. The neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), which has previously been shown to modulate long-term potentiation in the DG, was found to exhibit differential modulation of epileptiform activity in the EC and DG. In the EC, NE, acting via alpha 1-receptors, completely blocked low Mg2+-induced epileptiform activity. In contrast, in the DG, NE exhibited a beta-receptor mediated prolongation of the low Mg2+-induced ictal events, and enhanced the stimulus-induced ionic and field potential changes. From these results, we conclude that lowering extracellular [Mg2+], acting in large part through the removal of the Mg2+ voltage-dependent blockade of NMDA receptors, leads to induction of epileptiform activity in both the EC and DG.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Spontaneous 15N Nuclear Spin Hyperpolarization in Metal-Free Activation of Parahydrogen by Molecular Tweezers

PubMed Central

2018-01-01

The ability of frustrated Lewis pairs (FLPs) to activate H2 is of significant interest for metal-free catalysis. The activation of H2 is also the key element of parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP), one of the nuclear spin hyperpolarization techniques. It is demonstrated that o-phenylene-based ansa-aminoboranes (AABs) can produce 1H nuclear spin hyperpolarization through a reversible interaction with parahydrogen at ambient temperatures. Heteronuclei are useful in NMR and MRI as well because they have a broad chemical shift range and long relaxation times and may act as background-free labels. We report spontaneous formation of 15N hyperpolarization of the N–H site for a family of AABs. The process is efficient at the high magnetic field of an NMR magnet (7 T), and it provides up to 350-fold 15N signal enhancements. Different hyperpolarization effects are observed with various AAB structures and in a broad temperature range. Spontaneous hyperpolarization, albeit an order of magnitude weaker than that for 15N, was also observed for 11B nuclei. PMID:29401399

Electroconvulsive Therapy in Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis: A Case Report and Review of the Literature.

PubMed

Coffey, M Justin; Cooper, Joseph J

2016-12-01

There is a growing scientific literature describing the neuropsychiatric symptoms of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor encephalitis, including the use of electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) to treat those symptoms. We sought to consolidate this literature into a review that highlights its relevance to ECT practitioners. We performed a PubMed search using the terms electroconvulsive therapy and encephalitis, autoimmune encephalitis, or anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. We reviewed all relevant studies in detail, cross-referenced all bibliographies, and collected key clinical information related to the practice of ECT. We identified 6 studies offering patient-level descriptions of the use of ECT in patients with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. In all cases ECT was used to target symptoms of catatonia. Electroconvulsive therapy was delivered safely and effectively irrespective of the timing of diagnosis, tumor removal, or immunotherapy. There are no controlled data on the use of ECT in anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Further investigation is needed to determine whether ECT has a disease-modifying effect on this form of autoimmune encephalitis.

15N Hyperpolarization by Reversible Exchange Using SABRE-SHEATH

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

NMR signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is a NMR hyperpolarization technique that enables nuclear spin polarization enhancement of molecules via concurrent chemical exchange of a target substrate and parahydrogen (the source of spin order) on an iridium catalyst. Recently, we demonstrated that conducting SABRE in microtesla fields provided by a magnetic shield enables up to 10% 15N-polarization (Theis, T.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc.2015, 137, 1404). Hyperpolarization on 15N (and heteronuclei in general) may be advantageous because of the long-lived nature of the hyperpolarization on 15N relative to the short-lived hyperpolarization of protons conventionally hyperpolarized by SABRE, in addition to wider chemical shift dispersion and absence of background signal. Here we show that these unprecedented polarization levels enable 15N magnetic resonance imaging. We also present a theoretical model for the hyperpolarization transfer to heteronuclei, and detail key parameters that should be optimized for efficient 15N-hyperpolarization. The effects of parahydrogen pressure, flow rate, sample temperature, catalyst-to-substrate ratio, relaxation time (T1), and reversible oxygen quenching are studied on a test system of 15N-pyridine in methanol-d4. Moreover, we demonstrate the first proof-of-principle 13C-hyperpolarization using this method. This simple hyperpolarization scheme only requires access to parahydrogen and a magnetic shield, and it provides large enough signal gains to enable one of the first 15N images (2 × 2 mm2 resolution). Importantly, this method enables hyperpolarization of molecular sites with NMR T1 relaxation times suitable for biomedical imaging and spectroscopy. PMID:25960823

15N Hyperpolarization by Reversible Exchange Using SABRE-SHEATH.

PubMed

Truong, Milton L; Theis, Thomas; Coffey, Aaron M; Shchepin, Roman V; Waddell, Kevin W; Shi, Fan; Goodson, Boyd M; Warren, Warren S; Chekmenev, Eduard Y

2015-04-23

NMR signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is a NMR hyperpolarization technique that enables nuclear spin polarization enhancement of molecules via concurrent chemical exchange of a target substrate and parahydrogen (the source of spin order) on an iridium catalyst. Recently, we demonstrated that conducting SABRE in microtesla fields provided by a magnetic shield enables up to 10% 15 N-polarization (Theis, T.; et al. J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2015 , 137 , 1404). Hyperpolarization on 15 N (and heteronuclei in general) may be advantageous because of the long-lived nature of the hyperpolarization on 15 N relative to the short-lived hyperpolarization of protons conventionally hyperpolarized by SABRE, in addition to wider chemical shift dispersion and absence of background signal. Here we show that these unprecedented polarization levels enable 15 N magnetic resonance imaging. We also present a theoretical model for the hyperpolarization transfer to heteronuclei, and detail key parameters that should be optimized for efficient 15 N-hyperpolarization. The effects of parahydrogen pressure, flow rate, sample temperature, catalyst-to-substrate ratio, relaxation time ( T 1 ), and reversible oxygen quenching are studied on a test system of 15 N-pyridine in methanol- d 4 . Moreover, we demonstrate the first proof-of-principle 13 C-hyperpolarization using this method. This simple hyperpolarization scheme only requires access to parahydrogen and a magnetic shield, and it provides large enough signal gains to enable one of the first 15 N images (2 × 2 mm 2 resolution). Importantly, this method enables hyperpolarization of molecular sites with NMR T 1 relaxation times suitable for biomedical imaging and spectroscopy.

Ephrin-B2 prevents N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody effects on memory and neuroplasticity.

PubMed

Planagumà, Jesús; Haselmann, Holger; Mannara, Francesco; Petit-Pedrol, Mar; Grünewald, Benedikt; Aguilar, Esther; Röpke, Luise; Martín-García, Elena; Titulaer, Maarten J; Jercog, Pablo; Graus, Francesc; Maldonado, Rafael; Geis, Christian; Dalmau, Josep

2016-09-01

To demonstrate that ephrin-B2 (the ligand of EphB2 receptor) antagonizes the pathogenic effects of patients' N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies on memory and synaptic plasticity. One hundred twenty-two C57BL/6J mice infused with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis or controls, with or without ephrin-B2, were investigated. CSF was infused through ventricular catheters connected to subcutaneous osmotic pumps over 14 days. Memory, behavioral tasks, locomotor activity, presence of human antibodies specifically bound to hippocampal NMDAR, and antibody effects on the density of cell-surface and synaptic NMDAR and EphB2 were examined at different time points using reported techniques. Short- and long-term synaptic plasticity were determined in acute brain sections; the Schaffer collateral pathway was stimulated and the field excitatory postsynaptic potentials were recorded in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. Mice infused with patients' CSF, but not control CSF, developed progressive memory deficit and depressive-like behavior along with deposits of NMDAR antibodies in the hippocampus. These findings were associated with a decrease of the density of cell-surface and synaptic NMDAR and EphB2, and marked impairment of long-term synaptic plasticity without altering short-term plasticity. Administration of ephrin-B2 prevented the pathogenic effects of the antibodies in all the investigated paradigms assessing memory, depressive-like behavior, density of cell-surface and synaptic NMDAR and EphB2, and long-term synaptic plasticity. Administration of ephrin-B2 prevents the pathogenic effects of anti-NMDAR encephalitis antibodies on memory and behavior, levels of cell-surface NMDAR, and synaptic plasticity. These findings reveal a strategy beyond immunotherapy to antagonize patients' antibody effects. Ann Neurol 2016;80:388-400. © 2016 American Neurological Association.

Septohippocampal GABAergic neurons mediate the altered behaviors induced by n-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists.

PubMed

Ma, Jingyi; Tai, Siew Kian; Leung, L Stan

2012-12-01

We hypothesize that selective lesion of the septohippocampal GABAergic neurons suppresses the altered behaviors induced by an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, ketamine or MK-801. In addition, we hypothesize that septohippocampal GABAergic neurons generate an atropine-resistant theta rhythm that coexists with an atropine-sensitive theta rhythm in the hippocampus. Infusion of orexin-saporin (ore-SAP) into the medial septal area decreased parvalbumin-immunoreactive (GABAergic) neurons by ~80%, without significantly affecting choline-acetyltransferase-immunoreactive (cholinergic) neurons. The theta rhythm during walking, or the immobility-associated theta induced by pilocarpine, was not different between ore-SAP and sham-lesion rats. Walking theta was, however, more disrupted by atropine sulfate in ore-SAP than in sham-lesion rats. MK-801 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) induced hyperlocomotion associated with an increase in frequency, but not power, of the hippocampal theta in both ore-SAP and sham-lesion rats. However, MK-801 induced an increase in 71-100 Hz gamma waves in sham-lesion but not ore-SAP lesion rats. In sham-lesion rats, MK-801 induced an increase in locomotion and an impairment of prepulse inhibition (PPI), and ketamine (3 mg/kg s.c.) induced a loss of gating of hippocampal auditory evoked potentials. MK-801-induced behavioral hyperlocomotion and PPI impairment, and ketamine-induced auditory gating deficit were reduced in ore-SAP rats as compared to sham-lesion rats. During baseline without drugs, locomotion and auditory gating were not different between ore-SAP and sham-lesion rats, and PPI was slightly but significantly increased in ore-SAP as compared with sham lesion rats. It is concluded that septohippocampal GABAergic neurons are important for the expression of hyperactive and psychotic symptoms an enhanced hippocampal gamma activity induced by ketamine and MK-801, and for generating an atropine-resistant theta. Selective suppression of

N-Methyl-d-aspartate Modulation of Nucleus Accumbens Dopamine Release by Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors: Fast Cyclic Voltammetry Studies in Rat Brain Slices in Vitro.

PubMed

Yavas, Ersin; Young, Andrew M J

2017-02-15

The N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, phencyclidine, induces behavioral changes in rodents mimicking symptoms of schizophrenia, possibly mediated through dysregulation of glutamatergic control of mesolimbic dopamine release. We tested the hypothesis that NMDA receptor activation modulates accumbens dopamine release, and that phencyclidine pretreatment altered this modulation. NMDA caused a receptor-specific, dose-dependent decrease in electrically stimulated dopamine release in nucleus accumbens brain slices. This decrease was unaffected by picrotoxin, making it unlikely to be mediated through GABAergic neurones, but was decreased by the metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist, (RS)-α-methyl-4-sulfonophenylglycine, indicating that NMDA activates mechanisms controlled by these receptors to decrease stimulated dopamine release. The effect of NMDA was unchanged by in vivo pretreatment with phencyclidine (twice daily for 5 days), with a washout period of at least 7 days before experimentation, which supports the hypothesis that there is no enduring direct effect of PCP at NMDA receptors after this pretreatment procedure. We propose that NMDA depression of accumbal dopamine release is mediated by metabotropic glutamate receptors located pre- or perisynaptically, and suggest that NMDA evoked increased extrasynaptic spillover of glutamate is sufficient to activate these receptors that, in turn, inhibit dopamine release. Furthermore, we suggest that enduring functional changes brought about by subchronic phencyclidine pretreatment, modeling deficits in schizophrenia, are downstream effects consequent on chronic blockade of NMDA receptors, rather than direct effects on NMDA receptors themselves.

Agmatine protects Müller cells from high-concentration glucose-induced cell damage via N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor inhibition.

PubMed

Han, Ning; Yu, Li; Song, Zhidu; Luo, Lifu; Wu, Yazhen

2015-07-01

Neural injury is associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. Müller cells provide structural and metabolic support for retinal neurons. High glucose concentrations are known to induce Müller cell activity. Agmatine is an endogenous polyamine, which is enzymatically formed in the mammalian brain and has exhibited neuroprotective effects in a number of experimental models. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether agmatine protects Müller cells from glucose-induced damage and to explore the mechanisms underlying this process. Lactate dehydrogenase activity and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression were significantly reduced in Müller cells exposed to a high glucose concentration, following agmatine treatment, compared with cells not treated with agmatine. In addition, agmatine treatment inhibited glucose-induced Müller cell apoptosis, which was associated with the regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expression. Agmatine treatment suppressed glucose-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein in Müller cells. The present study demonstrated that the protective effects of agmatine on Müller cells were inhibited by N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA). The results of the present study suggested that agmatine treatment protects Müller cells from high-concentration glucose-induced cell damage. The underlying mechanisms may relate to the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of agmatine, as well as to the inhibition of the MAPK pathway, via NMDA receptor suppression. Agmatine may be of use in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Differences in magnesium and calcium effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate- and quisqualate-induced decreases in extracellular sodium concentration in rat hippocampal slices.

PubMed

Köhr, G; Heinemann, U

1988-01-01

Decreases in extracellular sodium concentration [( Na+]o) and associated slow negative field potentials (fp's) were monitored with double barreled sodium sensitive/reference microelectrodes in area CA1 of rat hippocampal slices during iontophoretic application of the glutamate receptor agonists N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate (quis). The effects of lowering [Ca2+]o on these signals were compared to those of lowering [Mg2+]o. Both NMDA- and quis-induced decreases in [Na+]o of up to 60 mM and in the fp's of up to 8 mV. Decreasing [Mg2+]o enhanced NMDA-induced signals, whereas quis-induced signals were unaffected. Lowering [Ca2+]o also enhanced NMDA signals, although somewhat less than lowering [Mg2+]o. This effect was still present, even when voltage dependent Na+ currents were blocked by 10(-7) tetrodotoxin. Interestingly, quis-induced signals could be enhanced in a low Ca2+ medium as well, but only when high quis concentrations were used. The results suggest that, during the sorts of large decreases of [Ca2+]o observed during seizure activity, activation of NMDA receptors is facilitated.

The NR1-4 C-terminus interferes with N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated excitotoxicity: evidence against a typical T/SXV-PDZ interaction.

PubMed

Mattar, P A; Holmes, K D; Dekaban, G A

2005-01-01

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) plays a key role in the neural plasticity that underlies learning and memory in vivo. The plasticity exhibited by NMDARs may also contribute to disease pathogenesis, as a number of disorders are caused or exacerbated by exaggerated NMDAR activity. The NMDAR is composed of two obligatory types of subunits, NR1 and NR2. These transmembrane proteins include large intracellular C-termini that have yet to be fully characterized. We have developed a three-color fluorescence system in order to visualize NMDAR expression in living cells. Using excitotoxicity as a proxy for exaggerated NMDAR activity, we analyzed the effect of over-expressing NR1-4 and NR2A C-terminal domains on exaggerated NMDAR function. We demonstrate that a determinant within the C-terminal domain of NR1-4 (C02') is important for NMDAR excitotoxicity, whereas no novel determinants were identified in the NR2A C-terminus. Through the use of heterologous cells, and by examining the interaction between the prototypical NMDAR-binding partner postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95), we show that this effect is unlikely to be mediated through a classical interaction with PSD-95.

Increased cerebral oxygen consumption in Eker rats and effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate blockade: Implications for autism.

PubMed

Weiss, Harvey R; Liu, Xia; Zhang, Qihang; Chi, Oak Z

2007-08-15

Because there is a strong correlation between tuberous sclerosis and autism, we used a tuberous sclerosis model (Eker rat) to test the hypothesis that these animals would have an altered regional cerebral O2 consumption that might be associated with autism. We also examined whether the altered cerebral O2 consumption was related to changes in the importance of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Young (4 weeks) male control Long Evans (N = 14) and Eker (N = 14) rats (70-100 g) were divided into control and CGS-19755 (10 mg/kg, competitive NMDA antagonist)-treated animals. Cerebral regional blood flow (14C-iodoantipyrine) and O2 consumption (cryomicrospectrophotometry) were determined in isoflurane-anesthetized rats. NMDA receptor protein levels were determined by Western immunoblotting. We found significantly increased basal O2 consumption in the cortex (6.2 +/- 0.6 ml O2/min/100 g Eker vs. 4.7 +/- 0.4 Long Evans), hippocampus, cerebellum, and pons. Regional cerebral blood flow was also elevated in Eker rats at baseline, but cerebral O2 extraction was similar. CGS-19755 significantly lowered O2 consumption in the cortex (2.8 +/- 0.3), hippocampus, and pons of the Long Evans rats but had no effect on cortex (5.8 +/- 0.8) or other regions of the Eker rats. Cerebral blood flow followed a similar pattern. NMDA receptor protein levels (NR1 subunit) were similar between groups. In conclusion, Eker rats had significantly elevated cerebral O2 consumption and blood flow, but this was not related to NMDA receptor activation. In fact, the importance of NMDA receptors in the control of basal cerebral O2 consumption was reduced. This might have important implications in the treatment of autism. Copyright 2007 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Protection of Retinal Ganglion Cells by Caspase Substrate-Binding Peptide IQACRG from N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor-Mediated Excitotoxicity

PubMed Central

Seki, Masaaki; Soussou, Walid; Manabe, Shin-ichi

2010-01-01

Purpose. This study investigated whether the enzymatically inactive caspase mimetic IQACRG protects rat retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) from excitotoxic insults. Minimally invasive delivery of the peptide to the retina was explored, and the mechanisms of neuroprotection were elucidated. Methods. IQACRG was linked to penetratin (P-IQACRG) to facilitate cellular uptake. RGC labeling by biotinylated-P-IQACRG delivered via intravitreal or subconjunctival injection was demonstrated by avidin-biotin chemistry. The authors used histologic and electrophysiological measures to evaluate the neuroprotective potential of P-IQACRG against RGC death induced by N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) in vitro and in vivo. In addition, they monitored activity of an enzyme that is downstream of caspase-1, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), and protein levels of the caspase-3/7 substrate, myocyte enhancer factor 2C (MEF2C), to determine the effectiveness of IQACRG in blocking excessive caspase activity. Results. IQACRG significantly reduced NMDA-induced RGC death in culture and in vivo. Ex vivo electrophysiological recording of the retina on multielectrode arrays demonstrated functional rescue of RGCs by IQACRG. The authors also found that delivery of IQACRG to the retina inhibited NMDA-triggered MMP-9 activity and prevented cleavage of MEF2C protein that would otherwise have been engendered by caspase activation preceding RGC death. Strikingly, subconjunctival injection of P-IQACRG was very effective in preventing NMDA-induced RGC death in vivo. Conclusions. These data demonstrate that IQACRG protects RGCs from excitotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. The positive results with subconjunctival administration of P-IQACRG suggest that in the future this treatment may be useful clinically in diseases such as glaucoma and retinal ischemia. PMID:19815732

Myosin IIb-dependent Regulation of Actin Dynamics Is Required for N-Methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Trafficking during Synaptic Plasticity.

PubMed

Bu, Yunfei; Wang, Ning; Wang, Shaoli; Sheng, Tao; Tian, Tian; Chen, Linlin; Pan, Weiwei; Zhu, Minsheng; Luo, Jianhong; Lu, Wei

2015-10-16

N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) synaptic incorporation changes the number of NMDARs at synapses and is thus critical to various NMDAR-dependent brain functions. To date, the molecules involved in NMDAR trafficking and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we report that myosin IIb is an essential molecule in NMDAR synaptic incorporation during PKC- or θ burst stimulation-induced synaptic plasticity. Moreover, we demonstrate that myosin light chain kinase (MLCK)-dependent actin reorganization contributes to NMDAR trafficking. The findings from additional mutual occlusion experiments demonstrate that PKC and MLCK share a common signaling pathway in NMDAR-mediated synaptic regulation. Because myosin IIb is the primary substrate of MLCK and can regulate actin dynamics during synaptic plasticity, we propose that the MLCK- and myosin IIb-dependent regulation of actin dynamics is required for NMDAR trafficking during synaptic plasticity. This study provides important insights into a mechanical framework for understanding NMDAR trafficking associated with synaptic plasticity. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Integration of contextual cues into memory depends on "prefrontal" N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

PubMed

Starosta, Sarah; Bartetzko, Isabelle; Stüttgen, Maik C; Güntürkün, Onur

2017-10-01

Every learning event is embedded in a context, but not always does the context become an integral part of the memory; however, for extinction learning it usually does, resulting in context-specific conditioned responding. The neuronal mechanisms underlying contextual control have been mainly investigated for Pavlovian fear extinction with a focus on hippocampal structures. However, the initial acquisition of novel responses can be subject to contextual control as well, although the neuronal mechanisms are mostly unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that contextual control of acquisition depends on glutamatergic transmission underlying executive functions in forebrain areas, e.g. by shifting attention to critical cues. Thus, we antagonized N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors with 2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (AP5) in the pigeon nidopallium caudolaterale, the functional analogue of mammalian prefrontal cortex, during the concomitant acquisition and extinction of conditioned responding to two different stimuli. This paradigm has previously been shown to lead to contextual control over extinguished as well as non-extinguished responding. NMDA receptor blockade resulted in an impairment of extinction learning, but left the acquisition of responses to a novel stimulus unaffected. Critically, when responses were tested in a different context in the retrieval phase, we observed that NMDA receptor blockade led to the abolishment of contextual control over acquisition performance. This result is predicted by a model describing response inclination as the product of associative strength and contextual gain. In this model, learning under AP5 leads to a change in the contextual gain on the learned association, possibly via the modulation of attentional mechanisms. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Decreased levels of free D-aspartic acid in the forebrain of serine racemase (Srr) knock-out mice.

PubMed

Horio, Mao; Ishima, Tamaki; Fujita, Yuko; Inoue, Ran; Mori, Hisashi; Hashimoto, Kenji

2013-05-01

d-Serine, an endogenous co-agonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is synthesized from l-serine by serine racemase (SRR). A previous study of Srr knockout (Srr-KO) mice showed that levels of d-serine in forebrain regions, such as frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum, but not cerebellum, of mutant mice are significantly lower than those of wild-type (WT) mice, suggesting that SRR is responsible for d-serine production in the forebrain. In this study, we attempted to determine whether SRR affects the level of other amino acids in brain tissue. We found that tissue levels of d-aspartic acid in the forebrains (frontal cortex, hippocampus and striatum) of Srr-KO mice were significantly lower than in WT mice, whereas levels of d-aspartic acid in the cerebellum were not altered. Levels of d-alanine, l-alanine, l-aspartic acid, taurine, asparagine, arginine, threonine, γ-amino butyric acid (GABA) and methionine, remained the same in frontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum of WT and mutant mice. Furthermore, no differences in d-aspartate oxidase (DDO) activity were detected in the forebrains of WT and Srr-KO mice. These results suggest that SRR and/or d-serine may be involved in the production of d-aspartic acid in mouse forebrains, although further detailed studies will be necessary to confirm this finding. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

-HPLC determination of acidic d-amino acids and their N-methyl derivatives in biological tissues

PubMed Central

Tsesarskaia, Mara; Galindo, Erika; Szókán, Gyula; Fisher, George

2015-01-01

d-aspartate (d-Asp) and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) occur in the neuroendocrine systems of vertebrates and invertebrates where they play a role in hormone release and synthesis, neurotransmission, and memory and learning. N-methyl-d-glutamate (NMDG) has also been detected in marine bivalves. Several methods have been used to detect these amino acids, but they require pretreatment of tissue samples with o-phthaldialdehyde (OPA) to remove primary amino acids which interfere with the detection of NMDA and NMDG. We report here a one step derivatization procedure with the chiral reagent N-α-(5-fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-(d or l)-valine amide, FDNP-Val-NH2, a close analog of Marfey’s reagent but with better resolution and higher molar absorptivity. The diastereomers formed are separated by HPLC on an ODS-Hypersil column eluted with TFA/water – TFA/MeCN. UV absorption at 340 nm permits detection levels as low as 5–10 picomoles. D-Asp, NMDA and NMDG peaks are not obscured by other primary or secondary amino acids; hence pretreatment of tissues with OPA is not required. This method is highly reliable and fast (less than 40 minutes HPLC run). Using this method, we have detected D-Asp, NMDA and NMDG in several biological tissues (octopus brain, optical lobe, and bucchal mass; foot and mantle of the mollusk Scapharca broughtonii), confirming the results of other researchers. PMID:19277955

Electron Transfer Dissociation with Supplemental Activation to Differentiate Aspartic and Isoaspartic Residues in Doubly Charged Peptide Cations

PubMed Central

Chan, Wai Yi Kelly; Chan, T. W. Dominic; O’Connor, Peter B.

2011-01-01

Electron-transfer dissociation (ETD) with supplemental activation of the doubly charged deamidated tryptic digested peptide ions allows differentiation of isoaspartic acid and aspartic acid residues using c + 57 or z• − 57 peaks. The diagnostic peak clearly localizes and characterizes the isoaspartic acid residue. Supplemental activation in ETD of the doubly charged peptide ions involves resonant excitation of the charge reduced precursor radical cations and leads to further dissociation, including extra backbone cleavages and secondary fragmentation. Supplemental activation is essential to obtain a high quality ETD spectrum (especially for doubly charged peptide ions) with sequence information. Unfortunately, the low-resolution of the ion trap mass spectrometer makes detection of the diagnostic peak for the aspartic acid residue difficult due to interference with side-chain loss from arginine and glutamic acid residues. PMID:20304674

Functional Adaptation of the N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor to Inhibition by Ethanol Is Modulated by Striatal-Enriched Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase

PubMed Central

Coultrap, Steven J.; Browning, Michael D.; Proctor, William R.

2011-01-01

The hippocampal N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) activity plays important roles in cognition and is a major substrate for ethanol-induced memory dysfunction. This receptor is a glutamate-gated ion channel, which is composed of NR1 and NR2 subunits in various brain areas. Although homomeric NR1 subunits form an active ion channel that conducts Na+ and Ca2+ currents, the incorporation of NR2 subunits allows this channel to be modulated by the Src family of kinases, phosphatases, and by simple molecules such as ethanol. We have found that short-term ethanol application inhibits the NMDAR activity via striatal enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP)-regulated mechanisms. The genetic deletion of the active form of STEP, STEP61, leads to marked attenuation of ethanol inhibition of NMDAR currents. In addition, STEP61 negatively regulates Fyn and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), and these proteins are members of the NMDAR super molecular complex. Here we demonstrate, using whole-cell electrophysiological recording, Western blot analysis, and pharmacological manipulations, that neurons exposed to a 3-h, 45 mM ethanol treatment develop an adaptive attenuation of short-term ethanol inhibition of NMDAR currents in brain slices. Our results suggest that this adaptation of NMDAR responses is associated with a partial inactivation of STEP61, an activation of p38 MAPK, and a requirement for NR2B activity. Together, these data indicate that altered STEP61 and p38 MAPK signaling contribute to the modulation of ethanol inhibition of NMDARs in brain neurons. PMID:21680777

Agmatine protects Müller cells from high-concentration glucose-induced cell damage via N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor inhibition

PubMed Central

HAN, NING; YU, LI; SONG, ZHIDU; LUO, LIFU; WU, YAZHEN

2015-01-01

Neural injury is associated with the development of diabetic retinopathy. Müller cells provide structural and metabolic support for retinal neurons. High glucose concentrations are known to induce Müller cell activity. Agmatine is an endogenous polyamine, which is enzymatically formed in the mammalian brain and has exhibited neuroprotective effects in a number of experimental models. The aims of the present study were to investigate whether agmatine protects Müller cells from glucose-induced damage and to explore the mechanisms underlying this process. Lactate dehydrogenase activity and tumor necrosis factor-α mRNA expression were significantly reduced in Müller cells exposed to a high glucose concentration, following agmatine treatment, compared with cells not treated with agmatine. In addition, agmatine treatment inhibited glucose-induced Müller cell apoptosis, which was associated with the regulation of Bax and Bcl-2 expression. Agmatine treatment suppressed glucose-induced phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein in Müller cells. The present study demonstrated that the protective effects of agmatine on Müller cells were inhibited by N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA). The results of the present study suggested that agmatine treatment protects Müller cells from high-concentration glucose-induced cell damage. The underlying mechanisms may relate to the anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects of agmatine, as well as to the inhibition of the MAPK pathway, via NMDA receptor suppression. Agmatine may be of use in the development of novel therapeutic approaches for patients with diabetic retinopathy. PMID:25816073

Acute Ethanol Exposure Prevents PMA-mediated Augmentation of N-methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Function in Primary Cultured Cerebellar Granule Cells

PubMed Central

Reneau, Jason; Reyland, Mary E.; Popp, R. Lisa

2011-01-01

Many intracellular proteins and signaling cascades contribute to the ethanol sensitivity of native N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). One putative protein is the serine / threonine kinase, Protein kinase C (PKC). The purpose of this study was to assess if PKC modulates the ethanol sensitivity of native NMDARs expressed in primary cultured cerebellar granule cells (CGCs). With the whole-cell patch-clamp technique, we assessed if ethanol inhibition of NMDA-induced currents (INMDA) (100 μM NMDA plus 10 μM glycine) were altered in CGCs in which the novel and classical PKC isoforms were activated by phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA). Percent inhibition by 10, 50 or 100 mM ethanol of NMDA-induced steady-state (ISS) or peak current amplitudes (IPk) of NMDARs expressed in CGCs in which PKC was activated by a 12.5 min, 100 nM PMA exposure at 37° C did not differ from currents obtained from receptors contained in control cells. However, PMA-mediated augmentation of IPk in the absence of ethanol was abolished after brief applications of 10 or 1 mM ethanol co-applied with agonists, and this suppression of enhanced receptor function was observed for up to eight minutes post-ethanol exposure. Because we had previously shown that PMA-mediated augmentation of INMDA of NMDARs expressed in these cells is by activation of PKCα, we assessed the effect of ethanol (1, 10, 50 and 100 mM) on PKCα activity. Ethanol decreased PKCα activity by 18% for 1 mM ethanol and activity decreased with increasing ethanol concentrations with a 50% inhibition observed with 100 mM ethanol. The data suggest that ethanol disruption of PMA-mediated augmentation of INMDA may be due to a decrease in PKCα activity by ethanol. However, given the incomplete blockade of PKCα activity and the low concentration of ethanol at which this phenomenon is observed, other ethanol-sensitive signaling cascades must also be involved. PMID:21624785

Ibogaine attenuation of morphine withdrawal in mice: role of glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

PubMed

Leal, Mirna Bainy; Michelin, Kátia; Souza, Diogo Onofre; Elisabetsky, Elaine

2003-08-01

Ibogaine (IBO) is an alkaloid with putative antiaddictive properties, alleviating opiates dependence and withdrawal. The glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors have been implicated in the physiological basis of drug addiction; accordingly, IBO acts as a noncompetitive NMDA antagonist. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of IBO on naloxone-induced withdrawal syndrome in morphine-dependent mice, focusing on the role of NMDA receptors. Jumping, a major behavioral expression of such withdrawal, was significantly (P<.01) inhibited by IBO (40 and 80 mg/kg, 64.2% and 96.9% inhibition, respectively) and MK-801 (0.15 and 0.30 mg/kg, 67.3% and 97.7%, respectively) given prior to naloxone. Coadministration of the lower doses of IBO (40 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.15 mg/kg) results in 94.7% inhibition of jumping, comparable to the effects of higher doses of either IBO or MK-801. IBO and MK-801 also significantly inhibited NMDA-induced (99.0% and 71.0%, respectively) jumping when given 30 min (but not 24 h) prior to NMDA in nonaddictive mice. There were no significant differences in [3H]MK-801 binding to cortical membranes from naive animals, morphine-dependent animals, or morphine-dependent animals treated with IBO or MK-801. This study provides further evidence that IBO does have an inhibitory effect on opiate withdrawal symptoms and suggests that the complex process resulting in morphine withdrawal includes an IBO-sensitive functional and transitory alteration of NMDA receptor.

Prolonged ketamine exposure induces increased activity of the GluN2B-containing N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex of neonatal rats.

PubMed

Kokane, Saurabh S; Gong, Kerui; Jin, Jianhui; Lin, Qing

2017-09-01

Ketamine is a commonly used anesthetic among pediatric patients due to its high efficacy. However, it has been demonstrated by several preclinical studies that, widespread accelerated programmed death of neurons (neuroapoptosis) occurs due to prolonged or repeated exposure to ketamine specifically in the neonatal brain. Therefore, an emphasis on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying this selective vulnerability of the neonatal brain to ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis becomes important in order to identify potential therapeutic targets, which would help prevent or at least ameliorate this neuroapoptosis. In this study, we demonstrated that repeated ketamine administration (6 injections of 20mg/kg dose given over 12h time period) in neonatal (postnatal day 7; PND 7) Sprague-Dawley rats induced a progressive increase in N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in the neurons of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) for up to 6h after the last ketamine dose. Specifically, we observed that the increased EPSCs were largely mediated by GluN2B-containing NMDARs in the neurons of the ACC. Along with increased synaptic transmission, there was also a significant increase in the expression of the GluN2B-containing NMDARs as well. Taken together, these results showed that after repeated exposure to ketamine, the synaptic transmission mediated by GluN2B-containing NMDARs was significantly increased in the neonatal brain. This was significant as it showed for the first time that ketamine had subunit-specific effects on GluN2B-containing NMDARs, potentially implicating the involvement of these subunits in the increased vulnerability of immature neurons of the neonatal brain to ketamine-induced neuroapoptosis. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Hyperpolarization-activated cation channels in fast-spiking interneurons of rat hippocampus

PubMed Central

Aponte, Yexica; Lien, Cheng-Chang; Reisinger, Ellen; Jonas, Peter

2006-01-01

Hyperpolarization-activated channels (Ih or HCN channels) are widely expressed in principal neurons in the central nervous system. However, Ih in inhibitory GABAergic interneurons is less well characterized. We examined the functional properties of Ih in fast-spiking basket cells (BCs) of the dentate gyrus, using hippocampal slices from 17- to 21-day-old rats. Bath application of the Ih channel blocker ZD 7288 at a concentration of 30 μm induced a hyperpolarization of 5.7 ± 1.5 mV, an increase in input resistance and a correlated increase in apparent membrane time constant. ZD 7288 blocked a hyperpolarization-activated current in a concentration-dependent manner (IC50, 1.4 μm). The effects of ZD 7288 were mimicked by external Cs+. The reversal potential of Ih was −27.4 mV, corresponding to a Na+ to K+ permeability ratio (PNa/PK) of 0.36. The midpoint potential of the activation curve of Ih was −83.9 mV, and the activation time constant at −120 mV was 190 ms. Single-cell expression analysis using reverse transcription followed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction revealed that BCs coexpress HCN1 and HCN2 subunit mRNA, suggesting the formation of heteromeric HCN1/2 channels. ZD 7288 increased the current threshold for evoking antidromic action potentials by extracellular stimulation, consistent with the expression of Ih in BC axons. Finally, ZD 7288 decreased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) in hippocampal granule cells, the main target cells of BCs, to 70 ± 4% of the control value. In contrast, the amplitude of mIPSCs was unchanged, consistent with the presence of Ih in inhibitory terminals. In conclusion, our results suggest that Ih channels are expressed in the somatodendritic region, axon and presynaptic elements of fast-spiking BCs in the hippocampus. PMID:16690716

Role of Autoantibodies to N-Methyl-d-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor in Relapsing Herpes Simplex Encephalitis: A Retrospective, One-Center Experience.

PubMed

Sutcu, Murat; Akturk, Hacer; Somer, Ayper; Tatli, Burak; Torun, Selda Hancerli; Yıldız, Edibe Pembegul; Şık, Guntulu; Citak, Agop; Agacfidan, Ali; Salman, Nuran

2016-03-01

Post-herpes simplex virus encephalitis relapses have been recently associated with autoimmunity driven by autoantibodies against N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. Because it offers different treatment options, determination of this condition is important. Between 2011 and 2014, 7 children with proven diagnosis of herpes simplex virus encephalitis were identified in a university hospital of Istanbul. Two patients had neurologic relapse characterized mainly by movement disorders 2 to 3 weeks after initial encephalitis. The first patient received a second 14 days of acyclovir treatment together with antiepileptic drugs and left with severe neurologic sequelae. The second patient was found to be NMDA receptors antibody positive in the cerebrospinal fluid. She was treated with intravenous immunoglobulin and prednisolone. She showed substantial improvement, gradually regaining lost neurologic abilities. Post-herpes simplex virus encephalitis relapses may frequently be immune-mediated rather than a viral reactivation, particularly in children displaying movement disorders like choreoathetosis. Immunotherapy may provide benefit for this potentially devastating condition, like the case described in this report. © The Author(s) 2015.

Low K+-induced hyperpolarizations trigger transient depolarizations and action potentials in rabbit ventricular myocytes

PubMed Central

Akuzawa-Tateyama, M; Tateyama, M; Ochi, R

1998-01-01

The effects of large reductions of [K+]o on membrane potential were studied in isolated rabbit ventricular myocytes using the whole-cell patch clamp technique.Decreasing [K+]o from the normal level of 5.4 mm to 0.1 mm increased resting membrane potential (Vrest) from −75.6 ± 0.3 to −140.3 ± 1.9 mV (means ± s.e.m; n = 127), induced irregular, transient depolarizations with mean maximal amplitudes of 19.5 ± 1.5 mV and elicited action potentials in 56.7 % of trials. The action potentials exhibited overshoots of 37.9 ± 1.5 mV (n = 72) and sustained plateaux.Addition of 0.1 mm La3+ in the presence of 0.1 mm[K+]o significantly increased Vrest but decreased the amplitude of transient depolarizations and suppressed the firing of action potentials.Replacement of external Na+ or Cl− with N-methyl-D-glucamine or aspartate, respectively, or internal dialysis with 10 mm EGTA or BAPTA had little effect on low [K+]o-induced membrane potential changes.Hyperpolarizing voltage clamp pulses to potentials between −110 and −200 mV activated irregular inward currents that increased in amplitude and frequency with increasing hyperpolarization and were depressed by 0.1 mm La3+.The generation of transient depolarizations by low [K+]o can be explained as being a consequence of decreasing the inward rectifier K+ current (IK1) and the appearance of inward currents reflecting electroporation resulting from strong electric fields across the membrane. PMID:9824717

Non-conventional apoptotic response to ionising radiation mediated by N-methyl D-aspartate receptors in immature neuronal cells

PubMed Central

SAMARI, NADA; DE SAINT-GEORGES, LOUIS; PANI, GIUSEPPE; BAATOUT, SARAH; LEYNS, LUC; BENOTMANE, MOHAMMED ABDERRAFI

2013-01-01

During cortical development, N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are highly involved in neuronal maturation and synapse establishment. Their implication in the phenomenon of excitotoxicity has been extensively described in several neurodegenerative diseases due to the permissive entry of Ca2+ ions and massive accumulation in the intracellular compartment, which is highly toxic to cells. Ionising radiation is also a source of stress to the cells, particularly immature neurons. Their capacity to induce cell death has been described for various cell types either by directly damaging the DNA or indirectly through the generation of reactive oxygen species responsible for the activation of a battery of stress response effectors leading in certain cases, to cell death. In this study, in order to determine whether a link exists between NMDA receptors-mediated excitotoxicity and radiation-induced cell death, we evaluated radiation-induced cell death in vitro and in vivo in maturing neurons during the fetal period. Cell death induction was assessed by TUNEL, caspase-3 activity and DNA ladder assays, with or without the administration of dizocilpine (MK-801), a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist which blocks neuronal Ca2+ influx. To further investigate the possible involvement of Ca2+-dependent enzyme activation, known to occur at high Ca2+ concentrations, we examined the protective effect of a calpain inhibitor on cell death induced by radiation. Doses ranging from 0.2 to 0.6 Gy of X-rays elicited a clear apoptotic response that was prevented by the injection of dizocilpine (MK-801) or calpain inhibitor. These data demonstrate the involvement of NMDA receptors in radiation-induced neuronal death by the activation of downstream effectors, including calpain-related pathways. An increased apoptotic process elicited by radiation, occurring independently of the normal developmental scheme, may eliminate post-mitotic but immature neuronal cells and deeply impair the

Design of a 15N Molecular Unit to Achieve Long Retention of Hyperpolarized Spin State

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nonaka, Hiroshi; Hirano, Masashi; Imakura, Yuki; Takakusagi, Yoichi; Ichikawa, Kazuhiro; Sando, Shinsuke

2017-01-01

Nuclear hyperpolarization is a phenomenon that can be used to improve the sensitivity of magnetic resonance molecular sensors. However, such sensors typically suffer from short hyperpolarization lifetime. Herein we report that [15N, D14]trimethylphenylammonium (TMPA) has a remarkably long spin-lattice relaxation time (1128 s, 14.1 T, 30 °C, D2O) on its 15N nuclei and achieves a long retention of the hyperpolarized state. [15N, D14]TMPA-based hyperpolarized sensor for carboxylesterase allowed the highly sensitive analysis of enzymatic reaction by 15N NMR for over 40 min in phophate-buffered saline (H2O, pH 7.4, 37 °C).

Basally activated nonselective cation currents regulate the resting membrane potential in human and monkey colonic smooth muscle

PubMed Central

Dwyer, Laura; Rhee, Poong-Lyul; Lowe, Vanessa; Zheng, Haifeng; Peri, Lauren; Ro, Seungil; Sanders, Kenton M.

2011-01-01

Resting membrane potential (RMP) plays an important role in determining the basal excitability of gastrointestinal smooth muscle. The RMP in colonic muscles is significantly less negative than the equilibrium potential of K+, suggesting that it is regulated not only by K+ conductances but by inward conductances such as Na+ and/or Ca2+. We investigated the contribution of nonselective cation channels (NSCC) to the RMP in human and monkey colonic smooth muscle cells (SMC) using voltage- and current-clamp techniques. Qualitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction was performed to examine potential molecular candidates for these channels among the transient receptor potential (TRP) channel superfamily. Spontaneous transient inward currents and holding currents were recorded in human and monkey SMC. Replacement of extracellular Na+ with equimolar tetraethylammonium or Ca2+ with Mn2+ inhibited basally activated nonselective cation currents. Trivalent cations inhibited these channels. Under current clamp, replacement of extracellular Na+ with N-methyl-d-glucamine or addition of trivalent cations caused hyperpolarization. Three unitary conductances of NSCC were observed in human and monkey colonic SMC. Molecular candidates for basally active NSCC were TRPC1, C3, C4, C7, M2, M4, M6, M7, V1, and V2 in human and monkey SMC. Comparison of the biophysical properties of these TRP channels with basally active NSCC (bINSCC) suggests that TRPM4 and specific TRPC heteromultimer combinations may underlie the three single-channel conductances of bINSCC. In conclusion, these findings suggest that basally activated NSCC contribute to the RMP in human and monkey colonic SMC and therefore may play an important role in determining basal excitability of colonic smooth muscle. PMID:21566016

Investigation of antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like actions and cognitive and motor side effects of four N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists in mice.

PubMed

Refsgaard, Louise K; Pickering, Darryl S; Andreasen, Jesper T

2017-02-01

Evidence suggests that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonists could be efficacious in treating depression and anxiety, but side effects constitute a challenge. This study evaluated the antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like actions, and cognitive and motor side effects of four NMDAR antagonists. MK-801, ketamine, S-ketamine, RO 25-6981 and the positive control, citalopram, were tested for antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects in mice using the forced-swim test, the elevated zero maze and the novelty-induced hypophagia test. Side effects were assessed using a locomotor activity test, the modified Y-maze and the rotarod test. All compounds increased swim distance in the forced-swim test. In the elevated zero maze, the GluN2B subtype-selective RO 25-6981 affected none of the measured parameters, whereas all other compounds showed anxiolytic-like effects. In the novelty-induced hypophagia test, citalopram and MK-801 showed anxiogenic-like action. All NMDAR antagonists induced hyperactivity. The high doses of ketamine and MK-801 impaired performance in the modified Y-maze test, whereas S-ketamine and RO 25-6891 showed no effects in this test. Only MK-801 impaired rotarod performance. The study supports that NMDARs could be a possible therapeutic target for treating depression and anxiety. However, selective antagonism of GluN2B subunit-containing NMDARs showed no effect on anxiety-like behaviours in this study.

Direct binding of Toll-like receptor 4 to ionotropic glutamate receptor N-methyl-D-aspartate subunit 1 induced by lipopolysaccharide in microglial cells N9 and EOC 20.

PubMed

Cui, Jie; Yu, Siyuan; Li, Yihui; Li, Pan; Liu, Feng

2018-03-01

Microglia, the primary immune cells in the brain, are the predominant cells regulating inflammation-mediated neuronal damage. In response to immunological challenges, such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS), microglia are activated and the inflammatory process is subsequently initiated. The aim of the present study was to determine whether LPS induces interactions between the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the ionotropic glutamate receptor N-methyl-D‑aspartate subunit 1 (GluN1) in N9 and EOC 20 microglial cells. Immunocytochemistry demonstrated co-localization of TLR4 and GluN1 in response to LPS, and the direct binding of TLR4 and GluN1 was further validated by antibody-based Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer technology. Inhibition of the group I metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 with its selective antagonist, MTEP, abolished LPS-induced direct binding of TLR4 to GluN1. Therefore, these data demonstrated that GluN1 and TLR4 act reciprocally in response to LPS in N9 and EOC 20 microglial cells.

Roles of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors during the sensory stimulation-evoked field potential responses in mouse cerebellar cortical molecular layer.

PubMed

Xu, Yin-Hua; Zhang, Guang-Jian; Zhao, Jing-Tong; Chu, Chun-Ping; Li, Yu-Zi; Qiu, De-Lai

2017-11-01

The functions of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) in cerebellar cortex have been widely studied under in vitro condition, but their roles during the sensory stimulation-evoked responses in the cerebellar cortical molecular layer in living animals are currently unclear. We here investigated the roles of NMDARs during the air-puff stimulation on ipsilateral whisker pad-evoked field potential responses in cerebellar cortical molecular layer in urethane-anesthetized mice by electrophysiological recording and pharmacological methods. Our results showed that cerebellar surface administration of NMDA induced a dose-dependent decrease in amplitude of the facial stimulation-evoked inhibitory responses (P1) in the molecular layer, accompanied with decreases in decay time, half-width and area under curve (AUC) of P1. The IC 50 of NMDA induced inhibition in amplitude of P1 was 46.5μM. In addition, application of NMDA induced significant increases in the decay time, half-width and AUC values of the facial stimulation-evoked excitatory responses (N1) in the molecular layer. Application of an NMDAR blocker, D-APV (250μM) abolished the facial stimulation-evoked P1 in the molecular layer. These results suggested that NMDARs play a critical role during the sensory information processing in cerebellar cortical molecular layer in vivo in mice. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

N-methyl-D-aspartate increases acetylcholine release from rat striatum and cortex: its effect is augmented by choline

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Ulus, I. H.; Buyukuysal, R. L.; Wurtman, R. J.

1992-01-01

We examined the effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), a glutamate agonist, and of glutamate itself, on acetylcholine (ACh) release from superfused rat striatal slices. In a Mg(++)-free medium, NMDA (32-1000 microM) as well as glutamate (1 mM) increased basal ACh release by 35 to 100% (all indicated differences, P less than .05), without altering tissue ACh or choline contents. This augmentation was blocked by Mg++ (1.2 mM) or by MK-801 (10 microM). Electrical stimulation (15 Hz, 75 mA) increased ACh release 9-fold (from 400 to 3660 pmol/mg of protein): this was enhanced (to 4850 pmol/mg of protein) by NMDA (100 microM). ACh levels in stimulated slices fell by 50 or 65% depending on the absence or presence of NMDA. The addition of choline (40 microM) increased ACh release both basally (570 pmol/mg of protein) and with electrical stimulation (6900 pmol/mg of protein). In stimulated slices choline acted synergistically with NMDA, raising ACh release to 10,520 pmol/mg of protein. The presence of choline also blocked the fall in tissue ACh. No treatment affected tissue phospholipid or protein levels. NMDA (32-320 microM) also augmented basal ACh release from cortical but not hippocampal slices. Choline efflux from striatal and cortical (but not hippocampal) slices decreased by 34 to 50% in Mg(++)-free medium. These data indicate that NMDA-like drugs may be useful, particularly in combination with choline, to enhance striatal and cortical cholinergic activity. ACh release from rat hippocampus apparently is not affected by NMDA receptors.

Control of βAR- and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) Receptor-Dependent cAMP Dynamics in Hippocampal Neurons

PubMed Central

Chay, Andrew; Zamparo, Ilaria; Koschinski, Andreas; Zaccolo, Manuela; Blackwell, Kim T.

2016-01-01

Norepinephrine, a neuromodulator that activates β-adrenergic receptors (βARs), facilitates learning and memory as well as the induction of synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus. Several forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the Schaffer collateral CA1 synapse require stimulation of both βARs and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). To understand the mechanisms mediating the interactions between βAR and NMDAR signaling pathways, we combined FRET imaging of cAMP in hippocampal neuron cultures with spatial mechanistic modeling of signaling pathways in the CA1 pyramidal neuron. Previous work implied that cAMP is synergistically produced in the presence of the βAR agonist isoproterenol and intracellular calcium. In contrast, we show that when application of isoproterenol precedes application of NMDA by several minutes, as is typical of βAR-facilitated LTP experiments, the average amplitude of the cAMP response to NMDA is attenuated compared with the response to NMDA alone. Models simulations suggest that, although the negative feedback loop formed by cAMP, cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA), and type 4 phosphodiesterase may be involved in attenuating the cAMP response to NMDA, it is insufficient to explain the range of experimental observations. Instead, attenuation of the cAMP response requires mechanisms upstream of adenylyl cyclase. Our model demonstrates that Gs-to-Gi switching due to PKA phosphorylation of βARs as well as Gi inhibition of type 1 adenylyl cyclase may underlie the experimental observations. This suggests that signaling by β-adrenergic receptors depends on temporal pattern of stimulation, and that switching may represent a novel mechanism for recruiting kinases involved in synaptic plasticity and memory. PMID:26901880

Evidence for a causative role of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in an in vitro model of alcohol withdrawal hyperexcitability.

PubMed

Thomas, M P; Monaghan, D T; Morrisett, R A

1998-10-01

Synaptic mechanisms underlying hyperexcitability due to withdrawal from chronic ethanol exposure were investigated in a hippocampal explant model system using electrophysiological techniques. Whole-cell voltage clamp recordings from CA1 pyramidal cells demonstrated that acute ethanol exposure inhibited N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents by over 40%. Chronic ethanol exposure for 6 to 11 days at 35 or 75 mM induced no differences from control explants in the fast component of the population synaptic response (non-NMDAR-mediated). Prolonged field potential recordings (to 10 hr) were used to monitor the withdrawal process in vitro. Ethanol-exposed explants from both 35 and 75 mM groups displayed an increase (60% and 89%, respectively) in the NMDAR-mediated component of synaptic transmission on withdrawal from chronic exposure. Prolonged tonic-clonic electrographic seizure activity was consistently observed after ethanol withdrawal only after the increase in NMDAR function. This hyperexcitability was inhibited by the NMDAR antagonist D-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid and returned once the NMDAR component was reestablished after antagonist washout. In situ hybridization studies suggest that expression of NR2B subunit mRNA may be enhanced in explants after chronic ethanol exposure. No lasting differences were observed in the NMDAR component after acute in vitro ethanol exposure and withdrawal. These data suggest that the occurance of ethanol withdrawal hyperexcitability in this system may be directly dependent on alterations in NMDAR function after chronic exposure. Since this region and others that contain ethanol sensitive NMDARs may serve as epileptic foci, long term alterations in NMDAR function may be expected to generate paroxysmal depolarizing shifts underlying ictal events after withdrawal from ethanol exposure.

Ovarian Teratoma Associated with Coexisting Anti-N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor and Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Autoimmune Meningoencephalitis in an Adolescent Girl: A Case Report.

PubMed

Martin, Alexandra L; Jolliffe, Evan; Hertweck, S Paige

2018-06-01

Ovarian teratomas are rarely associated with paraneoplastic autoimmune meningoencephalitis. In addition to the well known N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) antibody, the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody is a novel biomarker of autoimmune meningoencephalitis that might be seen in patients with ovarian teratoma. A 13-year-old girl with acute-onset meningoencephalitis and incidental finding of ovarian teratoma was found to have coexisting anti-NMDA-R and GFAP antibodies present in her cerebrospinal fluid. NMDA-R and GFAP autoimmune encephalitis should be considered in adolescent patients with neurologic or psychiatric symptoms and an ovarian teratoma. Prompt diagnosis and surgical resection increase the likelihood of full neurologic recovery. Copyright © 2017 North American Society for Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Does anesthetic additivity imply a similar molecular mechanism of anesthetic action at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors?

PubMed

Brosnan, Robert J; Pham, Trung L

2011-03-01

Isoflurane and carbon dioxide (CO(2)) negatively modulate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, but via different mechanisms. Isoflurane is a competitive antagonist at the NMDA receptor glycine binding site, whereas CO(2) inhibits NMDA receptor current through extracellular acidification. Isoflurane and CO(2) exhibit additive minimum alveolar concentration effects in rats, but we hypothesized that they would not additively inhibit NMDA receptor currents in vitro because they act at different molecular sites. NMDA receptors were expressed in frog oocytes and studied using 2-electrode voltage clamp techniques. A glycine concentration response for NMDA was measured in the presence and absence of CO(2). Concentration-response curves for isoflurane, H(+), CO(2), and ketamine as a function of NMDA inhibition were measured, and a Hill equation was used to calculate the EC(50) for each compound. Binary drug combinations containing ½ EC(50) were additive if NMDA current inhibition was not statistically different from 50%. The ½ EC(50) binary drug combinations decreased the percentage baseline NMDA receptor current as follows (mean ± SD, n = 5 to 6 oocytes each): CO(2)+ H(+) (51% ± 5%), CO(2 )+ isoflurane (54% ± 5%), H(+) + isoflurane (51% ± 3%), CO(2)+ ketamine (67% ± 8%), and H(+) + ketamine (64% ± 2%). In contrast to our hypothesis, NMDA receptor inhibition by CO(2) and isoflurane is additive. Possibly, CO(2) acidification modulates a pH-sensitive loop on the NMDA receptor that in turn alters glycine binding affinity on the GluN1 subunit. However, ketamine plus either CO(2) or H(+) synergistically inhibits NMDA receptor currents. Drugs acting via different mechanisms can thus exhibit additive or synergistic receptor effects. Additivity may not robustly indicate commonality between molecular anesthetic mechanisms.

Epileptogenesis causes an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor/Ca2+-dependent decrease in Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity in a hippocampal neuronal culture model of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges.

PubMed

Blair, Robert E; Sombati, Sompong; Churn, Severn B; Delorenzo, Robert J

2008-06-24

Alterations in the function of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM kinase II) have been observed in both in vivo and in vitro models of epileptogenesis; however the molecular mechanism mediating the effects of epileptogenesis on CaM kinase II has not been elucidated. This study was initiated to evaluate the molecular pathways involved in causing the long-lasting decrease in CaM kinase II activity in the hippocampal neuronal culture model of low Mg2+-induced spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs). We show here that the decrease in CaM kinase II activity associated with SREDs in hippocampal cultures involves a Ca2+/N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent mechanism. Low Mg2+-induced SREDs result in a significant decrease in Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent substrate phosphorylation of the synthetic peptide autocamtide-2. Reduction of extracellular Ca2+ levels (0.2 mM in treatment solution) or the addition of dl-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) 25 microM blocked the low Mg2+-induced decrease in CaM kinase II-dependent substrate phosphorylation. Antagonists of the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainic acid receptor or L-type voltage sensitive Ca2+ channel had no effect on the low Mg2+-induced decrease in CaM kinase II-dependent substrate phosphorylation. The results of this study demonstrate that the decrease in CaM kinase II activity associated with this model of epileptogenesis involves a selective Ca2+/NMDA receptor-dependent mechanism and may contribute to the production and maintenance of SREDs in this model.

Epileptogenesis causes an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor/Ca2+-dependent decrease in Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II activity in a hippocampal neuronal culture model of spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges

PubMed Central

Blair, Robert E.; Sombati, Sompong; Churn, Severn B.; DeLorenzo, Robert J.

2008-01-01

Alterations in the function of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaM Kinase II) have been observed in both in vivo and in vitro models of epileptogenesis; however the molecular mechanism mediating the effects of epileptogenesis on CaM Kinase II have not been elucidated. This study was initiated to evaluate the molecular pathways involved in causing the long lasting decrease in CaM Kinase II activity in the hippocampal neuronal culture model of low Mg2+ induced spontaneous recurrent epileptiform discharges (SREDs). We show here that the decrease in CaM kinase II activity associated with SREDs in hippocampal cultures involves a Ca2+/N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-dependent mechanism. Low Mg2+ induced SREDs results in a significant decrease in Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent substrate phosphorylation of the synthetic peptide autocamtide-2. Reduction of extracellular Ca2+ levels (0.2 mM in treatment solution) or the addition of DL-2-amino-5-phosphonovaleric acid (APV) 25 µM blocked the low Mg2+ induced decrease in CaM kinase II-dependent substrate phosphorylation. Antagonists of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA)/kainic acid receptor or L-type voltage sensitive Ca2+ channel had no effect on the low Mg2+ induced decrease in CaM kinase II-dependent substrate phosphorylation. The results of this study demonstrate that the decrease in CaM kinase II activity associated with this model of epileptogenesis involves a selective Ca2+/NMDA receptor-dependent mechanism and may contribute to the production and maintenance of SREDs in this model. PMID:18495112

Probing alanine transaminase catalysis with hyperpolarized 13CD3-pyruvate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Barb, A. W.; Hekmatyar, S. K.; Glushka, J. N.; Prestegard, J. H.

2013-03-01

Hyperpolarized metabolites offer a tremendous sensitivity advantage (>104 fold) when measuring flux and enzyme activity in living tissues by magnetic resonance methods. These sensitivity gains can also be applied to mechanistic studies that impose time and metabolite concentration limitations. Here we explore the use of hyperpolarization by dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) in mechanistic studies of alanine transaminase (ALT), a well-established biomarker of liver disease and cancer that converts pyruvate to alanine using glutamate as a nitrogen donor. A specific deuterated, 13C-enriched analog of pyruvic acid, 13C3D3-pyruvic acid, is demonstrated to have advantages in terms of detection by both direct 13C observation and indirect observation through methyl protons introduced by ALT-catalyzed H-D exchange. Exchange on injecting hyperpolarized 13C3D3-pyruvate into ALT dissolved in buffered 1H2O, combined with an experimental approach to measure proton incorporation, provided information on mechanistic details of transaminase action on a 1.5 s timescale. ALT introduced, on average, 0.8 new protons into the methyl group of the alanine produced, indicating the presence of an off-pathway enamine intermediate. The opportunities for exploiting mechanism-dependent molecular signatures as well as indirect detection of hyperpolarized 13C3-pyruvate and products in imaging applications are discussed.

Anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis during pregnancy: Clinical analysis of reported cases.

PubMed

Shi, Yan-Chao; Chen, Xiu-Ju; Zhang, Hong-Mei; Wang, Zhen; Du, Da-Yong

2017-06-01

To analyze the clinical features of 13 pregnant patients with anti-N-Methyl-d-Aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Retrospective review of thirteen reported cases was conducted for anti-NMDAR encephalitis patients during pregnancy. The clinical data were collected from papers published in PubMed prior to 16 February 2016. Statistical analysis of the data was performed, which encompasses the patients' age, past medical history, onset of symptoms, concomitant with ovarian teratomas, immunotherapy, outcomes of mothers and newborns. Thirteen cases were reported in 11 articles with a median age of 23 (interquartile range, 19-27) years old. There were eight cases in which the onset periods of gestation happened in the first trimester and five cases in the second trimester. Among 13 cases, five patients had a past medical history, one concomitant with autoimmune Graves' hyperthyroidism, one with bilateral ovarian teratomas removed history, one with anti-NMDAR encephalitis five years before pregnancy and two with psychiatric symptoms. Five patients were found with ovarian teratomas. Seven patients responded to first-line immunotherapy whereas all of two patients responded to second-line immunotherapy when the first-line immunotherapy failed. Following up all the 13 patients, most experienced a substantial recovery, except one had spasticity and dystonia in one hand, and one died of a superimposed infection. Three fetuses were miscarried or aborted in total. Most newborns were healthy, except two cases (2/10) with abnormal neurologic signs. Clinical analysis of the data indicates that most patients respond to first-line immunotherapy. A second-line immunotherapy is effective when first-line immunotherapy fails. It has also been found that most mothers and newborns can have good outcomes. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier B.V.

A role for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in norepinephrine-induced long-lasting potentiation in the dentate gyrus.

PubMed

Stanton, P K; Mody, I; Heinemann, U

1989-01-01

Mechanisms of action of norepinephrine (NE) on dentate gyrus granule cells were studied in rat hippocampal slices using extra- and intracellular recordings and measurements of stimulus and amino acid-induced changes in extracellular Ca2+ and K+ concentration. Bath application of NE (10-50 microM) induced long-lasting potentiation of perforant path evoked potentials, and markedly enhanced high-frequency stimulus-induced Ca2+ influx and K+ efflux, actions blocked by beta-receptor antagonists and mimicked by beta agonists. Enhanced Ca2+ influx was primarily postsynaptic, since presynaptic delta [Ca2+]o in the stratum moleculare synaptic field was not altered by NE. Interestingly, the potentiation of both ionic fluxes and evoked population potentials were antagonized by the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV). Furthermore, NE selectively enhanced the delta [Ca2+]o delta [K+]o and extracellular slow negative field potentials elicited by iontophoretically applied NMDA, but not those induced by the excitatory amino acid quisqualate. These results suggest that granule cell influx of Ca2+ through NMDA ionophores is enhanced by NE via beta-receptor activation. In intracellular recordings, NE depolarized granule cells (4.8 +/- 1.1 mV), and increased input resistance (RN) by 34 +/- 6.5%. These actions were also blocked by either the beta-antagonist propranolol or specific beta 1-blocker metoprolol. Moreover, the depolarization and RN increase persisted for long periods (93 +/- 12 min) after NE washout. In contrast, while NE, in the presence of APV, still depolarized granule cells and increased RN, APV made these actions quickly reversible upon NE washout (16 +/- 9 min). This suggested that NE induction of long-term, but not short-term, plasticity in the dentate gyrus requires NMDA receptor activation. NE may be enhancing granule cell firing by some combination of blockade on the late Ca2+-activated K+ conductance and depolarization

Prediction of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor GluN1-Ligand Binding Affinity by a Novel SVM-Pose/SVM-Score Combinatorial Ensemble Docking Scheme.

PubMed

Leong, Max K; Syu, Ren-Guei; Ding, Yi-Lung; Weng, Ching-Feng

2017-01-06

The glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN1 is a potential pharmacological target for neurodegenerative disorders. A novel combinatorial ensemble docking scheme using ligand and protein conformation ensembles and customized support vector machine (SVM)-based models to select the docked pose and to predict the docking score was generated for predicting the NMDAR GluN1-ligand binding affinity. The predicted root mean square deviation (RMSD) values in pose by SVM-Pose models were found to be in good agreement with the observed values (n = 30, r 2  = 0.928-0.988,  = 0.894-0.954, RMSE = 0.002-0.412, s = 0.001-0.214), and the predicted pK i values by SVM-Score were found to be in good agreement with the observed values for the training samples (n = 24, r 2  = 0.967,  = 0.899, RMSE = 0.295, s = 0.170) and test samples (n = 13, q 2  = 0.894, RMSE = 0.437, s = 0.202). When subjected to various statistical validations, the developed SVM-Pose and SVM-Score models consistently met the most stringent criteria. A mock test asserted the predictivity of this novel docking scheme. Collectively, this accurate novel combinatorial ensemble docking scheme can be used to predict the NMDAR GluN1-ligand binding affinity for facilitating drug discovery.

Prediction of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor GluN1-Ligand Binding Affinity by a Novel SVM-Pose/SVM-Score Combinatorial Ensemble Docking Scheme

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Leong, Max K.; Syu, Ren-Guei; Ding, Yi-Lung; Weng, Ching-Feng

2017-01-01

The glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN1 is a potential pharmacological target for neurodegenerative disorders. A novel combinatorial ensemble docking scheme using ligand and protein conformation ensembles and customized support vector machine (SVM)-based models to select the docked pose and to predict the docking score was generated for predicting the NMDAR GluN1-ligand binding affinity. The predicted root mean square deviation (RMSD) values in pose by SVM-Pose models were found to be in good agreement with the observed values (n = 30, r2 = 0.928-0.988,  = 0.894-0.954, RMSE = 0.002-0.412, s = 0.001-0.214), and the predicted pKi values by SVM-Score were found to be in good agreement with the observed values for the training samples (n = 24, r2 = 0.967,  = 0.899, RMSE = 0.295, s = 0.170) and test samples (n = 13, q2 = 0.894, RMSE = 0.437, s = 0.202). When subjected to various statistical validations, the developed SVM-Pose and SVM-Score models consistently met the most stringent criteria. A mock test asserted the predictivity of this novel docking scheme. Collectively, this accurate novel combinatorial ensemble docking scheme can be used to predict the NMDAR GluN1-ligand binding affinity for facilitating drug discovery.

Model mice for mild-form glycine encephalopathy: behavioral and biochemical characterizations and efficacy of antagonists for the glycine binding site of N-methyl D-aspartate receptor.

PubMed

Kojima-ishii, Kanako; Kure, Shigeo; Ichinohe, Akiko; Shinka, Toshikatsu; Narisawa, Ayumi; Komatsuzaki, Shoko; Kanno, Junnko; Kamada, Fumiaki; Aoki, Yoko; Yokoyama, Hiroyuki; Oda, Masaya; Sugawara, Taku; Mizoi, Kazuo; Nakahara, Daiichiro; Matsubara, Yoichi

2008-09-01

Glycine encephalopathy (GE) is caused by an inherited deficiency of the glycine cleavage system (GCS) and characterized by accumulation of glycine in body fluids and various neurologic symptoms. Coma and convulsions develop in neonates in typical GE while psychomotor retardation and behavioral abnormalities in infancy and childhood are observed in mild GE. Recently, we have established a transgenic mouse line (low-GCS) with reduced GCS activity (29% of wild-type (WT) C57BL/6) and accumulation of glycine in the brain (Stroke, 2007; 38:2157). The purpose of the present study is to characterize behavioral features of the low-GCS mouse as a model of mild GE. Two other transgenic mouse lines were also analyzed: high-GCS mice with elevated GCS activity and low-GCS-2 mice with reduced GCS activity. As compared with controls, low-GCS mice manifested increased seizure susceptibility, aggressiveness and anxiety-like activity, which resembled abnormal behaviors reported in mild GE, whereas high-GCS mice were less sensitive to seizures, hypoactive and less anxious. Antagonists for the glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor significantly ameliorated elevated locomotor activity and seizure susceptibility in the low-GCS mice. Our results suggest the usefulness of low-GCS mice as a mouse model for mild GE and a novel therapeutic strategy.

Changes in D-aspartic acid and D-glutamic acid levels in the tissues and physiological fluids of mice with various D-aspartate oxidase activities.

PubMed

Han, Hai; Miyoshi, Yurika; Koga, Reiko; Mita, Masashi; Konno, Ryuichi; Hamase, Kenji

2015-12-10

D-Aspartic acid (D-Asp) and D-glutamic acid (D-Glu) are currently paid attention as modulators of neuronal transmission and hormonal secretion. These two D-amino acids are metabolized only by D-aspartate oxidase (DDO) in mammals. Therefore, in order to design and develop new drugs controlling the D-Asp and D-Glu amounts via regulation of the DDO activities, changes in these acidic D-amino acid amounts in various tissues are expected to be clarified in model animals having various DDO activities. In the present study, the amounts of Asp and Glu enantiomers in 6 brain tissues, 11 peripheral tissues and 2 physiological fluids of DDO(+/+), DDO(+/-) and DDO(-/-) mice were determined using a sensitive and selective two-dimensional HPLC system. As a result, the amounts of D-Asp were drastically increased with the decrease in the DDO activity in all the tested tissues and physiological fluids. On the other hand, the amounts of D-Glu were almost the same among the 3 strains of mice. The present results are useful for designing new drug candidates, such as DDO inhibitors, and further studies are expected. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Cysteine Substitution of Transmembrane Domain Amino Acids Alters the Ethanol Inhibition of GluN1/GluN2A N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors

PubMed Central

Xu, Minfu; Smothers, C. Thetford

2015-01-01

N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are inhibited by behaviorally relevant concentrations of ethanol, and residues within transmembrane (TM) domains of NMDARs, including TM3 GluN1 phenylalanine 639 (F639), regulate this sensitivity. In the present study, we used cysteine (C) mutagenesis to determine whether there are additional residues within nearby TM domains that regulate ethanol inhibition on NMDARs. GluN1(F639C)/GluN2A receptors were less inhibited by ethanol than wild-type receptors, and inhibition was restored to wild-type levels following treatment with ethanol-like methanethiosulfonate reagents. Molecular modeling identified six residues in the GluN1 TM1 domain (valine V566; serine S569) and the GluN2A TM4 domain (methionine, M817; V820, F821, and leucine, L824) that were in close vicinity to the TM3 F639 residue, and these were individually mutated to cysteine and tested for ethanol inhibition and receptor function. The F639C-induced decrease in ethanol inhibition was blunted by coexpression of GluN1 TM1 mutants V566C and S569C, and statistically significant interactions were observed for ethanol inhibition among V566C, F639C, and GluN2A TM4 mutants V820C and F821C and S569C, F639C, and GluN2A TM4 mutants F821C and L824C. Ethanol inhibition was also reduced when either GluN1 TM1 mutant V566C or S569C was combined with GluN2A V820C, suggesting a novel TM1:TM4 intrasubunit site of action for ethanol. Cysteines substituted at TM3 and TM4 sites previously suggested to interact with ethanol had less dramatic effects on ethanol inhibition. Overall, the results from these studies suggest that interactions among TM1, TM3, and TM4 amino acids in NMDARs are important determinants of ethanol action at these receptors. PMID:25635140

Prediction of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor GluN1-Ligand Binding Affinity by a Novel SVM-Pose/SVM-Score Combinatorial Ensemble Docking Scheme

PubMed Central

Leong, Max K.; Syu, Ren-Guei; Ding, Yi-Lung; Weng, Ching-Feng

2017-01-01

The glycine-binding site of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunit GluN1 is a potential pharmacological target for neurodegenerative disorders. A novel combinatorial ensemble docking scheme using ligand and protein conformation ensembles and customized support vector machine (SVM)-based models to select the docked pose and to predict the docking score was generated for predicting the NMDAR GluN1-ligand binding affinity. The predicted root mean square deviation (RMSD) values in pose by SVM-Pose models were found to be in good agreement with the observed values (n = 30, r2 = 0.928–0.988,  = 0.894–0.954, RMSE = 0.002–0.412, s = 0.001–0.214), and the predicted pKi values by SVM-Score were found to be in good agreement with the observed values for the training samples (n = 24, r2 = 0.967,  = 0.899, RMSE = 0.295, s = 0.170) and test samples (n = 13, q2 = 0.894, RMSE = 0.437, s = 0.202). When subjected to various statistical validations, the developed SVM-Pose and SVM-Score models consistently met the most stringent criteria. A mock test asserted the predictivity of this novel docking scheme. Collectively, this accurate novel combinatorial ensemble docking scheme can be used to predict the NMDAR GluN1-ligand binding affinity for facilitating drug discovery. PMID:28059133

Modafinil restores methamphetamine induced object-in-place memory deficits in rats independent of glutamate N-methyl d-aspartate receptor expression

PubMed Central

Reichel, Carmela M.; Gilstrap, Meghin G.; Ramsey, Lauren A.; See, Ronald E.

2013-01-01

Background Chronic methamphetamine (meth) abuse in humans can lead to various cognitive deficits, including memory loss. We previously showed that chronic meth self-administration impairs memory for objects relative to their location and surrounding objects. Here, we demonstrate that the cognitive enhancer, modafinil, reversed this cognitive impairment independent of glutamate N-methyl d-aspartate (GluN) receptor expression. Methods Male, Long-Evans rats underwent a noncontingent (Experiment 1) or contingent (Experiment 2) meth regimen. After one week of abstinence, rats were tested for object-in-place recognition memory. Half the rats received either vehicle or modafinil (100 mg/kg) immediately after object familiarization. Rats (Experiment 2) were sacrificed immediately after the test and brain areas that comprise the key circuitry for object in place performance were manually dissected. Subsequently, glutamate receptor expression was measured from a crude membrane fraction using western blot procedures. Results Saline-treated rats spent more time interacting with the objects in changed locations, while meth-treated rats distributed their time equally among all objects. Meth-treated rats that received modafinil showed a reversal in the deficit, whereby they spent more time exploring the objects in the new locations. GluN2B receptor subtype was decreased in the perirhinal cortex, yet remained unaffected in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of meth rats. This meth-induced down regulation occurred whether or not meth experienced rats received vehicle or modafinil. Conclusions These data support the use of modafinil for memory impairment in meth addiction. Further studies are needed to elucidate the neural mechanisms of modafinil reversal of cognitive impairments. PMID:24120858

DNA methyltransferase homologue TRDMT1 in Plasmodium falciparum specifically methylates endogenous aspartic acid tRNA.

PubMed

Govindaraju, Gayathri; Jabeena, C A; Sethumadhavan, Devadathan Valiyamangalath; Rajaram, Nivethika; Rajavelu, Arumugam

2017-10-01

In eukaryotes, cytosine methylation regulates diverse biological processes such as gene expression, development and maintenance of genomic integrity. However, cytosine methylation and its functions in pathogenic apicomplexan protozoans remain enigmatic. To address this, here we investigated the presence of cytosine methylation in the nucleic acids of the protozoan Plasmodium falciparum. Interestingly, P. falciparum has TRDMT1, a conserved homologue of DNA methyltransferase DNMT2. However, we found that TRDMT1 did not methylate DNA, in vitro. We demonstrate that TRDMT1 methylates cytosine in the endogenous aspartic acid tRNA of P. falciparum. Through RNA bisulfite sequencing, we mapped the position of 5-methyl cytosine in aspartic acid tRNA and found methylation only at C38 position. P. falciparum proteome has significantly higher aspartic acid content and a higher proportion of proteins with poly aspartic acid repeats than other apicomplexan pathogenic protozoans. Proteins with such repeats are functionally important, with significant roles in host-pathogen interactions. Therefore, TRDMT1 mediated C38 methylation of aspartic acid tRNA might play a critical role by translational regulation of important proteins and modulate the pathogenicity of the malarial parasite. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptors May Protect against Ischemic Damage in the Brain

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Simon, R. P.; Swan, J. H.; Griffiths, T.; Meldrum, B. S.

1984-11-01

In rats ischemia of the forebrain induced by a 30-minute occlusion of the carotid artery, followed by 120 minutes of arterial reperfusion, produced ischemic lesions of selectively vulnerable pyramidal cells in both hippocampi. Focal microinfusion into the dorsal hippocampus of 2-amino-7-phosphonoheptanoic acid, an antagonist of excitation at the N-methyl-d-asparate-preferring receptor, before ischemia was induced protected against the development of ischemic damage. It is proposed that excitatory neurotransmission plays an important role in selective neuronal loss due to cerebral ischemia.

Expression of a functional hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) in the mouse nucleus reticularis thalami.

PubMed

Rateau, Y; Ropert, N

2006-05-01

The GABAergic neurons of the nucleus reticularis thalami (nRT) express the type 2 hyperpolarization-activated cAMP-sensitive (HCN2) subunit mRNA, but surprisingly, they were reported to lack the hyperpolarization-activated (Ih) current carried by this subunit. Using the voltage-clamp recordings in the thalamocortical slice preparation of the newborn and juvenile mice (P6-P23), we demonstrate that, in the presence of 1 mM barium (Ba2+), the nRT neurons express a slow hyperpolarization-activated inward current, suggesting that the Ih is present but masked in control conditions by K+ leak currents. We investigate the identity of the hyperpolarization-activated current in the nRT by studying its physiological and pharmacological profile in presence of Ba2+. We show that it has voltage- and time-dependent properties typical of the Ih, that it is blocked by cesium and ZD7288, two blockers of the Ih, and that it is carried both by the K+ and Na+ ions. We could also alter the gating characteristics of the hyperpolarization-activated current in the nRT by adding a nonhydrolysable analogue of cAMP to the pipette solution. Finally, using the current-clamp recording, we showed that blocking the hyperpolarization-activated current induced an hyperpolarization correlated with an increase of the R(in) of the nRT neurons. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the nRT neurons express the Ih with slow kinetics similar to those described for the homomeric HCN2 channels, and we show that the Ih of the nRT contributes to the excitability of the nRT neurons in normal conditions.

Role of antioxidant enzymes in redox regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function and memory in middle-aged rats.

PubMed

Lee, Wei-Hua; Kumar, Ashok; Rani, Asha; Foster, Thomas C

2014-06-01

Overexpression of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) in the hippocampus results in age-dependent impaired cognition and altered synaptic plasticity suggesting a possible model for examining the role of oxidative stress in senescent neurophysiology. However, it is unclear if SOD1 overexpression involves an altered redox environment and a decrease in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) synaptic function reported for aging animals. Viral vectors were used to express SOD1 and green fluorescent protein (SOD1 + GFP), SOD1 and catalase (SOD1 + CAT), or GFP alone in the hippocampus of middle-aged (17 months) male Fischer 344 rats. We confirm that SOD1 + GFP and SOD1 + CAT reduced lipid peroxidation indicating superoxide metabolites were primarily responsible for lipid peroxidation. SOD1 + GFP impaired learning, decreased glutathione peroxidase activity, decreased glutathione levels, decreased NMDAR-mediated synaptic responses, and impaired long-term potentiation. Co-expression of SOD1 + CAT rescued the effects of SOD1 expression on learning, redox measures, and synaptic function suggesting the effects were mediated by excess hydrogen peroxide. Application of the reducing agent dithiolthreitol to hippocampal slices increased the NMDAR-mediated component of the synaptic response in SOD1 + GFP animals relative to animals that overexpress SOD1 + CAT indicating that the effect of antioxidant enzyme expression on NMDAR function was because of a shift in the redox environment. The results suggest that overexpression of neuronal SOD1 and CAT in middle age may provide a model for examining the role of oxidative stress in senescent physiology and the progression of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

N-Methyl D-Aspartate (NMDA) Receptor Antagonists and Memantine Treatment for Alzheimer’s Disease, Vascular Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease

PubMed Central

Olivares, David; Deshpande, Varun K.; Shi, Ying; Lahiri, Debomoy K.; Greig, Nigel H.; Rogers, Jack T.; Huang, Xudong

2016-01-01

Memantine, a partial antagonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), approved for moderate to severe Alzheimer’s disease (AD) treatment within the US and Europe under brand name Namenda (Forest), Axura and Akatinol (Merz), and Ebixa and Abixa (Lundbeck), may have potential in alleviating additional neurological conditions, such as vascular dementia (VD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD). In various animal models, memantine has been reported to be a neuroprotective agent that positively impacts both neurodegenerative and vascular processes. While excessive levels of glutamate result in neurotoxicity, in part through the over-activation of NMDARs, memantine—as a partial NMDAR antagonist, blocks the NMDA glutamate receptors to normalize the glutamatergic system and ameliorate cognitive and memory deficits. The key to memantine’s therapeutic action lies in its uncompetitive binding to the NMDAR through which low affinity and rapid off-rate kinetics of memantine at the level of the NMDAR-channel preserves the physiological function of the receptor, underpinning memantine’s tolerability and low adverse event profile. As the biochemical pathways evoked by NMDAR antagonism also play a role in PD and since no other drug is sufficiently effective to substitute for the first-line treatment of L-dopa despite its side effects, memantine may be useful in PD treatment with possibly fewer side effects. In spite of the relative modest nature of its adverse effects, memantine has been shown to provide only a moderate decrease in clinical deterioration in AD and VD, and hence efforts are being undertaken in the design of new and more potent memantine-based drugs to hopefully provide greater efficacy. PMID:21875407

Adolescent social defeat alters N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor expression and impairs fear learning in adulthood.

PubMed

Novick, Andrew M; Mears, Mackenzie; Forster, Gina L; Lei, Yanlin; Tejani-Butt, Shanaz M; Watt, Michael J

2016-05-01

Repeated social defeat of adolescent male rats results in adult mesocortical dopamine hypofunction, impaired working memory, and increased contextual anxiety-like behavior. Given the role of glutamate in dopamine regulation, cognition, and fear and anxiety, we investigated potential changes to N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors following adolescent social defeat. As both NMDA receptors and mesocortical dopamine are implicated in the expression and extinction of conditioned fear, a separate cohort of rats was challenged with a classical fear conditioning paradigm to investigate whether fear learning is altered by adolescent defeat. Quantitative autoradiography was used to measure 3H-MK-801 binding to NMDA receptors in regions of the medial prefrontal cortex, caudate putamen, nucleus accumbens, amygdala and hippocampus. Assessment of fear learning was achieved using an auditory fear conditioning paradigm, with freezing toward the auditory tone used as a measure of conditioned fear. Compared to controls, adolescent social defeat decreased adult NMDA receptor expression in the infralimbic region of the prefrontal cortex and central amygdala, while increasing expression in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. Previously defeated rats also displayed decreased conditioned freezing during the recall and first extinction periods, which may be related to the observed decreases and increases in NMDA receptors within the central amygdala and CA3, respectively. The alteration in NMDA receptors seen following adolescent social defeat suggests that dysfunction of glutamatergic systems, combined with mesocortical dopamine deficits, likely plays a role in the some of the long-term behavioral consequences of social stressors in adolescence seen in both preclinical and clinical studies. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Activation of µ-opioid receptors and block of KIR3 potassium channels and NMDA receptor conductance by l- and d-methadone in rat locus coeruleus

PubMed Central

Matsui, Aya; Williams, John T

2010-01-01

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Methadone activates opioid receptors to increase a potassium conductance mediated by G-protein-coupled, inwardly rectifying, potassium (KIR3) channels. Methadone also blocks KIR3 channels and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptors. However, the concentration dependence and stereospecificity of receptor activation and channel blockade by methadone on single neurons has not been characterized. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Intracellular and whole-cell recording were made from locus coeruleus neurons in brain slices and the activation of µ-opioid receptors and blockade of KIR3 and NMDA channels with l- and d-methadone was examined. KEY RESULTS The potency of l-methadone, measured by the amplitude of hyperpolarization was 16.5-fold higher than with d-methadone. A maximum hyperpolarization was caused by both enantiomers (∼30 mV); however, the maximum outward current measured with whole-cell voltage-clamp recording was smaller than the current induced by [Met]5enkephalin. The KIR3 conductance induced by activation of α2-adrenoceptors was decreased with high concentrations of l- and d-methadone (10–30 µM). In addition, methadone blocked the resting inward rectifying conductance (KIR). Both l- and d-methadone blocked the NMDA receptor-dependent current. The block of NMDA receptor-dependent current was voltage-dependent suggesting that methadone acted as a channel blocker. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Methadone activated µ-opioid receptors at low concentrations in a stereospecific manner. KIR3 and NMDA receptor channel block was not stereospecific and required substantially higher concentrations. The separation in the concentration range suggests that the activation of µ-opioid receptors rather than the channel blocking properties mediate both the therapeutic and toxic actions of methadone. PMID:20659105

Heteroreceptor Complexes Formed by Dopamine D1, Histamine H3, and N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Glutamate Receptors as Targets to Prevent Neuronal Death in Alzheimer's Disease.

PubMed

Rodríguez-Ruiz, Mar; Moreno, Estefanía; Moreno-Delgado, David; Navarro, Gemma; Mallol, Josefa; Cortés, Antonio; Lluís, Carme; Canela, Enric I; Casadó, Vicent; McCormick, Peter J; Franco, Rafael

2017-08-01

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder causing progressive memory loss and cognitive dysfunction. Anti-AD strategies targeting cell receptors consider them as isolated units. However, many cell surface receptors cooperate and physically contact each other forming complexes having different biochemical properties than individual receptors. We here report the discovery of dopamine D 1 , histamine H 3 , and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor heteromers in heterologous systems and in rodent brain cortex. Heteromers were detected by co-immunoprecipitation and in situ proximity ligation assays (PLA) in the rat cortex where H 3 receptor agonists, via negative cross-talk, and H 3 receptor antagonists, via cross-antagonism, decreased D 1 receptor agonist signaling determined by ERK1/2 or Akt phosphorylation, and counteracted D 1 receptor-mediated excitotoxic cell death. Both D 1 and H 3 receptor antagonists also counteracted NMDA toxicity suggesting a complex interaction between NMDA receptors and D 1 -H 3 receptor heteromer function. Likely due to heteromerization, H 3 receptors act as allosteric regulator for D 1 and NMDA receptors. By bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), we demonstrated that D 1 or H 3 receptors form heteromers with NR1A/NR2B NMDA receptor subunits. D 1 -H 3 -NMDA receptor complexes were confirmed by BRET combined with fluorescence complementation. The endogenous expression of complexes in mouse cortex was determined by PLA and similar expression was observed in wild-type and APP/PS1 mice. Consistent with allosteric receptor-receptor interactions within the complex, H 3 receptor antagonists reduced NMDA or D 1 receptor-mediated excitotoxic cell death in cortical organotypic cultures. Moreover, H 3 receptor antagonists reverted the toxicity induced by ß 1-42 -amyloid peptide. Thus, histamine H 3 receptors in D 1 -H 3 -NMDA heteroreceptor complexes arise as promising targets to prevent neurodegeneration.

Fluoxetine reverses the behavioral despair induced by neurogenic stress in mice: role of N-methyl-d-aspartate and opioid receptors.

PubMed

Haj-Mirzaian, Arya; Kordjazy, Nastaran; Ostadhadi, Sattar; Amiri, Shayan; Haj-Mirzaian, Arvin; Dehpour, AhmadReza

2016-06-01

Opioid and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors mediate different effects of fluoxetine. We investigated whether opioid and NMDA receptors are involved in the protective effect of fluoxetine against the behavioral despair induced by acute physical stress in male mice. We used the forced swimming test (FST), tail suspension test (TST), and open-field test (OFT) for behavioral evaluation. We used fluoxetine, naltrexone (opioid receptor antagonist), MK-801 (NMDA receptor antagonist), morphine (opioid receptor agonist), and NMDA (NMDA receptor agonist). Acute foot-shock stress (FSS) significantly induced behavioral despair (depressive-like) and anxiety-like behaviors in tests. Fluoxetine (5 mg/kg) reversed the depressant-like effect of FSS, but it did not alter the locomotion and anxiety-like behavior in animals. Acute administration of subeffective doses of naltrexone (0.3 mg/kg) or MK-801 (0.01 mg/kg) potentiated the antidepressant-like effect of fluoxetine, while subeffective doses of morphine (1 mg/kg) and NMDA (75 mg/kg) abolished this effect of fluoxetine. Also, co-administration of subeffective doses of naltrexone (0.05 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.003 mg/kg) with fluoxetine (1 mg/kg) induced a significant decrease in the immobility time in FST and TST. Our results showed that opioid and NMDA receptors (alone or in combination) are involved in the antidepressant-like effect of fluoxetine against physical stress.

Hyperpolarized NMR: d-DNP, PHIP, and SABRE.

PubMed

Kovtunov, Kirill Viktorovich; Pokochueva, Ekaterina; Salnikov, Oleg; Cousin, Samuel; Kurzbach, Dennis; Vuichoud, Basile; Jannin, Sami; Chekmenev, Eduard; Goodson, Boyd; Barskiy, Danila; Koptyug, Igor

2018-05-23

NMR signals intensities can be enhanced by several orders of magnitude via utilization of techniques for hyperpolarization of different molecules, and it allows one to overcome the main sensitivity challenge of modern NMR/MRI techniques. Hyperpolarized fluids can be successfully used in different applications of material science and biomedicine. This focus review covers the fundamentals of the preparation of hyperpolarized liquids and gases via dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (d-DNP) and parahydrogen-based techniques such as signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) and parahydrogen-induced polarization (PHIP) in both heterogeneous and homogeneous processes. The different novel aspects of hyperpolarized fluids formation and utilization along with the possibility of NMR signal enhancement observation are described. © 2018 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Vinpocetine regulates cation channel permeability of inner retinal neurons in the ischaemic retina.

PubMed

Nivison-Smith, Lisa; Acosta, Monica L; Misra, Stuti; O'Brien, Brendan J; Kalloniatis, Michael

2014-01-01

Vinpocetine is a natural drug which exerts neuroprotective effects in ischaemia of the brain through actions on cation channels, glutamate receptors and other pathways. This study investigated the effect of vinpocetine on cation channel permeability of inner retinal neurons after acute retinal metabolic insult. We focused on amacrine and ganglion cells immunoreactive for calretinin or parvalbumin due to their previously documented susceptibility to ischaemia. Using the probe, 1-amino-4-guanidobutane (AGB), we observed increased cation channel permeability across amacrine and ganglion cells under ischaemia and hypoglycaemia but not anoxia. Calretinin and parvalbumin immunoreactivity was also reduced during ischaemia and hypoglyacemia but not anoxia. Vinpocetine decreased AGB entry into ischaemic and hypoglycaemic ganglion cells indicating that the drug can modulate unregulated cation entry. In addition, vinpocetine prevented the loss of calretinin and parvalbumin immunoreactivity following ischaemia suggesting it may indirectly regulate intracellular calcium. Vinpocetine also reduced AGB permeability in selected amacrine and ganglion cell populations following N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) but not kainate activation suggesting that vinpocetine's regulation of cation channel permeability may partly involve NMDA sensitive glutamate receptors. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Oral acetate supplementation attenuates N-methyl D-aspartate receptor hypofunction-induced behavioral phenotypes accompanied by restoration of acetyl-histone homeostasis.

PubMed

Singh, Seema; Choudhury, Arnab; Gusain, Priya; Parvez, Suhel; Palit, Gautam; Shukla, Shubha; Ganguly, Surajit

2016-04-01

Aberrations in cellular acetate-utilization processes leading to global histone hypoacetylation have been implicated in the etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders like schizophrenia. Here, we investigated the role of acetate supplementation in the form of glyceryl triacetate (GTA) for the ability to restore the N-methyl D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor-induced histone hypoacetylation and to ameliorate associated behavioral phenotypes in mice. Taking cues from the studies in SH-SY5Y cells, we monitored acetylation status of specific lysine residues of histones H3 and H4 (H3K9 and H4K8) to determine the impact of oral GTA supplementation in vivo. Mice treated chronically with MK-801 (10 days; 0.15 mg/kg daily) induced hypoacetylation of H3K9 and H4K8 in the hippocampus. Daily oral supplementation of GTA (2.9 g/kg) was able to prevent this MK801-induced hypoacetylation significantly. Though MK-801-stimulated decreases in acetyl-H3K9 and acetyl-H4K8 were found to be associated with ERK1/2 activation, GTA seemed to act independent of this pathway. Simultaneously, GTA administration was able to attenuate the chronic MK-801-induced cognitive behavior phenotypes in elevated plus maze and novel object recognition tests. Not only MK-801, GTA also demonstrated protective effects against behavioral phenotypes generated by another NMDA receptor antagonist, ketamine. Acute (single injection) ketamine-mediated hyperactivity phenotype and chronic (10 days treatment) ketamine-induced phenotype of exaggerated immobility in forced swim test were ameliorated by GTA. The signature behavioral phenotypes induced by acute and chronic regimen of NMDA receptor antagonists seemed to be attenuated by GTA. This study thus provides a therapeutic paradigm of using dietary acetate supplement in psychiatric disorders.

Repeated ketamine administration alters N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunit gene expression: Implication of genetic vulnerability for ketamine abuse and ketamine psychosis in humans

PubMed Central

Lipsky, Robert H

2015-01-01

For more than 40 years following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an anesthetic, ketamine, a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been used as a tool of psychiatric research. As a psychedelic drug, ketamine induces psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairment, and mood elevation, which resemble some symptoms of schizophrenia. Recreational use of ketamine has been increasing in recent years. However, little is known of the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for ketamine-associated psychosis. Recent animal studies have shown that repeated ketamine administration significantly increases NMDA receptor subunit gene expression, in particular subunit 1 (NR1 or GluN1) levels. This results in neurodegeneration, supporting a potential mechanism where up-regulation of NMDA receptors could produce cognitive deficits in chronic ketamine abuse patients. In other studies, NMDA receptor gene variants are associated with addictive behavior. Here, we focus on the roles of NMDA receptor gene subunits in ketamine abuse and ketamine psychosis and propose that full sequencing of NMDA receptor genes may help explain individual vulnerability to ketamine abuse and ketamine-associated psychosis. PMID:25245072

Kynurenic acid analogues with improved affinity and selectivity for the glycine site on the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor from rat brain.

PubMed

Foster, A C; Kemp, J A; Leeson, P D; Grimwood, S; Donald, A E; Marshall, G R; Priestley, T; Smith, J D; Carling, R W

1992-05-01

The glycine site on the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of receptors for the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate is a potential target for the development of neuroprotective drugs. We report here two chemical series of glycine site antagonists derived from kynurenic acid (KYNA), with greatly improved potency and selectivity. Disubstitution with chlorine or bromine in the 5- and 7-positions of KYNA increased affinity for [3H]glycine binding sites in rat cortex/hippocampus P2 membranes, with a parallel increase of potency for antagonism of NMDA-evoked responses in the rat cortical wedge preparation. The optimal compound was 5-I,7-Cl-KYNA, with an IC50 for [3H]glycine binding of 29 nM and an apparent Kb in the cortical wedge preparation of 0.41 microM. Reduction of the right-hand ring of 5,7-diCl-KYNA reduced affinity by 10-fold, but this was restored by substitution in the 4-position with the trans-phenylamide and further improved in the trans-benzylamide. The optimal compound was the transphenylurea (L-689,560), with an IC50 of 7.4 nM and an apparent Kb of 0.13 microM. Both series of compounds displayed a high degree of selectivity for the glycine site, having IC50 values of greater than 10 microM versus radioligand binding to the glutamate recognition sites of NMDA, alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionate (AMPA), and kainate receptors and the strychnine-sensitive glycine receptor. Selectivity versus AMPA receptor-mediated responses was also apparent in the rat cortical wedge and in patch-clamp recordings of cortical neurons in culture. Experiments using [3H]dizocilpine (MK-801) binding indicated that 5,7-diBr-KYNA, 5,7-diCl-KYNA, 5-I,7-Cl-KYNA, and L-689,560 all behaved as full antagonists and were competitive with glycine. Patch-clamp recordings of cortical neurons in culture also indicated that NMDA-induced currents were antagonized by competition for the glycine site, and gave no evidence for partial agonist activity. pKi values for 5,7-di

Isolation, activity and immunological characterisation of a secreted aspartic protease, CtsD, from Aspergillus fumigatus.

PubMed

Vickers, Imelda; Reeves, Emer P; Kavanagh, Kevin A; Doyle, Sean

2007-05-01

Aspergillus fumigatus is an opportunistic fungal pathogen that infects immunocompromised patients. A putative aspartic protease gene (ctsD; 1425 bp; intron-free) was identified and cloned. CtsD is evolutionarily distinct from all previously identified A. fumigatus aspartic proteases. Recombinant CtsD was expressed in inclusion bodies in Escherichia coli (0.2mg/g cells) and subjected to extensive proteolysis in the baculovirus expression system. Activation studies performed on purified, refolded, recombinant CtsD resulted in protease activation with a pH(opt)4.0 and specific activity=10 U/mg. Pepstatin A also inhibited recombinant CtsD activity by up to 72% thereby confirming classification as an aspartic protease. Native CtsD was also immunologically identified in culture supernatants and purified from fungal cultures using pepstatin-agarose affinity chromatography (7.8 microg CtsD/g mycelia). In A. fumigatus, semi-quantitative RT-PCR analysis revealed expression of ctsD in minimal and proteinaceous media only. Expression of ctsD was absent under nutrient-rich conditions. Expression of ctsD was also detected, in vivo, in the Galleria mellonella virulence model following A. fumigatus infection.

Protein methylation as a marker of aspartate damage in glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase-deficient erythrocytes: role of oxidative stress.

PubMed

Ingrosso, Diego; Cimmino, Amelia; D'Angelo, Stefania; Alfinito, Fiorella; Zappia, Vincenzo; Galletti, Patrizia

2002-04-01

The 'Mediterranean' variant of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency is due to the C563CT point mutation, leading to replacement of Ser with Phe at position 188, resulting in acute haemolysis triggered by oxidants. Previous work has shown increased formation of altered aspartate residues in membrane proteins during cell ageing and in response to oxidative stress in normal erythrocytes. These abnormal residues are specifically recognized by the repair enzyme L-isoaspartate (d-aspartate) protein O-methyltransferase (PCMT; EC 2.1.1.77). The aim of this work was to study the possible involvement of protein aspartate damage in the mechanism linking the G6PD defect and erythrocyte injury, through oxidative stress. Patients affected by G6PD deficiency (Mediterranean variant) were selected. In situ methylation assays were performed by incubating intact erythrocytes in the presence of methyl-labelled methionine. Altered aspartate residues were detected in membrane proteins by methyl ester quantification. We present here evidence that, in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes, damaged residues are significantly increased in membrane proteins, in parallel with the decay of pyruvate kinase activity, used as a cell age marker. Erythrocytes from patients were subjected to oxidative stress in vitro, by treatment with t-butylhydroperoxide, monitored by a rise in concentration of both methaemoglobin and thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances. L-Isoaspartate residues increased dramatically in G6PD-deficient erythrocytes in response to such treatment, compared with baseline conditions. The increased susceptibility of G6PD-deficient erythrocytes to membrane protein aspartate damage in response to oxidative stress suggests the involvement of protein deamidation/isomerization in the mechanisms of cell injury and haemolysis.

Identification of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor subtype-specific binding sites that mediate direct interactions with scaffold protein PSD-95.

PubMed

Cousins, Sarah L; Stephenson, F Anne

2012-04-13

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) neurotransmitter receptors and the postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of scaffolding proteins are integral components of post-synaptic macromolecular signaling complexes that serve to propagate glutamate responses intracellularly. Classically, NMDA receptor NR2 subunits associate with PSD-95 MAGUKs via a conserved ES(E/D)V amino acid sequence located at their C termini. We previously challenged this dogma to demonstrate a second non-ES(E/D)V PSD-95-binding site in both NMDA receptor NR2A and NR2B subunits. Here, using a combination of co-immunoprecipitations from transfected mammalian cells, yeast two-hybrid interaction assays, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays, we show that NR2A subunits interact directly with PSD-95 via the C-terminal ESDV motif and additionally via an Src homology 3 domain-binding motif that associates with the Src homology 3 domain of PSD-95. Peptide inhibition of co-immunoprecipitations of NR2A and PSD-95 demonstrates that both the ESDV and non-ESDV sites are required for association in native brain tissue. Furthermore, we refine the non-ESDV site within NR2B to residues 1149-1157. These findings provide a molecular basis for the differential association of NMDA receptor subtypes with PSD-95 MAGUK scaffold proteins. These selective interactions may contribute to the organization, lateral mobility, and ultimately the function of NMDA receptor subtypes at synapses. Furthermore, they provide a more general molecular mechanism by which the scaffold, PSD-95, may discriminate between potential interacting partner proteins.

Effects of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor ligands on sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude and delayed reinforcement in a delay-discounting procedure

PubMed Central

Yates, Justin R; Gunkel, Benjamin T; Rogers, Katherine K; Hughes, Mallory N; Prior, Nicholas A

2016-01-01

Rationale The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor has been recently identified as an important mediator of impulsive choice, as assessed in delay discounting. Although discounting is independently influenced by sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude and delayed reinforcement, few studies have examined how NMDA receptor ligands differentially affect these parameters. Objectives The current study examined the effects of various NMDA receptor ligands on sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude and delayed reinforcement in a delay-discounting procedure. Methods Following behavioral training, rats received treatments of the following NMDA receptor ligands: the uncompetitive antagonists ketamine (0, 1.0, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg; i.p.), MK-801 (0, 0.003, 0.01, or 0.03 mg/kg; s.c.), and memantine (0, 2.5, 5.0, or 10.0 mg/kg; i.p.), the competitive antagonist CGS 19755 (0, 5.0, 10.0, or 20.0 mg/kg; s.c.), the non-competitive NR2B subunit-selective antagonist ifenprodil (0, 1.0, 3.0, or 10.0 mg/kg; i.p), and the partial agonist D-cycloserine (0, 3.25, 15.0, or 30.0 mg/kg; s.c.). Results When an exponential model was used to describe discounting, CGS 19755 (5.0 mg/kg) increased impulsive choice without altering sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude. Conversely, ketamine (10.0 mg/kg), memantine (5.0 mg/kg), and ifenprodil (10.0 mg/kg) decreased sensitivity to reinforcer magnitude without altering impulsive choice. MK-801 and D-cycloserine did not alter delay-discounting performance, although two-way ANOVA analyses indicated D-cycloserine (15.0 mg/kg) decreased impulsive choice. Conclusions The behavioral changes observed in delay discounting following administration of NMDA receptor antagonists do not always reflect an alteration in impulsive choice. These results emphasize the utility in employing quantitative methods to assess drug effects in delay discounting. PMID:27837332

Early Growth Response 1 (Egr-1) Regulates N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor (NMDAR)-dependent Transcription of PSD-95 and α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole Propionic Acid Receptor (AMPAR) Trafficking in Hippocampal Primary Neurons*

PubMed Central

Qin, Xike; Jiang, Yongjun; Tse, Yiu Chung; Wang, Yunling; Wong, Tak Pan; Paudel, Hemant K.

2015-01-01

The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) controls synaptic plasticity and memory function and is one of the major inducers of transcription factor Egr-1 in the hippocampus. However, how Egr-1 mediates the NMDAR signal in neurons has remained unclear. Here, we show that the hippocampus of mice lacking Egr-1 displays electrophysiology properties and ultrastructure that are similar to mice overexpressing PSD-95, a major scaffolding protein of postsynaptic density involved in synapse formation, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic targeting of AMPA receptors (AMPARs), which mediate the vast majority of excitatory transmission in the CNS. We demonstrate that Egr-1 is a transcription repressor of the PSD-95 gene and is recruited to the PSD-95 promoter in response to NMDAR activation. Knockdown of Egr-1 in rat hippocampal primary neurons blocks NMDAR-induced PSD-95 down-regulation and AMPAR endocytosis. Likewise, overexpression of Egr-1 in rat hippocampal primary neurons causes reduction in PSD-95 protein level and promotes AMPAR endocytosis. Our data indicate that Egr-1 is involved in NMDAR-mediated PSD-95 down-regulation and AMPAR endocytosis, a process important in the expression of long term depression. PMID:26475861

N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody could be a cause of catatonic symptoms in psychiatric patients: case reports and methods for detection.

PubMed

Tsutsui, Ko; Kanbayashi, Takashi; Takaki, Manabu; Omori, Yuki; Imai, Yumiko; Nishino, Seiji; Tanaka, Keiko; Shimizu, Tetsuo

2017-01-01

The symptoms of catatonia have been reported to be similar to the initial symptoms of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. Subsequently, this autoimmune limbic encephalitis has been noticed by many psychiatrists. For a differential diagnosis of catatonic state, it is important to detect anti-NMDAR encephalitis. This encephalitis is expected to be in remission by early detection and treatment. We should be more cautious about catatonic symptoms of schizophrenia. When a patient is suspected of having encephalitis, we should screen for anti-NMDAR antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid samples using a cell-based assay. We describe the methods of NMDAR antibody detection and the etiology of this encephalitis with case reports. Two representative cases with catatonia and non-catatonia (brief psychotic disorder) were reported. Schizophrenia is a general, heterogeneous, and complicated disorder, and its pathophysiology is unknown. There is an established evidence of NMDAR hypofunction, which is the functional disconnection of the central component; this is one of the most recognized models for schizophrenia. Furthermore, it is said that autoimmune mechanisms have been involved, at least in subgroups of schizophrenia patients. Further study of anti-NMDAR antibody and its related encephalitis would give essential clues for the research of schizophrenia, catatonia, and atypical psychosis.

The major brain cholesterol metabolite 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol is a potent allosteric modulator of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

PubMed

Paul, Steven M; Doherty, James J; Robichaud, Albert J; Belfort, Gabriel M; Chow, Brian Y; Hammond, Rebecca S; Crawford, Devon C; Linsenbardt, Andrew J; Shu, Hong-Jin; Izumi, Yukitoshi; Mennerick, Steven J; Zorumski, Charles F

2013-10-30

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate-gated ion channels that are critical to the regulation of excitatory synaptic function in the CNS. NMDARs govern experience-dependent synaptic plasticity and have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various neuropsychiatric disorders including the cognitive deficits of schizophrenia and certain forms of autism. Certain neurosteroids modulate NMDARs experimentally but their low potency, poor selectivity, and very low brain concentrations make them poor candidates as endogenous ligands or therapeutic agents. Here we show that the major brain-derived cholesterol metabolite 24(S)-hydroxycholesterol (24(S)-HC) is a very potent, direct, and selective positive allosteric modulator of NMDARs with a mechanism that does not overlap that of other allosteric modulators. At submicromolar concentrations 24(S)-HC potentiates NMDAR-mediated EPSCs in rat hippocampal neurons but fails to affect AMPAR or GABAA receptors (GABA(A)Rs)-mediated responses. Cholesterol itself and other naturally occurring oxysterols present in brain do not modulate NMDARs at concentrations ≤10 μM. In hippocampal slices, 24(S)-HC enhances the ability of subthreshold stimuli to induce long-term potentiation (LTP). 24(S)-HC also reverses hippocampal LTP deficits induced by the NMDAR channel blocker ketamine. Finally, we show that synthetic drug-like derivatives of 24(S)-HC, which potently enhance NMDAR-mediated EPSCs and LTP, restore behavioral and cognitive deficits in rodents treated with NMDAR channel blockers. Thus, 24(S)-HC may function as an endogenous modulator of NMDARs acting at a novel oxysterol modulatory site that also represents a target for therapeutic drug development.

Threshold to N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced seizures in mice undergoing chronic nutritional magnesium deprivation is lowered in a way partly responsive to acute magnesium and antioxidant administrations.

PubMed

Maurois, Pierre; Pages, Nicole; Bac, Pierre; German-Fattal, Michèle; Agnani, Geneviève; Delplanque, Bernadette; Durlach, Jean; Poupaert, Jacques; Vamecq, Joseph

2009-02-01

Magnesium deficiency may be induced by a diet impoverished in magnesium. This nutritional deficit promotes chronic inflammatory and oxidative stresses, hyperexcitability and, in mice, susceptibility to audiogenic seizures. Potentiation by low-magnesium concentrations of the opening of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor/calcium channel in in vitro and ex vivo studies, and responsiveness to magnesium of in vivo brain injury states are now well established. By contrast, little or no specific attention has been, however, paid to the in vivo NMDA receptor function/excitability in magnesium deficiency. The present work reports for the first time that, in mice undergoing chronic nutritional deprivation in magnesium (35 v. 930 parts per million for 27 d in OF1 mice), NMDA-induced seizure threshold is significantly decreased (38 % of normal values). The attenuation in the drop of NMDA seizure threshold (percentage of reversal) was 58 and 20 % upon acute intraperitoneal administrations of magnesium chloride hexahydrate (28 mg magnesium/kg) and the antioxidant ebselen (20 mg/kg), respectively. In nutritionally magnesium-deprived animals, audiogenic seizures are completely prevented by these compound doses. Taken as a whole, our data emphasise that chronic magnesium deprivation in mice is a nutritional in vivo model for a lowered NMDA receptor activation threshold. This nutritional model responds remarkably to acute magnesium supply and moderately to acute antioxidant administration.

N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 and radical scavengers protect cholinergic nucleus basalis neurons against beta-amyloid neurotoxicity.

PubMed

Harkany, T; Mulder, J; Sasvári, M; Abrahám, I; Kónya, C; Zarándi, M; Penke, B; Luiten, P G; Nyakas, C

1999-04-01

Previous experimental data indicate the involvement of Ca(2+)-related excitotoxic processes, possibly mediated by N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors, in beta-amyloid (beta A) neurotoxicity. On the other hand, other lines of evidence support the view that free radical generation is a critical step in the beta A-induced neurodegenerative cascade. In the present study, therefore, a neuroprotective strategy was applied to explore the contributions of each of these pathways in beta A toxicity. beta A(1-42) was injected into the magnocellular nucleus basalis of rats, while neuroprotection was achieved by either single or combined administration of the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 (2.5 mg/kg) and/or a vitamin E and C complex (150 mg/kg). The degree of neurodegeneration was determined by testing the animals in consecutive series of behavioral tasks, including elevated plus maze, passive avoidance learning, small open-field and open-field paradigms, followed by acetylcholinesterase (AChE), choline-acetyltransferase (ChAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) biochemistry. beta A injected in the nucleus basalis elicited significant anxiety in the elevated plus maze, derangement of passive avoidance learning, and altered spontaneous behaviors in both open-field tasks. A significant decrease in both AChE and ChAT accompanied by a similar decrement of MnSOD, but not of Cu/ZnSOD provided neurochemical substrates for the behavioral changes. Each of the single drug administrations protected against the neurotoxic events, whereas the combined treatment failed to ameliorate beta A toxicity.

Hydrolysis of aspartic acid phosphoramidate nucleotides: a comparative quantum chemical study.

PubMed

Michielssens, Servaas; Tien Trung, Nguyen; Froeyen, Matheus; Herdewijn, Piet; Tho Nguyen, Minh; Ceulemans, Arnout

2009-09-07

L-Aspartic acid has recently been found to be a good leaving group during HIV reverse transcriptase catalyzed incorporation of deoxyadenosine monophosphate (dAMP) in DNA. This showed that L-Asp is a good mimic for the pyrophosphate moiety of deoxyadenosine triphosphate. The present work explores the thermochemistry and mechanism for hydrolysis of several models for L-aspartic-dAMP using B3LYP/DGDZVP, MP2/6-311++G** and G3MP2 level of theory. The effect of the new compound is gradually investigated: starting from a simple methyl amine leaving group up to the aspartic acid leaving group. The enzymatic environment was mimicked by involving two Mg(2+) ions and some important active site residues in the reaction. All reactions are compared to the corresponding O-coupled leaving group, which is methanol for methyl amine and malic acid for aspartic acid. With methyl amine as a leaving group a tautomeric associative or tautomeric dissociative mechanism is preferred and the barrier is lower than the comparable mechanism with methanol as a leaving group. The calculations on the aspartic acid in the enzymatic environment show that qualitatively the mechanism is the same as for triphosphate but the barrier for hydrolysis by the associative mechanism is higher for L-aspartic-dAMP than for L-malic-dAMP and pyrophosphate.

Large variability in synaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor density on interneurons and a comparison with pyramidal-cell spines in the rat hippocampus.

PubMed

Nyíri, G; Stephenson, F A; Freund, T F; Somogyi, P

2003-01-01

Pyramidal cells receive input from several types of GABA-releasing interneurons and innervate them reciprocally. Glutamatergic activation of interneurons involves both alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) type glutamate receptors expressed in type I synapses, mostly on their dendritic shafts. On average, the synaptic AMPA receptor content is several times higher on interneurons than in the spines of pyramidal cells. To compare the NMDA receptor content of synapses, we used a quantitative postembedding immunogold technique on serial electron microscopic sections, and analysed the synapses on interneuron dendrites and pyramidal cell spines in the CA1 area. Because all NMDA receptors contain the obligatory NR1 subunit, receptor localisation was carried out using antibodies recognising all splice variants of the NR1 subunit. Four populations of synapse were examined: i). on spines of pyramidal cells in stratum (str.) radiatum and str. oriens; ii). on parvalbumin-positive interneuronal dendritic shafts in str. radiatum; iii). on randomly found dendritic shafts in str. oriens and iv). on somatostatin-positive interneuronal dendritic shafts and somata in str. oriens. On average, the size of the synapses on spines was about half of those on interneurons. The four populations of synapse significantly differed in labelling for the NR1 subunit. The median density of NR1 subunit labelling was highest on pyramidal cell spines. It was lowest in the synapses on parvalbumin-positive dendrites in str. radiatum, where more than half of these synapses were immunonegative. In str. oriens, synapses on interneurons had a high variability of receptor content; some dendrites were similar to those in str. radiatum, including the proximal synapses of somatostatin-positive cells, whereas others had immunoreactivity for the NR1 subunit similar to or higher than synapses on pyramidal cell spines. These results show that synaptic NMDA

Abeta oligomers induce neuronal oxidative stress through an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-dependent mechanism that is blocked by the Alzheimer drug memantine.

PubMed

De Felice, Fernanda G; Velasco, Pauline T; Lambert, Mary P; Viola, Kirsten; Fernandez, Sara J; Ferreira, Sergio T; Klein, William L

2007-04-13

Oxidative stress is a major aspect of Alzheimer disease (AD) pathology. We have investigated the relationship between oxidative stress and neuronal binding of Abeta oligomers (also known as ADDLs). ADDLs are known to accumulate in brain tissue of AD patients and are considered centrally related to pathogenesis. Using hippocampal neuronal cultures, we found that ADDLs stimulated excessive formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) through a mechanism requiring N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) activation. ADDL binding to neurons was reduced and ROS formation was completely blocked by an antibody to the extracellular domain of the NR1 subunit of NMDA-Rs. In harmony with a steric inhibition of ADDL binding by NR1 antibodies, ADDLs that were bound to detergent-extracted synaptosomal membranes co-immunoprecipitated with NMDA-R subunits. The NR1 antibody did not affect ROS formation induced by NMDA, showing that NMDA-Rs themselves remained functional. Memantine, an open channel NMDA-R antagonist prescribed as a memory-preserving drug for AD patients, completely protected against ADDL-induced ROS formation, as did other NMDA-R antagonists. Memantine and the anti-NR1 antibody also attenuated a rapid ADDL-induced increase in intraneuronal calcium, which was essential for stimulated ROS formation. These results show that ADDLs bind to or in close proximity to NMDA-Rs, triggering neuronal damage through NMDA-R-dependent calcium flux. This response provides a pathologically specific mechanism for the therapeutic action of memantine, indicates a role for ROS dysregulation in ADDL-induced cognitive impairment, and supports the unifying hypothesis that ADDLs play a central role in AD pathogenesis.

CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 catalyse the conversion of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist CJ-036878 to two novel dimers.

PubMed

Emoto, C; Nishida, H; Hirai, H; Iwasaki, K

2007-12-01

CJ-036878, N-(3-phenethoxybenzyl)-4-hydroxybenzamide, was developed as an antagonist of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR2B subunit. Two dimeric metabolites, CJ-047710 and CJ-047713, were identified from the incubation mixture with CJ-036878 in human liver microsomes (HLM). The identification of the enzymes involved in the formation of these dimeric metabolites was investigated in the current study. Inhibition of the formation of CJ-047710 and CJ-047713 in pooled HLM by 1-aminobenztriazole, SKF-525A, and ketoconazole were observed. Ketoconazole played a significant role in inhibiting formation of these two metabolites in a concentration-dependent manner. Recombinant CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 exhibited a markedly high activity toward the formation of CJ-047710 and CJ-047713 from CJ-036878, but the contribution of other CYP enzymes to these formations was at a very low level or negligible. The formation of CJ-047710 and CJ-047713 in pooled HLM, CYP3A4, and CYP3A5 showed sigmoid characteristics. S50 values for CJ-047710 and CJ-047713 formation in HLM were almost equivalent with those for CYP3A4 and CYP3A5. For the CYP3A enzymes, maximal clearance due to auto-activation values for CJ-047710 and CJ-047713 formation catalysed by CYP3A5 were 3.6- and 3.1-fold higher than those catalysed by CYP3A4. This is the first report that shows both CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 simultaneously contribute to dimerization through oxidative C-C and C-O coupling reactions.

Involvement of glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the expression of increased head-dipping behaviors in the hole-board tests of olfactory bulbectomized mice.

PubMed

Hirose, Noritaka; Saitoh, Akiyoshi; Kamei, Junzo

2016-10-01

Olfactory bulbectomized (OB) mice produce agitated anxiety-like behaviors in the hole-board test, which was expressed by an increase in head-dipping counts and a decrease in head-dipping latencies. However, the associated mechanisms remain unclear. In the present study, MK-801 (10, 100μg/kg), a selective N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, significantly and dose-dependently suppressed the increased head-dipping behaviors in OB mice, without affecting sham mice. Similar results were obtained with another selective NMDA receptor antagonist D-AP5 treatment in OB mice. On the other hand, muscimol, a selective aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor agonist produced no effects on these hyperemotional behaviors in OB mice at a dose (100μg/kg) that produced anxiolytic-like effects in sham mice. Interestingly, glutamine contents and glutamine/glutamate ratios were significantly increased in the amygdala and frontal cortex of OB mice compared to sham mice. Based on these results, we concluded that the glutamatergic NMDA receptors are involved in the expression of increased head-dipping behaviors in the hole-board tests of OB mice. Accordingly, the changes in glutamatergic transmission in frontal cortex and amygdala may play important roles in the expression of these abnormal behaviors in OB mice. Copyright © 2016. Published by Elsevier B.V.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody-mediated neurological disease: results of a UK-based surveillance study in children.

PubMed

Wright, Sukhvir; Hacohen, Yael; Jacobson, Leslie; Agrawal, Shakti; Gupta, Rajat; Philip, Sunny; Smith, Martin; Lim, Ming; Wassmer, Evangeline; Vincent, Angela

2015-06-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody (NMDAR-Ab) encephalitis is a well-recognised clinico-immunological syndrome that presents with neuropsychiatric symptoms cognitive decline, movement disorder and seizures. This study reports the clinical features, management and neurological outcomes of paediatric NMDAR-Ab-mediated neurological disease in the UK. A prospective surveillance study. Children with NMDAR-Ab-mediated neurological diseases were voluntarily reported to the British Neurological Surveillance Unit (BPNSU) from November 2010 to December 2011. Initial and follow-up questionnaires were sent out to physicians. Thirty-one children fulfilled the criteria for the study. Eight presented during the study period giving an incidence of 0.85 per million children per year (95% CI 0.64 to 1.06); 23 cases were historical. Behavioural change and neuropsychiatric features were present in 90% of patients, and seizures and movement disorders both in 67%. Typical NMDAR-Ab encephalitis was reported in 24 children and partial phenotype without encephalopathy in seven, including predominantly psychiatric (four) and movement disorder (three). All patients received steroids, 22 (71%) received intravenous immunoglobulin, 9 (29%) received plasma exchange,and 10 (32%) received second-line immunotherapy. Of the 23 patients who were diagnosed early, 18 (78%) made a full recovery compared with only 1 of 8 (13%) of the late diagnosed patients (p=0.002, Fisher's exact test). Seven patients relapsed, with four needing additional second-line immunotherapy. Paediatric NMDAR-Ab-mediated neurological disease appears to be similar to adult NMDAR-Ab encephalitis, but some presented with a partial phenotype. Early treatment was associated with a quick and often full recovery. Published by the BMJ Publishing Group Limited. For permission to use (where not already granted under a licence) please go to http://group.bmj.com/group/rights-licensing/permissions.

Identification of N-Methyl-d-aspartic Acid (NMDA) Receptor Subtype-specific Binding Sites That Mediate Direct Interactions with Scaffold Protein PSD-95*

PubMed Central

Cousins, Sarah L.; Stephenson, F. Anne

2012-01-01

N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) neurotransmitter receptors and the postsynaptic density-95 (PSD-95) membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) family of scaffolding proteins are integral components of post-synaptic macromolecular signaling complexes that serve to propagate glutamate responses intracellularly. Classically, NMDA receptor NR2 subunits associate with PSD-95 MAGUKs via a conserved ES(E/D)V amino acid sequence located at their C termini. We previously challenged this dogma to demonstrate a second non-ES(E/D)V PSD-95-binding site in both NMDA receptor NR2A and NR2B subunits. Here, using a combination of co-immunoprecipitations from transfected mammalian cells, yeast two-hybrid interaction assays, and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pulldown assays, we show that NR2A subunits interact directly with PSD-95 via the C-terminal ESDV motif and additionally via an Src homology 3 domain-binding motif that associates with the Src homology 3 domain of PSD-95. Peptide inhibition of co-immunoprecipitations of NR2A and PSD-95 demonstrates that both the ESDV and non-ESDV sites are required for association in native brain tissue. Furthermore, we refine the non-ESDV site within NR2B to residues 1149–1157. These findings provide a molecular basis for the differential association of NMDA receptor subtypes with PSD-95 MAGUK scaffold proteins. These selective interactions may contribute to the organization, lateral mobility, and ultimately the function of NMDA receptor subtypes at synapses. Furthermore, they provide a more general molecular mechanism by which the scaffold, PSD-95, may discriminate between potential interacting partner proteins. PMID:22375001

Excitotoxicity in the Lung: N-Methyl-D-Aspartate-Induced, Nitric Oxide-Dependent, Pulmonary Edema is Attenuated by Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide and by Inhibitors of Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Said, Sami I.; Berisha, Hasan I.; Pakbaz, Hedayatollah

1996-05-01

Excitatory amino acid toxicity, resulting from overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptors, is a major mechanism of neuronal cell death in acute and chronic neurological diseases. We have investigated whether excitotoxicity may occur in peripheral organs, causing tissue injury, and report that NMDA receptor activation in perfused, ventilated rat lungs triggered acute injury, marked by increased pressures needed to ventilate and perfuse the lung, and by high-permeability edema. The injury was prevented by competitive NMDA receptor antagonists or by channel-blocker MK-801, and was reduced in the presence of Mg2+. As with NMDA toxicity to central neurons, the lung injury was nitric oxide (NO) dependent: it required L-arginine, was associated with increased production of NO, and was attenuated by either of two NO synthase inhibitors. The neuropeptide vasoactive intestinal peptide and inhibitors of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase also prevented this injury, but without inhibiting NO synthesis, both acting by inhibiting a toxic action of NO that is critical to tissue injury. The findings indicate that: (i) NMDA receptors exist in the lung (and probably elsewhere outside the central nervous system), (ii) excessive activation of these receptors may provoke acute edematous lung injury as seen in the ``adult respiratory distress syndrome,'' and (iii) this injury can be modulated by blockade of one of three critical steps: NMDA receptor binding, inhibition of NO synthesis, or activation of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase.

Case report of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis in a middle-aged woman with a long history of major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Rong, Xia; Xiong, Zhenzhen; Cao, Bingrong; Chen, Juan; Li, Mingli; Li, Zhe

2017-08-31

Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is an autoimmune disease involving antibodies against the NR1 subunits of NMDARs. The disease shows variable clinical presentation, and involves new-onset acute psychotic symptoms, making it difficult to differentiate from major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms. Potential associations between this autoimmune disorder and onset or progression of major depressive disorder remains unclear. We present a rare case of a patient who had both major depressive disorder and anti-NMDAR encephalitis and in whom the encephalitis initially went undetected. The patient had been suffering from depressive disorder for more than 6 years without any treatment, when she was hospitalized for new-onset psychotic symptoms. She was initially diagnosed only with major depressive disorder with psychotic symptoms, but antipsychotics did not alleviate symptoms and the patient's psychiatric course began to fluctuate rapidly. Anti-NR1 IgG autoantibodies were detected in cerebrospinal fluid, and the combination of immunotherapy and antipsychotics proved more effective than antipsychotics alone. The patient was then also diagnosed with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Our case suggests that clinicians should consider anti-NMDAR encephalitis when a patient with depressive disorder shows sudden fluctuations in psychiatric symptoms. It also highlights the need for research into possible relationships between anti-NMDAR encephalitis and major depressive disorder.

GluN2B N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor and excitatory amino acid transporter 3 are upregulated in primary sensory neurons after 7 days of morphine administration in rats: implication for opiate-induced hyperalgesia.

PubMed

Gong, Kerui; Bhargava, Aditi; Jasmin, Luc

2016-01-01

The contribution of the peripheral nervous system to opiate-induced hyperalgesia (OIH) is not well understood. In this study, we determined the changes in excitability of primary sensory neurons after sustained morphine administration for 7 days. Changes in the expression of glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters after morphine administration were ascertained in dorsal root ganglions. Patch clamp recordings from intact dorsal root ganglions (ex vivo preparation) of morphine-treated rats showed increased excitability of small diameter (≤30 μm) neurons with respect to rheobase and membrane threshold, whereas the excitability of large diameter (>30 μm) neurons remained unchanged. Small diameter neurons also displayed increased responses to glutamate, which were mediated mainly by GluN2B containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, and to a lesser degree by the neuronal excitatory amino acid transporter 3/excitatory amino acid carrier 1. Coadministration in vivo of the GluN2B selective antagonist Ro 25-6981 with morphine for 7 days prevented the appearance of OIH and increased morphine-induced analgesia. Administration of morphine for 7 days led to an increased expression of GluN2B and excitatory amino acid transporter 3/excitatory amino acid carrier 1, but not of the α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate, kainate, or group I metabotropic glutamate receptors, or of the vesicular glutamate transporter 2. These results suggest that peripheral glutamatergic neurotransmission contributes to OIH and that GluN2B subunit of NMDA receptors in the periphery may be a target for therapy.

Olanzapine, but not clozapine, increases glutamate release in the prefrontal cortex of freely moving mice by inhibiting D-aspartate oxidase activity

PubMed Central

Sacchi, Silvia; Novellis, Vito De; Paolone, Giovanna; Nuzzo, Tommaso; Iannotta, Monica; Belardo, Carmela; Squillace, Marta; Bolognesi, Paolo; Rosini, Elena; Motta, Zoraide; Frassineti, Martina; Bertolino, Alessandro; Pollegioni, Loredano; Morari, Michele; Maione, Sabatino; Errico, Francesco; Usiello, Alessandro

2017-01-01

D-aspartate levels in the brain are regulated by the catabolic enzyme D-aspartate oxidase (DDO). D-aspartate activates NMDA receptors, and influences brain connectivity and behaviors relevant to schizophrenia in animal models. In addition, recent evidence reported a significant reduction of D-aspartate levels in the post-mortem brain of schizophrenia-affected patients, associated to higher DDO activity. In the present work, microdialysis experiments in freely moving mice revealed that exogenously administered D-aspartate efficiently cross the blood brain barrier and stimulates L-glutamate efflux in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Consistently, D-aspartate was able to evoke L-glutamate release in a preparation of cortical synaptosomes through presynaptic stimulation of NMDA, mGlu5 and AMPA/kainate receptors. In support of a potential therapeutic relevance of D-aspartate metabolism in schizophrenia, in vitro enzymatic assays revealed that the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine, differently to clozapine, chlorpromazine, haloperidol, bupropion, fluoxetine and amitriptyline, inhibits the human DDO activity. In line with in vitro evidence, chronic systemic administration of olanzapine induces a significant extracellular release of D-aspartate and L-glutamate in the PFC of freely moving mice, which is suppressed in Ddo knockout animals. These results suggest that the second-generation antipsychotic olanzapine, through the inhibition of DDO activity, increases L-glutamate release in the PFC of treated mice. PMID:28393897

Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors Play a Predominant Role in the Cholinergic Potentiation of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Evoked Firing Responses of Hippocampal CA1 Pyramidal Cells

PubMed Central

Bali, Zsolt K.; Nagy, Lili V.; Hernádi, István

2017-01-01

The aim of the present study was to identify in vivo electrophysiological correlates of the interaction between cholinergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission underlying memory. Extracellular spike recordings were performed in the hippocampal CA1 region of anesthetized rats in combination with local microiontophoretic administration of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and acetylcholine (ACh). Both NMDA and ACh increased the firing rate of the neurons. Furthermore, the simultaneous delivery of NMDA and ACh resulted in a more pronounced excitatory effect that was superadditive over the sum of the two mono-treatment effects and that was explained by cholinergic potentiation of glutamatergic neurotransmission. Next, animals were systemically treated with scopolamine or methyllycaconitine (MLA) to assess the contribution of muscarinic ACh receptor (mAChR) or α7 nicotinic ACh receptor (nAChR) receptor-mediated mechanisms to the observed effects. Scopolamine totally inhibited ACh-evoked firing, and attenuated the firing rate increase evoked by simultaneous application of NMDA and ACh. However, the superadditive nature of the combined effect was preserved. The α7 nAChR antagonist MLA robustly decreased the firing response to simultaneous application of NMDA and ACh, suspending their superadditive effect, without modifying the tonic firing rate increasing effect of ACh. These results provide the first in vivo electrophysiological evidence that, in the hippocampal CA1 region, α7 nAChRs contribute to pyramidal cell activity mainly through potentiation of glutamatergic signaling, while the direct cholinergic modulation of tonic firing is notably mediated by mAChRs. Furthermore, the present findings also reveal cellular physiological correlates of the interplay between cholinergic and glutamatergic agents in behavioral pharmacological models of cognitive decline. PMID:28928637

Herpes simplex virus-induced anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis: a systematic literature review with analysis of 43 cases.

PubMed

Nosadini, Margherita; Mohammad, Shekeeb S; Corazza, Francesco; Ruga, Ezia Maria; Kothur, Kavitha; Perilongo, Giorgio; Frigo, Anna Chiara; Toldo, Irene; Dale, Russell C; Sartori, Stefano

2017-08-01

To conduct a systematic literature review on patients with biphasic disease with herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis followed by anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis. We conducted a case report and systematic literature review (up to 10 December 2016), focused on differences between herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) and anti-NMDAR encephalitis phases, age-related characteristics of HSV-induced anti-NMDAR encephalitis, and therapy. For statistical analyses, McNemar's test, Fisher's test, and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used (two-tailed significance level set at 5%). Forty-three patients with biphasic disease were identified (31 children). Latency between HSE and anti-NMDAR encephalitis was significantly shorter in children than adults (median 24 vs 40.5d; p=0.006). Compared with HSE, anti-NMDAR encephalitis was characterized by significantly higher frequency of movement disorder (2.5% vs 75% respectively; p<0.001), and significantly lower rate of seizures (70% vs 30% respectively; p=0.001). Compared with adults, during anti-NMDAR encephalitis children had significantly more movement disorders (86.7% children vs 40% adults; p=0.006), fewer psychiatric symptoms (41.9% children vs 90.0% adults; p=0.025), and a slightly higher median modified Rankin Scale score (5 in children vs 4 in adults; p=0.015). During anti-NMDAR encephalitis, 84.6 per cent of patients received aciclovir (for ≤7d in 22.7%; long-term antivirals in 18.0% only), and 92.7 per cent immune therapy, but none had recurrence of HSE clinically or using cerebrospinal fluid HSV polymerase chain reaction (median follow-up 7mo). Our review suggests that movement disorder may help differentiate clinically an episode of HSV-induced anti-NMDAR encephalitis from HSE relapse. Compared with adults, children have shorter latency between HSE and anti-NMDAR encephalitis and, during anti-NMDAR encephalitis, more movement disorder, fewer psychiatric symptoms, and slightly more severe disease

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors, learning and memory: chronic intraventricular infusion of the NMDA receptor antagonist d-AP5 interacts directly with the neural mechanisms of spatial learning.

PubMed

Morris, R G M; Steele, R J; Bell, J E; Martin, S J

2013-03-01

Three experiments were conducted to contrast the hypothesis that hippocampal N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors participate directly in the mechanisms of hippocampus-dependent learning with an alternative view that apparent impairments of learning induced by NMDA receptor antagonists arise because of drug-induced neuropathological and/or sensorimotor disturbances. In experiment 1, rats given a chronic i.c.v. infusion of d-AP5 (30 mm) at 0.5 μL/h were selectively impaired, relative to aCSF-infused animals, in place but not cued navigation learning when they were trained during the 14-day drug infusion period, but were unimpaired on both tasks if trained 11 days after the minipumps were exhausted. d-AP5 caused sensorimotor disturbances in the spatial task, but these gradually worsened as the animals failed to learn. Histological assessment of potential neuropathological changes revealed no abnormalities in d-AP5-treated rats whether killed during or after chronic drug infusion. In experiment 2, a deficit in spatial learning was also apparent in d-AP5-treated rats trained on a spatial reference memory task involving two identical but visible platforms, a task chosen and shown to minimise sensorimotor disturbances. HPLC was used to identify the presence of d-AP5 in selected brain areas. In Experiment 3, rats treated with d-AP5 showed a delay-dependent deficit in spatial memory in the delayed matching-to-place protocol for the water maze. These data are discussed with respect to the learning mechanism and sensorimotor accounts of the impact of NMDA receptor antagonists on brain function. We argue that NMDA receptor mechanisms participate directly in spatial learning. © 2013 Federation of European Neuroscience Societies and Blackwell Publishing Ltd.

Early Growth Response 1 (Egr-1) Regulates N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor (NMDAR)-dependent Transcription of PSD-95 and α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole Propionic Acid Receptor (AMPAR) Trafficking in Hippocampal Primary Neurons.

PubMed

Qin, Xike; Jiang, Yongjun; Tse, Yiu Chung; Wang, Yunling; Wong, Tak Pan; Paudel, Hemant K

2015-12-04

The N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) controls synaptic plasticity and memory function and is one of the major inducers of transcription factor Egr-1 in the hippocampus. However, how Egr-1 mediates the NMDAR signal in neurons has remained unclear. Here, we show that the hippocampus of mice lacking Egr-1 displays electrophysiology properties and ultrastructure that are similar to mice overexpressing PSD-95, a major scaffolding protein of postsynaptic density involved in synapse formation, synaptic plasticity, and synaptic targeting of AMPA receptors (AMPARs), which mediate the vast majority of excitatory transmission in the CNS. We demonstrate that Egr-1 is a transcription repressor of the PSD-95 gene and is recruited to the PSD-95 promoter in response to NMDAR activation. Knockdown of Egr-1 in rat hippocampal primary neurons blocks NMDAR-induced PSD-95 down-regulation and AMPAR endocytosis. Likewise, overexpression of Egr-1 in rat hippocampal primary neurons causes reduction in PSD-95 protein level and promotes AMPAR endocytosis. Our data indicate that Egr-1 is involved in NMDAR-mediated PSD-95 down-regulation and AMPAR endocytosis, a process important in the expression of long term depression. © 2015 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Phosphodiesterase 2A Inhibitor TAK-915 Ameliorates Cognitive Impairments and Social Withdrawal in N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptor Antagonist-Induced Rat Models of Schizophrenia.

PubMed

Nakashima, Masato; Imada, Haruka; Shiraishi, Eri; Ito, Yuki; Suzuki, Noriko; Miyamoto, Maki; Taniguchi, Takahiko; Iwashita, Hiroki

2018-04-01

The pathophysiology of schizophrenia has been associated with glutamatergic dysfunction. Modulation of the glutamatergic signaling pathway, including N -methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, can provide a new therapeutic target for schizophrenia. Phosphodiesterase 2A (PDE2A) is highly expressed in the forebrain, and is a dual substrate enzyme that hydrolyzes both cAMP and cGMP, which play pivotal roles as intracellular second messengers downstream of NMDA receptors. Here we characterize the in vivo pharmacological profile of a selective and brain-penetrant PDE2A inhibitor, ( N -{(1 S )-1-[3-fluoro-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]-2-methoxyethyl}-7-methoxy-2-oxo-2,3-dihydropyrido[2,3- b ]pyrazine-4(1 H )-carboxamide) (TAK-915) as a novel treatment of schizophrenia. Oral administration of TAK-915 at 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly increased cGMP levels in the frontal cortex, hippocampus, and striatum of rats. TAK-915 at 10 mg/kg significantly upregulated the phosphorylation of α -amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxazole-4-proprionic acid receptor subunit GluR1 in the rat hippocampus. TAK-915 at 3 and 10 mg/kg significantly attenuated episodic memory deficits induced by the NMDA receptor antagonist (+)-MK-801 hydrogen maleate (MK-801) in the rat passive avoidance test. TAK-915 at 10 mg/kg significantly attenuated working memory deficits induced by MK-801 in the rat radial arm maze test. Additionally, TAK-915 at 10 mg/kg prevented subchronic phencyclidine-induced social withdrawal in social interaction in rats. In contrast, TAK-915 did not produce antipsychotic-like activity; TAK-915 had little effect on MK-801- or methamphetamine-induced hyperlocomotion in rats. These results suggest that TAK-915 has a potential to ameliorate cognitive impairments and social withdrawal in schizophrenia. Copyright © 2018 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Quantitative determination of free D-Asp, L-Asp and N-methyl-D-aspartate in mouse brain tissues by chiral separation and Multiple Reaction Monitoring tandem mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Fontanarosa, Carolina; Pane, Francesca; Sepe, Nunzio; Pinto, Gabriella; Trifuoggi, Marco; Squillace, Marta; Errico, Francesco; Usiello, Alessandro; Pucci, Piero; Amoresano, Angela

2017-01-01

Several studies have suggested that free d-Asp has a crucial role in N-methyl d-Asp receptor-mediated neurotransmission playing very important functions in physiological and pathological processes. This paper describes the development of an analytical procedure for the direct and simultaneous determination of free d-Asp, l-Asp and N-methyl d-Asp in specimens of different mouse brain tissues using chiral LC-MS/MS in Multiple Reaction Monitoring scan mode. After comparing three procedures and different buffers and extraction solvents, a simple preparation procedure was selected the analytes of extraction. The method was validated by analyzing l-Asp, d-Asp and N-methyl d-Asp recovery at different spiked concentrations (50, 100 and 200 pg/μl) yielding satisfactory recoveries (75-110%), and good repeatability. Limits of detection (LOD) resulted to be 0.52 pg/μl for d-Asp, 0.46 pg/μl for l-Asp and 0.54 pg/μl for NMDA, respectively. Limits of quantification (LOQ) were 1.57 pg/μl for d-Asp, 1.41 pg/μl for l-Asp and 1.64 pg/μl for NMDA, respectively. Different concentration levels were used for constructing the calibration curves which showed good linearity. The validated method was then successfully applied to the simultaneous detection of d-Asp, l-Asp and NMDA in mouse brain tissues. The concurrent, sensitive, fast, and reproducible measurement of these metabolites in brain tissues will be useful to correlate the amount of free d-Asp with relevant neurological processes, making the LC-MS/MS MRM method well suited, not only for research work but also for clinical analyses.

Effects of ketamine and N-methyl-D-aspartate on fluoxetine-induced antidepressant-related behavior using the forced swimming test.

PubMed

Owolabi, Rotimi Adegbenga; Akanmu, Moses Atanda; Adeyemi, Oluwole Isaac

2014-04-30

This study investigated the effects of ketamine on fluoxetine-induced antidepressant behavior using the forced swimming test (FST) in mice. In order to understand the possible role of N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) neurotransmission in the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine, different groups of mice (n=10) were administered with acute ketamine (3mg/kg, i.p.), acute NMDA (75mg/kg and 150mg/kg, i.p.) and a 21-day chronic ketamine (15mg/kg, i.p./day) were administered prior to the administration of fluoxetine (20mg/kg, i.p.) in the mice. Antidepressant related behavior (immobility score) was measured using the forced swimming test. The results showed that the acute ketamine and fluoxetine alone treatments elicited a significant (p<0.05) reduction in immobility score compared with saline control. Furthermore, pre-treatment with acute ketamine significantly enhanced by the fluoxetine-induced decrease in immobility score. In contrast, pre-treatment with NMDA (150mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) reversed fluoxetine-induced decrease in immobility score. On the other hand, chronic administration of ketamine significantly elicited an increase in immobility score as well as reversed the reduction induced by fluoxetine. Similarly, NMDA administration at both 75mg/kg and 150mg/kg increased immobility score in chronically administered ketamine groups. Furthermore, chronic administration of ketamine, followed by NMDA (75mg/kg) and fluoxetine significantly elevated the immobility score when compared with the group that received NMDA and fluoxetine but not chronically treated with ketamine. It can be suggested) that facilitation of NMDA transmission blocked fluoxetine-induced reduction in immobility score, while down-regulation of NMDA transmission is associated with increase in fluoxetine-induced antidepressant-related behavior in mice. Down-regulation of the NMDA transmission is proposed as an essential component of mechanism of suppression of depression related behaviors by

Neuroprotective effects of NPS 846, a novel N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, after closed head trauma in rats.

PubMed

Gurevich, B; Artru, A A; Lam, A M; Mueller, A L; Merkind, V; Talmor, D; Katchko, L; Shapira, Y

1998-06-01

The authors sought to determine whether 3,3-bis (3-fluorophenyl) propylamine (NPS 846), a novel noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, alters outcome after closed head trauma in rats. The experimental variables were: presence or absence of closed head trauma, treatment with NPS 846 or no treatment, and time at which the rats were killed (24 or 48 hours). The NPS 846 (1 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally at 1 and 3 hours after closed head trauma or sham operation. Outcome measures were the neurological severity score (NSS), ischemic tissue volume, hemorrhagic necrosis volume, and specific gravity, water content, and concentrations of calcium, sodium, potassium, and magnesium in brain tissue. The following closed head trauma-induced changes in the injured hemisphere (expressed as the mean +/- the standard deviation) were reversed by NPS 846: decreased specific gravity of 1.035 +/- 0.006 at 24 hours was increased to 1.042 +/- 0.004; the decreased potassium level of 0.583 +/- 0.231 mg/L at 48 hours and at 24 hours was increased to 2.442 +/- 0.860 mg/L; the increased water content of 84.7 +/- 2.6% at 24 hours was decreased to 79.8 +/- 2%; the increased calcium level of 0.592 +/- 0.210 mg/L at 24 hours was decreased to 0.048 +/- 0.029 mg/L; and the increased sodium level of 2.035 +/- 0.649 mg/L was decreased to 0.631 +/- 0.102 mg/L. Administration of NPS 846 also lowered the NSS (improved neurological status) at 48 hours (7 +/- 3) and caused no significant changes in ischemic tissue or hemorrhagic necrosis volumes in the injured hemisphere at 24 or 48 hours. In this model of closed head trauma, NPS 846 improved neurological outcome, delayed the onset of brain edema, and improved brain tissue ion homeostasis.

Intrathecal injection of the peptide myr-NR2B9c attenuates bone cancer pain via perturbing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-PSD-95 protein interactions in mice.

PubMed

Liu, Yue; Cui, Xinlong; Sun, Yu-E; Yang, Xuli; Ni, Kun; Zhou, Yu; Ma, Zhengliang; Gu, Xiaoping

2014-06-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDARs)-dependent central sensitization plays an important role in cancer pain. Binding of NMDAR subunit 2B (NR2B) by postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95) can couple NMDAR activity to intracellular enzymes, such as neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), facilitate downstream signaling pathways, and modulate NMDAR stability, contributing to synaptic plasticity. In this study, we investigated whether perturbing the specific interaction between spinal NR2B-containing NMDAR and PSD-95, using a peptide-mimetic strategy, could attenuate bone cancer-related pain behaviors. Osteosarcoma cells were implanted into the intramedullary space of the right femurs of C3H/HeJ mice to induce progressive bone cancer-related pain behaviors. Western blotting was applied to examine the expression of spinal phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95. We further investigated the effects of intrathecal injection of the mimetic peptide Myr-NR2B9c, which competitively disrupts the interaction between PSD-95 and NR2B, on nociceptive behaviors and on the upregulation of phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95 associated with bone cancer pain in the spinal cord. Inoculation of osteosarcoma cells induced progressive bone cancer pain and resulted in a significant upregulation of phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95. Intrathecal administration of Myr-NR2B9c attenuated bone cancer-evoked mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia, and reduced spinal phospho-Tyr1472 NR2B, nNOS, and PSD-95 expression. Intrathecal administration of Myr-NR2B9c reduced bone cancer pain. Internalization of spinal NR2B and dissociation NR2B-containing NMDARs activation from downstream nNOS signaling may contribute to the analgesic effects of Myr-NR2B9c. This approach may circumvent the negative consequences associated with blocking NMDARs, and may be a novel strategy for the treatment of bone cancer pain.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 prevents apoptosis in rats that have undergone fetal spinal cord transplantation following spinal hemisection.

PubMed

Zhang, Qiang; Shao, Yang; Zhao, Changsong; Cai, Juan; Sun, Sheng

2014-12-01

Spinal cord injury is the main cause of paraplegia, but effective therapies for it are lacking. Embryonic spinal cord transplantation is able to repair spinal cord injury, albeit with a large amount of neuronal apoptosis remaining in the spinal cord. MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is able to reduce cell death by decreasing the concentration of excitatory amino acids and preventing extracellular calcium ion influx. In this study, the effect of MK-801 on the apoptosis of spinal cord neurons in rats that have received a fetal spinal cord (FSC) transplant following spinal hemisection was investigated. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Spinal cord hemisection injury with a combination of FSC transplantation and MK-801 treatment (group A); spinal cord hemisection injury with FSC transplantation (group B); and spinal cord injury with insertion of a Gelfoam pledget (group C). The rats were sacrificed 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after the surgery. Apoptosis in spinal slices from the injured spinal cord was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling reaction, and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was measured by immunohistochemistry. The positive cells were quantitatively analyzed using a computer image analysis system. The rate of apoptosis and the positive expression of Bcl-2 protein in the spinal cord neurons in the three groups decreased in the following order: C>B>A (P<0.05) and A>B>C (P<0.05), respectively. This indicates that treatment with the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 prevents apoptosis in the spinal cord neurons of rats that have undergone FSC transplantation following spinal hemisection.

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist MK-801 prevents apoptosis in rats that have undergone fetal spinal cord transplantation following spinal hemisection

PubMed Central

ZHANG, QIANG; SHAO, YANG; ZHAO, CHANGSONG; CAI, JUAN; SUN, SHENG

2014-01-01

Spinal cord injury is the main cause of paraplegia, but effective therapies for it are lacking. Embryonic spinal cord transplantation is able to repair spinal cord injury, albeit with a large amount of neuronal apoptosis remaining in the spinal cord. MK-801, an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, is able to reduce cell death by decreasing the concentration of excitatory amino acids and preventing extracellular calcium ion influx. In this study, the effect of MK-801 on the apoptosis of spinal cord neurons in rats that have received a fetal spinal cord (FSC) transplant following spinal hemisection was investigated. Wistar rats were divided into three groups: Spinal cord hemisection injury with a combination of FSC transplantation and MK-801 treatment (group A); spinal cord hemisection injury with FSC transplantation (group B); and spinal cord injury with insertion of a Gelfoam pledget (group C). The rats were sacrificed 1, 3, 7 and 14 days after the surgery. Apoptosis in spinal slices from the injured spinal cord was examined by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling reaction, and the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was measured by immunohistochemistry. The positive cells were quantitatively analyzed using a computer image analysis system. The rate of apoptosis and the positive expression of Bcl-2 protein in the spinal cord neurons in the three groups decreased in the following order: C>B>A (P<0.05) and A>B>C (P<0.05), respectively. This indicates that treatment with the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 prevents apoptosis in the spinal cord neurons of rats that have undergone FSC transplantation following spinal hemisection. PMID:25371724

Subchronic treatment with phencyclidine in adolescence leads to impaired exploratory behavior in adult rats without altering social interaction or N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor binding levels.

PubMed

Metaxas, A; Willems, R; Kooijman, E J M; Renjaän, V A; Klein, P J; Windhorst, A D; Donck, L Ver; Leysen, J E; Berckel, B N M van

2014-11-01

Although both the onset of schizophrenia and human phencyclidine (PCP) abuse typically present within the interval from adolescence to early adulthood, the majority of preclinical research employing the PCP model of schizophrenia has been conducted on neonatal or adult animals. The present study was designed to evaluate the behavioral and neurochemical sequelae of subchronic exposure to PCP in adolescence. Male 35-42-day-old Sprague Dawley rats were subcutaneously administered either saline (10 ml · kg(-1) ) or PCP hydrochloride (10 mg · kg(-1) ) once daily for a period of 14 days (n = 6/group). The animals were allowed to withdraw from treatment for 2 weeks, and their social and exploratory behaviors were subsequently assessed in adulthood by using the social interaction test. To examine the effects of adolescent PCP administration on the regulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), quantitative autoradiography was performed on brain sections of adult, control and PCP-withdrawn rats by using 20 nM (3) H-MK-801. Prior subchronic exposure to PCP in adolescence had no enduring effects on the reciprocal contact and noncontact social behavior of adult rats. Spontaneous rearing in response to the novel testing arena and time spent investigating its walls and floor were reduced in PCP-withdrawn animals compared with control. The long-term behavioral effects of PCP occurred in the absence of persistent deficits in spontaneous locomotion or self-grooming activity and were not mediated by altered NMDAR density. Our results document differential effects of adolescent PCP administration on the social and exploratory behaviors of adult rats, suggesting that distinct neurobiological mechanisms are involved in mediating these behaviors. Copyright © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Magnesium Lithospermate B Implicates 3'-5'-Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate/Protein Kinase A Pathway and N-Methyl-d-Aspartate Receptors in an Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury.

PubMed

Chang, Chih-Zen; Wu, Shu-Chuan; Kwan, Aij-Lie; Lin, Chih-Lung

2015-10-01

Decreased 3'-5'-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), protein kinase A (PKA), and increased N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) related apoptosis were observed in traumatic brain injury (TBI). It is of interest to examine the effect of magnesium lithospermate B (MLB) on cAMP/PKA pathway and NMDAR in TBI. A rodent weight-drop TBI model was used. Administration of MLB was initiated 1 week before (precondition) and 24 hours later (reversal). Cortical homogenates were harvested to measure cAMP (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), soluble guanylyl cyclases, PKA and NMDA receptor-2β (Western blot). In addition, cAMP kinase antagonist and H-89 dihydrochloride hydrate were used to test MLB's effect on the cytoplasm cAMP/PKA pathway after TBI. Morphologically, vacuolated neuron and activated microglia were observed in the TBI groups but absent in the MLB preconditioning and healthy controls. Induced cAMP, soluble guanylyl cyclase α1, and PKA were observed in the MLB groups, when compared with the TBI group (P < 0.01) Administration of H-89 dihydrochloride hydrate reversed the effect of MLB on cortical PKA and NMDA-2β expression after TBI. This study showed that MLB exerted an antioxidant effect on the enhancement of cytoplasm cAMP and PKA. This compound also decreased NMDA-2β levels, which may correspond to its neuroprotective effects. This finding lends credence to the presumption that MLB modulates the NMDA-2β neurotoxicity through a cAMP-dependent mechanism in the pathogenesis of TBI. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Postoperative pain impairs subsequent performance on a spatial memory task via effects on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor in aged rats.

PubMed

Chi, Haidong; Kawano, Takashi; Tamura, Takahiko; Iwata, Hideki; Takahashi, Yasuhiro; Eguchi, Satoru; Yamazaki, Fumimoto; Kumagai, Naoko; Yokoyama, Masataka

2013-12-18

Pain may be associated with postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD); however, this relationship remains under investigated. Therefore, we examined the impact of postoperative pain on cognitive functions in aged animals. Rats were allocated to the following groups: control (C), 1.2 % isoflurane for 2 hours alone (I), I with laparotomy (IL), IL with analgesia using local ropivacaine (IL+R), and IL with analgesia using systemic morphine (IL+M). Pain was assessed by rat grimace scale (RGS). Spatial memory was evaluated using a radial maze from postoperative days (POD) 3 to 14. NMDA receptor (NR) 2 subunits in hippocampus were measured by ELISA. Finally, effects of memantine, a low-affinity uncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, on postoperative cognitive performance were tested. Postoperative RGS was increased in Group IL, but not in other groups. The number of memory errors in Group I were comparable to that in Group C, whereas errors in Group IL were increased. Importantly, in Group IL+R and IL+M, cognitive impairment was not found. The memory errors were positively correlated with the levels of NMDA receptor 2 subunits in hippocampus. Prophylactic treatment with memantine could prevent the development of memory deficits observed in Group IL without an analgesic effect. Postoperative pain contributes to the development of memory deficits after anesthesia and surgery via up-regulation of hippocampal NMDA receptors. Our findings suggest that postoperative pain management may be important for the prevention of POCD in elderly patients. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Schizophrenia patients show task switching deficits consistent with N-methyl-d-aspartate system dysfunction but not global executive deficits: implications for pathophysiology of executive dysfunction in schizophrenia.

PubMed

Wylie, Glenn R; Clark, E A; Butler, P D; Javitt, D C

2010-05-01

Schizophrenia is associated with cognitive processing deficits, including deficits in executive processing, that represent a core component of the disorder. In the Task Switching Test, subjects view ambiguous stimuli and must alternate between competing rules to generate correct responses. Subjects show worse performance (prolonged response time and/or increased error rates) on the first response after a switch than on subsequent responses ("switch costs"), as well as performing worse when stimuli are incongruent as opposed to congruent ("congruence costs"). Finally, subjects show worse performance in the dual vs single task condition ("mixing costs"). In monkeys, the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist ketamine has been shown to increase congruence but not switch costs. Here, subjects viewed colored letters and had to respond alternately based upon letter (X vs O) or color (red vs blue). Switch, congruence and mixing costs were calculated. Patients with schizophrenia (n = 16) and controls (n = 17) showed similar switch costs, consistent with prior literature. Patients nevertheless showed increased congruence and mixing costs. In addition, relative to controls, patients showed worse performance across conditions in the letter vs color tasks, suggesting deficits in form vs color processing. Overall, while confirming executive dysfunction in schizophrenia, this study indicates that not all aspects of executive control are impaired and that the task switching paradigm may be useful for evaluating neurochemical vs neuroanatomic hypotheses of schizophrenia.

Changes in cortical N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and post-synaptic density protein 95 in schizophrenia, mood disorders and suicide.

PubMed

Dean, Brian; Gibbons, Andrew S; Boer, Simone; Uezato, Akihito; Meador-Woodruff, James; Scarr, Elizabeth; McCullumsmith, Robert E

2016-03-01

In humans, depending on dose, blocking the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) with ketamine can cause psychomimetic or antidepressant effects. The overall outcome for drugs such as ketamine depends on dose and the number of its available binding sites in the central nervous system, and to understand something of the latter variable we measure NMDAR in the frontal pole, dorsolateral prefrontal, anterior cingulate and parietal cortices from people with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders and age/sex matched controls. We measured levels of NMDARs (using [(3)H]MK-801 binding) and NMDAR sub-unit mRNAs (GRINs: using in situ hybridisation) as well as post-synaptic density protein 95 (anterior cingulate cortex only; not major depressive disorders: an NMDAR post-synaptic associated protein) in bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and controls. Compared to controls, levels of NMDAR were lower in the outer laminae of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (-17%, p = 0.01) in people with schizophrenia. In bipolar disorder, levels of NMDAR binding (laminae IV-VI; -19%, p < 0.01) and GRIN2C mRNA (laminae I-VI; -27%, p < 0.05) were lower in the anterior cingulate cortex and NMDAR binding was lower in the outer lamina IV of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (-19%, p < 0.01). In major depressive disorders, levels of GRIN2D mRNA were higher in frontal pole (+22%, p < 0.05). In suicide completers, levels of GRIN2B mRNA were higher in parietal cortex (+20%, p < 0.01) but lower (-35%, p = 0.02) in dorsolateral prefrontal cortex while post-synaptic density protein 95 was higher (+26%, p < 0.05) in anterior cingulate cortex. These data suggest that differences in cortical NMDAR expression and post-synaptic density protein 95 are present in psychiatric disorders and suicide completion and may contribute to different responses to ketamine. © The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists 2015.

Cerebrospinal fluid cyto-/chemokine profile during acute herpes simplex virus induced anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor encephalitis and in chronic neurological sequelae.

PubMed

Kothur, Kavitha; Gill, Deepak; Wong, Melanie; Mohammad, Shekeeb S; Bandodkar, Sushil; Arbunckle, Susan; Wienholt, Louise; Dale, Russell C

2017-08-01

To examine the cytokine/chemokine profile of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during acute herpes simplex virus-induced N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) autoimmunity and in chronic/relapsing post-herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSE) neurological syndromes. We measured longitudinal serial CSF cyto-/chemokines (n=34) and a glial marker (calcium-binding astroglial protein, S100B) in one patient during acute HSE and subsequent anti-NMDAR encephalitis, and compared the results with those from two patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis without preceding HSE. We also compared cyto-/chemokines in cross-sectional CSF samples from three children with previous HSE who had ongoing chronic or relapsing neurological symptoms (2yr 9 mo-16y after HSE) with those in a group of children having non-inflammatory neurological conditions (n=20). Acute HSE showed elevation of a broad range of all T-helper-subset-related cyto-/chemokines and S100B whereas the post-HSE anti-NMDAR encephalitis phase showed persistent elevation of two of five T-helper-1 (chemokine [C-X-C motif] ligand 9 [CXCL9], CXCL10), three of five predominantly B-cell (CXCL13, CCL19, a proliferation-inducing ligand [APRIL])-mediated cyto-/chemokines, and interferon-α. The post-HSE anti-NMDAR encephalitis inflammatory response was more pronounced than anti-NMDAR encephalitis. All three chronic post-HSE cases showed persistent elevation of CXCL9, CXCL10, and interferon-α, and there was histopathological evidence of chronic lymphocytic inflammation in one biopsied case 7 years after HSE. Two of three chronic cases showed a modest response to immune therapy. HSE-induced anti-NMDAR encephalitis is a complex and pronounced inflammatory syndrome. There is persistent CSF upregulation of cyto-/chemokines in chronic or relapsing post-HSE neurological symptoms, which may be modifiable with immune therapy. The elevated cyto-/chemokines may be targets of monoclonal therapies. © 2017 Mac Keith Press.

The effects of N-Methyl-D-Aspartate receptor blockade during the early neurodevelopmental period on emotional behaviors and cognitive functions of adolescent Wistar rats.

PubMed

Kocahan, Sayad; Akillioglu, Kubra; Binokay, Secil; Sencar, Leman; Polat, Sait

2013-05-01

The N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptor is expressed abundantly in the brain and plays an important role in neuronal development, learning and memory, neurodegenerative diseases, and neurogenesis. In this study, we evaluated the effects of NMDA receptor blockade during the early neurodevelopmental period on exploratory locomotion, anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive functions of adolescent Wistar rats. NMDA receptor hypofunction was induced 7-10 days after birth using MK-801 in rats (0.25 mg/kg twice a day for 4 days via intraperitoneal injection). The open-field (OF), elevated plus maze (EPM) and passive avoidance (PA) tests were used to evaluate exploratory locomotion, anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive functions. In the OF test, MK-801 caused an increase in locomotion behavior (p < 0.01) and in the frequency of rearing (p < 0.05). In the EPM test, MK-801 treatment increased the time spent in the open arms, the number of open arm entries and the amount of head dipping (p < 0.01). MK-801 treatment caused no statistical difference compared to the control group in the PA test (p > 0.05). Chronic NMDA receptor blockade during the critical period of maturation for the glutamatergic brain system (postnatal days 7-10) produces locomotor hyperactivity and decreased anxiety levels, but has no significant main effect on cognitive function during adolescence.

Absent anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor NR1a antibodies in herpes simplex virus encephalitis and varicella zoster virus infections.

PubMed

Berger, Benjamin; Pytlik, Maximilian; Hottenrott, Tilman; Stich, Oliver

2017-02-01

A 2012 report and subsequent case series described anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies in patients during the acute phase and relapse of herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV1) encephalitis (HSV1E). However, the prevalence of this phenomenon is unknown and systematic studies on other viral infections of the nervous system are missing. We retrospectively analyzed serial cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum samples of consecutive patients treated for neurological HSV1, HSV2 and varicella zoster virus (VZV) infections in our tertiary care university hospital between 2003 and 2013 for the presence of antibodies directed against the NR1a subunit of the NMDAR using indirect immunofluorescence. In total, 88 patients with the following infections were identified through an electronic database search: HSV1 (24 with encephalitis), HSV2 (6 with meningitis, 3 with encephalitis and 1 with myelitis), or VZV (3 with meningitis, 33 with encephalitis, 17 with radiculitis and 1 with myelitis). Two patients with HSV1E and HSV2E, respectively, experienced a clinical relapse. Clinical follow-up was for up to 85 months, and repetitive serum and CSF analyses for up to 43 months. However, at no time did any of the 88 patients exhibit anti-NMDAR NR1a antibodies. In this study, we did not detect anti-NMDAR NR1a antibodies in serial CSF and serum samples of HSV1E patients or patients with other viral infections (HSV2 and VZV). However, the presence of antibodies directed against other epitopes of the NMDAR and other neuronal cell surface antigens cannot be excluded, necessitating further studies.

Induced expression of hepatic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2C subunit gene during liver enlargement induced by lead nitrate, a hepatocellular mitogen.

PubMed

Nemoto, Kiyomitsu; Ikeda, Ayaka; Hikida, Tokihiro; Kojima, Misaki; Degawa, Masakuni

2013-02-01

We previously demonstrated the super-induced expression of the Grin2c gene encoding the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor 2C subunit during the development of liver enlargement with hepatocellular hypertrophy induced by phenobarbital, clofibrate, or piperonyl butoxide. In the present study, we assessed whether or not Grin2c gene expression was induced during the development of chemically induced liver enlargement with hyperplasia. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSPs), and SHRSP's normotensive control, Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats, were administered lead nitrate (LN) (0.1 mmol/kg, single i.v.), a direct inducer of liver hyperplasia, and changes in the level of Grin2c mRNA in the liver were assessed by real-time RT-PCR. The level of hepatic Grin2c mRNA was significantly higher 6-48 hr after the injection in SD rats (about 30~40- and 70-fold over the control at 6~24 hr and 48 hr, respectively) and in WKY rats (about 20-fold over the control only at 12 hr), but was not significantly higher in SHRSPs. Such differences in LN-induced levels of Grin2c mRNA among SD rats, WKY rats, and SHRSPs were closely correlated with those in the previously reported increase in liver weight 48 hr after LN administration. The present findings suggest that the increase in the level of hepatic Grin2c mRNA relates to development of chemically induced liver enlargement with hyperplasia.

Characteristics and physiological role of hyperpolarization activated currents in mouse cold thermoreceptors

PubMed Central

Orio, Patricio; Madrid, Rodolfo; de la Peña, Elvira; Parra, Andrés; Meseguer, Víctor; Bayliss, Douglas A; Belmonte, Carlos; Viana, Félix

2009-01-01

Hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih) are mediated by the expression of combinations of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel subunits (HCN1–4). These cation currents are key regulators of cellular excitability in the heart and many neurons in the nervous system. Subunit composition determines the gating properties and cAMP sensitivity of native Ih currents. We investigated the functional properties of Ih in adult mouse cold thermoreceptor neurons from the trigeminal ganglion, identified by their high sensitivity to moderate cooling and responsiveness to menthol. All cultured cold-sensitive (CS) neurons expressed a fast activating Ih, which was fully blocked by extracellular Cs+ or ZD7288 and had biophysical properties consistent with those of heteromeric HCN1–HCN2 channels. In CS neurons from HCN1(−/−) animals, Ih was greatly reduced but not abolished. We find that Ih activity is not essential for the transduction of cold stimuli in CS neurons. Nevertheless, Ih has the potential to shape the excitability of CS neurons. First, Ih blockade caused a membrane hyperpolarization in CS neurons of about 5 mV. Furthermore, impedance power analysis showed that all CS neurons had a prominent subthreshold membrane resonance in the 5–7 Hz range, completely abolished upon blockade of Ih and absent in HCN1 null mice. This frequency range matches the spontaneous firing frequency of cold thermoreceptor terminals in vivo. Behavioural responses to cooling were reduced in HCN1 null mice and after peripheral pharmacological blockade of Ih with ZD7288, suggesting that Ih plays an important role in peripheral sensitivity to cold. PMID:19273581

Blockage of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors decreases testosterone levels and enhances postnatal neuronal apoptosis in the preoptic area of male rats.

PubMed

Hsu, C; Hsieh, Y L; Yang, R C; Hsu, H K

2000-05-01

Sexual dimorphism has been found in the preoptic area of the hypothalamus (POA), a major site of glutamate actions via N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors. The sexually dimorphic nucleus of the preoptic area (SDN-POA) of male rats exhibits about seven-fold greater nuclear volume than that of females. A naturally occurring neonatal neuronal apoptosis, that can be prevented by testosterone, may contribute to this sexual difference in SDN-POA nuclear volume. Since activation of NMDA receptors in the POA induces GnRH secretion, it may be involved in both elevation of serum testosterone and prevention of neuronal death in the SDN-POA. In the present study, protein expression of NMDA receptors in the POA of male and female fetuses was quantified on the day preceding the fetal testosterone peak (embryonic day 16; ED 16). Rats were then distributed in four groups: (1) untreated males, (2) untreated females, (3) males pretreated with MK-801 (a noncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist), and (4) females pretreated with MK-801. Serum levels of testosterone were estimated on the afternoon of ED 18. Expression of Bcl-2 and Bax, as well as neuronal apoptosis in SDN-POA, were observed on postnatal day 8. The results showed that (1) expression of NMDA receptors in the POA of male fetuses was higher than that of females on ED 16; (2) levels of testosterone were lower in MK-801 pretreated male fetuses than in intact males on ED 18; (3) expression of Bcl-2 in the POA of MK-801 pretreated male rats was significantly less than that of control males; (4) the apoptotic incidence in the SDN-POA of MK-801 pretreated male rats was significantly greater than in control males, while there was no significant difference in apoptotic incidence in the SDN-POA between MK-801 pretreated and intact females. These results suggest that the NMDA receptor is highly expressed in prenatal male fetuses, and that it might play an important role in the elevation of testosterone levels. Moreover, activation

Diabetes induced renal urea transport alterations assessed with 3D hyperpolarized 13 C,15 N-Urea.

PubMed

Bertelsen, Lotte B; Nielsen, Per M; Qi, Haiyun; Nørlinger, Thomas S; Zhang, Xiaolu; Stødkilde-Jørgensen, Hans; Laustsen, Christoffer

2017-04-01

In the current study, we investigated hyperpolarized urea as a possible imaging biomarker of the renal function by means of the intrarenal osmolality gradient. Hyperpolarized three-dimensional balanced steady state 13 C MRI experiments alongside kidney function parameters and quantitative polymerase chain reaction measurements was performed on two groups of rats, a streptozotocin type 1 diabetic group and a healthy control group. A significant decline in intrarenal steepness of the urea gradient was found after 4 weeks of untreated insulinopenic diabetes in agreement with an increased urea transport transcription. MRI and hyperpolarized [ 13 C, 15 N]urea can monitor the changes in the corticomedullary urea concentration gradients in diabetic and healthy control rats. Magn Reson Med 77:1650-1655, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Radiochemical microassay for aspartate aminotransferase activity in the nervous system

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Garrison, D.; Beattie, J.; Namboodiri, M.A.

1988-07-01

A radiochemical procedure for measuring aspartate aminotransferase activity in the nervous system is described. The method is based on the exchange of tritium atoms at positions 2 and 3 of L-2,3-(/sup 3/H)aspartate with water when this amino acid is transaminated in the presence of alpha-ketoglutarate to form oxaloacetate. The tritiated water is separated from the radiolabeled aspartate by passing the reaction mixture over a cation exchange column. Confirmation that the radioactivity in the product is associated with water was obtained by separating it by anion exchange HPLC and by evaporation. The product formation is linear with time up to 120more » min and with tissue in the 0.05- to 10-micrograms range. The apparent Km for aspartate in the rat brain homogenate is found to be 0.83 mM and that for alpha-ketoglutarate to be 0.12 mM. Methods that further improve the sensitivity of the assay are also discussed.« less

Effects of neurosteroid actions at N-methyl-D-aspartate and GABA A receptors in the midbrain ventral tegmental area for anxiety-like and mating behavior of female rats.

PubMed

Frye, Cheryl A; Paris, Jason J

2011-01-01

In the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA), actions of neurosteroids, such as the progesterone metabolite, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), can facilitate mating and influence stress-related processes. Some actions of 3α,5α-THP may occur via positive modulation of GABA(A) receptors (GBRs), or negative modulation of N-methyl-D: -aspartate receptors (NMDARs), to influence anxiety-like behavior; but this is not known. We aimed to assess the role that neurosteroids and stress factors play on intra-VTA NMDAR- and/or GBR-mediated anxiety-like and mating behavior. Estradiol-primed, ovariectomized rats, which were partially or completely adrenalectomized (ADX), received infusions of vehicle, an NMDAR blocker (MK-801; 200 ng), or a GBR antagonist (bicuculline, 100 ng) to the VTA. Rats then received intra-VTA vehicle or a neurosteroidogenesis enhancer (N,N-Dihexyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)indole-3-acetamide, FGIN 1-27, 5 μg) and anxiety-like and sexual behavior was assessed. Complete, compared to partial, ADX significantly reduced open arm exploration on an elevated plus maze, the proportion of females that engaged in mating, lordosis quotients, pacing of sexual contacts, and defensive aggression towards a sexually vigorous male. Intra-VTA MK-801 enhanced open arm investigation and the proportion of females that engaged in mating. Infusions of either, MK-801 or FGIN 1-27, enhanced lordosis and, when co-administered, FGIN 1-27 attenuated MK-801's lordosis-enhancing effects. Intra-VTA infusions of bicuculline, prior to FGIN 1-27, blocked FGIN 1-27's effects to enhance lordosis. Together, these data suggest that reduced NMDAR activity in the VTA may influence motivation to explore and engage in sexual behavior. These data suggest that neurosteroid actions at NMDARs and GBRs in the VTA are important for exploration and/or sexual behavior.

N.m.r. studies of the conformation of analogues of methyl beta-lactoside in methyl sulfoxide-d6.

PubMed

Rivera-Sagredo, A; Jiménez-Barbero, J; Martín-Lomas, M

1991-12-16

The 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectra of solutions of methyl beta-lactoside (1), all of its monodeoxy derivatives (2, 3, 6-10), the 3-O-methyl derivative (4), and methyl 4-O-beta-D-galactopyranosyl-D-xylopyranoside (5) in methyl sulfoxide-d6 have been analysed. The n.O.e.'s and specific desheildings indicate similar distributions of low-energy conformers, comparable to those in aqueous solution. The major conformer has torsion angles phi H and psi H of 49 degrees and 5 degrees, respectively, with contributions of conformers with phi/psi 24 degrees/-59 degrees, 22 degrees/32 degrees, and 6 degrees/44 degrees.

Noninvasive in Vivo MRI Assessment of Prostate Cancer Using Hyperpolarized 15N Choline

DTIC Science & Technology

2017-01-01

for hyperpolarized 15N NMR and MRI, and (iii) to evaluate the efficacy of using hyperpolarized 15N choline as in vivo biomarker for prostate cancer...accomplished. GOAL 3. to evaluate the efficacy of using hyperpolarized 15N choline as in vivo biomarker for prostate cancer. For this Goal, the...science and technology? We currently have no metric to evaluate that the results of this project has any significant impact on public awareness or

Dizocilpine (MK-801) induces distinct changes of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor subunits in parvalbumin-containing interneurons in young adult rat prefrontal cortex.

PubMed

Xi, Dong; Zhang, Wentong; Wang, Huai-Xing; Stradtman, George G; Gao, Wen-Jun

2009-11-01

N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) hypofunction has long been implicated in schizophrenia and NMDARs on gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic interneurons are proposed to play an essential role in the pathogenesis. However, controversial results have been reported regarding the regulation of NMDAR expression, and direct evidence of how NMDAR antagonists act on specific subpopulations of prefrontal interneurons is missing. We investigated the effects of the NMDAR antagonist dizocilpine (MK-801) on the expression of NMDAR subtypes in the identified interneurons in young adult rat prefrontal cortex (PFC) by using laser microdissection and real-time polymerase chain reaction, combined with Western blotting and immunofluorescent staining. We found that MK-801 induced distinct changes of NMDAR subunits in the parvalbumin-immunoreactive (PV-ir) interneurons vs. pyramidal neurons in the PFC circuitry. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of all NMDAR subtypes, including NR1 and NR2A to 2D, exhibited inverted-U dose-dependent changes in response to MK-801 treatment in the PFC. In contrast, subunit mRNAs of NMDARs in PV-ir interneurons were significantly down-regulated at low doses, unaltered at medium doses, and significantly decreased again at high doses, suggesting a biphasic dose response to MK-801. The differential effects of MK-801 in mRNA expression of NMDAR subunits were consistent with the protein expression of NR2A and NR2B subunits revealed with Western blotting and double immunofluorescent staining. These results suggest that PV-containing interneurons in the PFC exhibit a distinct responsiveness to NMDAR antagonism and that NMDA antagonist can differentially and dose-dependently regulate the functions of pyramidal neurons and GABAergic interneurons in the prefrontal cortical circuitry.

Ligand-specific Deactivation Time Course of GluN1/GluN2D NMDA Receptors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

K Vance; N Simorowski; S Traynelis

2011-12-31

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors belong to the family of ionotropic glutamate receptors that mediate a majority of excitatory synaptic transmission. One unique property of GluN1/GluN2D NMDA receptors is an unusually prolonged deactivation time course following the removal of L-glutamate. Here we show, using x-ray crystallography and electrophysiology, that the deactivation time course of GluN1/GluN2D receptors is influenced by the conformational variability of the ligand-binding domain (LBD) as well as the structure of the activating ligand. L-glutamate and L-CCG-IV induce significantly slower deactivation time courses compared with other agonists. Crystal structures of the isolated GluN2D LBD in complex with various ligands revealmore » that the binding of L-glutamate induces a unique conformation at the backside of the ligand-binding site in proximity to the region at which the transmembrane domain would be located in the intact receptors. These data suggest that the activity of the GluN1/GluN2D NMDA receptor is controlled distinctively by the endogenous neurotransmitter L-glutamate.« less

Effects of GABA and bicuculline on N-methyl-D-aspartate- and quisqualate-induced reductions in extracellular free calcium in area CA1 of the hippocampal slice.

PubMed

Hamon, B; Heinemann, U

1986-01-01

Decreases in extracellular free calcium ([Ca2+]o) and concomitant field potentials were recorded from the dendritic and cell body layers of the CA1 field in transverse hippocampal slices. They were elicited by tetanic stimulation of Schaffer collaterals and commissural fibers or by iontophoretic application of the excitatory amino acids N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and quisqualate (Quis). Under control conditions, decreases in [Ca2+]o were found to be maximal in stratum pyramidale (SP). In stratum radiatum (SR), 100 micron away from SP, decreases in [Ca2+]o were half the size of those observed in SP. Bicuculline methiodide, bath-applied at concentrations of 10-100 microM, enhanced the reductions in [Ca2+]o, increased the field potentials in all layers and also induced "spontaneous" epileptiform activity. In the presence of bicuculline, the decreases in [Ca2+]o were particularly enhanced in SR and were often greater than those recorded in SP. This was the case for changes in [Ca2+]o induced either by repetitive electrical stimulation or by application of NMDA and Quis. When synaptic transmission was blocked by perfusing the slices with a low Ca2+ medium, all NMDA and Quis-induced changes in [Ca2+]o were predictably reduced but there was a relative enhancement of changes in [Ca2+]o in SR with respect to those in SP. We propose that, under normal conditions, an inhibitory control mediated by GABA limits the reductions of [Ca2+]o particularly in SR. In support of this proposal, we found that bath-applied GABA had a depressant action on changes in [Ca2+]o.

Fluconazole affects the alkali-metal-cation homeostasis and susceptibility to cationic toxic compounds of Candida glabrata.

PubMed

Elicharova, Hana; Sychrova, Hana

2014-08-01

Candida glabrata is a salt-tolerant and fluconazole (FLC)-resistant yeast species. Here, we analyse the contribution of plasma-membrane alkali-metal-cation exporters, a cation/proton antiporter and a cation ATPase to cation homeostasis and the maintenance of membrane potential (ΔΨ). Using a series of single and double mutants lacking CNH1 and/or ENA1 genes we show that the inability to export potassium and toxic alkali-metal cations leads to a slight hyperpolarization of the plasma membrane of C. glabrata cells; this hyperpolarization drives more cations into the cells and affects cation homeostasis. Surprisingly, a much higher hyperpolarization of C. glabrata plasma membrane was produced by incubating cells with subinhibitory concentrations of FLC. FLC treatment resulted in a substantially increased sensitivity of cells to various cationic drugs and toxic cations that are driven into the cell by negative-inside plasma-membrane potential. The effect of the combination of FLC plus cationic drug treatment was enhanced by the malfunction of alkali-metal-cation transporters that contribute to the regulation of membrane potential and cation homeostasis. In summary, we show that the combination of subinhibitory concentrations of FLC and cationic drugs strongly affects the growth of C. glabrata cells. © 2014 The Authors.

The effect of neonatal N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor blockade on exploratory and anxiety-like behaviors in adult BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice.

PubMed

Akillioglu, Kubra; Binokay, Secil; Kocahan, Sayad

2012-07-15

N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors play an important role in brain maturation and developmental processes. In our study, we evaluated the effects of neonatal NMDA receptor blockade on exploratory locomotion and anxiety-like behaviors of adult BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice. In this study, NMDA receptor hypofunction was induced 7-10 days after birth using MK-801 in BALB/c and C57BL/6 mice (0.25mg/kg twice a day for 4 days via intraperitoneal injection). The open-field (OF) and elevated plus maze (EPM) tests were used to evaluate exploratory locomotion and anxiety-like behaviors. In the OF, BALB/c mice spent less time in the center of the field (p<0.05) and had less vertical locomotor activity (p<0.01) compared to C57BL/6 mice. In BALB/c mice, MK-801 caused a decrease in vertical and horizontal locomotor activity in the OF test, compared to the control group (p<0.05). In C57BL/6 mice, MK-801 treatment increased horizontal locomotor activity and decreased time spent in the center in the OF test (p<0.05). In the EPM, the number of open-arm entries, the percentage of open-arm time (p<0.01) and total arm entries (p<0.05) were lower in BALB/c mice compared to C57BL/6 mice. In BALB/c mice, MK-801 caused an increase in the percentage of open-arm time compared to the control group (p<0.05). In C57BL/6 mice, MK-801 caused a decrease in the percentage of open-arm time compared to the control group (p<0.05). MK-801 decreased exploratory and anxiety-like behaviors in BALB/c mice. In contrast, MK-801 increased exploratory and anxiety-like behaviors in C57BL/6 mice. In conclusion, hereditary factors may play an important role in neonatal NMDA receptor blockade-induced responses. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

On the mechanism of aluminum ion-induced neurotoxicity: The effects of aluminum species on G-protein-mediated processes and on drug interactions with the N-methyl-D-aspartate modulated ionophore

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hubbard, C.M.

1989-01-01

To establish what effects Al{sup 3+} may have on G-protein mediate signal transduction, the effects of Al{sup 3+} on the signal-coupling G-protein from retinal rod outer segments (G{sub t} or transducin) have been investigated as a model for the effects of Al{sup 3+} on signal transduction by G-proteins in general. In this investigation, we have studied the effects of Al{sup 3+} on the isolated, light-dependent rhodopsin catalyzed GTP-GDP exchange on G{sub t}; the light-dependent GTPase activity of G{sub t}; the light-independent cGMP hydrolysis by PDE; and the light activated, rhodopsin catalyzed, cGMP hydrolysis by PDE in vitro. To determine themore » effects of two defined species of aluminum on N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor-channel modulation we utilized a specific radioligand binding assay. This allowed us to compare the effects of aluminum to other metal ions on specific ({sup 3}H)MK-801 binding to the NMDA receptor-channel complex. This complex is involved in long-term potentiation, which is currently being investigated as the mechanism by which learning and memory occur and has been implicated in the pathology of Alzheimer's disease. We have investigated the effects of two different species of aluminum, as well as Ca{sup 2+}, Zn{sup 2+}, Mg{sup 2+}, and Li{sup +} on the specific binding of ({sup 3}H)MK-801 to the NMDA receptor-channel complex under depolarized conditions.« less

Effects of neurosteroid actions at N-methyl-D-aspartate and GABAA receptors in the midbrain ventral tegmental area for anxiety-like and mating behavior of female rats

PubMed Central

Paris, Jason J.

2013-01-01

Rationale In the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA), actions of neurosteroids, such as the progesterone metabolite, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), can facilitate mating and influence stress-related processes. Some actions of 3α,5α-THP may occur via positive modulation of GABAA receptors (GBRs), or negative modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), to influence anxiety-like behavior; but this is not known. Objectives We aimed to assess the role that neurosteroids and stress factors play on intra-VTA NMDAR- and/or GBR-mediated anxiety-like and mating behavior. Methods Estradiol-primed, ovariectomized rats, which were partially or completely adrenalectomized (ADX), received infusions of vehicle, an NMDAR blocker (MK-801; 200 ng), or a GBR antagonist (bicuculline, 100 ng) to the VTA. Rats then received intra-VTA vehicle or a neurosteroidogenesis enhancer (N,N-Dihexyl-2-(4-fluorophenyl)indole-3-acetamide, FGIN 1-27, 5 μg) and anxiety-like and sexual behavior was assessed. Results Complete, compared to partial, ADX significantly reduced open arm exploration on an elevated plus maze, the proportion of females that engaged in mating, lordosis quotients, pacing of sexual contacts, and defensive aggression towards a sexually vigorous male. Intra-VTA MK-801 enhanced open arm investigation and the proportion of females that engaged in mating. Infusions of either, MK-801 or FGIN 1-27, enhanced lordosis and, when co-administered, FGIN 1-27 attenuated MK-801’s lordosis-enhancing effects. Intra-VTA infusions of bicuculline, prior to FGIN 1-27, blocked FGIN 1-27’s effects to enhance lordosis. Conclusions Together, these data suggest that reduced NMDAR activity in the VTA may influence motivation to explore and engage in sexual behavior. These data suggest that neurosteroid actions at NMDARs and GBRs in the VTA are important for exploration and/or sexual behavior. PMID:20878318

Formation of O2-methylthymine in poly(dA-dT) on methylation with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and dimethyl sulphate. Evidence that O2-methylthymine does not miscode during DNA synthesis.

PubMed Central

Saffhill, R; Abbott, P J

1978-01-01

The alternating co-polymer has been methylated with either N methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) or dimethyl sulphate (DMS) and the levels of the various methylated thymidines (O2-methylthymidine, 3-methylthymidine and O4-methylthymidine) measured. MNU produced all three compounds whereas DMS only produced 3-methylthymidine and O2-methylthymidine at detectable levels. These results have been combined with our earlier results concerning the misincorporation of dGMP with E. coli DNA polymerase using MNU-methylated poly(dA-dT). These results indicate that O2-methylthymidine does not miscode during DNA synthesis. PMID:353735

Involvement of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors in the antidepressant-like effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 antagonists in mouse forced swimming test and tail suspension test.

PubMed

Kordjazy, Nastaran; Haj-Mirzaian, Arya; Amiri, Shayan; Ostadhadi, Sattar; Amini-Khoei, Hossein; Dehpour, Ahmad Reza

2016-02-01

Recent evidence indicates that 5-hydroxytryptamine 3 (5-HT3) antagonists such as ondansetron and tropisetron exert positive behavioral effects in animal models of depression. Due to the ionotropic nature of 5-HT3 and N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, plus their contribution to the pathophysiology of depression, we investigated the possible role of NMDA receptors in the antidepressant-like effect of 5-HT3 receptor antagonists in male mice. In order to evaluate the animals' behavior in response to different treatments, we performed open-field test (OFT), forced swimming test (FST), and tail-suspension test (TST), which are considered as valid tasks for measuring locomotor activity and depressive-like behaviors in mice. Our data revealed that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of tropisetron (5, 10, and 30mg/kg) and ondansetron (0.01, and 0.1μg/kg) significantly decreased the immobility time in FST and TST. Also, co-administration of subeffective doses of tropisetron (1mg/kg, i.p.) or ondansetron (0.001μg/kg, i.p.) with subeffective doses of NMDA receptor antagonists, ketamine (1mg/kg, i.p.), MK-801 (0.05mg/kg, i.p.) and magnesium sulfate (10mg/kg, i.p.) resulted in a reduced immobility time both in FST and TST. The subeffective dose of NMDA (NMDA receptor agonist, 75mg/kg, i.p.) abolished the effects of 5-HT3 antagonists in FST and TST, further supporting the presumed interaction between 5-HT3 and NMDA receptors. These treatments did not affect the locomotor behavior of animals in OFT. Finally, the results of our study suggest that the positive effects of 5-HT3 antagonists on the coping behavior of mice in FST and TST are at least partly mediated through NMDA receptors participation. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits in the bovine ovum: ova as a potential source of autoantigens causing anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

PubMed

Tachibana, Naoko; Kinoshita, Michiaki; Kametani, Fuyuki; Tanaka, Keiko; Une, Yumi; Komatsu, Yotaro; Kobayashi, Yukihiro; Ikeda, Shu-ichi

2015-03-01

Autoimmune synaptic encephalitis is characterized by the presence of autoantibodies against synaptic constituent receptors and manifests as neurological and psychiatric disorders. Anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) encephalitis is such an autoimmune disorder that predominantly affects young women. It is associated with antibodies against the extracellular region of the NR1 subunit of postsynaptic NMDAR. Each NMDAR functions as a heterotetrameric complex that is composed of four subunits, including NR1 and NR2A, NR2B, or NR2C. Importantly, ovarian teratoma is a typical complication of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in female patients and may contain antigenic neural tissue; however, antigenic sites remain unknown in female patients without ovarian teratoma. The purpose of this study was to investigate the expression of NMDARs in the ovum. We detected NR1 and NR2B immunoreactivity in protein fractions extracted from the bovine ovary and ova by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and immunoblotting analysis. Immunoprecipitates digested with trypsin were analyzed by reverse phase liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry. We obtained the following five peptides: SPFGRFK and KNLQDR, which are consistent with partial sequences of human NR1, and GVEDALVSLK, QPTVAGAPK, and NEVMSSK, which correspond to those of NR2A, NR2B and NR2C, respectively. Immunocytochemical analysis revealed that the bovine ovum was stained with the immunoglobulin G purified from the serum of a patient with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. Taken together, we propose that the normal ovum expresses NMDARs that have strong affinity for the disease-specific IgG. The presence of NMDARs in ova may help explain why young females without ovarian teratomas are also affected by anti-NMDAR encephalitis.

Effects of the noncompetitive N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists ketamine and MK-801 on pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviour in rats.

PubMed

Hillhouse, T M; Negus, S S

2016-09-01

Pain is a significant public health concern, and current pharmacological treatments have problematic side effects and limited effectiveness. N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonists have emerged as one class of candidate treatments for pain because of the significant contribution of glutamate signalling in nociceptive processing. This study compared effects of the NMDA receptor antagonists ketamine and MK-801 in assays of pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviour in rats. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen was examined for comparison as a positive control. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute acid served as an acute visceral noxious stimulus to stimulate a stretching response or depress intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Ketamine (1.0-10.0 mg/kg) blocked acid-stimulated stretching but failed to block acid-induced depression of ICSS, whereas MK-801 (0.01-0.1 mg/kg) blocked both acid-stimulated stretching and acid-induced depression of ICSS. These doses of ketamine and MK-801 did not alter control ICSS in the absence of the noxious stimulus; however, higher doses of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.32 mg/kg) depressed all behaviour. Ketoprofen (1.0 mg/kg) blocked both acid-induced stimulation of stretching and depression of ICSS without altering control ICSS. These results support further consideration of NMDA receptor antagonists as analgesics; however, some NMDA receptor antagonists are more efficacious at attenuating pain-depressed behaviours. NMDA receptor antagonists produce dissociable effects on pain-depressed behaviour. Provides evidence that pain-depressed behaviours should be considered and evaluated when determining the antinociceptive effects of NMDA receptor antagonists. © 2016 European Pain Federation - EFIC®

Effects of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists ketamine and MK-801 on pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviour in rats

PubMed Central

Hillhouse, T.M.; Negus, S.S.

2017-01-01

Background Pain is a significant public health concern, and current pharmacological treatments have problematic side effects and limited effectiveness. N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) glutamate receptor antagonists have emerged as one class of candidate treatments for pain because of the significant contribution of glutamate signalling in nociceptive processing. Methods This study compared effects of the NMDA receptor antagonists ketamine and MK-801 in assays of pain-stimulated and pain-depressed behaviour in rats. The nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug ketoprofen was examined for comparison as a positive control. Intraperitoneal injection of dilute acid served as an acute visceral noxious stimulus to stimulate a stretching response or depress intracranial self-stimulation (ICSS) in male Sprague–Dawley rats. Results Ketamine (1.0–10.0 mg/kg) blocked acid-stimulated stretching but failed to block acid-induced depression of ICSS, whereas MK-801 (0.01–0.1 mg/kg) blocked both acid-stimulated stretching and acid-induced depression of ICSS. These doses of ketamine and MK-801 did not alter control ICSS in the absence of the noxious stimulus; however, higher doses of ketamine (10 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.32 mg/kg) depressed all behaviour. Ketoprofen (1.0 mg/kg) blocked both acid-induced stimulation of stretching and depression of ICSS without altering control ICSS. Conclusion These results support further consideration of NMDA receptor antagonists as analgesics; however, some NMDA receptor antagonists are more efficacious at attenuating pain-depressed behaviours. What does this study add? NMDA receptor antagonists produce dissociable effects on pain-depressed behaviour. Provides evidence that pain-depressed behaviours should be considered and evaluated when determining the antinociceptive effects of NMDA receptor antagonists. PMID:26914635

Bumetanide hyperpolarizes madin-darby canine kidney cells and enhances cellular gentamicin uptake by elevating cytosolic Ca(2+) thus facilitating intermediate conductance Ca(2+)--activated potassium channels.

PubMed

Wang, Tian; Yang, Yu-Qin; Karasawa, Takatoshi; Wang, Qi; Phillips, Amanda; Guan, Bing-Cai; Ma, Ke-Tao; Jiang, Meiyan; Xie, Ding-Hua; Steyger, Peter S; Jiang, Zhi-Gen

2013-04-01

Loop diuretics such as bumetanide and furosemide enhance aminoglycoside ototoxicity when co-administered to patients and animal models. The underlying mechanism(s) is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of these diuretics on cellular uptake of aminoglycosides, using Texas Red-tagged gentamicin (GTTR), and intracellular/whole-cell recordings of Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. We found that bumetanide and furosemide dose-dependently enhanced cytoplasmic GTTR fluorescence by ~60 %. This enhancement was suppressed by La(3+), a non-selective cation channel (NSCC) blocker, and by K(+) channel blockers Ba(2+) and clotrimazole, but not by tetraethylammonium (TEA), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) or glipizide, nor by Cl(-) channel blockers diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC), niflumic acid (NFA), and CFTRinh-172. Bumetanide and furosemide hyperpolarized MDCK cells by ~14 mV, increased whole-cell I/V slope conductance; the bumetanide-induced net current I/V showed a reversal potential (V r) ~-80 mV. Bumetanide-induced hyperpolarization and I/V change was suppressed by Ba(2+) or clotrimazole, and absent in elevated [Ca(2+)]i, but was not affected by apamin, 4-AP, TEA, glipizide, DPC, NFA, or CFTRinh-172. Bumetanide and furosemide stimulated a surge of Fluo-4-indicated cytosolic Ca(2+). Ba(2+) and clotrimazole alone depolarized cells by ~18 mV and reduced I/V slope with a net current V r near -85 mV, and reduced GTTR uptake by ~20 %. La(3+) alone hyperpolarized the cells by ~-14 mV, reduced the I/V slope with a net current V r near -10 mV, and inhibited GTTR uptake by ~50 %. In the presence of La(3+), bumetanide-caused negligible change in potential or I/V. We conclude that NSCCs constitute a major cell entry pathway for cationic aminoglycosides; bumetanide enhances aminoglycoside uptake by hyperpolarizing cells that increases the cation influx driving force; and bumetanide-induced hyperpolarization is caused by elevating intracellular Ca(2+) and thus facilitating

D-Aspartate drinking solution alleviates pain and cognitive impairment in neuropathic mice.

PubMed

Palazzo, Enza; Luongo, Livio; Guida, Francesca; Marabese, Ida; Romano, Rosaria; Iannotta, Monica; Rossi, Francesca; D'Aniello, Antimo; Stella, Luigi; Marmo, Federica; Usiello, Alessandro; de Bartolomeis, Andrea; Maione, Sabatino; de Novellis, Vito

2016-07-01

D-Aspartate (D-Asp) is a free D-amino acid detected in multiple brain regions and putative precursor of endogenous N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) acting as agonist at NMDA receptors. In this study, we investigated whether D-Asp (20 mM) in drinking solution for 1 month affects pain responses and pain-related emotional, and cognitive behaviour in a model of neuropathic pain induced by the spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve in mice. SNI mice developed mechanical allodynia and motor coordination impairment 30 days after SNI surgery. SNI mice showed cognitive impairment, anxiety and depression-like behaviour, reduced sociability in the three chamber sociability paradigm, increased expression of NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor and Homer 1a in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). The expression of (post synaptic density) PSD-95 and Shank 1was instead unaffected in the mPFC of the SNI mice. Treatment with D-Asp drinking solution, started right after the SNI (day 0), alleviated mechanical allodynia, improved cognition and motor coordination and increased social interaction. D-Asp also restored the levels of extracellular D-Asp, Homer 1a and NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor to physiological levels and reduced Shank1 and PSD-95 protein levels in the mPFC. Amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant used also to alleviate neuropathic pain in humans, reverted mechanical allodynia and cognitive impairment, and unlike D-Asp, was effective in reducing depression and anxiety-like behaviour in the SNI mice and increased PSD protein level. Altogether these findings demonstrate that D-Asp improves sensorial, motor and cognitive-like symptoms related to chronic pain possibly through glutamate neurotransmission normalization in neuropathic mice.

Impact of Hyperpolarization-activated, Cyclic Nucleotide-gated Cation Channel Type 2 for the Xenon-mediated Anesthetic Effect: Evidence from In Vitro and In Vivo Experiments.

PubMed

Mattusch, Corinna; Kratzer, Stephan; Buerge, Martina; Kreuzer, Matthias; Engel, Tatiana; Kopp, Claudia; Biel, Martin; Hammelmann, Verena; Ying, Shui-Wang; Goldstein, Peter A; Kochs, Eberhard; Haseneder, Rainer; Rammes, Gerhard

2015-05-01

The thalamus is thought to be crucially involved in the anesthetic state. Here, we investigated the effect of the inhaled anesthetic xenon on stimulus-evoked thalamocortical network activity and on excitability of thalamocortical neurons. Because hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated cation (HCN) channels are key regulators of neuronal excitability in the thalamus, the effect of xenon on HCN channels was examined. The effects of xenon on thalamocortical network activity were investigated in acutely prepared brain slices from adult wild-type and HCN2 knockout mice by means of voltage-sensitive dye imaging. The influence of xenon on single-cell excitability in brain slices was investigated using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Effects of xenon on HCN channels were verified in human embryonic kidney cells expressing HCN2 channels. Xenon concentration-dependently diminished thalamocortical signal propagation. In neurons, xenon reduced HCN channel-mediated Ih current amplitude by 33.4 ± 12.2% (at -133 mV; n = 7; P = 0.041) and caused a left-shift in the voltage of half-maximum activation (V1/2) from -98.8 ± 1.6 to -108.0 ± 4.2 mV (n = 8; P = 0.035). Similar effects were seen in human embryonic kidney cells. The impairment of HCN channel function was negligible when intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate level was increased. Using HCN2 mice, we could demonstrate that xenon did neither attenuate in vitro thalamocortical signal propagation nor did it show sedating effects in vivo. Here, we clearly showed that xenon impairs HCN2 channel function, and this impairment is dependent on intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate levels. We provide evidence that this effect reduces thalamocortical signal propagation and probably contributes to the hypnotic properties of xenon.

Synthesis of methyl 2-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-alpha-D-talopyranoside and methyl 2-O-alpha-D-talopyranosyl-alpha-D-talopyranoside.

PubMed

Jain, R K; Dubey, R; Abbas, S A; Matta, K L

1987-03-15

Treatment of methyl 3-O-benzyl-2-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl)-alpha-D- mannopyranoside (1) with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride in N,N-dimethylformamide afforded methyl 3-O-benzyl-6-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl -alpha-D- mannopyranosyl)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (2). Oxidation of 2 with pyridinium chlorochromate, followed by reduction of the carbonyl group, and subsequent O-deacetylation afforded methyl 3-O-benzyl-6-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-2-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl- alpha-D- talopyranoside (5). Cleavage of the tert-butyldiphenylsilyl group of 5 with tetrabutylammonium fluoride in oxolane, followed by hydrogenolysis, gave methyl 2-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-alpha-D-talopyranoside (7). O-Deacetylation of 1 gave methyl 3-O-benzyl-2-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (8). Treatment of 8 with tert-butyldiphenylsilyl chloride afforded a 6,6'-disilyl derivative, which was converted into a 2',3'-O-isopropylidene derivative, and then further oxidized with pyridinium chlorochromate. The resulting diketone was reduced and removal of the protecting groups gave methyl 2-O-alpha-D-talopyranosyl-alpha-D-talopyranoside (15). The structures of both 7 and 15 were established by 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy.

Magnetic resonance imaging and magnetic resonance spectroscopy in a young male patient with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis and uncommon cerebellar involvement: A case report with review of the literature

PubMed Central

Felli, Valentina; Di Sibio, Alessandra; Gennarelli, Antonio; Patriarca, Lucia; Stratta, Paolo; Di Cesare, Ernesto; Rossi, Alessandro; Massimo, Gallucci

2015-01-01

We report a case of a 17-year-old man presenting with new onset psychiatric symptoms. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and proton magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy revealed some lesions in the right cerebellar hemisphere and ipsilateral cerebellar tonsil suggestive of encephalitis. An extensive workup was negative for both infectious and neoplastic diseases and he was afterward diagnosed with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. This disorder is an autoimmune encephalitis, highly lethal but curable, predominantly found in young female with ovarian teratoma. He received methylprednisolone. His clinical findings gradually improve and he made a complete recovery. Accordingly, repeated brain MRI and proton MR spectroscopy showed a gradual reduction of the lesions; MRI taken six months after starting therapy showed complete resolution of the lesions. Our case shows that, although rare, anti-NMDAR encephalitis should be considered also in young men for whom a rapid onset of psychiatric neurological disorders cannot be explained by more frequent causes. Our report underlines also the usefulness of MRI and proton MR spectroscopic findings in the diagnosis and follow-up of this disease. PMID:26613928

Crystal structure of 2-bromo-3-di­methyl­amino-N,N,N′,N′,4-penta­methyl-4-(tri­methyl­sil­yloxy)pent-2-eneamidinium bromide

PubMed Central

Tiritiris, Ioannis; Kress, Ralf; Kantlehner, Willi

2015-01-01

The reaction of the ortho­amide 1,1,1-tris­(di­methyl­amino)-4-methyl-4-(tri­methyl­sil­yloxy)pent-2-yne with bromine in benzene, yields the title salt, C15H33BrN3OSi+·Br−. The C—N bond lengths in the amidinium unit are 1.319 (6) and 1.333 (6) Å, indicating double-bond character, pointing towards charge delocalization within the NCN plane. The C—Br bond length of 1.926 (5) Å is characteristic for a C—Br single bond. Additionally, there is a bromine–bromine inter­action [3.229 (3) Å] present involving the anion and cation. In the crystal, weak C—H⋯Br inter­actions between the methyl H atoms of the cation and the bromide ions are present. PMID:26870498

Utilization of SABRE-derived hyperpolarization to detect low-concentration analytes via 1D and 2D NMR methods.

PubMed

Lloyd, Lyrelle S; Adams, Ralph W; Bernstein, Michael; Coombes, Steven; Duckett, Simon B; Green, Gary G R; Lewis, Richard J; Mewis, Ryan E; Sleigh, Christopher J

2012-08-08

The characterization of materials by the inherently insensitive method of NMR spectroscopy plays a vital role in chemistry. Increasingly, hyperpolarization is being used to address the sensitivity limitation. Here, by reference to quinoline, we illustrate that the SABRE hyperpolarization technique, which uses para-hydrogen as the source of polarization, enables the rapid completion of a range of NMR measurements. These include the collection of (13)C, (13)C{(1)H}, and NOE data in addition to more complex 2D COSY, ultrafast 2D COSY and 2D HMBC spectra. The observations are made possible by the use of a flow probe and external sample preparation cell to re-hyperpolarize the substrate between transients, allowing repeat measurements to be made within seconds. The potential benefit of the combination of SABRE and 2D NMR methods for rapid characterization of low-concentration analytes is therefore established.

Control of box C/D snoRNP assembly by N6-methylation of adenine.

PubMed

Huang, Lin; Ashraf, Saira; Wang, Jia; Lilley, David Mj

2017-09-01

N 6 -methyladenine is the most widespread mRNA modification. A subset of human box C/D snoRNA species have target GAC sequences that lead to formation of N 6 -methyladenine at a key trans Hoogsteen-sugar A·G base pair, of which half are methylated in vivo The GAC target is conserved only in those that are methylated. Methylation prevents binding of the 15.5-kDa protein and the induced folding of the RNA Thus, the assembly of the box C/D snoRNP could in principle be regulated by RNA methylation at its critical first stage. Crystallography reveals that N 6 -methylation of adenine prevents the formation of trans Hoogsteen-sugar A·G base pairs, explaining why the box C/D RNA cannot adopt its kinked conformation. More generally, our data indicate that sheared A·G base pairs (but not Watson-Crick base pairs) are more susceptible to disruption by N 6 mA methylation and are therefore possible regulatory sites. The human signal recognition particle RNA and many related Alu retrotransposon RNA species are also methylated at N6 of an adenine that forms a sheared base pair with guanine and mediates a key tertiary interaction. © 2017 The Authors. Published under the terms of the CC BY 4.0 license.

Prevalence of elevated serum anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antibody titers in patients presenting exclusively with psychiatric symptoms: a comparative follow-up study.

PubMed

Ando, Yoshihito; Shimazaki, Haruo; Shiota, Katsutoshi; Tetsuka, Syuichi; Nakao, Koichi; Shimada, Tatsuhiro; Kurata, Kazumi; Kuroda, Jinichi; Yamashita, Akihiro; Sato, Hayato; Sato, Mamoru; Eto, Shinkichi; Onishi, Yasunori; Tanaka, Keiko; Kato, Satoshi

2016-07-08

Increasing numbers of patients with elevated anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody titers presenting exclusively with psychiatric symptoms have been reported. The aim of the present study was to clarify the prevalence of elevated serum anti-NMDA receptor antibody titers in patients with new-onset or acute exacerbations of psychiatric symptoms. In addition, the present study aimed to investigate the association between elevated anti-NMDA receptor titers and psychiatric symptoms. The present collaborative study included 59 inpatients (23 male, 36 female) presenting with new-onset or exacerbations of schizophrenia-like symptoms at involved institutions from June 2012 to March 2014. Patient information was collected using questionnaires. Anti-NMDA receptor antibody titers were measured using NMDAR NR1 and NR2B co-transfected human embryonic kidney (HEK) 293 cells as an antigen (cell-based assay). Statistical analyses were performed for each questionnaire item. The mean age of participants was 42.0 ± 13.7 years. Six cases had elevated serum anti-NMDA antibody titers (10.2 %), four cases were first onset, and two cases with disease duration >10 years presented with third and fifth recurrences. No statistically significant difference in vital signs or major symptoms was observed between antibody-positive and antibody-negative groups. However, a trend toward an increased frequency of schizophrenia-like symptoms was observed in the antibody-positive group. Serum anti-NMDA receptor antibody titers may be associated with psychiatric conditions. However, an association with specific psychiatric symptoms was not observed in the present study. Further studies are required to validate the utility of serum anti-NMDA receptor antibody titer measurements at the time of symptom onset.

Clinical presentation of anti-N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and anti-voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies in children: A series of 24 cases.

PubMed

Konuskan, Bahadir; Yildirim, Mirac; Topaloglu, Haluk; Erol, Ilknur; Oztoprak, Ulkuhan; Tan, Huseyin; Gocmen, Rahsan; Anlar, Banu

2018-01-01

The symptomatology and paraclinical findings of antibody-mediated encephalitis, a relatively novel disorder, are still being characterized in adults and children. A high index of suspicion is needed in order to identify these cases among children presenting with various neurological symptoms. The aim of this study is to examine the clinical, demographic and laboratory findings and outcome of children with anti-NMDAR and anti-VGKC encephalitis for any typical or distinctive features. Cases diagnosed with anti-N-Methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and anti-voltage gated potassium channel (VGKC) antibody-mediated encephalopathy in four major child neurology centers are described. In four years, 16 children with NMDAR and 8 children with VGKC antibody-associated disease were identified in the participating centers. The most frequent initial manifestation consisted of generalized seizures and cognitive symptoms in both groups. Movement abnormalities were frequent in anti-NMDAR patients and autonomic symptoms, in anti-VGKC patients. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein, cell count and IgG index were normal in 9/15 anti-NMDAR and 5/8 anti-VGKC patients tested. EEG and MRI findings were usually nonspecific and non-contributory. The rate and time of recovery was not related to age, sex, acute or subacute onset, antibody type, MRI, EEG or CSF results. Treatment within 3 months of onset was associated with normal neurological outcome. Our results suggest anti-NMDAR and VGKC encephalopathies mostly present with non-focal neurological symptoms longer than 3 weeks. In contrast with adult cases, routine CSF testing, MRI and EEG did not contribute to the diagnosis in this series. Copyright © 2017 European Paediatric Neurology Society. Published by Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

The uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist memantine reduces binge-like eating, food-seeking behavior, and compulsive eating: role of the nucleus accumbens shell.

PubMed

Smith, Karen L; Rao, Rahul R; Velázquez-Sánchez, Clara; Valenza, Marta; Giuliano, Chiara; Everitt, Barry J; Sabino, Valentina; Cottone, Pietro

2015-03-13

Binge-eating disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable consumption of palatable food within brief periods of time. The role of the glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor system in hedonic feeding is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of the uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine on palatable food-induced behavioral adaptations using a rat model, which mimics the characteristic symptomatology observed in binge-eating disorder. For this purpose, we allowed male Wistar rats to respond to obtain a highly palatable, sugary diet (Palatable group) or a regular chow diet (Chow control group), for 1 h a day, under a fixed-ratio 1 (FR1) schedule of reinforcement. Upon stabilization of food responding, we tested the effects of memantine on the Chow and Palatable food groups' intake. Then, we tested the effects of memantine on food-seeking behavior, under a second-order schedule of reinforcement. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of memantine on the intake of food when it was offered in an aversive, bright compartment of a light/dark conflict test. Finally, we evaluated the effects of memantine on FR1 responding for food, when microinfused into the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell or core. Memantine dose-dependently decreased binge-like eating and fully blocked food-seeking behavior and compulsive eating, selectively in the Palatable food group. The drug treatment did not affect performance of the control Chow food group. Finally, intra-NAcc shell, but not core, microinfusion of memantine decreased binge-like eating. Together, these findings substantiate a role of memantine as a potential pharmacological treatment for binge-eating disorder.

The Uncompetitive N-methyl-D-Aspartate Antagonist Memantine Reduces Binge-Like Eating, Food-Seeking Behavior, and Compulsive Eating: Role of the Nucleus Accumbens Shell

PubMed Central

Smith, Karen L; Rao, Rahul R; Velázquez-Sánchez, Clara; Valenza, Marta; Giuliano, Chiara; Everitt, Barry J; Sabino, Valentina; Cottone, Pietro

2015-01-01

Binge-eating disorder is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable consumption of palatable food within brief periods of time. The role of the glutamatergic N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor system in hedonic feeding is poorly understood. The aim of this study was to characterize the effects of the uncompetitive NMDA receptor antagonist memantine on palatable food-induced behavioral adaptations using a rat model, which mimics the characteristic symptomatology observed in binge-eating disorder. For this purpose, we allowed male Wistar rats to respond to obtain a highly palatable, sugary diet (Palatable group) or a regular chow diet (Chow control group), for 1 h a day, under a fixed-ratio 1 (FR1) schedule of reinforcement. Upon stabilization of food responding, we tested the effects of memantine on the Chow and Palatable food groups' intake. Then, we tested the effects of memantine on food-seeking behavior, under a second-order schedule of reinforcement. Furthermore, we investigated the effects of memantine on the intake of food when it was offered in an aversive, bright compartment of a light/dark conflict test. Finally, we evaluated the effects of memantine on FR1 responding for food, when microinfused into the nucleus accumbens (NAcc) shell or core. Memantine dose-dependently decreased binge-like eating and fully blocked food-seeking behavior and compulsive eating, selectively in the Palatable food group. The drug treatment did not affect performance of the control Chow food group. Finally, intra-NAcc shell, but not core, microinfusion of memantine decreased binge-like eating. Together, these findings substantiate a role of memantine as a potential pharmacological treatment for binge-eating disorder. PMID:25381776

Synthesis of methyl 3-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-alpha-D-talopyranoside and methyl 3-O-alpha-D-talopyranosyl-alpha-D-talopyranoside.

PubMed

Dubey, R; Jain, R K; Abbas, S A; Matta, K L

1987-08-01

Methyl 2-O-benzyl-3-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl)-alpha- D-mannopyranoside (4) and methyl 2-O-benzyl-3-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (6) were prepared from a common intermediate, namely, methyl 2-O-benzyl-4,6-O-benzylidene-3-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D- mannopyranosyl)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside. On treatment with tert-butylchlorodiphenylsilane, in N,N-dimethylformamide in the presence of imidazole, 4 and 6 afforded methyl 2-O-benzyl-6-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-3-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl -alpha-D- mannopyranosyl)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (7), and methyl 2-O-benzyl-6-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-3-O-(6-O-tert- butyldiphenylsilyl-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl)-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (8), respectively. Compound 8 was converted into its 2,3-O-isopropylidene derivative (9), and oxidation of 7 and 9 with pyridinium chlorochromate, and reduction of the resulting carbonyl intermediates gave methyl 2-O-benzyl-6-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-3-O-(2,3,4,6-tetra-O-acetyl -alpha-D- mannopyranosyl)-alpha-D-talopyranoside and methyl 2-O-benzyl-6-O-tert-butyldiphenylsilyl-3-O-(6-O-tert-butyldiphe nylsilyl- 2,3-O-isopropylidene-alpha-D-talopyranosyl)-alpha-D-talopyranoside , respectively. Removal of the protecting groups furnished the title disaccharides.

Immunohistochemical localization of D-aspartate oxidase in porcine peripheral tissues.

PubMed

Yamamoto, Atsushi; Tanaka, Hiroyuki; Ishida, Tetsuo; Horiike, Kihachiro

2011-07-01

D-Aspartate (D-Asp) is an endogenous substance in mammals. Degradation of D-Asp is carried out only by D-aspartate oxidase (DDO). We measured DDO activity in porcine tissues, and produced an anti-porcine DDO antibody to examine the cellular localization of DDO. All the tissues examined showed DDO activities, whereas the substrate D-Asp was not detected in kidney cortex, liver, heart, and gastric mucosa. In the kidney, intensive immunohistochemical staining for DDO was found in the epithelial cells of the proximal tubules. In the liver, the epithelial cells of interlobular bile ducts, liver sinusoid-lining cells with cytoplasmic processes, and the smooth muscle cells of arterioles were strongly stained for DDO. In the heart, cardiomyocytes and the smooth muscle cells of arterioles showed DDO-immunoreactivity. In the gastric mucosa, only the chief cells were DDO-positive. These newly identified DDO-positive cells seem to actively degrade D-Asp to prevent an excess of D-Asp from exerting harmful effects on the respective functions of porcine tissues.

Compressed Sensing for Resolution Enhancement of Hyperpolarized 13C Flyback 3D-MRSI

PubMed Central

Hu, Simon; Lustig, Michael; Chen, Albert P.; Crane, Jason; Kerr, Adam; Kelley, Douglas A.C.; Hurd, Ralph; Kurhanewicz, John; Nelson, Sarah J.; Pauly, John M.; Vigneron, Daniel B.

2008-01-01

High polarization of nuclear spins in liquid state through dynamic nuclear polarization has enabled the direct monitoring of 13C metabolites in vivo at very high signal to noise, allowing for rapid assessment of tissue metabolism. The abundant SNR afforded by this hyperpolarization technique makes high resolution 13C 3D-MRSI feasible. However, the number of phase encodes that can be fit into the short acquisition time for hyperpolarized imaging limits spatial coverage and resolution. To take advantage of the high SNR available from hyperpolarization, we have applied compressed sensing to achieve a factor of 2 enhancement in spatial resolution without increasing acquisition time or decreasing coverage. In this paper, the design and testing of compressed sensing suited for a flyback 13C 3D-MRSI sequence are presented. The key to this design was the undersampling of spectral k-space using a novel blipped scheme, thus taking advantage of the considerable sparsity in typical hyperpolarized 13C spectra. Phantom tests validated the accuracy of the compressed sensing approach and initial mouse experiments demonstrated in vivo feasibility. PMID:18367420

Tonic 5nM DA Stabilizes Neuronal Output by Enabling Bidirectional Activity-Dependent Regulation of the Hyperpolarization Activated Current via PKA and Calcineurin

PubMed Central

Krenz, Wulf-Dieter C.; Rodgers, Edmund W.; Baro, Deborah J.

2015-01-01

Volume transmission results in phasic and tonic modulatory signals. The actions of tonic dopamine (DA) at type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs) are largely undefined. Here we show that tonic 5nM DA acts at D1Rs to stabilize neuronal output over minutes by enabling activity-dependent regulation of the hyperpolarization activated current (I h). In the presence but not absence of 5nM DA, I h maximal conductance (G max) was adjusted according to changes in slow wave activity in order to maintain spike timing. Our study on the lateral pyloric neuron (LP), which undergoes rhythmic oscillations in membrane potential with depolarized plateaus, demonstrated that incremental, bi-directional changes in plateau duration produced corresponding alterations in LP I hG max when preparations were superfused with saline containing 5nM DA. However, when preparations were superfused with saline alone there was no linear correlation between LP I hGmax and duty cycle. Thus, tonic nM DA modulated the capacity for activity to modulate LP I h G max; this exemplifies metamodulation (modulation of modulation). Pretreatment with the Ca2+-chelator, BAPTA, or the specific PKA inhibitor, PKI, prevented all changes in LP I h in 5nM DA. Calcineurin inhibitors blocked activity-dependent changes enabled by DA and revealed a PKA-mediated, activity-independent enhancement of LP I hG max. These data suggested that tonic 5nM DA produced two simultaneous, PKA-dependent effects: a direct increase in LP I h G max and a priming event that permitted calcineurin regulation of LP I h. The latter produced graded reductions in LP I hG max with increasing duty cycles. We also demonstrated that this metamodulation preserved the timing of LP’s first spike when network output was perturbed with bath-applied 4AP. In sum, 5nM DA permits slow wave activity to provide feedback that maintains spike timing, suggesting that one function of low-level, tonic modulation is to stabilize specific features of a dynamic output. PMID

Tonic 5nM DA stabilizes neuronal output by enabling bidirectional activity-dependent regulation of the hyperpolarization activated current via PKA and calcineurin.

PubMed

Krenz, Wulf-Dieter C; Rodgers, Edmund W; Baro, Deborah J

2015-01-01

Volume transmission results in phasic and tonic modulatory signals. The actions of tonic dopamine (DA) at type 1 DA receptors (D1Rs) are largely undefined. Here we show that tonic 5nM DA acts at D1Rs to stabilize neuronal output over minutes by enabling activity-dependent regulation of the hyperpolarization activated current (I h). In the presence but not absence of 5nM DA, I h maximal conductance (G max) was adjusted according to changes in slow wave activity in order to maintain spike timing. Our study on the lateral pyloric neuron (LP), which undergoes rhythmic oscillations in membrane potential with depolarized plateaus, demonstrated that incremental, bi-directional changes in plateau duration produced corresponding alterations in LP I hG max when preparations were superfused with saline containing 5nM DA. However, when preparations were superfused with saline alone there was no linear correlation between LP I hGmax and duty cycle. Thus, tonic nM DA modulated the capacity for activity to modulate LP I h G max; this exemplifies metamodulation (modulation of modulation). Pretreatment with the Ca2+-chelator, BAPTA, or the specific PKA inhibitor, PKI, prevented all changes in LP I h in 5nM DA. Calcineurin inhibitors blocked activity-dependent changes enabled by DA and revealed a PKA-mediated, activity-independent enhancement of LP I hG max. These data suggested that tonic 5nM DA produced two simultaneous, PKA-dependent effects: a direct increase in LP I h G max and a priming event that permitted calcineurin regulation of LP I h. The latter produced graded reductions in LP I hG max with increasing duty cycles. We also demonstrated that this metamodulation preserved the timing of LP's first spike when network output was perturbed with bath-applied 4AP. In sum, 5nM DA permits slow wave activity to provide feedback that maintains spike timing, suggesting that one function of low-level, tonic modulation is to stabilize specific features of a dynamic output.

Methyl cation affinities of neutral and anionic maingroup-element hydrides: trends across the periodic table and correlation with proton affinities.

PubMed

Mulder, R Joshua; Guerra, Célia Fonseca; Bickelhaupt, F Matthias

2010-07-22

We have computed the methyl cation affinities in the gas phase of archetypal anionic and neutral bases across the periodic table using ZORA-relativistic density functional theory (DFT) at BP86/QZ4P//BP86/TZ2P. The main purpose of this work is to provide the methyl cation affinities (and corresponding entropies) at 298 K of all anionic (XH(n-1)(-)) and neutral bases (XH(n)) constituted by maingroup-element hydrides of groups 14-17 and the noble gases (i.e., group 18) along the periods 2-6. The cation affinity of the bases decreases from H(+) to CH(3)(+). To understand this trend, we have carried out quantitative bond energy decomposition analyses (EDA). Quantitative correlations are established between the MCA and PA values.

Dissociation of thirst and sodium appetite in the furo/cap model of extracellular dehydration and a role for N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the sensitization of sodium appetite

PubMed Central

Hurley, Seth. W.; Johnson, Alan Kim

2015-01-01

Depletion of extracellular fluids motivates many animals to seek out and ingest water and sodium. Animals with a history of extracellular dehydration display enhanced sodium appetite and in some cases thirst. The progressive increase in sodium intake induced by repeated sodium depletions is known as sensitization of sodium appetite. Administration of the diuretic and natriuretic drug, furosemide, along with a low dose of captopril (furo/cap), elicits thirst and a rapid onset of sodium appetite. In the present studies the furo/cap model was used to explore the physiological mechanisms of sensitization of sodium appetite. However, when thirst and sodium appetite were measured concurrently in the furo/cap model, individual rats exhibited sensitization of either thirst or sodium appetite. In subsequent studies, thirst and sodium appetite were dissociated by offering either water prior to sodium or sodium before water. When water and sodium intake were dissociated in time, the furo/cap model reliably produced sensitization of sodium appetite. It is likely that neuroplasticity mediates this sensitization. Glutamatergic N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDA-R) activation is critical for the development of most forms of neuroplasticity. Therefore, we hypothesized that integrity of NMDA-R function is necessary for the sensitization of sodium appetite. Pharmacological blockade of NMDA-Rs with systemic administration of MK-801 (0.15mg/kg) prevented the sensitization of fluid intake in general when water and sodium were offered concurrently, and prevented sensitization of sodium intake specifically when water and sodium intake were dissociated. The involvement of NMDA-Rs provides support for the possibility that sensitization of sodium appetite is mediated by neuroplasticity. PMID:24341713

Synthesis and Structure Activity Relationship of Tetrahydroisoquinoline-based Potentiators of GluN2C and GluN2D Containing N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptors

PubMed Central

Santangelo Freel, Rose M.; Ogden, Kevin K.; Strong, Katie L.; Khatri, Alpa; Chepiga, Kathryn M.; Jensen, Henrik S.; Traynelis, Stephen F.; Liotta, Dennis C.

2015-01-01

We describe here the synthesis and evaluation of a series of tetrahydroisoquinolines that show subunit-selective potentiation of NMDA receptors containing the GluN2C or GluN2D subunits. Bischler-Napieralski conditions were employed in the key step for the conversion of acyclic amides to the corresponding tetrahydroisoquinoline containing analogs. Compounds were evaluated using both two electrode voltage clamp recordings from Xenopus laevis oocytes and imaging of mammalian BHK cells loaded with Ca2+-sensitive dyes. The most potent analogues had EC50 values of 300 nM and showed over 2-fold potentiation of the response to maximally effective concentrations of glutamate and glycine, but had no effect on responses from NMDA receptors containing the GluN2A or GluN2B subunits, AMPA, kainate, GABA, or glycine receptors or a variety of other potential targets. These compounds represent a potent class of small molecule subunit-selective potentiators of NMDA receptors. PMID:23627311

The forced swimming-induced behavioural immobility response involves histone H3 phospho-acetylation and c-Fos induction in dentate gyrus granule neurons via activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate/extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen- and stress-activated kinase signalling pathway.

PubMed

Chandramohan, Yalini; Droste, Susanne K; Arthur, J Simon C; Reul, Johannes M H M

2008-05-01

The hippocampus is involved in learning and memory. Previously, we have shown that the acquisition of the behavioural immobility response after a forced swim experience is associated with chromatin modifications and transcriptional induction in dentate gyrus granule neurons. Given that both N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and the extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) 1/2 signalling pathway are involved in neuroplasticity processes underlying learning and memory, we investigated in rats and mice whether these signalling pathways regulate chromatin modifications and transcriptional events participating in the acquisition of the immobility response. We found that: (i) forced swimming evoked a transient increase in the number of phospho-acetylated histone H3-positive [P(Ser10)-Ac(Lys14)-H3(+)] neurons specifically in the middle and superficial aspects of the dentate gyrus granule cell layer; (ii) antagonism of NMDA receptors and inhibition of ERK1/2 signalling blocked forced swimming-induced histone H3 phospho-acetylation and the acquisition of the behavioural immobility response; (iii) double knockout (DKO) of the histone H3 kinase mitogen- and stress-activated kinases (MSK) 1/2 in mice completely abolished the forced swimming-induced increases in histone H3 phospho-acetylation and c-Fos induction in dentate granule neurons and the behavioural immobility response; (iv) blocking mineralocorticoid receptors, known not to be involved in behavioural immobility in the forced swim test, did not affect forced swimming-evoked histone H3 phospho-acetylation in dentate neurons; and (v) the pharmacological manipulations and gene deletions did not affect behaviour in the initial forced swim test. We conclude that the forced swimming-induced behavioural immobility response requires histone H3 phospho-acetylation and c-Fos induction in distinct dentate granule neurons through recruitment of the NMDA/ERK/MSK 1/2 pathway.

Involvement of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subunits in zinc-mediated modification of CA1 long-term potentiation in the developing hippocampus.

PubMed

Takeda, Atsushi; Itagaki, Kosuke; Ando, Masaki; Oku, Naoto

2012-03-01

Zinc is an endogenous N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor blocker. It is possible that zinc-mediated modification of hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) is linked to the expression of NMDA receptor subunits, which varies with postnatal development. In the present study, the effect of ZnCl(2) and CaEDTA, a membrane-impermeable zinc chelator, on CA1 LTP induction was examined in hippocampal slices from immature (3-week-old) and young (6-week-old) rats. Tetanus (10-100 Hz, 1 sec)-induced CA1 LTP was more greatly enhanced in 3-week-old rats. CA1 LTP was inhibited in the presence of 2-amino-5-phosphonovalerate (APV), an NMDA receptor antagonist, and CaEDTA in 3-week-old rats, as in the case of 6-week-old rats reported previously. In 3-week-old rats, on the other hand, 5 μM ZnCl(2) attenuated NMDA receptor-mediated EPSPs more than in 6-week-old rats and significantly attenuated CA1 LTP. Moreover, 5 μM ZnCl(2) significantly attenuated CA1 LTP in the presence of (2R,4S)-4-(3-phosphonopropyl)-2-piperidinecarboxylic acid (PPPA), an NR2A antagonist, in 3-week-old rats, but not that in the presence of ifenprodil, an NR2B antagonist, suggesting that zinc-mediated attenuation of CA1 LTP is associated with the preferential expression of NR2B subunit in 3-week-old rats. In 6-week-old rats, however, 5 μM ZnCl(2) significantly potentiated CA1 LTP and also CA1 LTP in the presence of PPPA. The present study demonstrates that endogenous zinc may participate in the induction of CA1 LTP. It is likely that the changes in expression of NMDA receptor subunits are involved in the zinc-mediated modification of CA1 LTP in the developing hippocampus. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Bumetanide hyperpolarizes Madin-Darby canine kidney cells and enhances cellular gentamicin uptake via elevating cytosolic Ca2+ thus facilitating intermediate conductance Ca2+-activated potassium channels

PubMed Central

Wang, Tian; Yang, Yu-qin; Karasawa, Takatoshi; Wang, Qi; Phillips, Amanda; Guan, Bing-Cai; Ma, Ke-Tao; Jiang, Meiyan; Xie, Ding-Hua; Steyger, Peter S.; Jiang, Zhi-Gen

2012-01-01

Loop diuretics such as bumetanide and furosemide enhance aminoglycoside ototoxicity when co-administered to patients and animal models. The underlying mechanism(s) is poorly understood. We investigated the effect of these diuretics on cellular uptake of aminoglycosides, using Texas Red-tagged gentamicin (GTTR), and intracellular/whole-cell recordings of Madin-Darby Canine kidney (MDCK) cells. We found that bumetanide and furosemide concentration-dependently enhanced cytoplasmic GTTR fluorescence by ~60%. This enhancement was suppressed by La3+, a non-selective cation channel (NSCC) blocker, and by K+ channel blockers Ba2+ and clotrimazole, but not by tetraethylammonium (TEA), 4-aminopyridine (4-AP) or glipizide, nor by Cl− channel blockers diphenylamine-2-carboxylic acid (DPC), niflumic acid (NFA), and CFTRinh-172. Bumetanide and furosemide hyperpolarized MDCK cells by ~14 mV, increased whole-cell I/V slope conductance; the bumetanide-induced net current I/V showed a reversal potential (Vr) ~−80 mV. Bumetanide-induced hyperpolarization and I/V change was suppressed by Ba2+ or clotrimazole, and absent in elevated [Ca2+]i, but not affected by apamin, 4-AP, TEA, glipizide, DPC, NFA or CFTRinh-172. Bumetanide and furosemide stimulated a surge of Fluo-4-indicated cytosolic Ca2+. Ba2+ and clotrimazole alone depolarized cells by ~18 mV and reduced I/V slope with a net current Vr near −85 mV, and reduced GTTR uptake by ~20%. La3+ alone hyperpolarized the cells by ~−14 mV, reduced the I/V slope with a net current Vr near −10 mV, and inhibited GTTR uptake by ~50%. In the presence of La3+, bumetanide caused negligible potential or I/V change. We conclude that NSCCs constitute a major cell entry pathway for cationic aminoglycosides; bumetanide enhances aminoglycoside uptake by hyperpolarizing cells that increases cation influx driving force; and bumetanide-induced hyperpolarization is caused by elevating the intracellular Ca2+ and thus a facilitation of the

Dopamine Neurons Change the Type of Excitability in Response to Stimuli

PubMed Central

Gutkin, Boris S.; Lapish, Christopher C.; Kuznetsov, Alexey

2016-01-01

The dynamics of neuronal excitability determine the neuron’s response to stimuli, its synchronization and resonance properties and, ultimately, the computations it performs in the brain. We investigated the dynamical mechanisms underlying the excitability type of dopamine (DA) neurons, using a conductance-based biophysical model, and its regulation by intrinsic and synaptic currents. Calibrating the model to reproduce low frequency tonic firing results in N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) excitation balanced by γ-Aminobutyric acid (GABA)-mediated inhibition and leads to type I excitable behavior characterized by a continuous decrease in firing frequency in response to hyperpolarizing currents. Furthermore, we analyzed how excitability type of the DA neuron model is influenced by changes in the intrinsic current composition. A subthreshold sodium current is necessary for a continuous frequency decrease during application of a negative current, and the low-frequency “balanced” state during simultaneous activation of NMDA and GABA receptors. Blocking this current switches the neuron to type II characterized by the abrupt onset of repetitive firing. Enhancing the anomalous rectifier Ih current also switches the excitability to type II. Key characteristics of synaptic conductances that may be observed in vivo also change the type of excitability: a depolarized γ-Aminobutyric acid receptor (GABAR) reversal potential or co-activation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid receptors (AMPARs) leads to an abrupt frequency drop to zero, which is typical for type II excitability. Coactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) together with AMPARs and GABARs shifts the type I/II boundary toward more hyperpolarized GABAR reversal potentials. To better understand how altering each of the aforementioned currents leads to changes in excitability profile of DA neuron, we provide a thorough dynamical analysis. Collectively, these results imply that type I

Variation in whole DNA methylation in red maple (Acer rubrum) populations from a mining region: association with metal contamination and cation exchange capacity (CEC) in podzolic soils.

PubMed

Kalubi, K N; Mehes-Smith, M; Spiers, G; Omri, A

2017-04-01

Although a number of publications have provided convincing evidence that abiotic stresses such as drought and high salinity are involved in DNA methylation reports on the effects of metal contamination, pH, and cation exchange on DNA modifications are limited. The main objective of the present study is to determine the relationship between metal contamination and Cation exchange capacity (CEC) on whole DNA modifications. Metal analysis confirms that nickel and copper are the main contaminants in sampled sites within the Greater Sudbury Region (Ontario, Canada) and liming has increased soil pH significantly even after 30 years following dolomitic limestone applications. The estimated CEC values varied significantly among sites, ranging between 1.8 and 10.5 cmol(+) kg -1 , with a strong relationship being observed between CEC and pH (r = 0.96**). Cation exchange capacity, significantly lower in highly metal contaminated sites compared to both reference and less contaminated sites, was higher in the higher organic matter limed compared to unlimed sites. There was a significant variation in the level of cytosine methylation among the metal-contaminated sites. Significant and strong negative correlations between [5mdC]/[dG] and bioavailable nickel (r = -0.71**) or copper (r = -0.72**) contents were observed. The analysis of genomic DNA for adenine methylation in this study showed a very low level of [6N-mdA]/dT] in Acer rubrum plants analyzed ranging from 0 to 0.08%. Significant and very strong positive correlation was observed between [6N-mdA]/dT] and soil bioavailable nickel (r = 0.78**) and copper (r = 0.88**) content. This suggests that the increased bioavailable metal levels associated with contamination by nickel and copper particulates are associated with cytosine and adenine methylation.

Electrical coupling and release of K+ from endothelial cells co-mediate ACh-induced smooth muscle hyperpolarization in guinea-pig inner ear artery.

PubMed

Jiang, Zhi-Gen; Nuttall, Alfred L; Zhao, Hui; Dai, Chun-Fu; Guan, Bing-Cai; Si, Jun-Qiang; Yang, Yu-Qin

2005-04-15

The physiological basis of ACh-elicited hyperpolarization in guinea-pig in vitro cochlear spiral modiolar artery (SMA) was investigated by intracellular recording combined with dye labelling of recorded cells and immunocytochemistry. We found the following. (1) The ACh-hyperpolarization was prominent only in cells that had a low resting potential (less negative than -60 mV). ACh-hyperpolarization was reversibly blocked by 4-DAMP, charybdotoxin or BAPTA-AM, but not by N(omega)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester, glipizide, indomethacin or 17-octadecynoic acid. (2) Ba(2)(+) (100 microm) and ouabain (1 microm) each attenuated ACh-hyperpolarization by approximately 30% in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) but had only slight or no inhibition in endothelial cells (ECs). A combination of Ba(2)(+) and 18beta-glycyrrhetinic acid near completely blocked the ACh-hyperpolarization in SMCs. (3) High K(+) (10 mm) induced a smaller hyperpolarization in ECs than in SMCs, with an amplitude ratio of 0.49 : 1. Ba(2)(+) blocked the K(+)-induced hyperpolarization by approximately 85% in both cell types, whereas ouabain inhibited K(+)-hyperpolarization differently in SMCs (19%) and ECs (35%) and increased input resistance. 18beta-Glycyrrhetinic acid blocked the high K(+)-hyperpolarization in ECs only. (4) Weak myoendothelial dye coupling was detected by confocal microscopy in cells recorded with a propidium iodide-containing electrode for longer than 30 min. A sparse plexus of choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive (ChAT) fibres was observed around the SMA and its up-stream arteries. (5) Evoked excitatory junction potentials (EJP) were partially blocked by 4-DAMP in half of the cells tested. We conclude that ACh-induced hyperpolarization originates from ECs via activation of Ca(2)(+)-activated potassium channels, and is independent of the release of NO, cyclo-oxygenase or cytochrome P450 products. ACh-induced hyperpolarization in smooth muscle cells involves two mechanisms: (a) electrical spread

An in vivo evaluation of the antiseizure activity and acute neurotoxicity of agmatine.

PubMed

Bence, Aimee K; Worthen, David R; Stables, James P; Crooks, Peter A

2003-02-01

Agmatine, an endogenous cationic amine, exerts a wide range of biological effects, including modulation of glutamate-activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function in the central nervous system (CNS). Since glutamate and the NMDA receptor have been implicated in the initiation and spread of seizure activity, the capacity of agmatine to inhibit seizure spread was evaluated in vivo. Orally administered agmatine (30 mg/kg) protected against maximal electroshock seizure (MES)-induced seizure spread in rats as rapidly as 15 min and for as long as 6 h after administration. Inhibition of MES-induced seizure spread was also observed when agmatine was administered intraperitoneally. Agmatine's antiseizure activity did not appear to be dose-dependent. An in vivo neurotoxicity screen indicated that agmatine was devoid of any acute neurological toxicity at the doses tested. These preliminary data suggest that agmatine has promising anticonvulsant activity.

Hyperpolarized 13 C,15 N2 -Urea MRI for assessment of the urea gradient in the porcine kidney.

PubMed

Hansen, Esben S S; Stewart, Neil J; Wild, Jim M; Stødkilde-Jørgensen, Hans; Laustsen, Christoffer

2016-12-01

A decline in cortico-medullary osmolality gradient of the kidney may serve as an early indicator of pathological disruption of the tubular reabsorption process. The purpose of this study was to investigate the feasibility of hyperpolarized 13 C, 15 N 2 -urea MRI as a biomarker of renal function in healthy porcine kidneys resembling the human physiology. Five healthy female Danish domestic pigs (weight 30 kg) were scanned at 3 Tesla (T) using a 13 C 3D balanced steady-state MR pulse sequence following injection of hyperpolarized 13 C, 15 N 2 -urea via a femoral vein catheter. Images were acquired at different time points after urea injection, and following treatment with furosemide. A gradient in cortico-medullary urea was observed with an intramedullary accumulation 75 s after injection of hyperpolarized 13 C, 15 N 2 -urea, whereas images acquired at earlier time points postinjection were dominated by cortical perfusion. Furosemide treatment resulted in an increased urea accumulation in the cortical space, leading to a reduction of the medullary-to-cortical signal ratio of 49%. This study demonstrates that hyperpolarized 13 C, 15 N 2 -urea MRI is capable of identifying the intrarenal accumulation of urea and can differentiate acute renal functional states in multipapillary kidneys, highlighting the potential for human translation. Magn Reson Med 76:1895-1899, 2016. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Co-localisation of advanced glycation end products and D-β-aspartic acid-containing proteins in gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy.

PubMed

Kaji, Yuichi; Oshika, Tetsuro; Takazawa, Yutaka; Fukayama, Masashi; Fujii, Noriko

2012-08-01

Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD), also known as familial subepithelial corneal amyloidosis, is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes progressive corneal opacity due to accumulation of amyloid fibrils in the corneal stroma. Genetic analyses have revealed that a mutation in membrane component chromosome 1 surface marker 1 gene is responsible for GDLD. However, the mechanism of amyloid formation in the corneal stroma remains unclear. The present study attempted to reveal the role of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and d-amino acids in amyloid formation in GDLD. Informed consent was obtained from five patients with GDLD, three patients with bullous keratopathy and three patients with interstitial keratitis and all the specimens were analysed. Localisation of amyloid fibrils was analysed using Congo-red and thioflavin T staining. In addition, the localisation of AGE (N(ε)-carboxy(methyl)-L-lysine, pyrraline and pentosidine) and D-β-aspartic acid-containing proteins, a major form of d-amino acid-containing proteins, was analysed immunohistochemically. In all GDLD specimens, strong immunoreactivity to AGE and D-β-aspartic acid-containing proteins was detected in the subepithelial amyloid-rich region. In contrast, amyloid fibrils, AGE, or D-amino acid-containing proteins were slightly detected in the corneal stroma of patients with bullous keratopathy and interstitial keratitis. Abnormally accumulated proteins rich in AGE and D-β-aspartic acid co-localise in the amyloid lesions in GDLD. These results indicate that non-enzymatic post-translational modifications of proteins, including AGE formation and isomerisation of aspartyl residues, will be the cause as well as the result of amyloid fibril formations in GDLD.

Subunit Arrangement and Phenylethanolamine Binding in GluN1/GluN2B NMDA Receptors

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

E Karakas; N Simorowski; H Furukawa

2011-12-31

Since it was discovered that the anti-hypertensive agent ifenprodil has neuroprotective activity through its effects on NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, a determined effort has been made to understand the mechanism of action and to develop improved therapeutic compounds on the basis of this knowledge. Neurotransmission mediated by NMDA receptors.

Alkali Metal Cation versus Proton and Methyl Cation Affinities: Structure and Bonding Mechanism

PubMed Central

Boughlala, Zakaria; Fonseca Guerra, Célia

2016-01-01

Abstract We have analyzed the structure and bonding of gas‐phase Cl−X and [HCl−X]+ complexes for X+= H+, CH3 +, Li+, and Na+, using relativistic density functional theory (DFT). We wish to establish a quantitative trend in affinities of the anionic and neutral Lewis bases Cl− and HCl for the various cations. The Cl−X bond becomes longer and weaker along X+ = H+, CH3 +, Li+, and Na+. Our main purpose is to understand the heterolytic bonding mechanism behind the intrinsic (i.e., in the absence of solvent) alkali metal cation affinities (AMCA) and how this compares with and differs from those of the proton affinity (PA) and methyl cation affinity (MCA). Our analyses are based on Kohn–Sham molecular orbital (KS‐MO) theory in combination with a quantitative energy decomposition analysis (EDA) that pinpoints the importance of the different features in the bonding mechanism. Orbital overlap appears to play an important role in determining the trend in cation affinities. PMID:27551660

3D hyperpolarized C-13 EPI with calibrationless parallel imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Gordon, Jeremy W.; Hansen, Rie B.; Shin, Peter J.; Feng, Yesu; Vigneron, Daniel B.; Larson, Peder E. Z.

2018-04-01

With the translation of metabolic MRI with hyperpolarized 13C agents into the clinic, imaging approaches will require large volumetric FOVs to support clinical applications. Parallel imaging techniques will be crucial to increasing volumetric scan coverage while minimizing RF requirements and temporal resolution. Calibrationless parallel imaging approaches are well-suited for this application because they eliminate the need to acquire coil profile maps or auto-calibration data. In this work, we explored the utility of a calibrationless parallel imaging method (SAKE) and corresponding sampling strategies to accelerate and undersample hyperpolarized 13C data using 3D blipped EPI acquisitions and multichannel receive coils, and demonstrated its application in a human study of [1-13C]pyruvate metabolism.

The region preceding the C-terminal NWETF pentapeptide modulates baseline activity and aspartate inhibition of Escherichia coli Tar.

PubMed

Lai, Run-Zhi; Bormans, Arjan F; Draheim, Roger R; Wright, Gus A; Manson, Michael D

2008-12-16

The Tar chemoreceptor-CheA-CheW ternary complex of Escherichia coli is a transmembrane allosteric enzyme in which binding of ligands to the periplasmic domain modulates the activity of CheA kinase. Kinase activity is also affected by reversible methylation of four glutamyl residues in the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor. E. coli Tar contains 553 residues. Residues 549-553 comprise the NWETF pentapeptide that binds the CheR methyltransferase and CheB methylesterase. The crystal structure of the similar Tsr chemoreceptor predicts that residues 263-289 and 490-515 of Tar form the most membrane-proximal portion of the extended CD1-CD2 four-helix bundle of the cytoplasmic domain. The last methylation site, Glu-491, is in the C19 heptad, and the N22-19 and C22-19 heptads are present in all classes of bacterial transmembrane chemoreceptors. Residues 516-548 probably serve as a flexible tether for the NWETF pentapeptide. Here, we present a mutational analysis of residues 505-548. The more of this region that is deleted, the less sensitive Tar is to inhibition by aspartate. Tar deleted from residue 505 through the NWETF sequence stimulates CheA in vitro but is not inhibited by aspartate. Thus, interaction of the last two heptads (C21 and C22) of CD2 with the first two heptads (N22 and N21) of CD1 must be important for transmitting an inhibitory signal from the HAMP domain to the four-helix bundle. The R514A, K523A, R529A, R540A, and R542A substitutions, singly or together, increase the level of activation of CheA in vitro, whereas the R505A substitution decreases the level of CheA stimulation by 40% and lowers the aspartate K(i) 7-fold. The R505E substitution completely abolishes stimulation of CheA in vitro. Glu-505 may interact electrostatically with Asp-273 to destabilize the "on" signaling state by loosening the four-helix bundle.

Genetic Inactivation of D-Amino Acid Oxidase Enhances Extinction and Reversal Learning in Mice

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Labrie, Viviane; Duffy, Steven; Wang, Wei; Barger, Steven W.; Baker, Glen B.; Roder, John C.

2009-01-01

Activation of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) glycine site has been shown to accelerate adaptive forms of learning that may benefit psychopathologies involving cognitive and perseverative disturbances. In this study, the effects of increasing the brain levels of the endogenous NMDAR glycine site agonist D-serine, through the genetic…

4-(Di­methyl­amino)­pyridinium trichlorido[4-(di­methyl­amino)­pyridine-κN]cobaltate(II)

PubMed Central

Guenifa, Fatiha; Hadjadj, Nasreddine; Zeghouan, Ouahida; Bendjeddou, Lamia; Merazig, Hocine

2013-01-01

In the anion of the title compound, (C7H11N2)[CoCl3(C7H10N2)], the CoII ion is coordinated by one N atom from a 4-(di­methyl­amino)­pyridine (DMAP) ligand and three Cl atoms, forming a CoNCl3 polyhedron with a distorted tetra­hedral geometry. In the crystal, cations and anions are linked via weak N—H⋯Cl and C—H⋯Cl hydrogen bonds. Double layers of complex anions stack along the b- axis direction, which alternate with double layers of 4-(di­methyl­amino)-pyridinium cations. PMID:24046560

The Frequency of Autoimmune N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Encephalitis Surpasses That of Individual Viral Etiologies in Young Individuals Enrolled in the California Encephalitis Project

PubMed Central

Sheriff, Heather; Dalmau, Josep; Tilley, Drake H.; Glaser, Carol A.

2012-01-01

Background. In 2007, the California Encephalitis Project (CEP), which was established to study the epidemiology of encephalitis, began identifying cases of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis. Increasing numbers of anti-NMDAR encephalitis cases have been identified at the CEP, and this form rivals commonly known viral etiologies as a causal agent. We report here the relative frequency and differences among encephalitides caused by anti-NMDAR and viral etiologies within the CEP experience. Methods. Demographic, frequency, and clinical data from patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis are compared with those with viral encephalitic agents: enterovirus, herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and West Nile virus (WNV). All examined cases presented to the CEP between September 2007 and February 2011 and are limited to individuals aged ≤30 years because of the predominance of anti-NMDAR encephalitis in this group. The diagnostic costs incurred in a single case are also included. Results. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis was identified >4 times as frequently as HSV-1, WNV, or VZV and was the leading entity identified in our cohort. We found that 65% of anti-NMDAR encephalitis occurred in patients aged ≤18 years. This disorder demonstrated a predilection, which was not observed with viral etiologies, for females (P < .01). Seizures, language dysfunction, psychosis, and electroencephalographic abnormalities were significantly more frequent in patients with anti-NMDAR encephalitis (P < .05), and autonomic instability occurred exclusively in this group. Discussion. Anti-NMDAR encephalitis rivals viral etiologies as a cause of encephalitis within the CEP cohort. This entity deserves a prominent place on the encephalitic differential diagnosis to avoid unnecessary diagnostic and treatment costs, and to permit a more timely treatment. PMID:22281844

The role of NMDA receptor and nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway in the antidepressant-like effect of dextromethorphan in mice forced swimming test and tail suspension test.

PubMed

Sakhaee, Ehsan; Ostadhadi, Sattar; Khan, Muhammad Imran; Yousefi, Farbod; Norouzi-Javidan, Abbas; Akbarian, Reyhaneh; Chamanara, Mohsen; Zolfaghari, Samira; Dehpour, Ahmad-Reza

2017-01-01

Depression is a devastating disorder which has a high impact on the wellbeing of overall society. As such, need for innovative therapeutic agents are always there. Most of the researchers focused on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor to explore the antidepressant like activity of new therapeutic agents. Dextromethorphan is a cough suppressant agent with potential antidepressant activity reported in mouse force swimming test. Considering N-methyl-d-aspartate as a forefront in exploring antidepressant agents, here we focused to unpin the antidepressant mechanism of dextromethorphan targeting N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor induced nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signaling. Dextromethorphan administered at a dose of 10 and 30mg/kg i.p significantly reduced the immobility time. Interestingly, this effect of drug (30mg/kg) was inhibited when the animals were pretreated either with N-methyl-d-aspartate (75mg/kg), or l-arginine (750mg/kg) as a nitric oxide precursor and/or sildenafil (5mg/kg) as a phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor. However, the antidepressant effect of Dextromethorphan subeffective dose (3mg/kg) was augmented when the animals were administered with either L-NG-Nitroarginine methyl ester (10mg/kg) non-specific nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, 7-Nitroindazole (30mg/kg) specific neural nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, MK-801 (0.05mg/kg) an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist but not aminoguanidine (50mg/kg) which is specific inducible nitric oxide synthase inhibitor as compared to the drugs when administered alone. No remarkable effect on locomotor activity was observed during open field test when the drugs were administered at the above mentioned doses. Therefore, it is evident that the antidepressant like effect of Dextromethorphan is owed due to its inhibitory effect on N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and NO- Cyclic guanosine monophosphate pathway. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Attenuation by d-limonene of sodium chloride-enhanced gastric carcinogenesis induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in Wistar rats.

PubMed

Yano, H; Tatsuta, M; Iishi, H; Baba, M; Sakai, N; Uedo, N

1999-08-27

The effects of prolonged administration of d-limonene, a monocyclic monoterpene, on sodium chloride-enhanced induction of gastric carcinogenesis by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine, the labeling and apoptotic indices, and ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity of gastric cancers were investigated in Wistar rats. After 25 weeks of carcinogen treatment, rats were given chow pellets containing 10% sodium chloride and 1% limonene ad libitum. In week 52, the incidence of gastric cancers, the labeling index and ODC activity were significantly higher and the apoptotic index was significantly lower in rats given sodium chlolide than in untreated control rats. However, in rats given both sodium chloride and d-limonene, the incidence of gastric cancers, the labeling index and ODC activity were significantly lower and the apoptotic index was significantly higher than in rats given sodium chloride alone. Our findings suggest that limonene attenuates the gastric carcinogenesis enhanced by sodium chloride via increased apoptosis and decreased ODC activity in gastric cancers. Copyright 1999 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Opiate and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in form-deprivation myopia.

PubMed

Fischer, A J; Seltner, R L; Stell, W K

1998-01-01

Pharmacological studies have implicated retinal opiate pathways in the visual regulation of ocular growth. However, the effects of opiate receptor subtype-specific compounds on form-deprivation myopia (FDM) are inconsistent (Seltner et al., 1997), and may be mediated by non-opiate receptors. The purpose of this study was to test whether opiate receptor-inactive (D-) enantiomers elicit the same FDM-suppressing effect as their opiate receptor-active (L-) counterparts. Since some opiates are thought to act at NMDA receptors, we also tested whether NMDA receptor agonists and antagonists influence ocular growth or FDM. We found that both L- and D- enantiomers of morphine-like compounds (dextrorphanol and levorphanol, and D- and L-naloxone) were equally effective in blocking FDM. The NMDA receptor antagonists dextromethorphan, MK801, and AP5 also suppressed FDM. A single toxic dose of NMDA, that destroys many subtypes of amacrine cells (including those that synthesize the opioid peptide enkephalin), induced myopia and ocular enlargement in ungoggled eyes, and eliminated the ability of form-deprivation to enhance ocular growth. The NR-1 subunit of the NMDA receptor was localized to a narrowly stratified, intense stratum at approximately 50% depth in the inner plexiform layer, diffusely throughout the proximal inner plexiform layer, and to many somata in the amacrine and ganglion cell layers. These observations suggest that most effects of opiate receptor ligands on FDM in the chick are mediated by non-opiate receptors, which are likely to include NMDA receptors. NMDA as an excitotoxin transiently enhances ocular growth, but thereafter disables retinal mechanisms that promote emmetropization and FDM. These observations are consistent with a prominent role for pathways utilizing NMDA receptors in FDM and ocular growth-control.

Observation of the side chain O-methylation of glutamic acid or aspartic acid containing model peptides by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry.

PubMed

Atik, A Emin; Guray, Melda Z; Yalcin, Talat

2017-03-15

O-methylation of the side chains of glutamic acid (E) and aspartic acid (D) residues is generally observed modification when an acidified methanol/water (MeOH/dH 2 O) mixture is used as a solvent system during sample preparation for proteomic research. This chemical modification may result misidentification with endogenous protein methylation; therefore, a special care should be taken during sample handling prior to mass spectrometric analysis. In the current study, we systematically examined the extent of E/D methylation and C-terminus carboxyl group of synthetic model peptides in terms of different incubation temperatures, storage times, and added acid types as well as its percentages. To monitor these effects, C-terminus amidated and free acid forms of synthetic model peptides comprised of E or D residue(s) have been analyzed by electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS). Additionally, LC-MS/MS experiments were performed to confirm the formation of methylated peptide product. The results showed that the rate of methylation was increased as the temperature increases along with prolong incubation times. Moreover, the extent of methylation was remarkably high when formic acid (FA) used as a protonation agent instead of acetic acid (AA). In addition, it was found that the degree of methylation was significantly decreased by lowering acid percentages in ESI solution. More than one acidic residue containing model peptides have been also used to explore the extent of multiple methylation reaction. Lastly, the ethanol (EtOH) and isopropanol (iPrOH) have been substituted separately with MeOH in sample preparation step to investigate the extent of esterification reaction under the same experimental conditions. However, in the positive perspective of view, this method can be used as a simple, rapid and cheap method for methylation of acidic residues under normal laboratory conditions. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Atypical cleavage of protonated N-fatty acyl amino acids derived from aspartic acid evidenced by sequential MS3 experiments.

PubMed

Boukerche, Toufik Taalibi; Alves, Sandra; Le Faouder, Pauline; Warnet, Anna; Bertrand-Michel, Justine; Bouchekara, Mohamed; Belbachir, Mohammed; Tabet, Jean-Claude

2016-12-01

Lipidomics calls for information on detected lipids and conjugates whose structural elucidation by mass spectrometry requires to rationalization of their gas phase dissociations toward collision-induced dissociation (CID) processes. This study focused on activated dissociations of two lipoamino acid (LAA) systems composed of N-palmitoyl acyl coupled with aspartic and glutamic acid mono ethyl esters (as LAA (*D) and LAA (*E) ). Although in MS/MS, their CID spectra show similar trends, e.g., release of water and ethanol, the [(LAA (*D/*E) +H)-C 2 H 5 OH] + product ions dissociate via distinct pathways in sequential MS 3 experiments. The formation of all the product ions is rationalized by charge-promoted cleavages often involving stepwise processes with ion isomerization into ion-dipole prior to dissociation. The latter explains the maleic anhydride or ketene neutral losses from N-palmitoyl acyl aspartate and glutamate anhydride fragment ions, respectively. Consequently, protonated palmitoyl acid amide is generated from LAA (*D), whereas LAA (*E) leads to the [*E+H-H 2 O] + anhydride. The former releases ammonia to provide acylium, which gives the C n H (2n-1) and C n H (2n-3) carbenium series. This should offer structural information, e.g., to locate either unsaturation(s) or alkyl group branching present on the various fatty acyl moieties of lipo-aspartic acid in further studies based on MS n experiments.

Blockade of hyperpolarization-activated channels modifies the effect of beta-adrenoceptor stimulation.

PubMed

Zefirov, T L; Ziyatdinova, N I; Gainullin, A A; Zefirov, A L

2002-05-01

Experiments on rats showed that blockade of hyperpolarization-activated currents moderates tachycardia induced by beta-adrenoceptor agonist isoproterenol and potentiates the increase in stroke volume produced by this agonist. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve against the background of isoproterenol treatment augmented bradycardia and increased stroke volume. Blockade of hyperpolarization-activated currents followed by application of isoproterenol moderated vagus-induced bradycardia and had no effect on the dynamics of stroke volume.

Characterization of a distonic isomer C6H5C+(OH)OCH2 of methyl benzoate radical cation by associative ion-molecule reactions

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Dechamps, Noémie; Flammang, Robert; Gerbaux, Pascal; Nam, Pham-Cam; Nguyen, Minh Tho

2006-03-01

The C6H5C+(OH)OCH2 radical cation, formally a distonic isomer of ionized methyl benzoate, has been prepared by dissociative ionization of neopentyl benzoate, as earlier suggested by Audier et al. [H.E. Audier, A. Milliet, G. Sozzi, S. Hammerum, Org. Mass. Spectrom. 25 (1990) 44]. Its distonic character has now been firmly established by its high reactivity towards neutral methyl isocyanide (ionized methylene transfer) producing N-methyl ketenimine ions. Other mass spectrometric experiments and ab initio quantum chemical calculations also concur with each other pointing toward the existence of a stable distonic radical cation.

[A comparative analysis of anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor encephalitis with or without abnormal findings on cranial magnetic resonance imaging].

PubMed

Zhang, Jian-Zhao; Chen, Qian; Zheng, Ping; Xie, Li-Na; Yi, Xiao-Li; Ren, Hai-Tao; Yang, Jian

2018-01-01

To investigate the clinical features of children with anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (anti-NMDAR) encephalitis with normal or abnormal cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) findings via a comparative analysis. A retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 33 children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis. The clinical features and prognosis were compared between the children with normal and abnormal cranial MRI findings. In the 33 children with anti-NMDAR encephalitis, the most common initial symptoms were seizures (61%) and involuntary movement (61%), followed by language disorder (54%), mental and behavioral abnormalities (52%), and disturbance of consciousness (30%). All children had positive anti-NMDAR antibody in the cerebrospinal fluid, and 29 children (88%) had positive serum antibody. Of all the children, 15 (46%) had increased leukocytes in the cerebrospinal fluid, 3 (9%) had an increase in protein, and 29 (88%) had positive oligoclonal band; 26 children (79%) had electroencephalographic abnormalities (epileptic wave, slow wave, or a combination of these two types of waves). One child experienced respiratory failure. One child was found to have germinoma in the sellar region during follow-up. Of all the 33 children, 13 (39%) had abnormal cranial MRI findings, with hypointensity or isointensity on T1W1 and hyperintensity on T2WI and T2-FLAIR; 2 children had dural enhancement. As for the location of lesion, 5 children (38%) had lesions in the temporal lobe, 3 (23%) in the frontal lobe, 3 (23%) in the basal ganglia, 2 (15%) in the parietal lobe, 2 (15%) in the occipital lobe, 2 (15%) in the brainstem, 1 (8%) in the thalamus, and 1 (8%) in the cerebellum. Among the 13 children with abnormal cranial MRI findings, 5 (38%) had lesions mainly in the grey matter and 8 (62%) had lesions mainly in the white matter. Compared with the children with normal cranial MRI findings, the children with abnormal cranial MRI findings had significantly higher

Activation state of the hyperpolarization-activated current modulates temperature-sensitivity of firing in locus coeruleus neurons from bullfrogs.

PubMed

Santin, Joseph M; Hartzler, Lynn K

2015-06-15

Locus coeruleus neurons of anuran amphibians contribute to breathing control and have spontaneous firing frequencies that, paradoxically, increase with cooling. We previously showed that cooling inhibits a depolarizing membrane current, the hyperpolarization-activated current (I h) in locus coeruleus neurons from bullfrogs, Lithobates catesbeianus (Santin JM, Watters KC, Putnam RW, Hartzler LK. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 305: R1451-R1464, 2013). This suggests an unlikely role for I h in generating cold activation, but led us to hypothesize that inhibition of I h by cooling functions as a physiological brake to limit the cold-activated response. Using whole cell electrophysiology in brain slices, we employed 2 mM Cs(+) (an I h antagonist) to isolate the role of I h in spontaneous firing and cold activation in neurons recorded with either control or I h agonist (cyclic AMP)-containing artificial intracellular fluid. I h did not contribute to the membrane potential (V m) and spontaneous firing at 20°C. Although voltage-clamp analysis confirmed that cooling inhibits I h, its lack of involvement in setting baseline firing and V m precluded its ability to regulate cold activation as hypothesized. In contrast, neurons dialyzed with cAMP exhibited greater baseline firing frequencies at 20°C due to I h activation. Our hypothesis was supported when the starting level of I h was enhanced by elevating cAMP because cold activation was converted to more ordinary cold inhibition. These findings indicate that situations leading to enhancement of I h facilitate firing at 20°C, yet the hyperpolarization associated with inhibiting a depolarizing cation current by cooling blunts the net V m response to cooling to oppose normal cold-depolarizing factors. This suggests that the influence of I h activation state on neuronal firing varies in the poikilothermic neuronal environment. Copyright © 2015 the American Physiological Society.

Muscarinic receptor stimulation of D-aspartate uptake into human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells is attenuated by hypoosmolarity.

PubMed

Foster, Daniel J; Heacock, Anne M; Fisher, Stephen K

2010-04-01

In addition to its function as an excitatory neurotransmitter, glutamate plays a major role as an osmolyte within the central nervous system (CNS). Accordingly, mechanisms that regulate glutamate release and uptake are of physiological importance not only during conditions in which cell volume remains constant but also when cells are subjected to hypoosmotic stress. In the present study, the ability of muscarinic cholinergic receptors (mAChRs) to regulate the uptake of glutamate (monitored as D-aspartate) into human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells under isotonic or hypotonic conditions has been examined. In isotonic media, agonist activation of mAChRs resulted in a significant increase (250-300% of control) in the uptake of D-aspartate and, concurrently, a cellular redistribution of the excitatory amino acid transporter 3 (EAAT3) to the plasma membrane. mAChR-mediated increases in d-aspartate uptake were potently blocked by the EAAT3 inhibitor l-beta-threo-benzyl-aspartate. In hypotonic media, the ability of mAChR activation to facilitate D-aspartate uptake was significantly attenuated (40-50%), and the cellular distribution of EAAT3 was disrupted. Reduction of mAChR-stimulated D-aspartate uptake under hypoosmotic conditions could be fully reversed upon re-exposure of the cells to isotonic media. Under both isotonic and hypotonic conditions, mAChR-mediated increases in D-aspartate uptake depended on cytoskeletal integrity, protein kinase C and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activities, and the availability of intracellular Ca2+. In contrast, dependence on extracellular Ca2+ was observed only under isotonic conditions. The results suggest that, although the uptake of D-aspartate into SH-SY5Y cells is enhanced after mAChR activation, this process is markedly attenuated by hypoosmolarity.

N-methyltetrahydropyridines and pyridinium cations as toxins and comparison with naturally-occurring alkaloids.

PubMed

Herraiz, Tomás

2016-11-01

1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) and 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium cation (MPP + ) are selective dopaminergic neurotoxins producing Parkinsonism. MPTP is activated by monoamine oxidase-B (MAO-B) to MPP + that inhibits mitochondrial function. Molecules resembling MPTP which afford pyridinium cations are also neurotoxins. The herbicide paraquat (a bipyridinium dication) and the naturally-occurring β-carboline and isoquinoline alkaloids are structural analogues of MPTP/MPP + . Paraquat generates reactive oxygen species (ROS) producing neurotoxicity by a mechanism that differs from MPTP/MPP + . Human exposure to PQ is increasingly associated with neurodegeneration. Tetrahydro-β-carbolines (THβCs), β-carbolines (βCs) and tetrahydroisoquinolines (TIQ s ) are bioactive compounds occurring in foods and the human body. They are not MPTP-like toxins and do not appear to induce neurotoxicity at normal levels of exposure. Among TIQs, endogenous dopamine-derived TIQs (i.e. salsolinol) and 1-benzyl-TIQ are toxic through ROS generation. In contrast, β-carbolinium (βC + s) and isoquinolinium cations (IQ + s) are neurotoxicants resembling MPP + although they are less potent and selective. βC + s and IQ + s have been detected in the human brain but their toxicological significance remains unknown. THβCs/βCs and TIQs are activated to toxic cations by N-methyltransferases (NMT) and/or heme peroxidases and are metabolized by cytochrome P450 enzymes. Remarkably, recent findings suggest, instead, that βCs and TIQs are neuroprotectants and neurorestorative, raising the interest of these molecules. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A comparative study of two polymorphs of L-aspartic acid hydrochloride.

PubMed

Benali-Cherif, Rim; Takouachet, Radhwane; Bendeif, El-Eulmi; Benali-Cherif, Nourredine

2014-07-01

Two polymorphs of L-aspartic acid hydrochloride, C4H8NO4(+)·Cl(-), were obtained from the same aqueous solution. Their crystal structures have been determined from single-crystal data collected at 100 K. The crystal structures revealed three- and two-dimensional hydrogen-bonding networks for the triclinic and orthorhombic polymorphs, respectively. The cations and anions are connected to one another via N-H···Cl and O-H···Cl interactions and form alternating cation-anion layer-like structures. The two polymorphs share common structural features; however, the conformations of the L-aspartate cations and the crystal packings are different. Furthermore, the molecular packing of the orthorhombic polymorph contains more interesting interactions which seems to be a favourable factor for more efficient charge transfer within the crystal.

-(S)-Alpha-phenyl-2-pyridine-ethanamine Dihydrochloride-, a low affinity uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid antagonist, is effective in rodent models of global and focal ischemia.

PubMed

Cregan, E F; Peeling, J; Corbett, D; Buchan, A M; Saunders, J; Auer, R N; Gao, M; Mccarthy, D J; Eisman, M S; Campbell, T M; Murray, R J; Stagnitto, M L; Palmer, G C

1997-12-01

[(S)-Alpha-phenyl-2-pyridine-ethanamine dihydrochloride] (ARL 15896AR) is a low affinity uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor antagonist that was tested in animal models of anoxia and ischemia. Pretreatment of rodents with ARL 15896AR extended survival time during exposure to hypoxia. With the rat four-vessel occlusion model of global ischemia (20 min), oral dosing commencing at reflow, resulted in significant protection of the CA1 hippocampal neurons. ARL 15896AR was, however, ineffective in the rat two-vessel occlusion model and in the gerbil models of forebrain ischemia, the latter due to an inability to attain suitable plasma levels. In the spontaneously hypertensive rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) (2 hr plus 22 hr reflow), acute dosing with ARL 15896AR (i.p.) beginning from 30 min before or up to 1 hr post-MCAO significantly reduced cortical infarct volume. The ability of ARL 15896AR to influence infarct size, as well as functional correlates was examined in SHR after 90 min of MCAO. T2 weighted magnetic resonance images taken at 2 and 6 days post-MCAO revealed significantly smaller lesion sizes in the group receiving injections with ARL 15896AR beginning 30 min after occlusion. Spontaneously hypertensive rats were subsequently tested (30-42 days post-MCAO) and found to be deficient in skilled use of the forepaws (staircase test). The contralateral forepaw was most severely impaired, however, ARL 15896AR treatment prevented motor impairment in only the ipsilateral forepaw. Histopathological examination of cortical infarct size was unremarkable between treated and control rats. The findings indicate that ARL 15896AR exhibits neuroprotection in global and focal models of ischemia

Aspartic cathepsin D endopeptidase contributes to extracellular digestion in clawed lobsters Homarus americanus and Homarus gammarus.

PubMed

Rojo, Liliana; Muhlia-Almazan, Adriana; Saborowski, Reinhard; García-Carreño, Fernando

2010-11-01

Acid digestive proteinases were studied in the gastric fluids of two species of clawed lobster (Homarus americanus and Homarus gammarus). An active protein was identified in both species as aspartic proteinase by specific inhibition with pepstatin A. It was confirmed as cathepsin D by mass mapping, N-terminal, and full-length cDNA sequencing. Both lobster species transcribed two cathepsin D mRNAs: cathepsin D1 and cathepsin D2. Cathepsin D1 mRNA was detected only in the midgut gland, suggesting its function as a digestive enzyme. Cathepsin D2 mRNA was found in the midgut gland, gonads, and muscle. The deduced amino acid sequence of cathepsin D1 and cathepsin D2 possesses two catalytic DTG active-site motifs, the hallmark of aspartic proteinases. The putatively active cathepsin D1 has a molecular mass of 36.4 kDa and a calculated pI of 4.14 and possesses three potential glycosylation sites. The sequences showed highest similarities with cathepsin D from insects but also with another crustacean cathepsin D. Cathepsin D1 transcripts were quantified during a starvation period using real-time qPCR. In H. americanus, 15 days of starvation did not cause significant changes, but subsequent feeding caused a 2.5-fold increase. In H. gammarus, starvation caused a 40% reduction in cathepsin D1 mRNA, and no effect was observed with subsequent feeding.

Geissoschizine methyl ether N-oxide, a new alkaloid with antiacetylcholinesterase activity from Uncaria rhynchophylla.

PubMed

Jiang, Wei-Wei; Su, Jia; Wu, Xing-De; He, Juan; Peng, Li-Yan; Cheng, Xiao; Zhao, Qin-Shi

2015-01-01

Geissoschizine methyl ether N-oxide, a new oxindole alkaloid, along with 14 known alkaloids, was isolated from the aerial part of Uncaria rhynchophylla. Their structures were identified by comprehensive spectral methods, including 2D NMR experiments, and confirmed by comparing with the literature data. In vitro acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity assay showed that the new compound exhibited anti-AChE activity with IC₅₀ value of 23.4 μM.

Irreversible Catalyst Activation Enables Hyperpolarization and Water Solubility for NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange

PubMed Central

2015-01-01

Activation of a catalyst [IrCl(COD)(IMes)] (IMes = 1,3-bis(2,4,6-trimethylphenyl)imidazol-2-ylidene; COD = cyclooctadiene)] for signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) was monitored by in situ hyperpolarized proton NMR at 9.4 T. During the catalyst-activation process, the COD moiety undergoes hydrogenation that leads to its complete removal from the Ir complex. A transient hydride intermediate of the catalyst is observed via its hyperpolarized signatures, which could not be detected using conventional nonhyperpolarized solution NMR. SABRE enhancement of the pyridine substrate can be fully rendered only after removal of the COD moiety; failure to properly activate the catalyst in the presence of sufficient substrate can lead to irreversible deactivation consistent with oligomerization of the catalyst molecules. Following catalyst activation, results from selective RF-saturation studies support the hypothesis that substrate polarization at high field arises from nuclear cross-relaxation with hyperpolarized 1H spins of the hydride/orthohydrogen spin bath. Importantly, the chemical changes that accompanied the catalyst’s full activation were also found to endow the catalyst with water solubility, here used to demonstrate SABRE hyperpolarization of nicotinamide in water without the need for any organic cosolvent—paving the way to various biomedical applications of SABRE hyperpolarization methods. PMID:25372972

Substance P and bradykinin activate different types of KCa currents to hyperpolarize cultured porcine coronary artery endothelial cells

PubMed Central

Frieden, M; Sollini, M; Bény, J-L

1999-01-01

Substance P and bradykinin, endothelium-dependent vasodilators of pig coronary artery, trigger in endothelial cells a rise in cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and membrane hyperpolarization. The aim of the present study was to determine the type of Ca2+-dependent K+ (KCa) currents underlying the endothelial cell hyperpolarization. The substance P-induced increase in [Ca2+]i was 30 % smaller than that induced by bradykinin, although the two peptides triggered a membrane hyperpolarization of the same amplitude. The two agonists evoked a large outward K+ current of the same conductance at maximal stimulation. Agonists applied together produced the same maximal current amplitude as either one applied alone. Iberiotoxin (50 nM) reduced by about 40 % the K+ current activated by bradykinin without modifying the substance P response. Conversely, apamin (1 μm) inhibited the substance P-induced K+ current by about 65 %, without affecting the bradykinin response. Similar results were obtained on peptide-induced membrane hyperpolarization. Bradykinin-induced, but not substance P-induced, endothelium-dependent relaxation resistant to NG-nitro-L-arginine and indomethacin was partly inhibited by 3 μm 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA), an inhibitor of cytochrome P450 epoxygenase. Similarly, the bradykinin-induced K+ current was reduced by 17-ODYA. Our results show that responses to substance P and bradykinin result in a hyperpolarization due to activation of different KCa currents. A current consistent with the activation of large conductance (BKCa) channels was activated only by bradykinin, whereas a current consistent with the activation of small conductance (SKCa) channels was stimulated only by substance P. The observation that a similar electrical response is produced by different pools of channels implies distinct intracellular pathways leading to KCa current activation. PMID:10457055

Ionotropic and metabotropic glutamate receptor mediation of glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in hippocampal cells and the neuroprotective role of synaptic N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors.

PubMed

Lu, J; Goula, D; Sousa, N; Almeida, O F X

2003-01-01

Glutamate receptors have been proposed to mediate the apoptotic actions of glucocorticoids in hippocampal cells. To further analyze the role of glutamate receptors in this process, we pretreated primary hippocampal cells from neonatal (postnatal day 4) rats with antagonists of ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) and metabotropic glutamate receptor (mGluR) antagonists before exposure to the specific glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone (DEX) at a dose of 1 microM. Dizocilpine (MK801; a general N-methyl-D-aspartic acid [NMDA] receptor antagonist, NMDAR antagonist) and ifenprodil (a specific ligand of the NMDAR 2B subunit, NR2B), were used to block iGluR; (RS)-alpha-ethyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine (E4CPG) and (RS)-alpha-cyclopropyl-4-phosphonophenyl-glycine (CPPG) were employed as I/II (E4CPG) and II/III (CPPG) mGluR antagonists. Blockade of iGluR resulted in a significant attenuation of DEX-induced cell death; the finding that ifenprodil exerted a similar potency to MK801 demonstrates the involvement of NR2B receptors in glucocorticoid-induced cell death. Apoptosis accounted for a significant amount of the cell loss observed, as detected by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling histochemistry for the in situ labeling of DNA breaks; apoptotic cells were distinguished from necrosis on the basis of morphological criteria, including chromatin condensation, membrane blebbing and presence of apoptotic bodies. Treatment with E4CPG and CPPG completely abolished the apoptotic response to DEX, thus showing the additional contribution of mGluR to the phenomenon. Further, dose-response studies with NMDA revealed that whereas high (10 microM) doses of NMDA themselves elicit cytotoxic responses, low (1-5 microM) concentrations of NMDA can effectively oppose DEX-induced cell death. Interestingly, the neuroprotective actions of low dose NMDA stimulation were abolished when either synaptic or extrasynaptic NMDA receptors were blocked with MK801

15N Hyperpolarization of Imidazole-15N2 for Magnetic Resonance pH Sensing via SABRE-SHEATH

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

15N nuclear spins of imidazole-15N2 were hyperpolarized using NMR signal amplification by reversible exchange in shield enables alignment transfer to heteronuclei (SABRE-SHEATH). A 15N NMR signal enhancement of ∼2000-fold at 9.4 T is reported using parahydrogen gas (∼50% para-) and ∼0.1 M imidazole-15N2 in methanol:aqueous buffer (∼1:1). Proton binding to a 15N site of imidazole occurs at physiological pH (pKa ∼ 7.0), and the binding event changes the 15N isotropic chemical shift by ∼30 ppm. These properties are ideal for in vivo pH sensing. Additionally, imidazoles have low toxicity and are readily incorporated into a wide range of biomolecules. 15N-Imidazole SABRE-SHEATH hyperpolarization potentially enables pH sensing on scales ranging from peptide and protein molecules to living organisms. PMID:27379344

15N Hyperpolarization of Imidazole-15N2 for Magnetic Resonance pH Sensing via SABRE-SHEATH.

PubMed

Shchepin, Roman V; Barskiy, Danila A; Coffey, Aaron M; Theis, Thomas; Shi, Fan; Warren, Warren S; Goodson, Boyd M; Chekmenev, Eduard Y

2016-06-24

15 N nuclear spins of imidazole- 15 N 2 were hyperpolarized using NMR signal amplification by reversible exchange in shield enables alignment transfer to heteronuclei (SABRE-SHEATH). A 15 N NMR signal enhancement of ∼2000-fold at 9.4 T is reported using parahydrogen gas (∼50% para-) and ∼0.1 M imidazole- 15 N 2 in methanol:aqueous buffer (∼1:1). Proton binding to a 15 N site of imidazole occurs at physiological pH (p K a ∼ 7.0), and the binding event changes the 15 N isotropic chemical shift by ∼30 ppm. These properties are ideal for in vivo pH sensing. Additionally, imidazoles have low toxicity and are readily incorporated into a wide range of biomolecules. 15 N-Imidazole SABRE-SHEATH hyperpolarization potentially enables pH sensing on scales ranging from peptide and protein molecules to living organisms.

Single-dose infusion ketamine and non-ketamine N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists for unipolar and bipolar depression: a meta-analysis of efficacy, safety and time trajectories.

PubMed

Kishimoto, T; Chawla, J M; Hagi, K; Zarate, C A; Kane, J M; Bauer, M; Correll, C U

2016-05-01

Ketamine and non-ketamine N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists (NMDAR antagonists) recently demonstrated antidepressant efficacy for the treatment of refractory depression, but effect sizes, trajectories and possible class effects are unclear. We searched PubMed/PsycINFO/Web of Science/clinicaltrials.gov until 25 August 2015. Parallel-group or cross-over randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing single intravenous infusion of ketamine or a non-ketamine NMDAR antagonist v. placebo/pseudo-placebo in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and/or bipolar depression (BD) were included in the analyses. Hedges' g and risk ratios and their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. The primary outcome was depressive symptom change. Secondary outcomes included response, remission, all-cause discontinuation and adverse effects. A total of 14 RCTs (nine ketamine studies: n = 234; five non-ketamine NMDAR antagonist studies: n = 354; MDD = 554, BD = 34), lasting 10.0 ± 8.8 days, were meta-analysed. Ketamine reduced depression significantly more than placebo/pseudo-placebo beginning at 40 min, peaking at day 1 (Hedges' g = -1.00, 95% CI -1.28 to -0.73, p < 0.001), and loosing superiority by days 10-12. Non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists were superior to placebo only on days 5-8 (Hedges' g = -0.37, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.09, p = 0.01). Compared with placebo/pseudo-placebo, ketamine led to significantly greater response (40 min to day 7) and remission (80 min to days 3-5). Non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists achieved greater response at day 2 and days 3-5. All-cause discontinuation was similar between ketamine (p = 0.34) or non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists (p = 0.94) and placebo. Although some adverse effects were more common with ketamine/NMDAR antagonists than placebo, these were transient and clinically insignificant. A single infusion of ketamine, but less so of non-ketamine NMDAR antagonists, has ultra-rapid efficacy for MDD and BD, lasting

[NO donors transform neuronal response to glutamate].

PubMed

D'iakonova, T L

1998-10-01

Electrophysiological experiments on three identified neurones were performed. Two NO donors, sodium nitroprusside (SNP) and sodium nitrite, as well as NO synthase inhibitor, were used. In each neurone, bath application of glutamate caused hyperpolarization and suppression of firing. Combined application of glutamate and SNP resulted in that the same cells responded to identical glutamate solutions with depolarization and excitation. Application of N-monomethyl-L-arginin (NMMA) arrested the glutamate-induced firing and depolarization. The findings suggest involvement of NO in the mechanism of transformation of glutamate-induced inhibition into excitation and a mediation of the latter by the N-methyl-D-aspartate-like receptors in the Helix brain.

Hyperpolarization of “Neat” Liquids by NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange

PubMed Central

2016-01-01

We report NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) hyperpolarization of the rare isotopes in “neat” liquids, each composed only of an otherwise pure target compound with isotopic natural abundance (n.a.) and millimolar concentrations of dissolved catalyst. Pyridine (Py) or Py derivatives are studied at 0.4% isotopic natural abundance 15N, deuterated, 15N enriched, and in various combinations using the SABRE-SHEATH variant (microTesla magnetic fields to permit direct 15N polarization from parahydrogen via reversible binding and exchange with an Ir catalyst). We find that the dilute n.a. 15N spin bath in Py still channels spin order from parahydrogen to dilute 15N spins, without polarization losses due to the presence of 14N or 2H. We demonstrate P15N ≈ 1% (a gain of 2900 fold relative to thermal polarization at 9.4 T) at high substrate concentrations. This fundamental finding has a significant practical benefit for screening potentially hyperpolarizable contrast agents without labeling. The capability of screening at n.a. level of 15N is demonstrated on examples of mono- and dimethyl-substituted Py (picolines and lutidines previously identified as promising pH sensors), showing that the presence of a methyl group in the ortho position significantly decreases SABRE hyperpolarization. PMID:26029349

The N-methyl-D-aspartate-evoked cytoplasmic calcium increase in adult rat dorsal root ganglion neuronal somata was potentiated by substance P pretreatment in a protein kinase C-dependent manner.

PubMed

Castillo, C; Norcini, M; Baquero-Buitrago, J; Levacic, D; Medina, R; Montoya-Gacharna, J V; Blanck, T J J; Dubois, M; Recio-Pinto, E

2011-03-17

The involvement of substance P (SP) in neuronal sensitization through the activation of the neurokinin-1-receptor (NK1r) in postsynaptic dorsal horn neurons has been well established. In contrast, the role of SP and NK1r in primary sensory dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons, in particular in the soma, is not well understood. In this study, we evaluated whether SP modulated the NMDA-evoked transient increase in cytoplasmic Ca2+ ([Ca2+]cyt) in the soma of dissociated adult DRG neurons. Cultures were treated with nerve growth factor (NGF), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) or both NGF+PGE2. Treatment with NGF+PGE2 increased the percentage of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) responsive neurons. There was no correlation between the percentage of NMDA responsive neurons and the level of expression of the NR1 and NR2B subunits of the NMDA receptor or of the NK1r. Pretreatment with SP did not alter the percentage of NMDA responsive neurons; while it potentiated the NMDA-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient by increasing its magnitude and by prolonging the period during which small- and some medium-sized neurons remained NMDA responsive. The SP-mediated potentiation was blocked by the SP-antagonist ([D-Pro4, D-Trp7,9]-SP (4-11)) and by the protein kinase C (PKC) blocker bisindolylmaleimide I (BIM); and correlated with the phosphorylation of PKCε. The Nk1r agonist [Sar9, Met(O2)11]-SP (SarMet-SP) also potentiated the NMDA-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient. Exposure to SP or SarMet-SP produced a rapid increase in the labeling of phosphorylated-PKCε. In none of the conditions we detected phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit at Ser-1303. Phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit at Tyr1472 was enhanced to a similar extent in cells exposed to NMDA, SP or NMDA+SP, and that enhancement was blocked by BIM. Our findings suggest that NGF and PGE2 may contribute to the injury-evoked sensitization of DRG neurons in part by enhancing their NMDA-evoked [Ca2+]cyt transient in all sized DRG neurons; and that SP may further

Meta-analysis of the association between N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antibodies and schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder.

PubMed

Pearlman, Daniel M; Najjar, Souhel

2014-08-01

N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antibodies have been documented in the serum of individuals with primary psychiatric disorders from several independent cohorts, but these findings have not been systematically assessed in aggregate or in relation to methodological covariates. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO for studies in any language that provided data on NMDAR antibody seropositivity or absolute serum titers in schizophrenia or schizoaffective, bipolar, or major depressive disorders. We used a random effects model to pool estimates across studies. Nine studies met the eligibility criteria. Five studies (3387 participants) provided data on NMDAR antibody seropositivity in psychiatric versus control groups based on high-specificity seropositivity thresholds (cell-based assays [CBAs]: 1:320 dilution, 1:200 dilution, visual score>1; enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA]: 90(th) percentile of control titers). Meta-analysis showed significantly higher odds of NMDAR antibody seropositivity among those with schizophrenia or schizoaffective, bipolar, or major depressive disorders compared with healthy controls (odds ratio [OR], 3.10; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.04-9.27; P=.043; I(2)=68%). Four studies (3194 participants) provided outcome data for these groups based on low-specificity seropositivity thresholds (CBAs 1:10 dilution; ELISA: 75(th) percentile of control titers). Meta-analysis showed greater heterogeneity and no significant between-group difference (OR, 2.31; 95% CI, 0.55-9.73; P=.25; I(2)=90%). Seropositive participants in psychiatric groups had various combinations of IgG, IgM, and IgA class antibodies against NR1, NR1/NR2B, and NR2A/NR2B subunits. Subgroup analysis revealed significantly higher odds of seropositivity among all participants based on 1:10 versus 1:320 dilution seropositivity thresholds (OR, 4.56; 95% CI, 2.41-8.62; P<.001; I(2)=0%; studies=2, n=2920), but no apparent difference between first-episode and chronic

Three and six grams supplementation of d-aspartic acid in resistance trained men.

PubMed

Melville, Geoffrey W; Siegler, Jason C; Marshall, Paul Wm

2015-01-01

Although abundant research has investigated the hormonal effects of d-aspartic acid in rat models, to date there is limited research on humans. Previous research has demonstrated increased total testosterone levels in sedentary men and no significant changes in hormonal levels in resistance trained men. It was hypothesised that a higher dosage may be required for experienced lifters, thus this study investigated the effects of two different dosages of d-aspartic acid on basal hormonal levels in resistance trained men and explored responsiveness to d-aspartic acid based on initial testosterone levels. Twenty-four males, with a minimum of two years' experience in resistance training, (age, 24.5 ± 3.2 y; training experience, 3.4 ± 1.4 y; height, 178.5 ± 6.5 cm; weight, 84.7 ± 7.2 kg; bench press 1-RM, 105.3 ± 15.2 kg) were randomised into one of three groups: 6 g.d(-1) plain flour (D0); 3 g.d(-1) of d-aspartic acid (D3); and 6 g.d(-1) of d-aspartic acid (D6). Participants performed a two-week washout period, training four days per week. This continued through the experimental period (14 days), with participants consuming the supplement in the morning. Serum was analysed for levels of testosterone, estradiol, sex hormone binding globulin, albumin and free testosterone was determined by calculation. D-aspartic acid supplementation revealed no main effect for group in: estradiol; sex-hormone-binding-globulin; and albumin. Total testosterone was significantly reduced in D6 (P = 0.03). Analysis of free testosterone showed that D6 was significantly reduced as compared to D0 (P = 0.005), but not significantly different to D3. Analysis did not reveal any significant differences between D3 and D0. No significant correlation between initial total testosterone levels and responsiveness to d-aspartic acid was observed (r = 0.10, P = 0.70). The present study demonstrated that a daily dose of six grams of d-aspartic acid decreased

The function of metabotropic glutamate receptors in thalamus and cortex.

PubMed

Sherman, S Murray

2014-04-01

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are found throughout thalamus and cortex and are clearly important to circuit behavior in both structures, and so considering only participation of ionotropic glutamate receptors (e.g., [R,S]-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid [AMPA] and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors [NMDA] receptors) in glutamatergic processing would be an unfortunate oversimplification. These mGluRs are found both postsynaptically, on target cells of glutamatergic afferents, and presynaptically, on various synaptic terminals themselves, and when activated, they produce prolonged effects lasting at least hundreds of msec to several sec and perhaps longer. Two main types exist: activation of group I mGluRs causes postsynaptic depolarization, and group II, hyperpolarization. Both types are implicated in synaptic plasticity, both short term and long term. Their evident importance in functioning of thalamus and cortex makes it critical to develop a better understanding of how these receptors are normally activated, especially because they also seem implicated in a wide range of neurological and cognitive pathologies.

The Function of Metabotropic Glutamate Receptors in Thalamus and Cortex

PubMed Central

Sherman, S. Murray

2016-01-01

Metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) are found throughout thalamus and cortex and are clearly important to circuit behavior in both structures, and so considering only participation of ionotropic glutamate receptors (e.g., [R,S]-α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid [AMPA] and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors [NMDA] receptors) in glutamatergic processing would be an unfortunate oversimplification. These mGluRs are found both postsynaptically, on target cells of glutamatergic afferents, and presynaptically, on various synaptic terminals themselves, and when activated, they produce prolonged effects lasting at least hundreds of msec to several sec and perhaps longer. Two main types exist: activation of group I mGluRs causes postsynaptic depolarization, and group II, hyperpolarization. Both types are implicated in synaptic plasticity, both short term and long term. Their evident importance in functioning of thalamus and cortex makes it critical to develop a better understanding of how these receptors are normally activated, especially because they also seem implicated in a wide range of neurological and cognitive pathologies. PMID:23459618

Effects of asparagine mutagenesis of conserved aspartic acids in helix two (D2.50) and three (D3.32) of M1 – M4 muscarinic receptors on the irreversible binding of nitrogen mustard analogs of acetylcholine and McN-A-343

PubMed Central

Suga, Hinako; Ehlert, Frederick J.

2013-01-01

We investigated how asparagine mutagenesis of conserved aspartic acids in helix two (D2.50) and three (D3.32) of M1 – M4 muscarinic receptors alters the irreversible binding of acetylcholine mustard and BR384 (4-[(2-bromoethyl)methyl-amino]-2-butynyl N-(3-chlorophenyl)carbamate), a nitrogen mustard derivative of McN-A-343 ([4-[[N-(3-chlorophenyl)carbamoyl]oxy]-2-butynyl] trimethylammonium chloride). The D2.50N mutation moderately increased the affinity of the aziridinium ions of acetylcholine mustard and BR384 for M2 – M4 receptors and had little effect on the rate constant for receptor alkylation. The D3.32N mutation greatly reduced the rate constant for receptor alkylation by acetylcholine mustard, but not by BR384, although the affinity of BR384 was reduced. The combination of both mutations (D2.50N/D3.32N) substantially reduced the rate constant for receptor alkylation by BR384 relative to wild type and mutant D2.50N and D3.32N receptors. The change in binding affinity caused by the mutations suggests that the D2.50N mutation alters the interaction of acetylcholine mustard with D3.32 of M1 and M3 receptors, but not that of the M4 receptor. BR384 exhibited the converse relationship. The simplest explanation is that acetylcholine mustard and BR384 alkylate at least two residues on M1 – M4 receptors and that the D2.50N mutation alters the rate of alkylation of D3.32 relative to another residue, perhaps D2.50 itself. PMID:23826889

Monovalent Cation Activation of the Radical SAM Enzyme Pyruvate Formate-Lyase Activating Enzyme.

PubMed

Shisler, Krista A; Hutcheson, Rachel U; Horitani, Masaki; Duschene, Kaitlin S; Crain, Adam V; Byer, Amanda S; Shepard, Eric M; Rasmussen, Ashley; Yang, Jian; Broderick, William E; Vey, Jessica L; Drennan, Catherine L; Hoffman, Brian M; Broderick, Joan B

2017-08-30

Pyruvate formate-lyase activating enzyme (PFL-AE) is a radical S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAM) enzyme that installs a catalytically essential glycyl radical on pyruvate formate-lyase. We show that PFL-AE binds a catalytically essential monovalent cation at its active site, yet another parallel with B 12 enzymes, and we characterize this cation site by a combination of structural, biochemical, and spectroscopic approaches. Refinement of the PFL-AE crystal structure reveals Na + as the most likely ion present in the solved structures, and pulsed electron nuclear double resonance (ENDOR) demonstrates that the same cation site is occupied by 23 Na in the solution state of the as-isolated enzyme. A SAM carboxylate-oxygen is an M + ligand, and EPR and circular dichroism spectroscopies reveal that both the site occupancy and the identity of the cation perturb the electronic properties of the SAM-chelated iron-sulfur cluster. ENDOR studies of the PFL-AE/[ 13 C-methyl]-SAM complex show that the target sulfonium positioning varies with the cation, while the observation of an isotropic hyperfine coupling to the cation by ENDOR measurements establishes its intimate, SAM-mediated interaction with the cluster. This monovalent cation site controls enzyme activity: (i) PFL-AE in the absence of any simple monovalent cations has little-no activity; and (ii) among monocations, going down Group 1 of the periodic table from Li + to Cs + , PFL-AE activity sharply maximizes at K + , with NH 4 + closely matching the efficacy of K + . PFL-AE is thus a type I M + -activated enzyme whose M + controls reactivity by interactions with the cosubstrate, SAM, which is bound to the catalytic iron-sulfur cluster.

[Isolation, identification and fermentation optimization of Bacillus tequilensis PanD37 producing L-aspartate α- decarboxylase].

PubMed

Feng, Zhibin; Zhang, Juan; Chen, Guozhong; Cha, Yaping; Liu, Jinjie; Ge, Yihe; Cheng, Shiwei; Yu, Botao

2016-01-04

We screened bacteria producing L-aspartate α-decarboxylase from grapery soil and optimized the fermentation conditions. L-aspartate α-decarboxylase producing bacteria were screened by color-changing circle and liquid secondary screening culture media. Combination of morphological, physiological and biochemical characteristics and 16S rRNA sequence analysis were used to identify the bacteria. Fermentation conditions were optimized by single factor test and orthogonal experiment. Strain PanD37 showed high L-aspartate α-decarboxylase producing property and was identified as Bacillus tequilensis. The optimum fermentation conditions of PanD37 were liquid volume of 50 mL in 500 mL flask, 220 r/min at 35 °C, inoculation amount of 5% for 28 h with a medium of 22.5 g/L sucrose, 7.5 g/L fumaric acid, 20 g/L peptone, 6 g/L L-aspartic acid, 2 g/L Triton X-100, at initial pH of 7.0. Under the optimal fermentation conditions, the highest L-aspartate α-decarboxylase activity reached 44.57 U/mL, which was 2.57 folds higher than that obtained before optimization. Strain PanD37 was identified as Bacillus tequilensiswhich was capable of highly producing L-aspartate α-decarboxylase under the optimal fermentation conditions.

Oral administration of D-aspartate, but not L-aspartate, depresses rectal temperature and alters plasma metabolites in chicks.

PubMed

Erwan, Edi; Chowdhury, Vishwajit Sur; Nagasawa, Mao; Goda, Ryosei; Otsuka, Tsuyoshi; Yasuo, Shinobu; Furuse, Mitsuhiro

2014-07-25

L-Aspartate (L-Asp) and D-aspartate (D-Asp) are physiologically important amino acids in mammals and birds. However, the functions of these amino acids have not yet been fully understood. In this study, we therefore examined the effects of L-Asp and D-Asp in terms of regulating body temperature, plasma metabolites and catecholamines in chicks. Chicks were first orally administered with different doses (0, 3.75, 7.5 and 15 mmol/kg body weight) of L- or D-Asp to monitor the effects of these amino acids on rectal temperature during 120 min of the experimental period. Oral administration of D-Asp, but not of L-Asp, linearly decreased the rectal temperature in chicks. Importantly, orally administered D-Asp led to a significant reduction in body temperature in chicks even under high ambient temperature (HT) conditions. However, centrally administered D-Asp did not significantly influence the body temperature in chicks. As for plasma metabolites and catecholamines, orally administered D-Asp led to decreased triacylglycerol and uric acid concentrations and increased glucose and chlorine concentrations but did not alter plasma catecholamines. These results suggest that oral administration of D-Asp may play a potent role in reducing body temperature under both normal and HT conditions. The alteration of plasma metabolites further indicates that D-Asp may contribute to the regulation of metabolic activity in chicks. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Achieving High Levels of NMR-Hyperpolarization in Aqueous Media With Minimal Catalyst Contamination Using SABRE.

PubMed

Iali, Wissam; Olaru, Alexandra M; Green, Gary G R; Duckett, Simon B

2017-08-04

Signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE) is shown to allow access to strongly enhanced 1 H NMR signals in a range of substrates in aqueous media. To achieve this outcome, phase-transfer catalysis is exploited, which leads to less than 1.5×10 -6  mol dm -3 of the iridium catalyst in the aqueous phase. These observations reflect a compelling route to produce a saline-based hyperpolarized bolus in just a few seconds for subsequent in vivo MRI monitoring. The new process has been called catalyst separated hyperpolarization through signal amplification by reversible exchange or CASH-SABRE. We illustrate this method for the substrates pyrazine, 5-methylpyrimidine, 4,6-d 2 -methyl nicotinate, 4,6-d 2 -nicotinamide and pyridazine achieving 1 H signal gains of approximately 790-, 340-, 3000-, 260- and 380-fold per proton at 9.4 T at the time point at which phase separation is complete. © 2017 The Authors. Published by Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA.

Novel human D-amino acid oxidase inhibitors stabilize an active-site lid-open conformation

PubMed Central

Terry-Lorenzo, Ryan T.; Chun, Lawrence E.; Brown, Scott P.; Heffernan, Michele L. R.; Fang, Q. Kevin; Orsini, Michael A.; Pollegioni, Loredano; Hardy, Larry W.; Spear, Kerry L.; Large, Thomas H.

2014-01-01

The NMDAR (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor) is a central regulator of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. hDAAO (human D-amino acid oxidase) indirectly reduces NMDAR activity by degrading the NMDAR co-agonist D-serine. Since NMDAR hypofunction is thought to be a foundational defect in schizophrenia, hDAAO inhibitors have potential as treatments for schizophrenia and other nervous system disorders. Here, we sought to identify novel chemicals that inhibit hDAAO activity. We used computational tools to design a focused, purchasable library of compounds. After screening this library for hDAAO inhibition, we identified the structurally novel compound, ‘compound 2’ [3-(7-hydroxy-2-oxo-4-phenyl-2H-chromen-6-yl)propanoic acid], which displayed low nM hDAAO inhibitory potency (Ki=7 nM). Although the library was expected to enrich for compounds that were competitive for both D-serine and FAD, compound 2 actually was FAD uncompetitive, much like canonical hDAAO inhibitors such as benzoic acid. Compound 2 and an analog were independently co-crystalized with hDAAO. These compounds stabilized a novel conformation of hDAAO in which the active-site lid was in an open position. These results confirm previous hypotheses regarding active-site lid flexibility of mammalian D-amino acid oxidases and could assist in the design of the next generation of hDAAO inhibitors. PMID:25001371

Active dendrites regulate the impact of gliotransmission on rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons

PubMed Central

Ashhad, Sufyan

2016-01-01

An important consequence of gliotransmission, a signaling mechanism that involves glial release of active transmitter molecules, is its manifestation as N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-dependent slow inward currents in neurons. However, the intraneuronal spatial dynamics of these events or the role of active dendrites in regulating their amplitude and spatial spread have remained unexplored. Here, we used somatic and/or dendritic recordings from rat hippocampal pyramidal neurons and demonstrate that a majority of NMDAR-dependent spontaneous slow excitatory potentials (SEP) originate at dendritic locations and are significantly attenuated through their propagation across the neuronal arbor. We substantiated the astrocytic origin of SEPs through paired neuron–astrocyte recordings, where we found that specific infusion of inositol trisphosphate (InsP3) into either distal or proximal astrocytes enhanced the amplitude and frequency of neuronal SEPs. Importantly, SEPs recorded after InsP3 infusion into distal astrocytes exhibited significantly slower kinetics compared with those recorded after proximal infusion. Furthermore, using neuron-specific infusion of pharmacological agents and morphologically realistic conductance-based computational models, we demonstrate that dendritically expressed hyperpolarization-activated cyclic-nucleotide–gated (HCN) and transient potassium channels play critical roles in regulating the strength, kinetics, and compartmentalization of neuronal SEPs. Finally, through the application of subtype-specific receptor blockers during paired neuron–astrocyte recordings, we provide evidence that GluN2B- and GluN2D-containing NMDARs predominantly mediate perisomatic and dendritic SEPs, respectively. Our results unveil an important role for active dendrites in regulating the impact of gliotransmission on neurons and suggest astrocytes as a source of dendritic plateau potentials that have been implicated in localized plasticity and place

Role of NMDA receptor GluN2D subunit in the antidepressant effects of enantiomers of ketamine.

PubMed

Ide, Soichiro; Ikekubo, Yuiko; Mishina, Masayoshi; Hashimoto, Kenji; Ikeda, Kazutaka

2017-11-01

We investigated the rapid and sustained antidepressant effects of enantiomers of ketamine in N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor GluN2D subunit knockout (GluN2D-KO) mice. Intraperitoneal administration of ketamine or its enantiomers 10 min before the tail-suspension test exerted significant antidepressant effects on restraint stress-induced depression in both wildtype and GluN2D-KO mice. The antidepressant effects of (RS)-ketamine and (S)-ketamine were sustained 96 h after the injection in both wildtype and GluN2D-KO mice, but such sustained antidepressant effects of (R)-ketamine were only observed in wildtype mice. These data suggest that the GluN2D subunit is critical for the sustained antidepressant effects of (R)-ketamine. Copyright © 2017 The Authors. Production and hosting by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Downregulation of Endothelial Transient Receptor Potential Vanilloid Type 4 Channel and Small-Conductance of Ca2+-Activated K+ Channels Underpins Impaired Endothelium-Dependent Hyperpolarization in Hypertension.

PubMed

Seki, Takunori; Goto, Kenichi; Kiyohara, Kanako; Kansui, Yasuo; Murakami, Noboru; Haga, Yoshie; Ohtsubo, Toshio; Matsumura, Kiyoshi; Kitazono, Takanari

2017-01-01

Endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (EDH)-mediated responses are impaired in hypertension, but the underlying mechanisms have not yet been determined. The activation of small- and intermediate-conductance of Ca 2+ -activated K + channels (SK Ca and IK Ca ) underpins EDH-mediated responses. It was recently reported that Ca 2+ influx through endothelial transient receptor potential vanilloid type 4 channel (TRPV4) is a prerequisite for the activation of SK Ca /IK Ca in endothelial cells in specific beds. Here, we attempted to determine whether the impairment of EDH in hypertension is attributable to the dysfunction of TRPV4 and S/IK Ca , using isolated superior mesenteric arteries of 20-week-old stroke-prone spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRSP) and age-matched Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats. In the WKY arteries, EDH-mediated responses were reduced by a combination of SK Ca /IK Ca blockers (apamin plus TRAM-34; 1-[(2-chlorophenyl)diphenylmethl]-1H-pyrazole) and by the blockade of TRPV4 with the selective antagonist RN-1734 or HC-067047. In the SHRSP arteries, EDH-mediated hyperpolarization and relaxation were significantly impaired when compared with WKY. GSK1016790A, a selective TRPV4 activator, evoked robust hyperpolarization and relaxation in WKY arteries. In contrast, in SHRSP arteries, the GSK1016790A-evoked hyperpolarization was small and relaxation was absent. Hyperpolarization and relaxation to cyclohexyl-[2-(3,5-dimethyl-pyrazol-1-yl)-6-methyl-pyrimidin-4-yl]-amine, a selective SK Ca activator, were marginally decreased in SHRSP arteries compared with WKY arteries. The expression of endothelial TRPV4 and SK Ca protein was significantly decreased in the SHRSP mesenteric arteries compared with those of WKY, whereas function and expression of IK Ca were preserved in SHRSP arteries. These findings suggest that EDH-mediated responses are impaired in superior mesenteric arteries of SHRSP because of a reduction in both TRPV4 and SK Ca input to EDH. © 2016 American

Essential Role of NMDA Receptor Channel ε4 Subunit (GluN2D) in the Effects of Phencyclidine, but Not Methamphetamine

PubMed Central

Hagino, Yoko; Kasai, Shinya; Han, Wenhua; Yamamoto, Hideko; Nabeshima, Toshitaka; Mishina, Masayoshi; Ikeda, Kazutaka

2010-01-01

Phencyclidine (PCP), a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist, increases locomotor activity in rodents and causes schizophrenia-like symptoms in humans. Although activation of the dopamine (DA) pathway is hypothesized to mediate these effects of PCP, the precise mechanisms by which PCP induces its effects remain to be elucidated. The present study investigated the effect of PCP on extracellular levels of DA (DAex) in the striatum and prefrontal cortex (PFC) using in vivo microdialysis in mice lacking the NMDA receptor channel ε1 or ε4 subunit (GluRε1 [GluN2A] or GluRε4 [GluN2D]) and locomotor activity. PCP significantly increased DAex in wildtype and GluRε1 knockout mice, but not in GluRε4 knockout mice, in the striatum and PFC. Acute and repeated administration of PCP did not increase locomotor activity in GluRε4 knockout mice. The present results suggest that PCP enhances dopaminergic transmission and increases locomotor activity by acting at GluRε4. PMID:21060893

Electrical coupling and release of K+ from endothelial cells co-mediate ACh-induced smooth muscle hyperpolarization in guinea-pig inner ear artery

PubMed Central

Jiang, Zhi-Gen; Nuttall, Alfred L; Zhao, Hui; Dai, Chun-Fu; Guan, Bing-Cai; Si, Jun-Qiang; Yang, Yu-Qin

2005-01-01

The physiological basis of ACh-elicited hyperpolarization in guinea-pig in vitro cochlear spiral modiolar artery (SMA) was investigated by intracellular recording combined with dye labelling of recorded cells and immunocytochemistry. We found the following. (1) The ACh-hyperpolarization was prominent only in cells that had a low resting potential (less negative than −60 mV). ACh-hyperpolarization was reversibly blocked by 4-DAMP, charybdotoxin or BAPTA-AM, but not by Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, glipizide, indomethacin or 17-octadecynoic acid. (2) Ba2+ (100 μm) and ouabain (1 μm) each attenuated ACh-hyperpolarization by ∼ 30% in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) but had only slight or no inhibition in endothelial cells (ECs). A combination of Ba2+ and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid near completely blocked the ACh-hyperpolarization in SMCs. (3) High K+ (10 mm) induced a smaller hyperpolarization in ECs than in SMCs, with an amplitude ratio of 0.49: 1. Ba2+ blocked the K+-induced hyperpolarization by ∼ 85% in both cell types, whereas ouabain inhibited K+-hyperpolarization differently in SMCs (19%) and ECs (35%) and increased input resistance. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid blocked the high K+-hyperpolarization in ECs only. (4) Weak myoendothelial dye coupling was detected by confocal microscopy in cells recorded with a propidium iodide-containing electrode for longer than 30 min. A sparse plexus of choline acetyltransferase-immunoreactive (ChAT) fibres was observed around the SMA and its up-stream arteries. (5) Evoked excitatory junction potentials (EJP) were partially blocked by 4-DAMP in half of the cells tested. We conclude that ACh-induced hyperpolarization originates from ECs via activation of Ca2+-activated potassium channels, and is independent of the release of NO, cyclo-oxygenase or cytochrome P450 products. ACh-induced hyperpolarization in smooth muscle cells involves two mechanisms: (a) electrical spread of the hyperpolarization from the endothelium, and (b

Radiochemical study of reactions of alkyl cations with amines. I. Reactions of methyl and sec-butyl cations with diethylamine

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Ignat`ev, I.S.; Kochina, T.A.; Nefedov, V.D.

1995-08-10

Ion-molecular gas-phase reactions of free methyl and sec-butyl cations with diethylamine were studied. These reactions proceed via two competing pathways involving formation of a condensation complex or a proton-transfer complex, the latter process predominating. 32 refs., 1 tab.

Comparison of the neuropsychological mechanisms of 2,6-diisopropylphenol and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist against electroconvulsive therapy-induced learning and memory impairment in depressed rats.

PubMed

Liu, Gang; Liu, Chao; Zhang, Xue-Ning

2015-09-01

The present study aimed to examine the neurophysiological mechanisms of the 2,6-diisopropylphenol and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist against learning and memory impairment, induced by electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). A total of 48 adult depressed rats without olfactory bulbs were randomly divided into six experimental groups: i) saline; ii) 10 mg/kg MK‑801; iii) 10 mg/kg MK‑801 and a course of ECT; iv) 200 mg/kg 2,6‑diisopropylphenol; v) 200 mg/kg 2,6‑diisopropylphenol and a course of ECT; and vi) saline and a course of ECT. The learning and memory abilities of the rats were assessed using a Morris water maze 1 day after a course of ECT. The hippocampus was removed 1 day after assessment using the Morris water maze assessment. The content of glutamate in the hippocampus was detected using high‑performance liquid chromatography. The expression levels of p‑AT8Ser202 and GSK‑3β1H8 in the hippocampus were determined using immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. The results demonstrated that the 2,6‑diisopropylphenol NMDA receptor antagonist, MK‑801 and ECT induced learning and memory impairment in the depressed rats. The glutamate content was significantly upregulated by ECT, reduced by 2,6‑diisopropylphenol, and was unaffected by the NMDA receptor antagonist in the hippocampus of the depressed rats. Tau protein hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampus was upregulated by ECT, but was reduced by 2,6‑diisopropylphenol and the MK‑801 NMDA receptor antagonist. It was also demonstrated that 2,6‑diisopropylphenol prevented learning and memory impairment and reduced the hyperphosphorylation of the Tau protein, which was induced by eECT. GSK‑3β was found to be the key protein involved in this signaling pathway. The ECT reduced the learning and memory impairment, caused by hyperphosphorylation of the Tau protein, in the depressed rats by upregulating the glutamate content.

Alkylation of deoxyribonucleic acid by carcinogens dimethyl sulphate, ethyl methanesulphonate, N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea and N-methyl-N-nitrosourea. Relative reactivity of the phosphodiester site thymidylyl(3'-5')thymidine.

PubMed Central

Swenson, D H; Lawley, P D

1978-01-01

1. The ethyl phosphotriester of thymidylyl(3'-5')thymidine, dTp(Et)dT, was identified as a product from reaction of DNA with N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, by procedures parallel to those reported previously for the methyl homologue produced by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea. 2. Enzymic degradation to yield alkyl phosphotriesters from DNA alkylated by these carcinogens and by dimethyl sulphate and ethyl methanesulphonate was studied quantitatively, and the relative yields of the triesters dTp(Alk)dT were determined. The relative reactivity of the phosphodiester group dTpdT to each of the four carcinogens was thus obtained, and compared with that of DNA overall, or with that of the N-7 atom of guanine in DNA. Relative reactivity of the phosphodiester group was lowest towards dimethyl sulphate, the least electrophilic of the reagents used, and was highest towards N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea, the most electrophilic reagent. 3. The nature of the alkyl group transferred also influenced reactivity of the phosphodiester site, since this site was relatively more reactive towards ethylation than would be predicted simply from the known Swain-Scott s values of the alkylating agents. It was therefore suggested that the steric accessibility of the weakly nucleophilic phosphodiester group on the outside of the DNA macromolecule favours its reaction with ethylating, as opposed to methylating, reagents. 4. Taking a value of the Swain-Scott nucleophilicity (n) of 2.5 for an average DNA nucleotide unit [Walles & Ehrenberg (1969) Acta Chem. Scand. 23, 1080-1084], a value of n of about 1 for the phosphodiester group was deduced, and this value was found to be 2-3 units less than that for the N-7 atom of guanine in DNA. 5. The reactivity of DNA overall was markedly high towards the alkylnitrosoureas, despite their relatively low s values. This was ascribed to an electrostatic factor that favoured reaction of the negatively charged polymer with alkyldiazonium cation intermediates. PMID:208508

Comparison of the effects of the uncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonist (+-)-5-aminocarbonyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine (ADCI) with its structural analogs dizocilpine (MK-801) and carbamazepine on ethanol withdrawal seizures.

PubMed

Grant, K A; Snell, L D; Rogawski, M A; Thurkauf, A; Tabakoff, B

1992-03-01

The ability of [(+-)-5-aminocarbonyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-di-benzo [a,d]cyclohepten-5,10-imine (ADCI) and its structural analogs dizocilipine (MK-801) and carbamazepine to block ethanol withdrawal seizures was tested in mice made physically dependent upon ethanol. Three injections of either ADCI (ranging from 1.0-10.0 mg/kg), dizocilpine (ranging from 0.1-1.0 mg/kg) or carbamazepine (ranging from 17-50 mg/kg) were administered during the first 7 hr of ethanol withdrawal. The severity of ethanol withdrawal seizures was rated during the first 11 hr of withdrawal and again at 24 hr after withdrawal of ethanol. ADCI and dizocilpine suppressed the severity and occurrence of the withdrawal seizures in a dose-dependent fashion, whereas carbamazepine was ineffective in blocking the withdrawal seizures. The relative potencies of dizocilpine, ADCI and carbamazepine in suppressing ethanol withdrawal seizures corresponded with the relative potencies of the compounds in displacing [3H]dizocilpine from mouse cortical membrane preparations. These findings are consistent with the suggestion that blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated neurotransmission is an effective treatment for decreasing ethanol withdrawal seizures. ADCI also blocked the occurrence of withdrawal-associated whole body tremors, whereas dizocilpine and carbamazepine were ineffective in blocking the tremors. The doses of ADCI, dizocilpine and carbamazepine that resulted in motor incoordination on an accelerating rotarod task were determined in groups of naive mice. Dizocilpine in doses as low as 0.3 mg/kg produced a decreased ability to remain on the rotarod, whereas ADCI up to 30 mg/kg did not affect rotarod performance.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cortical activation of accumbens hyperpolarization-active NMDARs mediates aversion-resistant alcohol intake

PubMed Central

Seif, Taban; Chang, Shao-Ju; Simms, Jeffrey A; Gibb, Stuart L; Dadgar, Jahan; Chen, Billy T; Harvey, Brandon K; Ron, Dorit; Messing, Robert O; Bonci, Antonello; Hopf, F Woodward

2014-01-01

Compulsive drinking despite serious adverse medical, social and economic consequences is a characteristic of alcohol use disorders in humans. Although frontal cortical areas have been implicated in alcohol use disorders, little is known about the molecular mechanisms and pathways that sustain aversion-resistant intake. Here, we show that nucleus accumbens core (NAcore) NMDA-type glutamate receptors and medial prefrontal (mPFC) and insula glutamatergic inputs to the NAcore are necessary for aversion-resistant alcohol consumption in rats. Aversion-resistant intake was associated with a new type of NMDA receptor adaptation, in which hyperpolarization-active NMDA receptors were present at mPFC and insula but not amygdalar inputs in the NAcore. Accordingly, inhibition of Grin2c NMDA receptor subunits in the NAcore reduced aversion-resistant alcohol intake. None of these manipulations altered intake when alcohol was not paired with an aversive consequence. Our results identify a mechanism by which hyperpolarization-active NMDA receptors under mPFC- and insula-to-NAcore inputs sustain aversion-resistant alcohol intake. PMID:23817545

An arginine-aspartate network in the active site of bacterial TruB is critical for catalyzing pseudouridine formation.

PubMed

Friedt, Jenna; Leavens, Fern M V; Mercier, Evan; Wieden, Hans-Joachim; Kothe, Ute

2014-04-01

Pseudouridine synthases introduce the most common RNA modification and likely use the same catalytic mechanism. Besides a catalytic aspartate residue, the contributions of other residues for catalysis of pseudouridine formation are poorly understood. Here, we have tested the role of a conserved basic residue in the active site for catalysis using the bacterial pseudouridine synthase TruB targeting U55 in tRNAs. Substitution of arginine 181 with lysine results in a 2500-fold reduction of TruB's catalytic rate without affecting tRNA binding. Furthermore, we analyzed the function of a second-shell aspartate residue (D90) that is conserved in all TruB enzymes and interacts with C56 of tRNA. Site-directed mutagenesis, biochemical and kinetic studies reveal that this residue is not critical for substrate binding but influences catalysis significantly as replacement of D90 with glutamate or asparagine reduces the catalytic rate 30- and 50-fold, respectively. In agreement with molecular dynamics simulations of TruB wild type and TruB D90N, we propose an electrostatic network composed of the catalytic aspartate (D48), R181 and D90 that is important for catalysis by fine-tuning the D48-R181 interaction. Conserved, negatively charged residues similar to D90 are found in a number of pseudouridine synthases, suggesting that this might be a general mechanism.

An arginine-aspartate network in the active site of bacterial TruB is critical for catalyzing pseudouridine formation

PubMed Central

Friedt, Jenna; Leavens, Fern M. V.; Mercier, Evan; Wieden, Hans-Joachim; Kothe, Ute

2014-01-01

Pseudouridine synthases introduce the most common RNA modification and likely use the same catalytic mechanism. Besides a catalytic aspartate residue, the contributions of other residues for catalysis of pseudouridine formation are poorly understood. Here, we have tested the role of a conserved basic residue in the active site for catalysis using the bacterial pseudouridine synthase TruB targeting U55 in tRNAs. Substitution of arginine 181 with lysine results in a 2500-fold reduction of TruB’s catalytic rate without affecting tRNA binding. Furthermore, we analyzed the function of a second-shell aspartate residue (D90) that is conserved in all TruB enzymes and interacts with C56 of tRNA. Site-directed mutagenesis, biochemical and kinetic studies reveal that this residue is not critical for substrate binding but influences catalysis significantly as replacement of D90 with glutamate or asparagine reduces the catalytic rate 30- and 50-fold, respectively. In agreement with molecular dynamics simulations of TruB wild type and TruB D90N, we propose an electrostatic network composed of the catalytic aspartate (D48), R181 and D90 that is important for catalysis by fine-tuning the D48-R181 interaction. Conserved, negatively charged residues similar to D90 are found in a number of pseudouridine synthases, suggesting that this might be a general mechanism. PMID:24371284

N-acetyl Aspartate Levels in Adolescents With Bipolar and/or Cannabis Use Disorders

PubMed Central

Bitter, Samantha M.; Weber, Wade A.; Chu, Wen-Jang; Adler, Caleb M.; Eliassen, James C.; Strakowski, Stephen M.; DelBello, Melissa P.

2014-01-01

Objective Bipolar and cannabis use disorders commonly co-occur during adolescence, and neurochemical studies may help clarify the pathophysiology underlying this co-occurrence. This study compared metabolite concentrations in the left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex among: adolescents with bipolar disorder (bipolar group; n=14), adolescents with a cannabis use disorder (cannabis use group, n=13), adolescents with cannabis use and bipolar disorders (bipolar and cannabis group, n=25), and healthy adolescents (healthy controls, n=15). We hypothesized that adolescents with bipolar disorder (with or without cannabis use disorder) would have decreased N-acetyl aspartate levels in the ventral lateral prefrontal cortex compared to the other groups, and that the bipolar and cannabis group would have the lowest N-acetyl aspartate levels of all groups. Methods N-acetyl aspartate concentrations in the left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex were obtained using Proton Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy. Results Adolescents with bipolar disorder showed significantly lower left ventral lateral prefrontal cortex N-acetyl aspartate levels, but post-hoc analyses indicated that this was primarily due to increased N-acetyl aspartate levels in the cannabis group. The cannabis use disorder group had significantly higher N-acetyl aspartate levels compared to the bipolar disorder and the bipolar and cannabis groups (p=0.0002 and p=0.0002, respectively). Pearson correlations revealed a significant positive correlation between amount of cannabis used and N-acetyl aspartate concentrations. Conclusions Adolescents with cannabis use disorder showed higher levels of N-acetyl aspartate concentrations that were significantly positively associated with the amount of cannabis used; however, this finding was not present in adolescents with comorbid bipolar disorder. PMID:24729763

Distinctive Klf4 mutants determine preference for DNA methylation status

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Hashimoto, Hideharu; Wang, Dongxue; Steves, Alyse N.

Reprogramming of mammalian genome methylation is critically important but poorly understood. Klf4, a transcription factor directing reprogramming, contains a DNA binding domain with three consecutive C2H2 zinc fingers. Klf4 recognizes CpG or TpG within a specific sequence. Mouse Klf4 DNA binding domain has roughly equal affinity for methylated CpG or TpG, and slightly lower affinity for unmodified CpG. The structural basis for this key preference is unclear, though the side chain of Glu446 is known to contact the methyl group of 5-methylcytosine (5mC) or thymine (5-methyluracil). We examined the role of Glu446 by mutagenesis. Substituting Glu446 with aspartate (E446D) resultedmore » in preference for unmodified cytosine, due to decreased affinity for 5mC. In contrast, substituting Glu446 with proline (E446P) increased affinity for 5mC by two orders of magnitude. Structural analysis revealed hydrophobic interaction between the proline's aliphatic cyclic structure and the 5-methyl group of the pyrimidine (5mC or T). As in wild-type Klf4 (E446), the proline at position 446 does not interact directly with either the 5mC N4 nitrogen or the thymine O4 oxygen. In contrast, the unmethylated cytosine's exocyclic N4 amino group (NH2) and its ring carbon C5 atom hydrogen bond directly with the aspartate carboxylate of the E446D variant. Both of these interactions would provide a preference for cytosine over thymine, and the latter one could explain the E446D preference for unmethylated cytosine. Finally, we evaluated the ability of these Klf4 mutants to regulate transcription of methylated and unmethylated promoters in a luciferase reporter assay.« less

Nuclear spin hyperpolarization of the solvent using signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE).

PubMed

Moreno, Karlos X; Nasr, Khaled; Milne, Mark; Sherry, A Dean; Goux, Warren J

2015-08-01

Here we report the polarization of the solvent OH protons by SABRE using standard iridium-based catalysts under slightly acidic conditions. Solvent polarization was observed in the presence of a variety of structurally similar N-donor substrates while no solvent enhancement was observed in the absence of substrate or para-hydrogen (p-H2). Solvent polarization was sensitive to the polarizing field and catalyst:substrate ratio in a manner similar to that of substrate protons. SABRE experiments with pyridine-d5 suggest a mechanism where hyperpolarization is transferred from the free substrate to the solvent by chemical exchange while measured hyperpolarization decay times suggest a complimentary mechanism which occurs by direct coordination of the solvent to the catalytic complex. We found the solvent hyperpolarization to decay nearly 3 times more slowly than its characteristic spin-lattice relaxation time suggesting that the hyperpolarized state of the solvent may be sufficiently long lived (∼20s) to hyperpolarize biomolecules having exchangeable protons. This route may offer future opportunities for SABRE to impact metabolic imaging. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Nuclear spin hyperpolarization of the solvent using signal amplification by reversible exchange (SABRE)

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Moreno, Karlos X.; Nasr, Khaled; Milne, Mark; Sherry, A. Dean; Goux, Warren J.

2015-08-01

Here we report the polarization of the solvent OH protons by SABRE using standard iridium-based catalysts under slightly acidic conditions. Solvent polarization was observed in the presence of a variety of structurally similar N-donor substrates while no solvent enhancement was observed in the absence of substrate or para-hydrogen (p-H2). Solvent polarization was sensitive to the polarizing field and catalyst:substrate ratio in a manner similar to that of substrate protons. SABRE experiments with pyridine-d5 suggest a mechanism where hyperpolarization is transferred from the free substrate to the solvent by chemical exchange while measured hyperpolarization decay times suggest a complimentary mechanism which occurs by direct coordination of the solvent to the catalytic complex. We found the solvent hyperpolarization to decay nearly 3 times more slowly than its characteristic spin-lattice relaxation time suggesting that the hyperpolarized state of the solvent may be sufficiently long lived (∼20 s) to hyperpolarize biomolecules having exchangeable protons. This route may offer future opportunities for SABRE to impact metabolic imaging.

Tissue-Specific and Cation/Anion-Specific DNA Methylation Variations Occurred in C. virgata in Response to Salinity Stress

PubMed Central

Gao, Xiang; Cao, Donghui; Liu, Jie; Wang, Xiaoping; Geng, Shujuan; Liu, Bao; Shi, Decheng

2013-01-01

Salinity is a widespread environmental problem limiting productivity and growth of plants. Halophytes which can adapt and resist certain salt stress have various mechanisms to defend the higher salinity and alkalinity, and epigenetic mechanisms especially DNA methylation may play important roles in plant adaptability and plasticity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the different influences of various single salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, Na2CO3) and their mixed salts on halophyte Chloris. virgata from the DNA methylation prospective, and discover the underlying relationships between specific DNA methylation variations and specific cations/anions through the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism analysis. The results showed that the effects on DNA methylation variations of single salts were ranked as follows: Na2CO3> NaHCO3> Na2SO4> NaCl, and their mixed salts exerted tissue-specific effects on C. virgata seedlings. Eight types of DNA methylation variations were detected and defined in C. virgata according to the specific cations/anions existed in stressful solutions; in addition, mix-specific and higher pH-specific bands were the main type in leaves and roots independently. These findings suggested that mixed salts were not the simple combination of single salts. Furthermore, not only single salts but also mixed salts showed tissue-specific and cations/anions-specific DNA methylation variations. PMID:24223802

Tissue-specific and cation/anion-specific DNA methylation variations occurred in C. virgata in response to salinity stress.

PubMed

Gao, Xiang; Cao, Donghui; Liu, Jie; Wang, Xiaoping; Geng, Shujuan; Liu, Bao; Shi, Decheng

2013-01-01

Salinity is a widespread environmental problem limiting productivity and growth of plants. Halophytes which can adapt and resist certain salt stress have various mechanisms to defend the higher salinity and alkalinity, and epigenetic mechanisms especially DNA methylation may play important roles in plant adaptability and plasticity. In this study, we aimed to investigate the different influences of various single salts (NaCl, Na2SO4, NaHCO3, Na2CO3) and their mixed salts on halophyte Chloris. virgata from the DNA methylation prospective, and discover the underlying relationships between specific DNA methylation variations and specific cations/anions through the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism analysis. The results showed that the effects on DNA methylation variations of single salts were ranked as follows: Na2CO3> NaHCO3> Na2SO4> NaCl, and their mixed salts exerted tissue-specific effects on C. virgata seedlings. Eight types of DNA methylation variations were detected and defined in C. virgata according to the specific cations/anions existed in stressful solutions; in addition, mix-specific and higher pH-specific bands were the main type in leaves and roots independently. These findings suggested that mixed salts were not the simple combination of single salts. Furthermore, not only single salts but also mixed salts showed tissue-specific and cations/anions-specific DNA methylation variations.

Synthesis, characterization, and antibacterial activity of N,O-quaternary ammonium chitosan.

PubMed

Xu, Tao; Xin, Meihua; Li, Mingchun; Huang, Huili; Zhou, Shengquan; Liu, Juezhao

2011-11-08

N,N,N-Trimethyl O-(2-hydroxy-3-trimethylammonium propyl) chitosans (TMHTMAPC) with different degrees of O-substitution were synthesized by reacting O-methyl-free N,N,N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC) with 3-chloro-2-hydroxy-propyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTMAC). The products were characterized by (1)H NMR, FTIR and TGA, and investigated for antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli under weakly acidic (pH 5.5) and weakly basic (pH 7.2) conditions. TMHTMAPC exhibited enhanced antibacterial activity compared with TMC, and the activity of TMHTMAPC increased with an increase in the degree of substitution. Divalent cations (Ba(2+) and Ca(2+)) strongly reduced the antibacterial activity of chitosan, O-carboxymethyl chitosan and N,N,N-trimethyl-O-carboxymethyl chitosan, but the repression on the antibacterial activity of TMC and TMHTMAPC was weaker. This indicates that the free amino group on chitosan backbone is the main functional group interacting with divalent cations. The existence of 100 mM Na(+) slightly reduced the antibacterial activity of both chitosan and its derivatives. Copyright © 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Placenta-specific Methylation of the Vitamin D 24-Hydroxylase Gene

PubMed Central

Novakovic, Boris; Sibson, Mandy; Ng, Hong Kiat; Manuelpillai, Ursula; Rakyan, Vardhman; Down, Thomas; Beck, Stephan; Fournier, Thierry; Evain-Brion, Danielle; Dimitriadis, Eva; Craig, Jeffrey M.; Morley, Ruth; Saffery, Richard

2009-01-01

Plasma concentrations of biologically active vitamin D (1,25-(OH)2D) are tightly controlled via feedback regulation of renal 1α-hydroxylase (CYP27B1; positive) and 24-hydroxylase (CYP24A1; catabolic) enzymes. In pregnancy, this regulation is uncoupled, and 1,25-(OH)2D levels are significantly elevated, suggesting a role in pregnancy progression. Epigenetic regulation of CYP27B1 and CYP24A1 has previously been described in cell and animal models, and despite emerging evidence for a critical role of epigenetics in placentation generally, little is known about the regulation of enzymes modulating vitamin D homeostasis at the fetomaternal interface. In this study, we investigated the methylation status of genes regulating vitamin D bioavailability and activity in the placenta. No methylation of the VDR (vitamin D receptor) and CYP27B1 genes was found in any placental tissues. In contrast, the CYP24A1 gene is methylated in human placenta, purified cytotrophoblasts, and primary and cultured chorionic villus sampling tissue. No methylation was detected in any somatic human tissue tested. Methylation was also evident in marmoset and mouse placental tissue. All three genes were hypermethylated in choriocarcinoma cell lines, highlighting the role of vitamin D deregulation in this cancer. Gene expression analysis confirmed a reduced capacity for CYP24A1 induction with promoter methylation in primary cells and in vitro reporter analysis demonstrated that promoter methylation directly down-regulates basal promoter activity and abolishes vitamin D-mediated feedback activation. This study strongly suggests that epigenetic decoupling of vitamin D feedback catabolism plays an important role in maximizing active vitamin D bioavailability at the fetomaternal interface. PMID:19237542

Sub-acute administration of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) reduces anxiety-related behaviour in adult mice and modulates regional expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors genes in relevant brain regions.

PubMed

Grova, Nathalie; Schroeder, Henri; Farinelle, Sophie; Prodhomme, Emmanuel; Valley, Anne; Muller, Claude P

2008-08-01

Abnormal glutamatergic transmission caused by modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors was demonstrated in animal models chronically exposed to various organic micropollutants. Recent developments in neurobiology have implicated these receptors in the regulation of anxiety. In order to investigate anxiety-related effects of benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), Balb/c mice were sub-acutely exposed to B[a]P (0.02-200 mg kg(-1) day(-1), 10 days, i.p.). Their performance was tested in the elevated-plus maze and the hole-board apparatus and the NMDA receptor expression genes (NR1, 2A and 2B subunits) was measured in eight brain regions. Mice treated with 20-200 mg kg(-1) B[a]P showed a disproportionate accumulation of B[a]P and its metabolites (in particular, the toxic 7,8-diol-B[a]P) in the blood and even more in the brain. These mice were less anxious than controls in the hole-board test and the elevated-plus maze. This observation was associated with an overexpression of the NMDA NR1 receptor gene and concomitant decreases of the NR2A and NR2B subunits expression in the hippocampus, the hypothalamus and the cerebellum. In the temporal cortex, a significant dose-related decrease of NR2A was observed whereas the other subunits remained unchanged. In conclusion, a sub-acute exposure to B[a]P (20 and 200 mg kg(-1)) reduced anxiety-related behaviour in adult mice and concomitantly impaired NMDA receptor gene expression in relevant brain regions.

Computational studies on non-succinimide-mediated stereoinversion mechanism of aspartic acid residues assisted by phosphate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Nakayoshi, Tomoki; Fukuyoshi, Shuichi; Takahashi, Ohgi; Oda, Akifumi

2018-03-01

Although nearly all of the amino acids that constitute proteins are l-amino acids, d-amino acid residues in human proteins have been recently reported. d-amino acid residues cause a change in the three-dimensional structure of proteins, and d-aspartic acid (Asp) residues are considered to be one of the causes of age-related diseases. The stereoinversion of Asp residues in peptides and proteins is thought to proceed via a succinimide intermediate; however, it has been reported that stereoinversion can occur even under conditions where a succinimide intermediate cannot be formed. In order to elucidate the non-succinimide-mediated stereoinversion pathway, we investigated the stereoinversion of l-Asp to d-Asp catalysed by phosphate and estimated the activation barrier using B3LYP/6-31+G(d,p) density functional theory (DFT) calculations. For the DFT calculations, a model compound in which the Asp residue is capped with acetyl and methyl-amino groups on the N- and C-termini, respectively, was used. The calculated activation barrier was not excessively high for the stereoinversion to occur in vivo. Therefore, this stereoinversion mechanism may compete with the succinimide-mediated mechanism.

Infrared Spectroscopic and Theoretical Study of the HC_nO^+(N=5-12) Cations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wei; Jin, Jiaye; Wang, Guanjun; Zhou, Mingfei

2017-06-01

Carbon chains and derivatives are highly active species, which are widely existed as reactive intermediates in many chemical processes including atmospheric chemistry, hydrocarbon combustion, as well as interstellar chemistry. The carbon chain cations, HC_nO^+ (n = 5-12) are produced via pulsed laser vaporization of a graphite target in supersonic expansions containing carbon monoxide and hydrogen. The infrared spectra are measured via mass-selected infrared photodissociation spectroscopy of the CO "tagged" [HC_nO.CO] cation complexes in the 1600-3500 \\wn region. The geometries and electronic ground states of these cation complexes are determined by their infrared spectra in conjunction with theoretical calculations. All the HC_nO^+ (n = 5-12) core cations are characterized to be linear carbon chain derivatives terminated by hydrogen and oxygen. The HC_nO^+ cations with odd n have closed-shell singlet ground states with polyyne-like structures, while those with even n have triplet ground states with allene-like structures.

Muscle contraction during hyperpolarizing currents in the crab.

PubMed

Uchitel, O D; García, H

1974-01-01

Isolated muscle fibers from the motor legs of the crab Trichodactilus dilocarcinus were submitted to strong hyperpolarizing currents of varied intensities which produced tension during the current pulse. Threshold for tension was obtained with intensities of about 0.2 x 10(-5) A, changing E(m) to ca. -150 mV (starting from a resting potential ofca. -80 mV). At the closure of the anodic square pulse, a second phase of tension usually appeared superimposed upon the one obtained during hyperpolarization. The first phase of tension increased with the increase of Ca(++) concentration in the bath. Sr(++) produced the same type of mechanical output as Ca(++). When added to the normal Ca(++) concentration, Ba(++) and Mn(++) in low concentrations (up to 21.5 mM) also increased the tension of this phase, but at higher concentrations they blocked both phases while Mg(++) did not alter the tension. Of all the divalent cations employed, only Sr(++) is capable of developing tension as a substitute for Ca(++) in the external media. Procaine administered in a dosage (5 x 10(-3) W/V)which would suppress the contracture due to caffeine (10 mM), did not modify the tension developed during the hyperpolarization. The preceding data indicate that the Ca(++) required for tension during hyperpolarization comes from sites which would differ from those usually postulated for tension due to depolarization in the muscle fibers of other crustaceans (American crayfish). Furthermore, the external source of Ca(++) appears to be one mainly implicated in the induction of tension due to inward current pulses.

Persistent increase of D-aspartate in D-aspartate oxidase mutant mice induces a precocious hippocampal age-dependent synaptic plasticity and spatial memory decay.

PubMed

Errico, Francesco; Nisticò, Robert; Napolitano, Francesco; Oliva, Alessandra Bonito; Romano, Rosaria; Barbieri, Federica; Florio, Tullio; Russo, Claudio; Mercuri, Nicola B; Usiello, Alessandro

2011-11-01

The atypical amino acid d-aspartate (d-Asp) occurs at considerable amounts in the developing brain of mammals. However, during postnatal life, d-Asp levels diminish following the expression of d-aspartate oxidase (DDO) enzyme. The strict control of DDO over its substrate d-Asp is particularly evident in the hippocampus, a brain region crucially involved in memory, and highly vulnerable to age-related deterioration processes. Herein, we explored the influence of deregulated higher d-Asp brain content on hippocampus-related functions during aging of mice lacking DDO (Ddo(-/-)). Strikingly, we demonstrated that the enhancement of hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognition in 4/5-month-old Ddo(-/-) mice is followed by an accelerated decay of basal glutamatergic transmission, NMDAR-dependent LTP and hippocampus-related reference memory at 13/14 months of age. Therefore, the precocious deterioration of hippocampal functions observed in mutants highlights for the first time a role for DDO enzyme in controlling the rate of brain aging process in mammals. Copyright © 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Astrocytes regulate heterogeneity of presynaptic strengths in hippocampal networks

PubMed Central

Letellier, Mathieu; Park, Yun Kyung; Chater, Thomas E.; Chipman, Peter H.; Gautam, Sunita Ghimire; Oshima-Takago, Tomoko; Goda, Yukiko

2016-01-01

Dendrites are neuronal structures specialized for receiving and processing information through their many synaptic inputs. How input strengths are modified across dendrites in ways that are crucial for synaptic integration and plasticity remains unclear. We examined in single hippocampal neurons the mechanism of heterosynaptic interactions and the heterogeneity of synaptic strengths of pyramidal cell inputs. Heterosynaptic presynaptic plasticity that counterbalances input strengths requires N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) and astrocytes. Importantly, this mechanism is shared with the mechanism for maintaining highly heterogeneous basal presynaptic strengths, which requires astrocyte Ca2+ signaling involving NMDAR activation, astrocyte membrane depolarization, and L-type Ca2+ channels. Intracellular infusion of NMDARs or Ca2+-channel blockers into astrocytes, conditionally ablating the GluN1 NMDAR subunit, or optogenetically hyperpolarizing astrocytes with archaerhodopsin promotes homogenization of convergent presynaptic inputs. Our findings support the presence of an astrocyte-dependent cellular mechanism that enhances the heterogeneity of presynaptic strengths of convergent connections, which may help boost the computational power of dendrites. PMID:27118849

Co-localisation of advanced glycation end products and d-β-aspartic acid-containing proteins in gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy

PubMed Central

Oshika, Tetsuro; Takazawa, Yutaka; Fukayama, Masashi; Fujii, Noriko

2012-01-01

Purpose Gelatinous drop-like corneal dystrophy (GDLD), also known as familial subepithelial corneal amyloidosis, is an autosomal recessive disorder that causes progressive corneal opacity due to accumulation of amyloid fibrils in the corneal stroma. Genetic analyses have revealed that a mutation in membrane component chromosome 1 surface marker 1 gene is responsible for GDLD. However, the mechanism of amyloid formation in the corneal stroma remains unclear. The present study attempted to reveal the role of advanced glycation end products (AGE) and d-amino acids in amyloid formation in GDLD. Methods Informed consent was obtained from five patients with GDLD, three patients with bullous keratopathy and three patients with interstitial keratitis and all the specimens were analysed. Localisation of amyloid fibrils was analysed using Congo-red and thioflavin T staining. In addition, the localisation of AGE (Nɛ-carboxy(methyl)-l-lysine, pyrraline and pentosidine) and d-β-aspartic acid-containing proteins, a major form of d-amino acid-containing proteins, was analysed immunohistochemically. Results In all GDLD specimens, strong immunoreactivity to AGE and d-β-aspartic acid-containing proteins was detected in the subepithelial amyloid-rich region. In contrast, amyloid fibrils, AGE, or d-amino acid-containing proteins were slightly detected in the corneal stroma of patients with bullous keratopathy and interstitial keratitis. Conclusions Abnormally accumulated proteins rich in AGE and d-β-aspartic acid co-localise in the amyloid lesions in GDLD. These results indicate that non-enzymatic post-translational modifications of proteins, including AGE formation and isomerisation of aspartyl residues, will be the cause as well as the result of amyloid fibril formations in GDLD. PMID:22694960

Cannabinoid CB1 receptor and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in guinea-pig carotid, rat mesenteric and porcine coronary arteries

PubMed Central

Chataigneau, T; Félétou, M; Thollon, C; Villeneuve, N; Vilaine, J- P; Duhault, J; Vanhoutte, P M

1998-01-01

charybdotoxin plus apamin (17.3±2.3 mV, n=4).In the guinea-pig carotid artery, acetylcholine (1 μM) evoked endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (18.8±0.7 mV, n=15). SR 141716 (10 nM to 10 μM), caused a direct, concentration-dependent hyperpolarization (up to 10 mV at 10 μM) and a significant inhibition of the acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarization. Anandamide (0.1 to 3 μM) did not influence the membrane potential. At a concentration of 30 μM, the cannabinoid agonist induced a non-reproducible hyperpolarization (5.6±1.3 mV, n=10) with a slow onset. SR 141716 (1 μM) did not affect the hyperpolarization induced by 30 μM anandamide (5.3±1.5 mV, n=3).In the porcine coronary artery, anandamide up to 30 μM did not hyperpolarize or relax the smooth muscle cells. The endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization and relaxation induced by bradykinin were not influenced by SR 141716 (1 μM).These results indicate that the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarizations, observed in the guinea-pig carotid, rat mesenteric and porcine coronary arteries, are not related to the activation of cannabinoid CB1 receptors. PMID:9535027

Molecularly imprinted polymer-matrix nanocomposite for enantioselective electrochemical sensing of D- and L-aspartic acid.

PubMed

Prasad, Bhim Bali; Srivastava, Amrita; Tiwari, Mahavir Prasad

2013-10-01

A new molecularly imprinted polymer-matrix (titanium dioxide nanoparticle/multiwalled carbon nanotubes) nanocomposite was developed for the modification of pencil graphite electrode as an enantioselective sensing probe for aspartic acid isomers, prevalent at ultra trace level in aqueous and real samples. The nanocomposite having many shape complementary cavities was synthesized adopting surface initiated-activators regenerated by electron transfer for atom transfer radical polymerization. The proposed sensor has high stability, nanocomposite uniformity, good reproducibility, and enhanced electrocatalytic activity to respond oxidative peak current of L-aspartic acid quantitatively by differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry, without any cross-reactivity in real samples. Under the optimized operating conditions, the L-aspartic acid imprinted modified electrode showed a wide linear response for L-aspartic acid within the concentration range 9.98-532.72 ng mL(-1), with the minimum detection limit of 1.73-1.79 ng mL(-1) (S/N=3) in aqueous and real samples. Almost similar stringent limit (1.79 ng mL(-1)) was obtained with cerebrospinal fluid which is typical for the primitive diagnosis of neurological disorders, caused by an acute depletion of L-aspartic acid biomarker, in clinical settings. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of methyl 2-O- and 3-O-alpha-D-talopyranosyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside.

PubMed

Rana, S S; Matta, K L

1986-09-01

Methyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-2-O-[6-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-alpha-D- mannopyranosyl]-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (2) was synthesized by treatment of methyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-2-O-alpha-D-mannopyranosyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside with tert-butylchlorodiphenylsilane in the presence of imidazole. Isopropylidenation, followed by oxidation with pyridinium chlorochromate, and stereoselective reduction with sodium borohydride, converted 2 into methyl 3,4,6-tri-O-benzyl-2-O-[6-O-(tert-butyldiphenylsilyl)-2,3-O-isopro pylidene- alpha-D-talopyranosyl]-alpha-D-mannopyranoside (5). Treatment of 5 with a molar solution of tetrabutylammonium fluoride in dry oxolane produced a diol which, on O-de-isopropylidenation followed by catalytic hydrogenolysis, afforded the disaccharide glycoside methyl 2-O-alpha-D-talopyranosyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside. Synthesis of methyl 3-O-alpha-D-talopyranosyl-alpha-D-mannopyranoside was accomplished by a similar reaction-sequence. The structures of the final disaccharides, and of various other intermediates, were established by 1H- and 13C-n.m.r. spectroscopy.

[The nature of pacemaker activity].

PubMed

Kabakov, A Iu

1991-01-01

A general equation of the membrane resting potential (RP) has been derived for closed cell membrane (CM) model. It is shown that Na,K-ATPase of cardiomyocytes is in the antielectrogenic phase. A hypothesis is proposed: a pacemaker cell is an excitable cell, which has RP corresponding to the given activity of Na,K-ATPase and non-activated cationic conductivities of CM higher than the activation threshold of Na-channels. The equation of the equipotential levels of the membrane RP on the surface of the cationic conductivities has been derived. It is shown that the substances (e. g. neuromediator) that change the membrane cation permeability are able to depolarize or to hyperpolarize CM. The direction of polarization is dependent on the state of the cell electrogenic system. The following factors promote the hyperpolarizing effect of the magnifying cation permeability substances: 1) high activity of Na,K-ATPase, 2) low background cation permeability of CM (among their number the integrity of CM) and 3) high ratio of the potassium permeability alteration in respect to that of sodium which is evoked by the substance (delta gK/delta gNa).

Temporal alteration of spreading depression by the glycine transporter type-1 inhibitors NFPS and Org-24461 in chicken retina.

PubMed

Kertesz, Szabolcs; Szabo, Geza; Udvari, Szabolcs; Levay, Gyorgy; Matyus, Peter; Harsing, Laszlo G

2013-01-25

We used isolated chicken retina to induce spreading depression by the glutamate receptor agonist N-methyl-d-aspartate. The N-methyl-d-aspartate-induced latency time of spreading depression was extended by the glycine(B) binding site competitive antagonist 7-chlorokynurenic acid. Addition of the glycine transporter type-1 inhibitors NFPS and Org-24461 reversed the inhibitory effect of 7-chlorokynurenic acid on N-methyl-d-aspartate-evoked spreading depression. The glycine uptake inhibitory activity of Org-24461, NFPS, and some newly synthesized analogs of NFPS was determined in CHO cells stably expressing human glycine transporter type-1b isoform. Compounds, which failed to inhibit glycine transporter type-1, also did not have effect on retinal spreading depression. These experiments indicate that the spreading depression model in chicken retina is a useful in vitro test to determine activity of glycine transporter type-1 inhibitors. In addition, our data serve further evidence for the role of glycine transporter type-1 in retinal neurotransmission and light processing. Copyright © 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

A Conserved Aspartate Residue Located at the Extracellular End of the Binding Pocket Controls Cation Interactions in Brain Glutamate Transporters*

PubMed Central

Rosental, Noa; Gameiro, Armanda; Grewer, Christof; Kanner, Baruch I.

2011-01-01

In the brain, transporters of the major excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate remove their substrate from the synaptic cleft to allow optimal glutamatergic neurotransmission. Their transport cycle consists of two sequential translocation steps, namely cotransport of glutamic acid with three Na+ ions, followed by countertransport of K+. Recent studies, based on several crystal structures of the archeal homologue GltPh, indicate that glutamate translocation occurs by an elevator-like mechanism. The resolution of these structures was not sufficiently high to unambiguously identify the sites of Na+ binding, but functional and computational studies suggest some candidate sites. In the GltPh structure, a conserved aspartate residue (Asp-390) is located adjacent to a conserved tyrosine residue, previously shown to be a molecular determinant of ion selectivity in the brain glutamate transporter GLT-1. In this study, we characterize mutants of Asp-440 of the neuronal transporter EAAC1, which is the counterpart of Asp-390 of GltPh. Except for substitution by glutamate, this residue is functionally irreplaceable. Using biochemical and electrophysiological approaches, we conclude that although D440E is intrinsically capable of net flux, this mutant behaves as an exchanger under physiological conditions, due to increased and decreased apparent affinities for Na+ and K+, respectively. Our present and previous data are compatible with the idea that the conserved tyrosine and aspartate residues, located at the external end of the binding pocket, may serve as a transient or stable cation binding site in the glutamate transporters. PMID:21984827

A conserved aspartate residue located at the extracellular end of the binding pocket controls cation interactions in brain glutamate transporters.

PubMed

Rosental, Noa; Gameiro, Armanda; Grewer, Christof; Kanner, Baruch I

2011-12-02

In the brain, transporters of the major excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate remove their substrate from the synaptic cleft to allow optimal glutamatergic neurotransmission. Their transport cycle consists of two sequential translocation steps, namely cotransport of glutamic acid with three Na(+) ions, followed by countertransport of K(+). Recent studies, based on several crystal structures of the archeal homologue Glt(Ph), indicate that glutamate translocation occurs by an elevator-like mechanism. The resolution of these structures was not sufficiently high to unambiguously identify the sites of Na(+) binding, but functional and computational studies suggest some candidate sites. In the Glt(Ph) structure, a conserved aspartate residue (Asp-390) is located adjacent to a conserved tyrosine residue, previously shown to be a molecular determinant of ion selectivity in the brain glutamate transporter GLT-1. In this study, we characterize mutants of Asp-440 of the neuronal transporter EAAC1, which is the counterpart of Asp-390 of Glt(Ph). Except for substitution by glutamate, this residue is functionally irreplaceable. Using biochemical and electrophysiological approaches, we conclude that although D440E is intrinsically capable of net flux, this mutant behaves as an exchanger under physiological conditions, due to increased and decreased apparent affinities for Na(+) and K(+), respectively. Our present and previous data are compatible with the idea that the conserved tyrosine and aspartate residues, located at the external end of the binding pocket, may serve as a transient or stable cation binding site in the glutamate transporters.

Crystal structure of N,N,N′,N′,N′′,N′′-hexa­methyl­guanidinium cyanate 1.5-hydrate

PubMed Central

Tiritiris, Ioannis; Kantlehner, Willi

2015-01-01

The title hydrated salt, C7H18N3 +·OCN−.1.5H2O, was synthesized starting from N,N,N′,N′,N′′,N′′-hexa­methyl­guanidinium chloride by a twofold anion-exchange reaction. The asymmetric unit contains two cations, two cyanate anions and three water mol­ecules. One cation shows orientational disorder and two sets of N-atom positions were found related by a 60° rotation, with an occupancy ratio of 0.852 (6):0.148 (6). The C—N bond lengths in both guanidin­ium ions range from 1.329 (2) to 1.358 (10) Å, indicating double-bond character, pointing towards charge delocalization within the NCN planes. Strong O—H⋯N hydrogen bonds between the crystal water mol­ecules and the cyanate ions and strong O—H⋯O hydrogen bonds between the water mol­ecules are present, resulting in a two-dimensional hydrogen bonded network running parallel to the (001) plane. The hexa­methyl­guanidinium ions are packed in between the layers built up by water mol­ecules and cyanate ions. PMID:26870506

SU-E-J-120: Comparing 4D CT Computed Ventilation to Lung Function Measured with Hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Neal, B; Chen, Q

2015-06-15

Purpose: To correlate ventilation parameters computed from 4D CT to ventilation, profusion, and gas exchange measured with hyperpolarized Xenon-129 MRI for a set of lung cancer patients. Methods: Hyperpolarized Xe-129 MRI lung scans were acquired for lung cancer patients, before and after radiation therapy, measuring ventilation, perfusion, and gas exchange. In the standard clinical workflow, these patients also received 4D CT scans before treatment. Ventilation was computed from 4D CT using deformable image registration (DIR). All phases of the 4D CT scan were registered using a B-spline deformable registration. Ventilation at the voxel level was then computed for each phasemore » based on a Jacobian volume expansion metric, yielding phase sorted ventilation images. Ventilation based upon 4D CT and Xe-129 MRI were co-registered, allowing qualitative visual comparison and qualitative comparison via the Pearson correlation coefficient. Results: Analysis shows a weak correlation between hyperpolarized Xe-129 MRI and 4D CT DIR ventilation, with a Pearson correlation coefficient of 0.17 to 0.22. Further work will refine the DIR parameters to optimize the correlation. The weak correlation could be due to the limitations of 4D CT, registration algorithms, or the Xe-129 MRI imaging. Continued development will refine parameters to optimize correlation. Conclusion: Current analysis yields a minimal correlation between 4D CT DIR and Xe-129 MRI ventilation. Funding provided by the 2014 George Amorino Pilot Grant in Radiation Oncology at the University of Virginia.« less

The effects of an intraperitoneal single low dose of ketamine in attenuating the postoperative skin/muscle incision and retraction-induced pain related to the inhibition of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors in the spinal cord.

PubMed

Shen, Yu; Xu, Li; Liu, Ming; Lei, Yishan; Gu, Xiaoping; Ma, Zhengliang

2016-03-11

Chronic postoperative pain (CPOP) is a common clinical problem which might be related to central sensitization. It has been widely accepted that NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors are among the triggers of central sensitization. Ketamine is a non-competitive NMDA receptor antagonist that is widely used in alleviating postoperative pain, but its effect on CPOP has been rarely reported. In the present study, the skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) model was used to investigate the role of NMDARs in chronic postoperative pain and the effect of an intraperitoneal single low dose ketamine (10mg/kg) of attenuating SMIR-induced CPOP. We assessed pain behaviours after a SMIR operation by paw withdrawal threshold (PWMT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWMTL). Western blotting were performed to examine the role of NMDARs in SMIR-induced CPOP and the effect of ketamine on the expression and phosphorylation of NMDARs. The SMIR operation induced long-lasting mechanical hyperalgesia, and the up-regulation of phosphorylated NMDARs and total NMDARs at the spinal level. A single intraperitoneal administration of low dose ketamine (10mg/kg) during surgery alleviated pain behaviors and inhibited the up-regulation of phosphorylated NMDARs and total NMDARs. Our datas suggested that NMDARs play important roles in SMIR-induced CPOP. A single intraperitoneal low dose of ketamine could attenuate SMIR-induced CPOP, which might be associated with the inhibition of NMDARs. Our finding might provide a new, simple method of addressing CPOP. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.

Muscle Contraction during Hyperpolarizing Currents in the Crab

PubMed Central

Uchitel, O. D.; García, H.

1974-01-01

Isolated muscle fibers from the motor legs of the crab Trichodactilus dilocarcinus were submitted to strong hyperpolarizing currents of varied intensities which produced tension during the current pulse. Threshold for tension was obtained with intensities of about 0.2 x 10–5 A, changing Em to ca. –150 mV (starting from a resting potential ofca. –80 mV). At the closure of the anodic square pulse, a second phase of tension usually appeared superimposed upon the one obtained during hyperpolarization. The first phase of tension increased with the increase of Ca++ concentration in the bath. Sr++ produced the same type of mechanical output as Ca++. When added to the normal Ca++ concentration, Ba++ and Mn++ in low concentrations (up to 21.5 mM) also increased the tension of this phase, but at higher concentrations they blocked both phases while Mg++ did not alter the tension. Of all the divalent cations employed, only Sr++ is capable of developing tension as a substitute for Ca++ in the external media. Procaine administered in a dosage (5 x 10–3 W/V)which would suppress the contracture due to caffeine (10 mM), did not modify the tension developed during the hyperpolarization. The preceding data indicate that the Ca++ required for tension during hyperpolarization comes from sites which would differ from those usually postulated for tension due to depolarization in the muscle fibers of other crustaceans (American crayfish). Furthermore, the external source of Ca++ appears to be one mainly implicated in the induction of tension due to inward current pulses. PMID:4810206

Fast Dynamic 3D MRSI with Compressed Sensing and Multiband Excitation Pulses for Hyperpolarized 13C Studies

PubMed Central

Larson, Peder E. Z.; Hu, Simon; Lustig, Michael; Kerr, Adam B.; Nelson, Sarah J.; Kurhanewicz, John; Pauly, John M.; Vigneron, Daniel B.

2010-01-01

Hyperpolarized 13C MRSI can detect not only the uptake of the pre-polarized molecule but also its metabolic products in vivo, thus providing a powerful new method to study cellular metabolism. Imaging the dynamic perfusion and conversion of these metabolites provides additional tissue information but requires methods for efficient hyperpolarization usage and rapid acquisitions. In this work, we have developed a time-resolved 3D MRSI method for acquiring hyperpolarized 13C data by combining compressed sensing methods for acceleration and multiband excitation pulses to efficiently use the magnetization. This method achieved a 2 sec temporal resolution with full volumetric coverage of a mouse, and metabolites were observed for up to 60 sec following injection of hyperpolarized [1-13C]-pyruvate. The compressed sensing acquisition used random phase encode gradient blips to create a novel random undersampling pattern tailored to dynamic MRSI with sampling incoherency in four (time, frequency and two spatial) dimensions. The reconstruction was also tailored to dynamic MRSI by applying a temporal wavelet sparsifying transform in order to exploit the inherent temporal sparsity. Customized multiband excitation pulses were designed with a lower flip angle for the [1-13C]-pyruvate substrate given its higher concentration than its metabolic products ([1-13C]-lactate and [1-13C]-alanine), thus using less hyperpolarization per excitation. This approach has enabled the monitoring of perfusion and uptake of the pyruvate, and the conversion dynamics to lactate and alanine throughout a volume with high spatial and temporal resolution. PMID:20939089

Chronic cervical radiculopathic pain is associated with increased excitability and hyperpolarization-activated current ( Ih) in large-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons.

PubMed

Liu, Da-Lu; Wang, Xu; Chu, Wen-Guang; Lu, Na; Han, Wen-Juan; Du, Yi-Kang; Hu, San-Jue; Bai, Zhan-Tao; Wu, Sheng-Xi; Xie, Rou-Gang; Luo, Ceng

2017-01-01

Cervical radiculopathic pain is a very common symptom that may occur with cervical spondylosis. Mechanical allodynia is often associated with cervical radiculopathic pain and is inadequately treated with current therapies. However, the precise mechanisms underlying cervical radiculopathic pain-associated mechanical allodynia have remained elusive. Compelling evidence from animal models suggests a role of large-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons and plasticity of spinal circuitry attached with Aβ fibers in mediating neuropathic pain. Whether cervical radiculopathic pain condition induces plastic changes of large-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons and what mechanisms underlie these changes are yet to be known. With combination of patch-clamp recording, immunohistochemical staining, as well as behavioral surveys, we demonstrated that upon chronic compression of C7/8 dorsal root ganglions, large-diameter cervical dorsal root ganglion neurons exhibited frequent spontaneous firing together with hyperexcitability. Quantitative analysis of hyperpolarization-activated cation current ( I h ) revealed that I h was greatly upregulated in large dorsal root ganglion neurons from cervical radiculopathic pain rats. This increased I h was supported by the enhanced expression of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-modulated channels subunit 3 in large dorsal root ganglion neurons. Blockade of I h with selective antagonist, ZD7288 was able to eliminate the mechanical allodynia associated with cervical radiculopathic pain. This study sheds new light on the functional plasticity of a specific subset of large-diameter dorsal root ganglion neurons and reveals a novel mechanism that could underlie the mechanical allodynia associated with cervical radiculopathy.

Kinetic Contributions to Gating by Interactions Unique to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) Receptors*

PubMed Central

Borschel, William F.; Cummings, Kirstie A.; Tindell, LeeAnn K.; Popescu, Gabriela K.

2015-01-01

Among glutamate-gated channels, NMDA receptors produce currents that subside with unusually slow kinetics, and this feature is essential to the physiology of central excitatory synapses. Relative to the homologous AMPA and kainate receptors, NMDA receptors have additional intersubunit contacts in the ligand binding domain that occur at both conserved and non-conserved sites. We examined GluN1/GluN2A single-channel currents with kinetic analyses and modeling to probe these class-specific intersubunit interactions for their role in glutamate binding and receptor gating. We found that substitutions that eliminate such interactions at non-conserved sites reduced stationary gating, accelerated deactivation, and imparted sensitivity to aniracetam, an AMPA receptor-selective positive modulator. Abolishing unique contacts at conserved sites also reduced stationary gating and accelerated deactivation. These results show that contacts specific to NMDA receptors, which brace the heterodimer interface within the ligand binding domain, stabilize actively gating receptor conformations and result in longer bursts and slower deactivations. They support the view that the strength of the heterodimer interface modulates gating in both NMDA and non-NMDA receptors and that unique interactions at this interface are responsible in part for basic differences between the kinetics of NMDA and non-NMDA currents at glutamatergic synapses. PMID:26370091

D-Cycloserine for Treatment Nonresponders with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Report

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Norberg, Melissa M.; Gilliam, Christina M.; Villavicencio, Anna; Pearlson, Godfrey D.; Tolin, David F.

2012-01-01

Despite being the most effective treatment available, as many as one third of patients who receive exposure and response prevention (ERP) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) do not initially respond to treatment. Recent research suggests that the n-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor partial agonist D-Cycloserine (DCS) may speed up the course…

Cationic Biomimetic Particles of Polystyrene/Cationic Bilayer/Gramicidin for Optimal Bactericidal Activity.

PubMed

Xavier, Gabriel R S; Carmona-Ribeiro, Ana M

2017-12-02

Nanostructured particles of polystyrene sulfate (PSS) covered by a cationic lipid bilayer of dioctadecyldimethylammonium bromide (DODAB) incorporated gramicidin D (Gr) yielding optimal and broadened bactericidal activity against both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus . The adsorption of DODAB/Gr bilayer onto PSS nanoparticles (NPs) increased the zeta-average diameter by 8-10 nm, changed the zeta-potential of the NPs from negative to positive, and yielded a narrow size distributions for the PSS/DODAB/Gr NPs, which displayed broad and maximal microbicidal activity at very small concentrations of the antimicrobials, namely, 0.057 and 0.0057 mM DODAB and Gr, respectively. The results emphasized the advantages of highly-organized, nanostructured, and cationic particles to achieve hybrid combinations of antimicrobials with broad spectrum activity at considerably reduced DODAB and Gr concentrations.

Activation by divalent cations of a Ca2+-activated K+ channel from skeletal muscle membrane.

PubMed

Oberhauser, A; Alvarez, O; Latorre, R

1988-07-01

Several divalent cations were studied as agonists of a Ca2+-activated K+ channel obtained from rat muscle membranes and incorporated into planar lipid bilayers. The effect of these agonists on single-channel currents was tested in the absence and in the presence of Ca2+. Among the divalent cations that activate the channel, Ca2+ is the most effective, followed by Cd2+, Sr2+, Mn2+, Fe2+, and Co2+. Mg2+, Ni2+, Ba2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Hg2+, and Sn2+ are ineffective. The voltage dependence of channel activation is the same for all the divalent cations. The time-averaged probability of the open state is a sigmoidal function of the divalent cation concentration. The sigmoidal curves are described by a dissociation constant K and a Hill coefficient N. The values of these parameters, measured at 80 mV are: N = 2.1, K = 4 X 10(-7) mMN for Ca2+; N = 3.0, K = 0.02 mMN for Cd2+; N = 1.45, K = 0.63 mMN for Sr2+; N = 1.7, K = 0.94 mMN for Mn2+; N = 1.1, K = 3.0 mMN for Fe2+; and N = 1.1 K = 4.35 mMN for Co2+. In the presence of Ca2+, the divalent cations Cd2+, Co2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, and Mg2+ are able to increase the apparent affinity of the channel for Ca2+ and they increase the Hill coefficient in a concentration-dependent fashion. These divalent cations are only effective when added to the cytoplasmic side of the channel. We suggest that these divalent cations can bind to the channel, unmasking new Ca2+ sites.

Vitamin D receptor gene methylation is associated with ethnicity, tuberculosis and TaqI polymorphism

PubMed Central

Andraos, Charlene; Koorsen, Gerrit; Knight, Julian C; Bornman, Liza

2014-01-01

The Vitamin D Receptor (VDR) gene encodes a transcription factor which, on activation by vitamin D, modulates diverse biological processes including calcium homeostasis and immune function. Genetic variation involving VDR shows striking differences in allele frequency between populations and has been associated with disease susceptibility including tuberculosis and autoimmunity, although results have often been conflicting. We hypothesized that methylation of VDR may be population specific and that the combination of differential methylation and genetic variation may characterise TB predisposition. We use bisulphite conversion and/or pyrosequencing to analyse the methylation status of 17 CpGs of VDR and to genotype 7 SNPs in the 3′ CpG Island (CGI 1060), including the commonly studied SNPs ApaI (rs7975232) and TaqI (rs731236). We show that for lymphoblastoid cell lines from two ethnically diverse populations (Yoruba from HapMap, n=30 and Caucasians, n=30) together with TB cases (n=32) and controls (n=29) from the Venda population of South Africa there are methylation variable positions (MVPs) in the 3′ end that significantly distinguish ethnicity (9/17 CpGs) and TB status (3/17 CpGs). Moreover methylation status shows complex association with TaqI genotype highlighting the need to consider both genetic and epigenetic variants in genetic studies of VDR association with disease. PMID:21168462

Irreversible Catalyst Activation Enables Hyperpolarization and Water Solubility for NMR Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange

DTIC Science & Technology

2016-09-12

Phys. Rev. Lett. 1986 , 57, 2645−2648. (8) Goldman, M.; Johannesson, H. Conversion of a Proton Pair Para Order into C-13 Polarization by Rf...A.; Harris, K.; Batchelder, L. S.; Bhattacharya, P.; Ross , B. D.; Weitekamp, D. P. PASADENA Hyperpolarization of Succinic Acid for MRI and NMR...Bhattacharya, P.; Chekmenev, E. Y.; Perman, W. H.; Harris, K. C.; Lin, A. P.; Norton, V. A.; Tan, C. T.; Ross , B. D.; Weitekamp, D. P. Towards

NITRIC OXIDE, MITOCHONDRIAL HYPERPOLARIZATION AND T-CELL ACTIVATION

PubMed Central

Nagy, Gyorgy; Koncz, Agnes; Fernandez, David; Perl, Andras

2007-01-01

T lymphocyte activation is associated with nitric oxide (NO) production that plays an essential role in multiple T cell functions. NO acts as a messenger, activating soluble guanyl cyclase and participating in the transduction signaling pathways involving cyclic GMP. NO modulates mitochondrial events that are involved in apoptosis and regulates mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial biogenesis in many cell types, including lymphocytes. Mitochondrial hyperpolarization (MHP), an early and reversible event during both T lymphocyte activation and apoptosis, is regulated by NO. Here, we discuss recent evidence that NO-induced MHP represents a molecular switch in multiple T cell signaling pathways. Overproduction of NO in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) induces mitochondrial biogenesis and alters Ca2+ signaling. Thus, while NO plays a physiological role in lymphocyte cell signaling, its overproduction may disturb normal T cell function, contributing to the pathogenesis of autoimmunity. PMID:17462531

Racemization of aspartic acid and phenylalanine in the sweetener aspartame at 100 degrees C.

PubMed Central

Boehm, M F; Bada, J L

1984-01-01

The racemization half-lives (i.e., the time required to reach a D/L = 0.33) at pH 6.8 for aspartic acid and phenylalanine in the sweetener aspartame (L-aspartyl-L-phenylalanine methyl ester) were determined to be 13 and 23 hours, respectively, at 100 degrees C. Racemization at this pH does not occur in aspartame but rather in its diketopiperazine decomposition product. Our results indicate that the use of aspartame to sweeten neutral pH foods and beverages that are then heated at elevated temperature could generate D-aspartic acid and D-phenylalanine. The nutritive consequences of these D-amino acids in the human diet are not well established, and thus aspartame should probably not be used as a sweetener when the exposure of neutral pH foods and beverages to elevated temperatures is required. At pH 4, a typical pH of most foods and beverages that might be sweetened with aspartame, the half-lives are 47 hours for aspartic acid and 1200 hours for phenylalanine at 100 degrees C. Racemization at pH 4 takes place in aspartame itself. Although the racemization rates at pH 4 are slow and no appreciable racemization of aspartic acid and phenylalanine should occur during the normal use of aspartame, some food and beverage components could conceivably act as catalysts. Additional studies are required to evaluate whether the use of aspartame as a sugar substitute might not in turn result in an increased human consumption of D-aspartic acid and D-phenylalanine. PMID:6591191

Nonlinear effects of hyperpolarizing shifts in activation of mutant Nav1.7 channels on resting membrane potential

PubMed Central

Estacion, Mark

2017-01-01

The Nav1.7 sodium channel is preferentially expressed within dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and sympathetic ganglion neurons. Gain-of-function mutations that cause the painful disorder inherited erythromelalgia (IEM) shift channel activation in a hyperpolarizing direction. When expressed within DRG neurons, these mutations produce a depolarization of resting membrane potential (RMP). The biophysical basis for the depolarized RMP has to date not been established. To explore the effect on RMP of the shift in activation associated with a prototypical IEM mutation (L858H), we used dynamic-clamp models that represent graded shifts that fractionate the effect of the mutation on activation voltage dependence. Dynamic-clamp recording from DRG neurons using a before-and-after protocol for each cell made it possible, even in the presence of cell-to-cell variation in starting RMP, to assess the effects of these graded mutant models. Our results demonstrate a nonlinear, progressively larger effect on RMP as the shift in activation voltage dependence becomes more hyperpolarized. The observed differences in RMP were predicted by the “late” current of each mutant model. Since the depolarization of RMP imposed by IEM mutant channels is known, in itself, to produce hyperexcitability of DRG neurons, the development of pharmacological agents that normalize or partially normalize activation voltage dependence of IEM mutant channels merits further study. NEW & NOTEWORTHY Inherited erythromelalgia (IEM), the first human pain disorder linked to a sodium channel, is widely regarded as a genetic model of neuropathic pain. IEM is produced by Nav1.7 mutations that hyperpolarize activation. These mutations produce a depolarization of resting membrane potential (RMP) in dorsal root ganglion neurons. Using dynamic clamp to explore the effect on RMP of the shift in activation, we demonstrate a nonlinear effect on RMP as the shift in activation voltage dependence becomes more hyperpolarized. PMID

Hyperpolarized 15N-pyridine Derivatives as pH-Sensitive MRI Agents

PubMed Central

Jiang, Weina; Lumata, Lloyd; Chen, Wei; Zhang, Shanrong; Kovacs, Zoltan; Sherry, A. Dean; Khemtong, Chalermchai

2015-01-01

Highly sensitive MR imaging agents that can accurately and rapidly monitor changes in pH would have diagnostic and prognostic value for many diseases. Here, we report an investigation of hyperpolarized 15N-pyridine derivatives as ultrasensitive pH-sensitive imaging probes. These molecules are easily polarized to high levels using standard dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) techniques and their 15N chemical shifts were found to be highly sensitive to pH. These probes displayed sharp 15N resonances and large differences in chemical shifts (Δδ >90 ppm) between their free base and protonated forms. These favorable features make these agents highly suitable candidates for the detection of small changes in tissue pH near physiological values. PMID:25774436

Design synthesis and structure-activity relationship of 5-substituted (tetrahydronaphthalen-2yl)methyl with N-phenyl-N-(piperidin-2-yl)propionamide derivatives as opioid ligands.

PubMed

Deekonda, Srinivas; Rankin, David; Davis, Peg; Lai, Josephine; Vanderah, Todd W; Porecca, Frank; Hruby, Victor J

2016-01-15

Here, we report the design, synthesis and structure activity relationship of novel small molecule opioid ligands based on 5-amino substituted (tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl moiety with N-phenyl-N-(piperidin-2-yl)propionamide derivatives. We synthesized various molecules including amino, amide and hydroxy substitution on the 5th position of the (tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl moiety. In our further designs we replaced the (tetrahydronaphthalen-2-yl)methyl moiety with benzyl and phenethyl moiety. These N-phenyl-N-(piperidin-2-yl)propionamide analogues showed moderate to good binding affinities (850-4 nM) and were selective towards the μ opioid receptor over the δ opioid receptors. From the structure activity relationship studies, we found that a hydroxyl substitution at the 5th position of (tetrahydronapthalen-2yl)methyl group, ligands 19 and 20, showed excellent binding affinities 4 and 5 nM, respectively, and 1000 fold selectivity towards the μ opioid relative to the delta opioid receptor. The ligand 19 showed potent agonist activities 75±21 nM, and 190±42 nM in the GPI and MVD assays. Surprisingly the fluoro analogue 20 showed good agonist activities in MVD assays 170±42 nM, in contrast to its binding affinity results. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

Improving cell penetration of helical peptides stabilized by N-terminal crosslinked aspartic acids.

PubMed

Zhao, Hui; Jiang, Yanhong; Tian, Yuan; Yang, Dan; Qin, Xuan; Li, Zigang

2017-01-04

Cell penetration and nucleus translocation efficiency are important for the cellular activities of peptide therapeutics. For helical peptides stabilized by N-terminal crosslinked aspartic acid, correlations between their penetration efficiency/nucleus translocation and physicochemical properties were studied. An increase in hydrophobicity and isoelectric point will promote cellular uptake and nucleus translocation of stabilized helices.

Mass spectrometry of analytical derivatives. 1. Cyanide cations in the spectra of N-alkyl-N-perfluoroacyl-α-amino acids and their methyl esters

PubMed Central

Todua, Nino G.; Tretyakov, Kirill V.; Mikaia, Anzor I.

2016-01-01

The central mission for the development of the National Institute of Standards and Technology/National Institutes of Health/Environmental Protection Agency Mass Spectral Library is the acquisition of reference gas chromatography–mass spectrometry data for important compounds and their chemical modification products. The addition of reliable reference data of various derivatives of amino acids to The Library, and the study of their behavior under electron ionization conditions may be useful for their identification, structure elucidation, and a better understanding of the data obtained when the same derivatives are subjected to other ionization methods. N-Alkyl-N-perfluoroacyl derivatives of amino acids readily produce previously unreported alkylnitrilium cations of composition [HC≡N-alkyl]+. Homologous [HC≡N-aryl]+ cations are typical for corresponding N-aryl analogs. The formation of other ions characteristic for these derivatives involves oxygen rearrangement giving rise to ions [CnF2n+1–C≡N+–CnH2n+1] and [CnF2n+1–C≡N+-aryl]. The introduction of an N-benzyl substituent in a molecule favors a process producing benzylidene iminium cations. l-Threonine and l-cysteine derivatives exhibit more fragmentation pathways not typical for other α-amino acids; additionally, the Nω-amino group in l-lysine directs the dissociation process and provides structural information on the substitution at the amino functions in the molecule. PMID:26307698

AMPA, NMDA and kainate glutamate receptor subunits are expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) where the expression of GluK4 is altered by pregnancy and GluN2D by depression in pregnant women.

PubMed

Bhandage, Amol K; Jin, Zhe; Hellgren, Charlotte; Korol, Sergiy V; Nowak, Krzysztof; Williamsson, Louise; Sundström-Poromaa, Inger; Birnir, Bryndis

2017-04-15

The amino acid glutamate opens cation permeable ion channels, the iGlu receptors. These ion channels are abundantly expressed in the mammalian brain where glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitters and their receptors are being increasingly detected in the cells of immune system. Here we examined the expression of the 18 known subunits of the iGlu receptors families; α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), kainate, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and delta in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We compared the expression of the subunits between four groups: men, non-pregnant women, healthy pregnant women and depressed pregnant women. Out of 18 subunits of the iGlu receptors, mRNAs for 11 subunits were detected in PBMCs from men and non-pregnant women; AMPA: GluA3, GluA4, kainate: GluK2, GluK4, GluK5, NMDA: GluN1, GluN2C, GluN2D, GluN3A, GluN3B, and delta: GluD1. In the healthy and the depressed pregnant women, in addition, the delta GluD2 subunit was identified. The mRNAs for GluK4, GluK5, GluN2C and GluN2D were expressed at a higher level than other subunits. Gender, pregnancy or depression during pregnancy altered the expression of GluA3, GluK4, GluN2D, GluN3B and GluD1 iGlu subunit mRNAs. The greatest changes recorded were the lower GluA3 and GluK4 mRNA levels in pregnant women and the higher GluN2D mRNA level in healthy but not in depressed pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant individuals. Using subunit specific antibodies, the GluK4, GluK5, GluN1, GluN2C and GluN2D subunit proteins were identified in the PBMCs. The results show expression of specific iGlu receptor subunit in the PBMCs and support the idea of physiology-driven changes of iGlu receptors subtypes in the immune cells. Copyright © 2017 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Synthesis of biologically active N-methyl derivatives of amidines and cyclized five-membered products of amidines with oxalyl chloride.

PubMed

Sondhi, Sham M; Dinodia, Monica; Jain, Shubhi; Kumar, Ashok

2008-12-01

A series of substituted N-methylisonicotinamidine (2a-f), N-methylpyrazine-2-carboxamidine (2g-i) derivatives were synthesized by reaction of amidine derivatives (1a-i) with methyl iodide in presence of triethylamine. Five-membered condensed dihydroimidazolylbenzenesulfonamide derivatives (3a-i) were obtained by the reaction of amidine derivatives (1a-i) with acylating agent oxalyl chloride. All the compounds, i.e. 2a-i and 3a-i were purified by crystallization. Structures of all the synthesized compounds are supported by correct IR, (1)H NMR, mass spectral and analytical data. Anti-inflammatory activity evaluation was carried out using carrageenan-induced paw oedema assay and compounds 2e, 3a and 3d exhibited good anti-inflammatory activity (44%, 31% and 37% activity at 50 mg/kg p.o., respectively). Analgesic activity evaluation was carried out using acetic acid writhing assay and compounds 2a and 3f gave 75% activity each at 100 mg/kg p.o.; on the other hand compounds 3a and 3d exhibited 60% analgesic activity each at 50 mg/kg p.o. Compounds 3a and 3d exhibited good anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities.

Visible Photodissociation Spectra of the 1-METHYL and 2-METHYLNAPHTHALENE Cations: Laser Spectroscopy and Theoretical Simulations

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Friha, Hela; Feraud, Geraldine; Falvo, Cyril; Parneix, Pascal; Pino, Thomas; Brechignac, Philippe; Troy, Tyler; Schmidt, Timothy; Dhaouadi, Zoubeida

2014-06-01

Naphthalene (Np) and its methylated derivatives (1-Me-Np and 2-Me-Np) are prototype molecules for spectroscopists as first members of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) family. High resolution studies are capable to explore the details of the internal rotation of the methyl group. Although this was achieved in neutral PAHs, the task is not the same in cations. Me-Np cations have been probed by resonance-enhanced multiphoton dissociation, showing only very broad and unresolved spectra, while absorption in argon matrix revealed more resolved vibronic bands. The electronic absorption gas phase spectra of 1-Me-Np^+ and 2-Me-Np^+ were measured using an Ar-tagging technique. In both cases, a band system was observed in the visible range and assigned to the D_2← D_0 transition. The 1-Me-Np^+ absorption bands revealed a red shift of 808 cm-1, relative to Np^+ (14 906 cm-1), while for 2-Me-Np^+ a blue shift of 226 cm-1 was found. A short vibrational progression was also observed. Moreover, insights into the internal rotation motion of the CH_3 were inferred, although intrinsic broadening due to intramolecular relaxation was present. These measurements were supported by detailed quantum chemical calculations that allowed exploration of the potential energy curves, along with a complete simulation of the harmonic FC factors using the cumulant Gaussian fluctuations formalism, extended to include the internal rotation. see for instance Baba et al, J.Phys.Chem.A, 2009, 113, 2366 Dunbar et al, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1976, 98, 7994-7999; J.Phys.Chem. 1985, 89, 3617 Andrews et al, J.Phys.Chem. 1982, 86, 2916 Pino et al, J. Chem. Phys. 1999, 111, 7337-7347

Role of activator protein-1 on the effect of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid containing peptides on transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activity.

PubMed

Ruiz-Torres, M P; Perez-Rivero, G; Diez-Marques, M L; Griera, M; Ortega, R; Rodriguez-Puyol, M; Rodríguez-Puyol, D

2007-01-01

While arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-based peptidomimetics have been employed for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders and cancer, their use in other contexts remains to be explored. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine induces Transforming growth factor-beta1 transcription in human mesangial cells, but the molecular mechanisms involved have not been studied extensively. We explored whether this effect could be due to Activator protein-1 activation and studied the potential pathways involved. Addition of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine promoted Activator protein-1 binding to its cognate sequence within the Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter as well as c-jun and c-fos protein abundance. Moreover, this effect was suppressed by curcumin, a c-Jun N terminal kinase inhibitor, and was absent when the Activator protein-1 cis-regulatory element was deleted. Activator protein-1 binding was dependent on the activity of integrin linked kinase, as transfection with a dominant negative mutant suppressed both Activator protein-1 binding and c-jun and c-fos protein increment. Integrin linked kinase was, in turn, dependent on Phosphoinositol-3 kinase activity. Arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine stimulated Phosphoinositol-3 kinase activity, and Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activation was abrogated by the use of Phosphoinositol-3 kinase specific inhibitors. In summary, we propose that arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-serine activates Integrin linked kinase via the Phosphoinositol-3 kinase pathway and this leads to activation of c-jun and c-fos and increased Activator protein-1 binding and Transforming growth factor-beta1 promoter activity. These data may contribute to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the cellular actions of arginine-glycine-aspartic acid-related peptides and enhance their relevance as these products evolve into clinical therapeutic use.

Ingested d-Aspartate Facilitates the Functional Connectivity and Modifies Dendritic Spine Morphology in Rat Hippocampus.

PubMed

Kitamura, Akihiko; Hojo, Yasushi; Ikeda, Muneki; Karakawa, Sachise; Kuwahara, Tomomi; Kim, Jonghyuk; Soma, Mika; Kawato, Suguru; Tsurugizawa, Tomokazu

2018-05-30

d-Aspartate (d-Asp), the stereoisomer of l-aspartate, has a role in memory function in rodents. However, the mechanism of the effect of d-Asp has not been fully understood. In this study, we hypothesized that ingested d-Asp directly reaches the hippocampal tissues via the blood circulation and modifies the functional connectivity between hippocampus and other regions through spinogenesis in hippocampal CA1 neurons. The spinogenesis induced by the application of d-Asp was investigated using rat acute hippocampal slices. The density of CA1 spines was increased following 21 and 100 μM d-Asp application. The nongenomic spine increase pathway involved LIM kinase. In parallel to the acute slice study, brain activation was investigated in awake rats using functional MRI following the intragastric administration of 5 mM d-Asp. Furthermore, the concentration of d-Asp in the blood serum and hippocampus was significantly increased 15 min after intragastric administration of d-Asp. A functional connectivity by awake rat fMRI demonstrated increased slow-frequency synchronization in the hippocampus and other regions, including the somatosensory cortex, striatum, and the nucleus accumbens, 10-20 min after the start of d-Asp administration. These results suggest that ingested d-Asp reaches the brain through the blood circulation and modulates hippocampal neural networks through the modulation of spines.

Benzodiazepine-induced hippocampal CA1 neuron alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxasole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor plasticity linked to severity of withdrawal anxiety: differential role of voltage-gated calcium channels and N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptors.

PubMed

Xiang, Kun; Tietz, Elizabeth I

2007-09-01

Withdrawal from 1-week oral administration of the benzodiazepine, flurazepam (FZP) is associated with increased alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methylisoxasole-4-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor (AMPAR) miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) but reduction of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR)-evoked (e)EPSCs in hippocampal CA1 neurons. A positive correlation was observed between increased AMPAR-mediated mEPSC amplitude and anxiety-like behavior in 1-day FZP-withdrawn rats. These effects were disrupted by systemic AMPAR antagonist administration (GYKI-52466, 0.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) at withdrawal onset, strengthening the hypothesis that CA1 neuron AMPAR-mediated hyperexcitability is a central component of a functional anatomic circuit associated with the expression of withdrawal anxiety. Abolition of AMPAR current upregulation in 2-day FZP withdrawn rats by GYKI-52466 injection also reversed the reduction in NMDAR-mediated eEPSC amplitude in CA1 neurons from the same rats, suggesting that downregulation of NMDAR function may serve a protective, negative-feedback role to prevent AMPAR-mediated neuronal overexcitation. NMDAR antagonist administration (MK-801, 0.25 mg/kg intraperitoneally) had no effect on modifying increased glutamatergic strength or on withdrawal anxiety, whereas injection of an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel antagonist, nimodipine (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) averted AMPAR current enhancement and anxiety-like behavior, suggesting that these manifestations may be initiated by a voltage-gated calcium channel-dependent signal transduction pathway. An evidence-based model of likely cellular mechanisms in the hippocampus contributing to benzodiazepine withdrawal anxiety was proposed implicating regulation of multiple CA1 neuron ion channels.

Antenatal blockade of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors by Memantine reduces the susceptibility to diabetes induced by a high-fat diet in rats with intrauterine growth restriction.

PubMed

Huang, Xiao-Ting; Yue, Shao-Jie; Li, Chen; Guo, Jia; Huang, Yan-Hong; Han, Jian-Zhong; Feng, Dan-Dan; Luo, Zi-Qiang

2017-05-01

Intrauterine growth retardation (IUGR) is closely related to the later development of type 2 diabetes in adulthood. Excessive activation of N-methly-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) causes excitatory neurotoxicity, resulting in neuronal injury or death. Inhibition of NMDARs enhances the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and survival of islet cells in type 2 diabetic mouse and human islets. Here, we examined whether antenatal blockade of NMDARs by Memantine could decrease the risk of diabetes induced by a high-fat (HF) diet at adulthood in IUGR rats. Pregnant SD rats were assigned to four groups: control, IUGR, Memantine, and Memantine + IUGR. The pregnant rats were exposed to hypoxic conditions (FiO2 = 0.105) for 8 h/day (IUGR group) or given a daily Memantine injection (5 mg/kg, i.p.) before hypoxia exposure from embryonic day (E) 14.5 to E 20.5 (Memantine + IUGR). The offspring were fed an HF diet with 60% of the calories from age 4 to 12 weeks. We found that NMDAR mRNAs were expressed in the fetal rat pancreas. An HF diet resulted in a high rate of diabetes at adulthood in the IUGR group. Antenatal Memantine treatment decreased the risk of diabetes at adulthood of rats with IUGR, which was associated with rescued glucose tolerance, increased insulin release, improved the insulin sensitivity, and increased expression of genes related to beta-cell function in the pancreas. Together, our results suggest that antenatal blockade of NMDARs by Memantine in pregnant rats improves fetal development and reduces the susceptibility to diabetes at adulthood in offspring. © The Authors 2017. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of Society for the Study of Reproduction. All rights reserved. For permissions, please e-mail: journals.permissions@oup.com.

Antisense oligodeoxynucleotide inhibition of a swelling-activated cation channel in osteoblast-like osteosarcoma cells

NASA Technical Reports Server (NTRS)

Duncan, R. L.; Kizer, N.; Barry, E. L.; Friedman, P. A.; Hruska, K. A.

1996-01-01

By patch-clamp analysis, we have shown that chronic, intermittent mechanical strain (CMS) increases the activity of stretch-activated cation channels of osteoblast-like UMR-106.01 cells. CMS also produces a swelling-activated whole-cell conductance (Gm) regulated by varying strain levels. We questioned whether the swelling-activated conductance was produced by stretch-activated cation channel activity. We have identified a gene involved in the increase in conductance by using antisense oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) derived from the alpha 1-subunit genes of calcium channels found in UMR-106.01 cells (alpha1S, alpha1C, and alpha1D). We demonstrate that alpha 1C antisense ODNs abolish the increase in Gm in response to hypotonic swelling following CMS. Antisense ODNs to alpha1S and alpha1D, sense ODNs to alpha1C, and sham permeabilization had no effect on the conductance increase. In addition, during cell-attached patch-clamp studies, antisense ODNs to alpha1c completely blocked the swelling-activated and stretch-activated nonselective cation channel response to strain. Antisense ODNs to alpha1S treatment produced no effect on either swelling-activated or stretch-activated cation channel activity. There were differences in the stretch-activated and swelling-activated cation channel activity, but whether they represent different channels could not be determined from our data. Our data indicate that the alpha1C gene product is involved in the Gm and the activation of the swelling-activated cation channels induced by CMS. The possibility that swelling-activated cation channel genes are members of the calcium channel superfamily exists, but if alpha1c is not the swelling-activated cation channel itself, then its expression is required for induction of swelling-activated cation channel activity by CMS.

Whole-cell and single channel monovalent cation currents through the novel rabbit epithelial Ca2+ channel ECaC

PubMed Central

Nilius, Bernd; Vennekens, Rudi; Prenen, Jean; Hoenderop, Joost G J; Bindels, René J M; Droogmans, Guy

2000-01-01

This study describes properties of monovalent cation currents through ECaC, a recently cloned epithelial Ca2+-permeable channel from rabbit. The kinetics of currents through ECaC was strongly modulated by divalent cations. Currents were inhibited in the presence of extracellular Ca2+. They showed an initial voltage-dependent decay in the presence of 1 mm Mg2+ at hyperpolarizing steps in Ca2+-free solutions, which represents a voltage-dependent Mg2+ block through binding of Mg2+ to a site localized in the electrical field of the membrane (δ = 0.31) and a voltage-dependent binding constant (at 0 mV 3.1 mm Ca2+, obtained from a Woodhull type analysis). Currents were only stable in the absence of divalent cations and showed under these conditions a small time- and voltage-dependent component of activation. Single channel currents in cell-attached and inside-out patches had a conductance of 77.5 ± 4.9 pS (n = 11) and reversed at +14.8 ± 1.6 mV (n = 9) in the absence of divalent cations. The permeation sequence for monovalent cations through ECaC was Na+ > Li+ > K+ > Cs+ > NMDG+ which is identical to the Eisenmann sequence X for a strong field-strength binding site. It is concluded that the permeation profile of ECaC for monovalent cations suggests a strong field-strength binding site that may be involved in Ca2+ permeation and Mg2+ block. PMID:10970426

The effect of selective D- or N(alpha)-methyl arginine substitution on the activity of the proline-rich antimicrobial peptide, Chex1-Arg20.

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Li, Wenyi; Sun, Zhe; O'Brien-Simpson, Neil M.; Otvos, Laszlo; Reynolds, Eric C.; Hossain, Mohammed A.; Separovic, Frances; Wade, John D.

2017-01-01

In vivo pharmacokinetics studies have shown that the proline-rich antimicrobial peptide, A3-APO, which is a discontinuous dimer of the peptide, Chex1-Arg20, undergoes degradation to small fragments at positions Pro6-Arg7 and Val19-Arg20. With the aim of minimizing or abolishing this degradation, a series of Chex1-Arg20 analogues were prepared via Fmoc/tBu solid phase peptide synthesis with D-arginine or, in some cases, peptide backbone N-methylated arginine, substitution at these sites. All the peptides were tested for antibacterial activity against the Gram-negative bacterium Klebsiella pneumoniae. The resulting activity of position-7 substitution of Chex1-Arg20 analogues showed that arginine-7 is a crucial residue for maintaining activity against K. pneumoniae. However, arginine-20 substitution had a much less deleterious effect on the antibacterial activity of the peptide. Moreover, none of these peptides displayed any cytotoxicity to HEK and H-4-II-E mammalian cells. These results will aid the development of more effective and stable PrAMPs via judicious amino acid substitutions.

Emission spectroscopy of divalent-cation-doped GaN photocatalysts

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Hirai, Takeshi; Harada, Takashi; Ikeda, Shigeru; Matsumura, Michio; Saito, Nobuo; Nishiyama, Hiroshi; Inoue, Yasunobu; Harada, Yoshiyuki; Ohno, Nobuhito; Maeda, Kazuhiko; Kubota, Jun; Domen, Kazunari

2011-12-01

Photoluminescence (PL) and time-resolved photoluminescence (TRPL) spectra of GaN particles doped with divalent cations (Mg2+, Zn2+, and Be2+), which promote photocatalytic overall water splitting, were investigated. The PL and TRPL spectra were mainly attributed to donor-acceptor pair recombination between the divalent cation dopants and divalent anion impurities (O2- and S2-) unintentionally introduced from raw materials, which form acceptor and donor levels, respectively. These levels are likely to provide holes and electrons required for photocatalytic reactions, contributing to the photocatalytic activity of the GaN-based photocatalysts for overall water splitting.

Simultaneous analysis of D-alanine, D-aspartic acid, and D-serine using chiral high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry and its application to the rat plasma and tissues.

PubMed

Karakawa, Sachise; Shimbo, Kazutaka; Yamada, Naoyuki; Mizukoshi, Toshimi; Miyano, Hiroshi; Mita, Masashi; Lindner, Wolfgang; Hamase, Kenji

2015-11-10

A highly sensitive and selective chiral LC-MS/MS method for D-alanine, D-aspartic acid and D-serine has been developed using the precolumn derivatization reagents, 6-aminoquinolyl-N-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate (AccQ-Tag) or p-N,N,N-trimethylammonioanilyl N'-hydroxysuccinimidyl carbamate iodide (TAHS). The thus N-tagged enantiomers of the derivatized amino acids were nicely separated within 20min using the cinchona alkaloid-based zwittterionic ion-exchange type enantioselective column, Chiralpak ZWIX(+). The selected reaction monitoring was applied for detecting the target d-amino acids in biological matrices. By using the present chiral LC-MS/MS method, the three d-amino acids and their l-forms could be simultaneously determined in the range of 0.1-500nmol/mL. Finally, the technique was successfully applied to rat plasma and tissue samples. Copyright © 2015 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Ligand-functionalized degradable polyplexes formed by cationic poly(aspartic acid)-grafted chitosan-cyclodextrin conjugates

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Song, Hai-Qing; Li, Rui-Quan; Duan, Shun; Yu, Bingran; Zhao, Hong; Chen, Da-Fu; Xu, Fu-Jian

2015-03-01

Polypeptide-based degradable polyplexes attracted considerable attention in drug delivery systems. Polysaccharides including cyclodextrin (CD), dextran, and chitosan (CS) were readily grafted with cationic poly(aspartic acid)s (PAsps). To further enhance the transfection performances of PAsp-based polyplexes, herein, different types of ligand (folic acid, FA)-functionalized degradable polyplexes were proposed based on the PAsp-grafted chitosan-cyclodextrin conjugate (CCPE), where multiple β-CDs were tied on a CS chain. The FA-functionalized CCPE (i.e., CCPE-FA) was obtained via a host-guest interaction between the CD units of CCPE and the adamantane (Ad) species of Ad-modified FA (Ad-FA). The resulting CCPE/pDNA, CCPE-FA/pDNA, and ternary CCPE-FA/CCPE/pDNA (prepared by layer-by-layer assembly) polyplexes were investigated in detail using different cell lines. The CCPE-based polyplexes displayed much higher transfection efficiencies than the CS-based polyplexes reported earlier by us. The ternary polyplexes of CCPE-FA/CCPE/pDNA produced excellent gene transfection abilities in the folate receptor (FR)-positive tumor cells. This work would provide a promising means to produce highly efficient polyplexes for future gene therapy applications.Polypeptide-based degradable polyplexes attracted considerable attention in drug delivery systems. Polysaccharides including cyclodextrin (CD), dextran, and chitosan (CS) were readily grafted with cationic poly(aspartic acid)s (PAsps). To further enhance the transfection performances of PAsp-based polyplexes, herein, different types of ligand (folic acid, FA)-functionalized degradable polyplexes were proposed based on the PAsp-grafted chitosan-cyclodextrin conjugate (CCPE), where multiple β-CDs were tied on a CS chain. The FA-functionalized CCPE (i.e., CCPE-FA) was obtained via a host-guest interaction between the CD units of CCPE and the adamantane (Ad) species of Ad-modified FA (Ad-FA). The resulting CCPE/pDNA, CCPE

Stepwise microhydration of aromatic amide cations: water solvation networks revealed by the infrared spectra of acetanilide+-(H2O)n clusters (n ≤ 3).

PubMed

Klyne, Johanna; Schmies, Matthias; Miyazaki, Mitsuhiko; Fujii, Masaaki; Dopfer, Otto

2018-01-31

The structure and activity of peptides and proteins strongly rely on their charge state and the interaction with their hydration environment. Here, infrared photodissociation (IRPD) spectra of size-selected microhydrated clusters of cationic acetanilide (AA + , N-phenylacetamide), AA + -(H 2 O) n with n ≤ 3, are analysed by dispersion-corrected density functional theory calculations at the ωB97X-D/aug-cc-pVTZ level to determine the stepwise microhydration process of this aromatic peptide model. The IRPD spectra are recorded in the informative X-H stretch (ν OH , ν NH , ν CH , amide A, 2800-3800 cm -1 ) and fingerprint (amide I-II, 1000-1900 cm -1 ) ranges to probe the preferred hydration motifs and the cluster growth. In the most stable AA + -(H 2 O) n structures, the H 2 O ligands solvate the acidic NH proton of the amide by forming a hydrogen-bonded solvent network, which strongly benefits from cooperative effects arising from the excess positive charge. Comparison with neutral AA-H 2 O reveals the strong impact of ionization on the acidity of the NH proton and the topology of the interaction potential. Comparison with related hydrated formanilide clusters demonstrates the influence of methylation of the amide group (H → CH 3 ) on the shape of the intermolecular potential and the structure of the hydration shell.

Efficient and Selective N-Methylation of Nitroarenes under Mild Reaction Conditions.

PubMed

Pedrajas, Elena; Sorribes, Iván; Guillamón, Eva; Junge, Kathrin; Beller, Matthias; Llusar, Rosa

2017-09-21

Herein, we report a straightforward protocol for the preparation of N,N-dimethylated amines from readily available nitro starting materials using formic acid as a renewable C 1 source and silanes as reducing agents. This tandem process is efficiently accomplished in the presence of a cubane-type Mo 3 PtS 4 catalyst. For the preparation of the novel [Mo 3 Pt(PPh 3 )S 4 Cl 3 (dmen) 3 ] + (3 + ) (dmen: N,N'-dimethylethylenediamine) compound we have followed a [3+1] building block strategy starting from the trinuclear [Mo 3 S 4 Cl 3 (dmen) 3 ] + (1 + ) and Pt(PPh 3 ) 4 (2) complexes. The heterobimetallic 3 + cation preserves the main structural features of its 1 + cluster precursor. Interestingly, this catalytic protocol operates at room temperature with high chemoselectivity when the 3 + catalyst co-exists with its trinuclear 1 + precursor. N-heterocyclic arenes, double bonds, ketones, cyanides and ester functional groups are well retained after N-methylation of the corresponding functionalized nitroarenes. In addition, benzylic-type as well as aliphatic nitro compounds can also be methylated following this protocol. © 2017 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

Increased phencyclidine-induced hyperactivity following cortical cholinergic denervation.

PubMed

Mattsson, Anna; Lindqvist, Eva; Ogren, Sven Ove; Olson, Lars

2005-11-07

Altered cholinergic function is considered as a potential contributing factor in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia. We hypothesize that cortical cholinergic denervation may result in changes in glutamatergic activity. Therefore, we lesioned the cholinergic corticopetal projections by local infusion of 192 IgG-saporin into the nucleus basalis magnocellularis of rats. Possible effects of this lesion on glutamatergic systems were examined by phencyclidine-induced locomotor activity, and also by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor binding. We find that cholinergic lesioning of neocortex leads to enhanced sensitivity to phencyclidine in the form of a dramatic increase in horizontal activity. Further, N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor binding is unaffected in denervated rats. These results suggest that aberrations in cholinergic function might lead to glutamatergic dysfunctions, which might be of relevance for the pathophysiology for schizophrenia.

Distinct perinatal features of the hyperpolarization-activated non-selective cation current Ih in the rat cortical plate

PubMed Central

2012-01-01

Background During neocortical development, multiple voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels are differentially expressed in neurons thereby shaping their intrinsic electrical properties. One of these voltage-gated ion channels, the hyperpolarization-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel and its current Ih, is an important regulator of neuronal excitability. Thus far, studies on an early Ih appearance in rodent neocortex are missing or conflicting. Therefore, we focused our study on perinatal neocortical Ih and its properties. Results In the perinatal rat neocortex we observed a rapid increase in the number of neurons exhibiting Ih. Perinatal Ih had unique properties: first, a pronounced cAMP sensitivity resulting in a marked shift of the voltage sufficient for half-maximum activation of the current towards depolarized voltages and second, an up to 10 times slower deactivation at physiological membrane potentials when compared to the one at postnatal day 30. The combination of these features was sufficient to suppress membrane resonance in our in silico and in vitro experiments. Although all four HCN subunits were present on the mRNA level we only detected HCN4, HCN3 and HCN1 on the protein level at P0. HCN1 protein at P0, however, appeared incompletely processed. At P30 glycosilated HCN1 and HCN2 dominated. By in silico simulations and heterologous co-expression experiments of a ‘slow’ and a ‘fast’ Ih conducting HCN channel subunit in HEK293 cells, we mimicked most characteristics of the native current, pointing to a functional combination of subunit homo- or heteromeres. Conclusion Taken together, these data indicate a HCN subunit shift initiated in the first 24 hours after birth and implicate a prominent perinatal role of the phylogenetically older HCN3 and/or HCN4 subunits in the developing neocortex. PMID:22694806

Phenylethylamine N-methylation by human brain preparations

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Mosnaim, A.D.; Callaghan, O.H.; Wolf, M.E.

Alterations in the brain metabolism of biogenic amines has been postulated to play a role in the pathophysiology of several psychiatric disorders. There is some evidence suggesting schizogenic properties for some abnormal neuroamine methylated derivatives. The authors now report that postmortem human brain preparations, obtained from the putamen and thalamus, convert phenylethylamine (PEA) to its behaviorally active derivative N-methyl PEA, a reaction which is carried out by the 100,000 xg supernatant (in presence of 1 x 10 /sup -5/M pargyline) and enhanced by the addition of NADPH. PEA N-methylation occurred in schizophrenics as well as in sex and age matchedmore » controls. The formation of increased amounts of (/sup 3/H-) or (/sup 14/C-) N-methyl PEA when incubating either cold amine and /sup 3/H-SAM or 1-/sup 14/C PEA and cold SAM, respectively, indicates that SAM is a methyl group donor in this reaction. They will discuss the physiological and pharmacological implications of these results.« less

STEP activation by Gαq coupled GPCRs opposes Src regulation of NMDA receptors containing the GluN2A subunit

PubMed Central

Tian, Meng; Xu, Jian; Lei, Gang; Lombroso, Paul J.; Jackson, Michael F.; MacDonald, John F.

2016-01-01

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are necessary for the induction of synaptic plasticity and for the consolidation of learning and memory. NMDAR function is tightly regulated by functionally opposed families of kinases and phosphatases. Herein we show that the striatal-enriched protein tyrosine phosphatase (STEP) is recruited by Gαq-coupled receptors, including the M1 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (M1R), and opposes the Src tyrosine kinase-mediated increase in the function of NMDARs composed of GluN2A. STEP activation by M1R stimulation requires IP3Rs and can depress NMDA-evoked currents with modest intracellular Ca2+ buffering. Src recruitment by M1R stimulation requires coincident NMDAR activation and can augment NMDA-evoked currents with high intracellular Ca2+ buffering. Our findings suggest that Src and STEP recruitment is contingent on differing intracellular Ca2+ dynamics that dictate whether NMDAR function is augmented or depressed following M1R stimulation. PMID:27857196

Protonation switching to the least-basic heteroatom of carbamate through cationic hydrogen bonding promotes the formation of isocyanate cations.

PubMed

Kurouchi, Hiroaki; Sumita, Akinari; Otani, Yuko; Ohwada, Tomohiko

2014-07-07

We found that phenethylcarbamates that bear ortho-salicylate as an ether group (carbamoyl salicylates) dramatically accelerate OC bond dissociation in strong acid to facilitate generation of isocyanate cation (N-protonated isocyanates), which undergo subsequent intramolecular aromatic electrophilic cyclization to give dihydroisoquinolones. To generate isocyanate cations from carbamates in acidic media as electrophiles for aromatic substitution, protonation at the ether oxygen, the least basic heteroatom, is essential to promote CO bond cleavage. However, the carbonyl oxygen of carbamates, the most basic site, is protonated exclusively in strong acids. We found that the protonation site can be shifted to an alternative basic atom by linking methyl salicylate to the ether oxygen of carbamate. The methyl ester oxygen ortho to the phenolic (ether) oxygen of salicylate is as basic as the carbamate carbonyl oxygen, and we found that monoprotonation at the methyl ester oxygen in strong acid resulted in the formation of an intramolecular cationic hydrogen bond (>CO(+) H⋅⋅⋅O<) with the phenolic ether oxygen. This facilitates OC bond dissociation of phenethylcarbamates, thereby promoting isocyanate cation formation. In contrast, superacid-mediated diprotonation at the methyl ester oxygen of the salicylate and the carbonyl oxygen of the carbamate afforded a rather stable dication, which did not readily undergo CO bond dissociation. This is an unprecedented and unknown case in which the monocation has greater reactivity than the dication. © 2014 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.

N,N,N′,N′-Tetra­methyl­guanidinium tetra­phenyl­borate

PubMed Central

Tiritiris, Ioannis

2012-01-01

In the title salt, C5H14N3 +·C24H20B−, the C—N bond lengths in the central CN3 unit are 1.3322 (11), 1.3385 (12) and 1.3422 (12) Å, indicating partial double-bond character. The central C atom is bonded to the three N atoms in a nearly ideal trigonal-planar geometry [N—C—N angles = 119.51 (8), 119.81 (9) and 120.69 (8)°] and the positive charge is delocalized in the CN3 plane. The bond lengths between the N atoms and the terminal methyl groups all have values close to a typical single bond [1.4597 (12)–1.4695 (13) Å]. The crystal packing is caused by electrostatic inter­actions between cations and anions. PMID:23476307

Methylation of hemoglobin to enhance flocculant performance

USDA-ARS?s Scientific Manuscript database

An inexpensive bioflocculant, bovine hemoglobin (Hb), has been covalently modified through methylation of the side chain carboxyl groups of aspartic and glutamic acid residues to improve its flocculation activity. Potentiometric titration of the recovered products showed approximately 28% degree of ...

Strategies for the Hyperpolarization of Acetonitrile and Related Ligands by SABRE

PubMed Central

2014-01-01

We report on a strategy for using SABRE (signal amplification by reversible exchange) for polarizing 1H and 13C nuclei of weakly interacting ligands which possess biologically relevant and nonaromatic motifs. We first demonstrate this via the polarization of acetonitrile, using Ir(IMes)(COD)Cl as the catalyst precursor, and confirm that the route to hyperpolarization transfer is via the J-coupling network. We extend this work to the polarization of propionitrile, benzylnitrile, benzonitrile, and trans-3-hexenedinitrile in order to assess its generality. In the 1H NMR spectrum, the signal for acetonitrile is enhanced 8-fold over its thermal counterpart when [Ir(H)2(IMes)(MeCN)3]+ is the catalyst. Upon addition of pyridine or pyridine-d5, the active catalyst changes to [Ir(H)2(IMes)(py)2(MeCN)]+ and the resulting acetonitrile 1H signal enhancement increases to 20- and 60-fold, respectively. In 13C NMR studies, polarization transfers optimally to the quaternary 13C nucleus of MeCN while the methyl 13C is hardly polarized. Transfer to 13C is shown to occur first via the 1H–1H coupling between the hydrides and the methyl protons and then via either the 2J or 1J couplings to the respective 13Cs, of which the 2J route is more efficient. These experimental results are rationalized through a theoretical treatment which shows excellent agreement with experiment. In the case of MeCN, longitudinal two-spin orders between pairs of 1H nuclei in the three-spin methyl group are created. Two-spin order states, between the 1H and 13C nuclei, are also created, and their existence is confirmed for Me13CN in both the 1H and 13C NMR spectra using the Only Parahydrogen Spectroscopy protocol. PMID:25539423

Strategies for the hyperpolarization of acetonitrile and related ligands by SABRE.

PubMed

Mewis, Ryan E; Green, Richard A; Cockett, Martin C R; Cowley, Michael J; Duckett, Simon B; Green, Gary G R; John, Richard O; Rayner, Peter J; Williamson, David C

2015-01-29

We report on a strategy for using SABRE (signal amplification by reversible exchange) for polarizing (1)H and (13)C nuclei of weakly interacting ligands which possess biologically relevant and nonaromatic motifs. We first demonstrate this via the polarization of acetonitrile, using Ir(IMes)(COD)Cl as the catalyst precursor, and confirm that the route to hyperpolarization transfer is via the J-coupling network. We extend this work to the polarization of propionitrile, benzylnitrile, benzonitrile, and trans-3-hexenedinitrile in order to assess its generality. In the (1)H NMR spectrum, the signal for acetonitrile is enhanced 8-fold over its thermal counterpart when [Ir(H)2(IMes)(MeCN)3](+) is the catalyst. Upon addition of pyridine or pyridine-d5, the active catalyst changes to [Ir(H)2(IMes)(py)2(MeCN)](+) and the resulting acetonitrile (1)H signal enhancement increases to 20- and 60-fold, respectively. In (13)C NMR studies, polarization transfers optimally to the quaternary (13)C nucleus of MeCN while the methyl (13)C is hardly polarized. Transfer to (13)C is shown to occur first via the (1)H-(1)H coupling between the hydrides and the methyl protons and then via either the (2)J or (1)J couplings to the respective (13)Cs, of which the (2)J route is more efficient. These experimental results are rationalized through a theoretical treatment which shows excellent agreement with experiment. In the case of MeCN, longitudinal two-spin orders between pairs of (1)H nuclei in the three-spin methyl group are created. Two-spin order states, between the (1)H and (13)C nuclei, are also created, and their existence is confirmed for Me(13)CN in both the (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra using the Only Parahydrogen Spectroscopy protocol.

Structure-transfection activity relationships in a series of novel cationic lipids with heterocyclic head-groups.

PubMed

Ivanova, Ekaterina A; Maslov, Mikhail A; Kabilova, Tatyana O; Puchkov, Pavel A; Alekseeva, Anna S; Boldyrev, Ivan A; Vlassov, Valentin V; Serebrennikova, Galina A; Morozova, Nina G; Zenkova, Marina A

2013-11-07

Cationic liposomes are promising candidates for the delivery of various therapeutic nucleic acids. Here, we report a convenient synthesis of carbamate-type cationic lipids with various hydrophobic domains (tetradecanol, dialkylglycerol, cholesterol) and positively charged head-groups (pyridinium, N-methylimidazolium, N-methylmorpholinium) and data on the structure-transfection activity relationships. It was found that single-chain lipids possess high surface activity, which correlates with high cytotoxicity due to their ability to disrupt the cellular membrane by combined hydrophobic and electrostatic interactions. Liposomes containing these lipids also display high cytotoxicity with respect to all cell lines. Irrespective of chemical structures, all cationic lipids form liposomes with similar sizes and surface potentials. The characteristics of complexes composed of cationic liposomes and nucleic acids depend mostly on the type of nucleic acid and P/N ratios. In the case of oligodeoxyribonucleotide delivery, the transfection activity depends on the type of cationic head-group regardless of the type of hydrophobic domain: all types of cationic liposomes mediate efficient oligonucleotide transfer into 80-90% of the eukaryotic cells, and liposomes based on lipids with N-methylmorpholinium cationic head-group display the highest transfection activity. In the case of plasmid DNA and siRNA, the type of hydrophobic domain determines the transfection activity: liposomes composed of cholesterol-based lipids were the most efficient in DNA transfer, while liposomes containing glycerol-based lipids exhibited reasonable activity in siRNA delivery under serum-free conditions.

Point mutation of a conserved aspartate, D69, in the muscarinic M2 receptor does not modify voltage-sensitive agonist potency.

PubMed

Ågren, Richard; Sahlholm, Kristoffer; Nilsson, Johanna; Århem, Peter

2018-01-29

The muscarinic M 2 receptor (M 2 R) has been shown to display voltage-sensitive agonist binding, based on G protein-activated inward rectifier potassium channel (GIRK) opening and radioligand binding at different membrane voltages. A conserved aspartate in transmembrane segment (TM) II of M 2 R, D69, has been proposed as the voltage sensor. While a recent paper instead presented evidence of tyrosines in TMs III, VI, and VII acting as voltage sensors, these authors were not able to record GIRK channel activation by a D69N mutant M 2 R. In the present study, we succeeded in recording ACh-induced GIRK channel activation by this mutant at -80 and 0 mV. The acetylcholine EC 50 was about 2.5-fold higher at 0 mV, a potency shift very similar to that observed at wild-type M 2 R, indicating that voltage sensitivity persists at the D69N mutant. Thus, our present observations corroborate the notion that D69 is not responsible for voltage sensitivity of the M 2 R. Copyright © 2018 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Modulating the Intrinsic Disorder in the Cytoplasmic Domain Alters the Biological Activity of the N-Methyl-d-aspartate-sensitive Glutamate Receptor*

PubMed Central

Choi, Ucheor B.; Kazi, Rashek; Stenzoski, Natalie; Wollmuth, Lonnie P.; Uversky, Vladimir N.; Bowen, Mark E.

2013-01-01

The NMDA-sensitive glutamate receptor is a ligand-gated ion channel that mediates excitatory synaptic transmission in the nervous system. Extracellular zinc allosterically regulates the NMDA receptor by binding to the extracellular N-terminal domain, which inhibits channel gating. Phosphorylation of the intrinsically disordered intracellular C-terminal domain alleviates inhibition by extracellular zinc. The mechanism for this functional effect is largely unknown. Proline is a hallmark of intrinsic disorder, so we used proline mutagenesis to modulate disorder in the cytoplasmic domain. Proline depletion selectively uncoupled zinc inhibition with little effect on receptor biogenesis, surface trafficking, or ligand-activated gating. Proline depletion also reduced the affinity for a PDZ domain involved in synaptic trafficking and affected small molecule binding. To understand the origin of these phenomena, we used single molecule fluorescence and ensemble biophysical methods to characterize the structural effects of proline mutagenesis. Proline depletion did not eliminate intrinsic disorder, but the underlying conformational dynamics were changed. Thus, we altered the form of intrinsic disorder, which appears sufficient to affect the biological activity. These findings suggest that conformational dynamics within the intrinsically disordered cytoplasmic domain are important for the allosteric regulation of NMDA receptor gating. PMID:23782697

Reaction products from N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and deoxyribonucleic acid containing thymidine residues. Synthesis and identification of a new methylation product, O4-methyl-thymidine

PubMed Central

Lawley, P. D.; Orr, D. J.; Shah, S. A.; Farmer, P. B.; Jarman, M.

1973-01-01

1. DNA was treated with N-methyl-N-nitrosourea at pH7–8, 37°C, degraded to yield 3- and 7-methylpurines and deoxyribonucleosides and the reaction products were separated by chromatography on ion-exchange resins. The following methods for identification and determination of products were used: with unlabelled N-methyl-N-nitrosourea, u.v. absorption; use of methyl-14C-labelled N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and use of [14C]thymine-labelled DNA. 2. The synthesis of O4-methylthymidine and its identification by u.v. and mass spectroscopy are reported. 3. 3-Methylthymidine and O4-methylthymidine were found as methylation products from N-methyl-N-nitrosourea with thymidine and with DNA, in relatively small yields. Unidentified products containing thymine were found in enzymic digests of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-treated DNA, which may be phosphotriesters. 4. The possible role of formation of methylthymines in mutagenesis by N-methyl-N-nitrosourea is discussed. PMID:4798180

Secreted fungal aspartic proteases: A review.

PubMed

Mandujano-González, Virginia; Villa-Tanaca, Lourdes; Anducho-Reyes, Miguel Angel; Mercado-Flores, Yuridia

2016-01-01

The aspartic proteases, also called aspartyl and aspartate proteases or acid proteases (E.C.3.4.23), belong to the endopeptidase family and are characterized by the conserved sequence Asp-Gly-Thr at the active site. These enzymes are found in a wide variety of microorganisms in which they perform important functions related to nutrition and pathogenesis. In addition, their high activity and stability at acid pH make them attractive for industrial application in the food industry; specifically, they are used as milk-coagulating agents in cheese production or serve to improve the taste of some foods. This review presents an analysis of the characteristics and properties of secreted microbial aspartic proteases and their potential for commercial application. Copyright © 2016 Asociación Española de Micología. Published by Elsevier Espana. All rights reserved.

Towards hyperpolarized 13C-succinate imaging of brain cancer

PubMed Central

Bhattacharya, Pratip; Chekmenev, Eduard Y.; Perman, William H.; Harris, Kent C.; Lin, Alexander P.; Norton, Valerie A.; Tan, Chou T.; Ross, Brian D.; Weitekamp, Daniel P.

2009-01-01

We describe a novel 13C enriched precursor molecule, sodium 1-13C acetylenedicarboxylate, which after hydrogenation by PASADE-NA (Parahydrogen and Synthesis Allows Dramatically Enhanced Nuclear Alignment) under controlled experimental conditions, becomes hyperpolarized 13C sodium succinate. Fast in vivo 3D FIESTA MR imaging demonstrated that, following carotid arterial injection, the hyperpolarized 13C-succinate appeared in the head and cerebral circulation of normal and tumor-bearing rats. At this time, no in vivo hyperpolarized signal has been localized to normal brain or brain tumor. On the other hand, ex vivo samples of brain harvested from rats bearing a 9L brain tumor, 1 h or more following in vivo carotid injection of hyperpolarized 13C sodium succinate, contained significant concentrations of the injected substrate, 13C sodium succinate, together with 13C maleate and succinate metabolites 1-13C-glutamate, 5-13C-glutamate, 1-13C-glutamine and 5-13C-glutamine. The 13C substrates and products were below the limits of NMR detection in ex vivo samples of normal brain consistent with an intact blood–brain barrier. These ex vivo results indicate that hyperpolarized 13C sodium succinate may become a useful tool for rapid in vivo identification of brain tumors, providing novel biomarkers in 13C MR spectral-spatial images. PMID:17303454

Towards hyperpolarized 13C-succinate imaging of brain cancer

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Bhattacharya, Pratip; Chekmenev, Eduard Y.; Perman, William H.; Harris, Kent C.; Lin, Alexander P.; Norton, Valerie A.; Tan, Chou T.; Ross, Brian D.; Weitekamp, Daniel P.

2007-05-01

We describe a novel 13C enriched precursor molecule, sodium 1- 13C acetylenedicarboxylate, which after hydrogenation by PASADENA (Parahydrogen and Synthesis Allows Dramatically Enhanced Nuclear Alignment) under controlled experimental conditions, becomes hyperpolarized 13C sodium succinate. Fast in vivo 3D FIESTA MR imaging demonstrated that, following carotid arterial injection, the hyperpolarized 13C-succinate appeared in the head and cerebral circulation of normal and tumor-bearing rats. At this time, no in vivo hyperpolarized signal has been localized to normal brain or brain tumor. On the other hand, ex vivo samples of brain harvested from rats bearing a 9L brain tumor, 1 h or more following in vivo carotid injection of hyperpolarized 13C sodium succinate, contained significant concentrations of the injected substrate, 13C sodium succinate, together with 13C maleate and succinate metabolites 1- 13C-glutamate, 5- 13C-glutamate, 1- 13C-glutamine and 5- 13C-glutamine. The 13C substrates and products were below the limits of NMR detection in ex vivo samples of normal brain consistent with an intact blood-brain barrier. These ex vivo results indicate that hyperpolarized 13C sodium succinate may become a useful tool for rapid in vivo identification of brain tumors, providing novel biomarkers in 13C MR spectral-spatial images.

In vivo single-shot 13C spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized metabolites by spatiotemporal encoding

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Schmidt, Rita; Laustsen, Christoffer; Dumez, Jean-Nicolas; Kettunen, Mikko I.; Serrao, Eva M.; Marco-Rius, Irene; Brindle, Kevin M.; Ardenkjaer-Larsen, Jan Henrik; Frydman, Lucio

2014-03-01

Hyperpolarized metabolic imaging is a growing field that has provided a new tool for analyzing metabolism, particularly in cancer. Given the short life times of the hyperpolarized signal, fast and effective spectroscopic imaging methods compatible with dynamic metabolic characterizations are necessary. Several approaches have been customized for hyperpolarized 13C MRI, including CSI with a center-out k-space encoding, EPSI, and spectrally selective pulses in combination with spiral EPI acquisitions. Recent studies have described the potential of single-shot alternatives based on spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN) principles, to derive chemical-shift images within a sub-second period. By contrast to EPSI, SPEN does not require oscillating acquisition gradients to deliver chemical-shift information: its signal encodes both spatial as well as chemical shift information, at no extra cost in experimental complexity. SPEN MRI sequences with slice-selection and arbitrary excitation pulses can also be devised, endowing SPEN with the potential to deliver single-shot multi-slice chemical shift images, with a temporal resolution required for hyperpolarized dynamic metabolic imaging. The present work demonstrates this with initial in vivo results obtained from SPEN-based imaging of pyruvate and its metabolic products, after injection of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate. Multi-slice chemical-shift images of healthy rats were obtained at 4.7 T in the region of the kidney, and 4D (2D spatial, 1D spectral, 1D temporal) data sets were obtained at 7 T from a murine lymphoma tumor model.

In vivo single-shot 13C spectroscopic imaging of hyperpolarized metabolites by spatiotemporal encoding

PubMed Central

Schmidt, Rita; Laustsen, Christoffer; Dumez, Jean-Nicolas; Kettunen, Mikko I.; Serrao, Eva M.; Marco-Rius, Irene; Brindle, Kevin M.; Ardenkjaer-Larsen, Jan Henrik; Frydman, Lucio

2016-01-01

Hyperpolarized metabolic imaging is a growing field that has provided a tool for analyzing metabolism, particularly in cancer. Given the short life times of the hyperpolarized signal, fast and effective spectroscopic imaging methods compatible with dynamic metabolic characterizations are necessary. Several approaches have been customized for hyperpolarized 13C MRI, including CSI with a center-out k-space encoding, EPSI, and spectrally selective pulses in combination with spiral EPI acquisitions. Recent studies have described the potential of single-shot alternatives based on spatiotemporal encoding (SPEN) principles, to derive chemical-shift images within a sub-second period. By contrast to EPSI, SPEN does not require oscillating acquisition gradients to deliver chemical-shift information: its signal encodes both spatial as well as chemical shift information, at no extra cost in experimental complexity. SPEN MRI sequences with slice-selection and arbitrary excitation pulses can also be devised, endowing SPEN with the potential to deliver single-shot multi-slice chemical shift images, with a temporal resolution required for hyperpolarized dynamic metabolic imaging. The present work demonstrates this with initial in vivo results obtained from SPEN-based imaging of pyruvate and its metabolic products, after injection of hyperpolarized [1-13C]pyruvate. Multi-slice chemical-shift images of healthy rats were obtained at 4.7 T in the region of the kidney, and 4D (2D spatial, 1D spectral, 1D temporal) data sets were obtained at 7 T from a murine lymphoma tumor model. PMID:24486720

Epoxyeicosatrienoic acids, potassium channel blockers and endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization in the guinea-pig carotid artery

PubMed Central

Chataigneau, Thierry; Félétou, Michel; Duhault, Jacques; Vanhoutte, Paul M

1998-01-01

Using intracellular microelectrodes, we investigated the effects of 17-octadecynoic acid (17-ODYA) on the endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization induced by acetylcholine in the guinea-pig isolated internal carotid artery with endothelium. In the presence of Nω-nitro-L-arginine (L-NOARG, 100 μM) and indomethacin (5 μM) to inhibit nitric oxide synthase and cyclo-oxygenase, acetylcholine (1 μM) evoked an endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization which averaged −16.4 mV starting from a resting membrane potential of −56.8 mV. There was a negative correlation between the amplitude of the hyperpolarization and the absolute values of the resting membrane potential. The acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization was not altered by charybdotoxin (0.1 μM) or iberiotoxin (30 nM). It was partially but significantly reduced by apamin (0.5 μM) to −12.8±1.2 mV (n=10) or the combination of apamin plus iberiotoxin (−14.3±3.4 mV, n=4). However, the combination of charybdotoxin and apamin abolished the hyperpolarization and under these conditions, acetylcholine evoked a depolarization (+7.1±3.7 mV, n=8). 17-ODYA (10 μM) produced a significant hyperpolarization of the resting membrane potential which averaged −59.6 mV and a partial but significant inhibition of the acetylcholine-induced endothelium-dependent hyperpolarization (−10.9 mV). Apamin did not modify the effects of 17-ODYA but in the presence of charybdotoxin or iberiotoxin, 17-ODYA no longer influenced the resting membrane potential or the acetylcholine-induced hyperpolarization. When compared to solvent (ethanol, 1% v/v), epoxyeicosatrienoic acids (EpETrEs) (5,6-, 8,9-, 11,12- and 14,15-EpETrE, 3 μM) did not affect the cell membrane potential and did not relax the guinea-pig isolated internal carotid artery. These results indicate that, in the guinea-pig internal carotid artery, the involvement of metabolites of arachidonic acid through the cytochrome P

A Novel Mechanism for Resistance to the Antimetabolite N-Phosphonoacetyl-l-Aspartate by Helicobacter pylori

PubMed Central

Burns, Brendan P.; Mendz, George L.; Hazell, Stuart L.

1998-01-01

The mechanism of resistance to N-phosphonoacetyl-l-aspartate (PALA), a potent inhibitor of aspartate carbamoyltransferase (which catalyzes the first committed step of de novo pyrimidine biosynthesis), in Helicobacter pylori was investigated. At a 1 mM concentration, PALA had no effects on the growth and viability of H. pylori. The inhibitor was taken up by H. pylori cells and the transport was saturable, with a Km of 14.8 mM and a Vmax of 19.1 nmol min−1 μl of cell water−1. By 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, both PALA and phosphonoacetate were shown to have been metabolized in all isolates of H. pylori studied. A main metabolic end product was identified as inorganic phosphate, suggesting the presence of an enzyme activity which cleaved the carbon-phosphorus (C-P) bonds. The kinetics of phosphonate group cleavage was saturable, and there was no evidence for substrate inhibition at higher concentrations of either compound. C-P bond cleavage activity was temperature dependent, and the activity was lost in the presence of the metal chelator EDTA. Other cleavages of PALA were observed by 1H NMR spectroscopy, with succinate and malate released as main products. These metabolic products were also formed when N-acetyl-l-aspartate was incubated with H. pylori lysates, suggesting the action of an aspartase. Studies of the cellular location of these enzymes revealed that the C-P bond cleavage activity was localized in the soluble fraction and that the aspartase activity appeared in the membrane-associated fraction. The results suggested that the two H. pylori enzymes transformed the inhibitor into noncytotoxic products, thus providing the bacterium with a mechanism of resistance to PALA toxicity which appears to be unique. PMID:9791105

Membrane hyperpolarization during human sperm capacitation

PubMed Central

López-González, I.; Torres-Rodríguez, P.; Sánchez-Carranza, O.; Solís-López, A.; Santi, C.M.; Darszon, A.; Treviño, C.L.

2014-01-01

Sperm capacitation is a complex and indispensable physiological process that spermatozoa must undergo in order to acquire fertilization capability. Spermatozoa from several mammalian species, including mice, exhibit a capacitation-associated plasma membrane hyperpolarization, which is necessary for the acrosome reaction to occur. Despite its importance, this hyperpolarization event has not been adequately examined in human sperm. In this report we used flow cytometry to show that a subpopulation of human sperm indeed undergo a plasma membrane hyperpolarization upon in vitro capacitation. This hyperpolarization correlated with two other well-characterized capacitation parameters, namely an increase in intracellular pH and Ca2+ concentration, measured also by flow cytometry. We found that sperm membrane hyperpolarization was completely abolished in the presence of a high external K+ concentration (60 mM), indicating the participation of K+ channels. In order to identify, which of the potential K+ channels were involved in this hyperpolarization, we used different K+ channel inhibitors including charybdotoxin, slotoxin and iberiotoxin (which target Slo1) and clofilium (a more specific blocker for Slo3). All these K+ channel antagonists inhibited membrane hyperpolarization to a similar extent, suggesting that both members of the Slo family may potentially participate. Two very recent papers recorded K+ currents in human sperm electrophysiologically, with some contradictory results. In the present work, we show through immunoblotting that Slo3 channels are present in the human sperm membrane. In addition, we found that human Slo3 channels expressed in CHO cells were sensitive to clofilium (50 μM). Considered altogether, our data indicate that Slo1 and Slo3 could share the preponderant role in the capacitation-associated hyperpolarization of human sperm in contrast to what has been previously reported for mouse sperm, where Slo3 channels are the main contributors to the

TACN-based cationic lipids with amino acid backbone and double tails: materials for non-viral gene delivery.

PubMed

Wang, Bing; Yi, Wen-Jing; Zhang, Ji; Zhang, Qin-Fang; Xun, Miao-Miao; Yu, Xiao-Qi

2014-04-01

Cationic lipids have become an efficient type of non-viral vectors for gene delivery. In this Letter, four cationic lipids containing 1,4,7-triazacyclononane (TACN) headgroup, glutamic/aspartic acid backbone and dioleyl tails were designed and synthesized. The TACN headgroup gives these lipids excellent pH buffering capacities, which were higher than branched 25 kDa PEI. Cationic liposomes prepared from these lipids and DOPE showed good DNA affinity, and full DNA condensation was found at N/P ratio of 3 via agarose gel electrophoresis. The lipoplexes were characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) assay, which gave proper particle sizes and zeta-potentials for transfection. In vitro gene transfection results in two cell lines reveal that TAN (with aspartic acid and amide bond in the structure) shows the best transfection efficiency, which is close to commercially available transfection agent Lipofectamine 2000. Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

NMDA and D2-like receptors modulate cognitive flexibility in a color discrimination reversal task in pigeons.

PubMed

Herold, Christina

2010-06-01

Reversal and extinction learning represent forms of cognitive flexibility that refer to the ability of an animal to alter behavior in response to unanticipated changes on environmental demands. A role for dopamine and glutamate in modulating this behavior has been implicated. Here, we determined the effects of intracerebroventricular injections in pigeons' forebrain of the D2-like receptor agonist quinpirole, the D2-like receptor antagonist sulpiride and the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist AP-5 on initial acquisition and reversal of a color discrimination task. On day one, pigeons had to learn to discriminate two color keys. On day two, pigeons first performed a retention test, which was followed by a reversal of the reward contingencies of the two color keys. None of the drugs altered performance in the initial acquisition of color discrimination or affected the retention of the learned color key. In contrast, all drugs impaired reversal learning by increasing trials and incorrect responses in the reversal session. Our data support the hypothesis that D2-like receptor mechanisms, like N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor modulations, are involved in cognitive flexibility and relearning processes, but not in initial learning of stimulus-reward association.

Methylation of ribonucleic acid by the carcinogens dimethyl sulphate, N-methyl-N-nitrosourea and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine. Comparisons of chemical analyses at the nucleoside and base levels

PubMed Central

Lawley, P. D.; Shah, S. A.

1972-01-01

1. The following methods for hydrolysis of methyl-14C-labelled RNA, and for chromatographic isolation and determination of the products, were investigated: enzymic digestion to nucleosides at pH6 or 8; alkaline hydrolysis and conversion into nucleosides; hydrolysis by acid to pyrimidine nucleotides and purine bases, or completely to bases; chromatography on Dowex 50 (NH4+ form) at pH6 or 8.9, or on Dowex 50 (H+ form), or on Sephadex G-10. 2. The suitability of the various methods for determination of methylation products was assessed. The principal product, 7-methylguanosine, was unstable under the conditions used for determinations of nucleosides. 3- and 7-Methyladenine and 3- and 7-methylguanine are best determined as bases; 1-methyladenine and 3-methylcytosine can be isolated as either nucleosides or bases; O6-methylguanine is unstable under the acid hydrolysis conditions used and can be determined as the nucleoside; 3-methyluracil was detected, but may be derived from methylation of the ionized form of uracil. 3. Differences between the patterns of methylation of RNA and homopolyribonucleotides by the N-methyl-N-nitroso compounds and dimethyl sulphate were found: the nitroso compounds were able to methylate O-6 of guanine, were relatively more reactive at N-7 of adenine and probably at N-3 of guanine, but less reactive at N-1 of adenine, N-3 of cytosine and probably at N-3 of uridine. They probably reacted more with the ribose–phosphate chain, but no products from this were identified. 4. The possible influences of these differences on biological action of the methylating agents is discussed. Nitroso compounds may differ principally in their ability to induce miscoding in the Watson–Crick sense by reaction at O-6 of guanine. Both types of agent may induce miscoding to a lesser extent through methylation at N-3 of guanine; both can methylate N atoms, presumably preventing Watson–Crick hydrogen-bonding. N-Methyl-N-nitrosourea can degrade RNA, possibly

Whole lung morphometry with 3D multiple b-value hyperpolarized gas MRI and compressed sensing.

PubMed

Chan, Ho-Fung; Stewart, Neil J; Parra-Robles, Juan; Collier, Guilhem J; Wild, Jim M

2017-05-01

To demonstrate three-dimensional (3D) multiple b-value diffusion-weighted (DW) MRI of hyperpolarized 3 He gas for whole lung morphometry with compressed sensing (CS). A fully-sampled, two b-value, 3D hyperpolarized 3 He DW-MRI dataset was acquired from the lungs of a healthy volunteer and retrospectively undersampled in the k y and k z phase-encoding directions for CS simulations. Optimal k-space undersampling patterns were determined by minimizing the mean absolute error between reconstructed and fully-sampled 3 He apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) maps. Prospective three-fold, undersampled, 3D multiple b-value 3 He DW-MRI datasets were acquired from five healthy volunteers and one chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patient, and the mean values of maps of ADC and mean alveolar dimension (Lm D ) were validated against two-dimensional (2D) and 3D fully-sampled 3 He DW-MRI experiments. Reconstructed undersampled datasets showed no visual artifacts and good preservation of the main image features and quantitative information. A good agreement between fully-sampled and prospective undersampled datasets was found, with a mean difference of +3.4% and +5.1% observed in mean global ADC and Lm D values, respectively. These differences were within the standard deviation range and consistent with values reported from healthy and COPD lungs. Accelerated CS acquisition has facilitated 3D multiple b-value 3 He DW-MRI scans in a single breath-hold, enabling whole lung morphometry mapping. Magn Reson Med 77:1916-1925, 2017. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2016 The Authors Magnetic Resonance in Medicine published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on

Importance of the GluN2B Carboxy-Terminal Domain for Enhancement of Social Memories

ERIC Educational Resources Information Center

Jacobs, Stephanie; Wei, Wei; Wang, Deheng; Tsien, Joe Z.

2015-01-01

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is known to be necessary for many forms of learning and memory, including social recognition memory. Additionally, the GluN2 subunits are known to modulate multiple forms of memory, with a high GluN2A:GluN2B ratio leading to impairments in long-term memory, while a low GluN2A:GluN2B ratio enhances some…

Generalizing, Extending, and Maximizing Nitrogen-15 Hyperpolarization Induced by Parahydrogen in Reversible Exchange

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

Signal Amplification by Reversible Exchange (SABRE) is a fast and convenient NMR hyperpolarization method that uses cheap and readily available para-hydrogen as a hyperpolarization source. SABRE can hyperpolarize protons and heteronuclei. Here we focus on the heteronuclear variant introduced as SABRE-SHEATH (SABRE in SHield Enables Alignment Transfer to Heteronuclei) and nitrogen-15 targets in particular. We show that 15N-SABRE works more efficiently and on a wider range of substrates than 1H-SABRE, greatly generalizing the SABRE approach. In addition, we show that nitrogen-15 offers significantly extended T1 times of up to 12 minutes. Long T1 times enable higher hyperpolarization levels but also hold the promise of hyperpolarized molecular imaging for several tens of minutes. Detailed characterization and optimization are presented, leading to nitrogen-15 polarization levels in excess of 10% on several compounds. PMID:28392884

Quantitative expression and localization of cysteine and aspartic proteases in human abdominal aortic aneurysms

PubMed Central

Lohoefer, Fabian; Reeps, Christian; Lipp, Christina; Rudelius, Martina; Haertl, Felix; Matevossian, Edouard; Zernecke, Alma; Eckstein, Hans-Henning; Pelisek, Jaroslav

2014-01-01

Cysteine and aspartic proteases possess high elastolytic activity and might contribute to the degradation of the abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) wall. The aim of this study was to analyze, in detail, the proteases (cathepsins B, D, K, L and S, and inhibitor cystatin C) found in human AAA and healthy aortic tissue samples. The vessel walls from AAA patients (n=36) and nonaneurysmal aortae (n=10) were retrieved using conventional surgical repair and autopsy methods. Serum samples from the same AAA patients and 10 healthy volunteers were also collected. Quantitative expression analyses were performed at the mRNA level using real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (RT–PCR). Furthermore, analyses at the protein level included western blot and immunoprecipitation analyses. Cellular sources of cysteine/aspartic proteases and cystatin C were identified by immunohistochemistry (IHC). All cysteine/aspartic proteases and cystatin C were detected in the AAA and control samples. Using quantitative RT–PCR, a significant increase in expression was observed for cathepsins B (P=0.021) and L (P=0.018), compared with the controls. Cathepsin B and cystatin C were also detected in the serum of AAA patients. Using IHC, smooth muscle cells (SMCs) and macrophages were positive for all of the tested cathepsins, as well as cystatin C; in addition, the lymphocytes were mainly positive for cathepsin B, followed by cathepsins D and S. All cysteine/aspartic proteases analyzed in our study were detected in the AAA and healthy aorta. The highest expression was found in macrophages and SMCs. Consequently, cysteine/aspartic proteases might play a substantial role in AAA. PMID:24833013

Renal MR angiography and perfusion in the pig using hyperpolarized water.

PubMed

Wigh Lipsø, Kasper; Hansen, Esben Søvsø Szocska; Tougaard, Rasmus Stilling; Laustsen, Christoffer; Ardenkjaer-Larsen, Jan Henrik

2017-09-01

To study hyperpolarized water as an angiography and perfusion tracer in a large animal model. Protons dissolved in deuterium oxide (D 2 O) were hyperpolarized in a SPINlab dissolution dynamic nuclear polarization (dDNP) polarizer and subsequently investigated in vivo in a pig model at 3 Tesla (T). Approximately 15 mL of hyperpolarized water was injected in the renal artery by hand over 4-5 s. A liquid state polarization of 5.3 ± 0.9% of 3.8 M protons in 15 mL of deuterium oxide was achieved with a T 1 of 24 ± 1 s. This allowed injection through an arterial catheter into the renal artery and subsequently high-contrast imaging of the entire kidney parenchyma over several seconds. The dynamic images allow quantification of tissue perfusion, with a mean cortical perfusion of 504 ± 123 mL/100 mL/min. Hyperpolarized water MR imaging was successfully demonstrated as a renal angiography and perfusion method. Quantitative perfusion maps of the kidney were obtained in agreement with literature and control experiments with gadolinium contrast. Magn Reson Med 78:1131-1135, 2017. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine. © 2016 International Society for Magnetic Resonance in Medicine.

Separate intramolecular targets for protein kinase A control N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor gating and Ca2+ permeability.

PubMed

Aman, Teresa K; Maki, Bruce A; Ruffino, Thomas J; Kasperek, Eileen M; Popescu, Gabriela K

2014-07-04

Protein kinase A (PKA) enhances synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system by increasing NMDA receptor current amplitude and Ca(2+) flux in an isoform-dependent yet poorly understood manner. PKA phosphorylates multiple residues on GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B subunits in vivo, but the functional significance of this multiplicity is unknown. We examined gating and permeation properties of recombinant NMDA receptor isoforms and of receptors with altered C-terminal domain (CTDs) prior to and after pharmacological inhibition of PKA. We found that PKA inhibition decreased GluN1/GluN2B but not GluN1/GluN2A gating; this effect was due to slower rates for receptor activation and resensitization and was mediated exclusively by the GluN2B CTD. In contrast, PKA inhibition reduced NMDA receptor-relative Ca(2+) permeability (PCa/PNa) regardless of the GluN2 isoform and required the GluN1 CTD; this effect was due primarily to decreased unitary Ca(2+) conductance, because neither Na(+) conductance nor Ca(2+)-dependent block was altered substantially. Finally, we show that both the gating and permeation effects can be reproduced by changing the phosphorylation state of a single residue: GluN2B Ser-1166 and GluN1 Ser-897, respectively. We conclude that PKA effects on NMDA receptor gating and Ca(2+) permeability rely on distinct phosphorylation sites located on the CTD of GluN2B and GluN1 subunits. This separate control of NMDA receptor properties by PKA may account for the specific effects of PKA on plasticity during synaptic development and may lead to drugs targeted to alter NMDA receptor gating or Ca(2+) permeability. © 2014 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.

Separate Intramolecular Targets for Protein Kinase A Control N-Methyl-d-aspartate Receptor Gating and Ca2+ Permeability*

PubMed Central

Aman, Teresa K.; Maki, Bruce A.; Ruffino, Thomas J.; Kasperek, Eileen M.; Popescu, Gabriela K.

2014-01-01

Protein kinase A (PKA) enhances synaptic plasticity in the central nervous system by increasing NMDA receptor current amplitude and Ca2+ flux in an isoform-dependent yet poorly understood manner. PKA phosphorylates multiple residues on GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B subunits in vivo, but the functional significance of this multiplicity is unknown. We examined gating and permeation properties of recombinant NMDA receptor isoforms and of receptors with altered C-terminal domain (CTDs) prior to and after pharmacological inhibition of PKA. We found that PKA inhibition decreased GluN1/GluN2B but not GluN1/GluN2A gating; this effect was due to slower rates for receptor activation and resensitization and was mediated exclusively by the GluN2B CTD. In contrast, PKA inhibition reduced NMDA receptor-relative Ca2+ permeability (PCa/PNa) regardless of the GluN2 isoform and required the GluN1 CTD; this effect was due primarily to decreased unitary Ca2+ conductance, because neither Na+ conductance nor Ca2+-dependent block was altered substantially. Finally, we show that both the gating and permeation effects can be reproduced by changing the phosphorylation state of a single residue: GluN2B Ser-1166 and GluN1 Ser-897, respectively. We conclude that PKA effects on NMDA receptor gating and Ca2+ permeability rely on distinct phosphorylation sites located on the CTD of GluN2B and GluN1 subunits. This separate control of NMDA receptor properties by PKA may account for the specific effects of PKA on plasticity during synaptic development and may lead to drugs targeted to alter NMDA receptor gating or Ca2+ permeability. PMID:24847051

d-Cycloserine facilitates extinction learning and enhances extinction-related brain activation.

PubMed

Klass, Anne; Glaubitz, Benjamin; Tegenthoff, Martin; Lissek, Silke

2017-10-01

Extinction learning is modulated by N-methyl d-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) particularly in prefrontal and hippocampal brain regions. The use of of NMDA agonists in exposure therapy of anxiety disorders has been investigated in various patient groups. Behavioral results showed beneficial effects of pre-learning administration of the partial NMDAR agonist d-Cycloserine (DCS) on therapy success. However, the impact of DCS upon non-fear-related contextual extinction, and associated recruitment of extinction-relevant brain regions is as yet unknown. In the present fMRI study, healthy human participants performed a context-related associative learning and extinction task. A single dose of DCS, administered prior to extinction learning, enhanced extinction learning performance in an identical context, and increased activation in prefrontal, temporal as well as hippocampal/insular regions, compared to placebo controls. In contrast, DCS did not affect extinction learning in a novel context, nor the renewal effect, which describes the recovery of an extinguished response if the context of extinction differs from the context of recall. Our findings demonstrate a specific involvement of prefrontal and hippocampal NMDAR in the modification of established stimulus-outcome associations in identical contexts and thus their role in behavioral flexibility, underlining their potential for enhancing AAA extinction learning. Copyright © 2017. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Delivering strong 1H nuclear hyperpolarization levels and long magnetic lifetimes through signal amplification by reversible exchange

PubMed Central

Rayner, Peter J.; Burns, Michael J.; Olaru, Alexandra M.; Norcott, Philip; Fekete, Marianna; Green, Gary G. R.; Highton, Louise A. R.; Mewis, Ryan E.

2017-01-01

Hyperpolarization turns typically weak NMR and MRI responses into strong signals so that ordinarily impractical measurements become possible. The potential to revolutionize analytical NMR and clinical diagnosis through this approach reflect this area's most compelling outcomes. Methods to optimize the low-cost parahydrogen-based approach signal amplification by reversible exchange with studies on a series of biologically relevant nicotinamides and methyl nicotinates are detailed. These procedures involve specific 2H labeling in both the agent and catalyst and achieve polarization lifetimes of ca. 2 min with 50% polarization in the case of methyl-4,6-d2-nicotinate. Because a 1.5-T hospital scanner has an effective 1H polarization level of just 0.0005% this strategy should result in compressed detection times for chemically discerning measurements that probe disease. To demonstrate this technique’s generality, we exemplify further studies on a range of pyridazine, pyrimidine, pyrazine, and isonicotinamide analogs that feature as building blocks in biochemistry and many disease-treating drugs. PMID:28377523

MRI using hyperpolarized noble gases.

PubMed

Kauczor, H; Surkau, R; Roberts, T

1998-01-01

The aim of this study was to review the physical basis of MRI using hyperpolarized noble gases as well as the present status of preclinical and clinical applications. Non-radioactive noble gases with a nuclear spin 1/2 (He-3, Xe-129) can be hyperpolarized by optical pumping. Polarization is transferred from circularly polarized laser light to the noble-gas atoms via alkali-metal vapors (spin exchange) or metastable atoms (metastability exchange). Hyperpolarization results in a non-equilibrium polarization five orders of magnitude higher than the Boltzmann equilibrium compensating for the several 1000 times lower density of noble gases as compared with liquid state hydrogen concentrations in tissue and allows for short imaging times. Hyperpolarization can be stored sufficiently long (3 h to 6 days) to allow for transport and application. Magnetic resonance systems require a broadband radio-frequency system - which is generally available for MR spectroscopy - and dedicated coils. The hyperpolarized gases are administered as inhalative "contrast agents" allowing for imaging of the airways and airspaces. Besides the known anesthetic effect of xenon, no adverse effects are observed in volunteers or patients. Pulse sequences are optimized to effectively use the non-renewable hyperpolarization before it decays or is destroyed, using fast low-flip-angles strategies to allow for dynamic/breath-hold imaging of highly diffusible (He) or soluble (Xe) gases with in vivo T1-times well below 1 min. Since helium is not absorbed in considerable amounts, its application is restricted to the lung. Xe-129 is also under investigation for imaging of white matter disease and functional studies of cerebral perfusion. Magnetic resonance imaging using hyperpolarized gases is emerging as a technical challenge and opportunity for the MR community. Preliminary experience suggests potential for functional imaging of pulmonary ventilation and cerebral perfusion.

Interaction of amphotericin B and its low toxic derivative, N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester, with fungal, mammalian and bacterial cells measured by the energy transfer method.

PubMed

Szlinder-Richert, Joanna; Cybulska, Barbara; Grzybowska, Jolanta; Bolard, Jacques; Borowski, Edward

2004-04-01

Amphotericin B (AMB) derivative, N-methyl-N-D-fructosyl amphotericin B methyl ester (MFAME) retains the broad antifungal spectrum and potency of the parent antibiotic, whereas its toxicity towards mammalian cells is reduced by about two orders of magnitude. The purpose of this work was to find out whether the differences observed in the toxicity of MFAME and native AMB are due to the differential drugs affinity to fungal and mammalian cell membranes. Comparative studies on AMB and MFAME biological activity and their affinity to fungal, mammalian and bacterial cells were performed. The interaction of AMB and MFAME with cells have been studied by fluorescence method based on the energy transfer between membrane fluorescent probe (donor) and the polyenic chromophore of the antibiotic (acceptor) simultaneously present in the cell membrane. The amount of the antibiotic bound to cells was indicated by the extent of fluorescence quenching of 1-(4-trimethylammoniumphenyl)-6-phenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (TMA-DPH) or 1,6-diphenyl-1,3,5-hexatriene (DPH) by polyenic chromophore of the antibiotic. The results obtained indicate that binding extent and characteristics for both antibiotics are comparable in the three types of cells studied. Dramatically lower toxicity of MFAME as compared to AMB towards mammalian cells is not related to the antibiotic-cell affinity, but rather to different consequences of these interactions for cells, reflected in membrane permeabilization. MFAME is definitely less effective than parent AMB in the permeabilizing species formation in mammalian cell membrane.

Novel Imaging Contrast Methods for Hyperpolarized 13 C Magnetic Resonance Imaging

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Reed, Galen Durant

Magnetic resonance imaging using hyperpolarized 13C-labeled small molecules has emerged as an extremely powerful tool for the in vivo monitoring of perfusion and metabolism. This work presents methods for improved imaging, parameter mapping, and image contrast generation for in vivo hyperpolarized 13C MRI. Angiography using hyperpolarized urea was greatly improved with a highly T2-weighted acquisition in combination with 15N labeling of the urea amide groups. This is due to the fact that the T2 of [13C]urea is strongly limited by the scalar coupling to the neighboring quadrupolar 14N. The long in vivo T2 values of [13C, 15N2]urea were utilized for sub-millimeter projection angiography using a contrast agent that could be safely injected in concentrations of 10-100 mM while still tolerated in patients with renal insufficiency. This study also presented the first method for in vivo T2 mapping of hyperpolarized 13C compounds. The in vivo T2 of urea was short in the blood and long within the kidneys. This persistent signal component was isolated to the renal filtrate, thus enabling for the first time direct detection of an imaging contrast agent undergoing glomerular filtration. While highly T2-weighted acquisitions select for molecules with short rotational correlation times, high diffusion weighting selects for those with the long translational correlation times. A specialized spin-echo EPI sequence was developed in order to generate highly diffusion-weighted hyperpolarized 13C images on a clinical MRI system operating within clinical peak- RF and gradient amplitude constraints. Low power adiabatic spin echo pulses were developed in order to generate a sufficiently large refocused bandwidth while maintaining low nominal power. This diffusion weighted acquisition gave enhanced tumor contrast-to-noise ratio when imaging [1-13C]lactate after infusion of [1-13C]pyruvate. Finally, the first in-man hyperpolarized 13C MRI clinical trial is discussed.

Different types of degradable vectors from low-molecular-weight polycation-functionalized poly(aspartic acid) for efficient gene delivery.

PubMed

Dou, X B; Hu, Y; Zhao, N N; Xu, F J

2014-03-01

Poly(aspartic acid) (PAsp) has been employed as the potential backbone for the preparation of efficient gene carriers, due to its low cytotoxicity, good biodegradability and excellent biocompatibility. In this work, the degradable linear or star-shaped PBLA was first prepared via ring-opining polymerization of β-benzyl-L-aspartate N-carboxy anhydride (BLA-NCA) initiated by ethylenediamine (ED) or ED-functionalized cyclodextrin cores. Then, PBLA was functionalized via aminolysis reaction with low-molecular-weight poly(2-(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate) with one terminal primary amine group (PDMAEMA-NH2), followed by addition of excess ED or ethanolamine (EA) to complete the aminolysis process. The obtained different types of cationic PAsp-based vectors including linear or star PAsp-PDM-NH2 and PAsp-PDM-OH exhibited good condensation capability and degradability, benefiting gene delivery process. In comparison with gold standard polyethylenimine (PEI, ∼ 25 kDa), the cationic PAsp-based vectors, particularly star-shaped ones, exhibited much better transfection performances. Copyright © 2013 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

A thermostable L-aspartate oxidase: a new tool for biotechnological applications.

PubMed

Bifulco, Davide; Pollegioni, Loredano; Tessaro, Davide; Servi, Stefano; Molla, Gianluca

2013-08-01

L-Amino acid oxidases (LAAOs) are homodimeric flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing flavoproteins that catalyze the stereospecific oxidative deamination of L-amino acids to α-keto acids, ammonia, and hydrogen peroxide. Unlike the D-selective counterpart, the biotechnological application of LAAOs has not been thoroughly advanced because of the difficulties in their expression as recombinant protein in prokaryotic hosts. In this work, L-aspartate oxidase from the thermophilic archea Sulfolobus tokodaii (StLASPO, specific for L-aspartate and L-asparagine only) was efficiently produced as recombinant protein in E. coli in the active form as holoenzyme. This recombinant flavoenzyme shows the classical properties of FAD-containing oxidases. Indeed, StLASPO shows distinctive features that makes it attractive for biotechnological applications: high thermal stability (it is fully stable up to 80 °C) and high temperature optimum, stable activity in a broad range of pH (7.0-10.0), weak inhibition by the product oxaloacetate and by D-aspartate, and tight binding of the FAD cofactor. This latter property significantly distinguishes StLASPO from the E. coli counterpart. StLASPO represents an appropriate novel biocatalyst for the production of D-aspartate and a well-suited protein scaffold to evolve a LAAO activity by protein engineering.

Mapping the central effects of (±)-ketamine and traxoprodil using pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging in awake rats.

PubMed

Tang, Haiying; Kukral, Daniel; Li, Yu-Wen; Fronheiser, Matthew; Malone, Harold; Pena, Adrienne; Pieschl, Rick; Sidik, Kurex; Tobon, Gabriel; Chow, Patrick L; Bristow, Linda J; Hayes, Wendy; Luo, Feng

2018-02-01

Major depressive disorder is a leading cause of disability globally. Improvements in the efficacy of antidepressant therapy are needed as a high proportion (>40%) of individuals with major depressive disorder fail to respond adequately to current treatments. The non-selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor channel blocker, (±)-ketamine, has been reported to produce a rapid and long-lasting antidepressant response in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder patients, which provides a unique opportunity for investigation of mechanisms that mediate its therapeutic effect. Efforts have also focused on the development of selective N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B antagonists which may retain antidepressant activity but have lower potential for dissociative/psychotomimetic effects. In the present study, we examined the central nervous system effects of acute, intravenous administration of (±)-ketamine or the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B antagonist, traxoprodil, in awake rats using pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging. The study contained five treatment groups: vehicle, 3 mg/kg (±)-ketamine, and three doses of traxoprodil (0.3 mg/kg, 5 mg/kg, and 15 mg/kg). Non-linear model fitting was performed on the temporal hemodynamic pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging data to generate brain activation maps as well as regional responses based on blood oxygen level dependent signal changes for group analysis. Traxoprodil at 5 mg/kg and 15 mg/kg produced a dose-dependent pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging signal in rat forebrain regions with both doses achieving >80% N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor subtype 2B occupancy determined by ex vivo [ 3 H]Ro 25-6981 binding. The middle dose of traxoprodil (5 mg/kg) generated region-specific activations in medial prefrontal cortex, ventral orbital cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex whereas the high dose (15 mg/kg) produced a widespread pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging response in both

Extrinsic Cation Selectivity of 2D Membranes

PubMed Central

2017-01-01

From a systematic study of the concentration driven diffusion of positive and negative ions across porous 2D membranes of graphene and hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN), we prove their cation selectivity. Using the current–voltage characteristics of graphene and h-BN monolayers separating reservoirs of different salt concentrations, we calculate the reversal potential as a measure of selectivity. We tune the Debye screening length by exchanging the salt concentrations and demonstrate that negative surface charge gives rise to cation selectivity. Surprisingly, h-BN and graphene membranes show similar characteristics, strongly suggesting a common origin of selectivity in aqueous solvents. For the first time, we demonstrate that the cation flux can be increased by using ozone to create additional pores in graphene while maintaining excellent selectivity. We discuss opportunities to exploit our scalable method to use 2D membranes for applications including osmotic power conversion. PMID:28157333

Hepatoprotective activity of Tridax procumbens against d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced hepatitis in rats.

PubMed

Ravikumar, Vilwanathan; Shivashangari, Kanchi Subramanian; Devaki, Thiruvengadam

2005-10-03

The hepatoprotective activity of aerial parts of Tridax procumbens was investigated against d-Galactosamine/Lipopolysaccharide (d-GalN/LPS) induced hepatitis in rats. d-GalN/LPS (300 mg/kg body weight/30 microg/kg body weight)-induced hepatic damage was manifested by a significant increase in the activities of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase and gamma glutamyl transferase) and bilirubin level in serum and lipids both in serum and liver. Pretreatment of rats with a chloroform insoluble fraction from ethanolic extract of Tridax procumbens reversed these altered parameters to normal values. The biochemical observations were supplemented by histopathological examination of liver sections. Results of this study revealed that Tridax procumbens could afford a significant protection in the alleviation of d-GalN/LPS-induced hepatocellular injury.

Activity-induced synaptic delivery of the GluN2A-containing NMDA receptor is dependent on endoplasmic reticulum chaperone Bip and involved in fear memory

PubMed Central

Zhang, Xiao-min; Yan, Xun-yi; Zhang, Bin; Yang, Qian; Ye, Mao; Cao, Wei; Qiang, Wen-bin; Zhu, Li-jun; Du, Yong-lan; Xu, Xing-xing; Wang, Jia-sheng; Xu, Fei; Lu, Wei; Qiu, Shuang; Yang, Wei; Luo, Jian-hong

2015-01-01

The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in adult forebrain is a heterotetramer mainly composed of two GluN1 subunits and two GluN2A and/or GluN2B subunits. The synaptic expression and relative numbers of GluN2A- and GluN2B-containing NMDARs play critical roles in controlling Ca2+-dependent signaling and synaptic plasticity. Previous studies have suggested that the synaptic trafficking of NMDAR subtypes is differentially regulated, but the precise molecular mechanism is not yet clear. In this study, we demonstrated that Bip, an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone, selectively interacted with GluN2A and mediated the neuronal activity-induced assembly and synaptic incorporation of the GluN2A-containing NMDAR from dendritic ER. Furthermore, the GluN2A-specific synaptic trafficking was effectively disrupted by peptides interrupting the interaction between Bip and GluN2A. Interestingly, fear conditioning in mice was disrupted by intraperitoneal injection of the interfering peptide before training. In summary, we have uncovered a novel mechanism for the activity-dependent supply of synaptic GluN2A-containing NMDARs, and demonstrated its relevance to memory formation. PMID:26088419

Bioconversion of 6-(N-methyl-N-phenyl)aminomethyl androstane steroids by Nocardioides simplex.

PubMed

Sukhodolskaya, Galina; Fokina, Victoria; Shutov, Andrei; Nikolayeva, Vera; Savinova, Tatiana; Grishin, Yuri; Kazantsev, Alexey; Lukashev, Nikolay; Donova, Marina

2017-02-01

The newly synthesized (α/β)-diastereomers of 6-(N-methyl-N-phenyl)aminomethylandrost-4-ene-3,17-dione (5) and 6-(N-methyl-N-phenyl)aminomethylandrost-4-en-17β-ol-3-one (6) were firstly investigated as substrates for the whole cells of Nocardioides simplex VKM Ac-2033D in comparison with their unsubstituted analogs, - androst-4-ene-3,17-dione (1) and androst-4-en-17β-ol-3-one (2). 1(2)-Dehydroderivatives were identified as the major bioconversion products from all the substrates tested. When using the mixtures of (α/β)-stereoisomers of 5 and 6 as the substrates, only β-stereoisomers of the corresponding 1,4-diene-steroids were formed. Along with 1(2)-dehydrogenation, N. simplex VKM Ac-2033D promoted oxidation of the hydroxyl group at C-17 position of 6: both 6(α) and 6(β) were transformed to the corresponding 17-keto derivatives. No steroid core destruction was observed during the conversion of the 6-substituted androstanes 5 and 6, while it was significant when 1 or 2 was used as the substrate. The results suggested high potentials of N. simplex VKM Ac-2033D for the generation of novel 1(2)-dehydroanalogs. Copyright © 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

The Hyperpolarization-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channels: from Biophysics to Pharmacology of a Unique Family of Ion Channels.

PubMed

Sartiani, Laura; Mannaioni, Guido; Masi, Alessio; Novella Romanelli, Maria; Cerbai, Elisabetta

2017-10-01

Hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels are important members of the voltage-gated pore loop channels family. They show unique features: they open at hyperpolarizing potential, carry a mixed Na/K current, and are regulated by cyclic nucleotides. Four different isoforms have been cloned (HCN1-4) that can assemble to form homo- or heterotetramers, characterized by different biophysical properties. These proteins are widely distributed throughout the body and involved in different physiologic processes, the most important being the generation of spontaneous electrical activity in the heart and the regulation of synaptic transmission in the brain. Their role in heart rate, neuronal pacemaking, dendritic integration, learning and memory, and visual and pain perceptions has been extensively studied; these channels have been found also in some peripheral tissues, where their functions still need to be fully elucidated. Genetic defects and altered expression of HCN channels are linked to several pathologies, which makes these proteins attractive targets for translational research; at the moment only one drug (ivabradine), which specifically blocks the hyperpolarization-activated current, is clinically available. This review discusses current knowledge about HCN channels, starting from their biophysical properties, origin, and developmental features, to (patho)physiologic role in different tissues and pharmacological modulation, ending with their present and future relevance as drug targets. Copyright © 2017 by The American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics.

Seasonal differences in the secretion of luteinising hormone and prolactin in response to N-methyl-DL-aspartate in starlings (Sturnus vulgaris).

PubMed

Dawson, A

2005-02-01

In birds, unlike mammals, seasonal changes in reproductive function are associated with marked changes in the amount of gonadotrophin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stored in the hypothalamus. Prolonged exposure to long photoperiods leads to photorefractoriness after the breeding season. Photorefractory birds have low hypothalamic concentrations of chicken GnRH-I (cGnRH-I). Exposure to short photoperiods results in renewed cGnRH-I synthesis and increased hypothalamic stores. Birds are then photosensitive and subsequent exposure to an increase in photoperiod results in increased cGnRH-I secretion and gonadal maturation. However, it is unclear whether the reverse is true at the time of gonadal regression during long photoperiods (i.e. that a decrease in GnRH-I synthesis precedes regression). Hypothalamic stores of cGnRH-I, and possibly therefore of releasable GnRH-I, decrease after regression. Single injections of the glutamate agonist N-methyl-DL-aspartate (NMA) were used as a probe to assess releasable stores of cGnRH-I in male starlings at four physiologically different reproductive stages. Treatment induced the greatest increase in luteinising hormone (LH) in photosensitive birds in January, and a slight increase in sexually mature birds in April. There was a slight but significant increase in June, immediately after testicular regression, but no increase in fully photorefractory birds in September. These data confirm that photorefractoriness is associated with a lack of releasable cGnRH-I, but that decreased synthesis of cGnRH-I is not the proximate cause of regression. There was an increase in prolactin in response to NMA at all times. The magnitude of the response was proportional to pre-treatment concentrations, with the greatest response in June. It is suggested that high circulating prolactin may fine-tune the timing of gonadal regression in advance of the inhibition of cGnRH-I synthesis.

Methylation of zebularine: a quantum mechanical study incorporating interactive 3D pdf graphs.

PubMed

Selvam, Lalitha; Vasilyev, Vladislav; Wang, Feng

2009-08-20

Methylation of a cytidine deaminase inhibitor, 1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-2-pyrimidone (i.e., zebularine (zeb)), which produces 1-(beta-D-ribofuranosyl)-5-methyl-2-pyrimidinone (d5), has been investigated using density functional theory models. The optimized structures of zeb and d5 and the valence orbitals primarily responsible for the methylation in d5 are presented using state-of-the-art interactive (on a computer or online) three-dimensional (3D) graphics in a portable document format (pdf) file, 3D-PDF (http://www.web3d.org/x3d/vrml/ ). The facility to embed 3D molecular structures into pdf documents has been developed jointly at Swinburne University of Technology and the National Computational Infrastructure, the Australian National University. The methyl fragment in the base moiety shows little effect on the sugar puckering but apparently affects anisotropic properties, such as condensed Fukui functions. Binding energy spectra, both valence space and core space, are noticeably affected; in particular, in the outer-valence space (e.g., IP < 20 eV). The methyl fragment delocalizes and diffuses into almost all valence space, but orbitals 8 (57a, IP = 12.57 eV), 18 (47a, IP = 14.70 eV), and 37 (28a, IP = 22.15 eV) are identified as fingerprint for the methyl fragment. In the inner shell, however, the impact of the methyl can be localized and identified by chemical shift. A small, global, red shift is found for the O-K, N-K and sugar C-K spectra, whereas the base C-K spectrum exhibits apparent methyl-related changes.

Hyperpolarizing and age-dependent depolarizing responses of cultured locus coeruleus neurons to noradrenaline.

PubMed

Finlayson, P G; Marshall, K C

1984-08-01

The electrical activity and responses to noradrenaline (NA) of locus coeruleus (LC) neurons have been studied in organotypic cultures using intracellular recording. Most LC neurons were predominantly quiescent, though occasional bursts of activity were observed; a few cells were tonically active at rates of 0.5-5/s. In most cells tested, iontophoretic application of NA evoked responses which were initially hyperpolarizing, sometimes followed by a depolarizing phase and frequently followed by a period of increased excitatory synaptic activity. The enhanced synaptic activity appeared to be an indirect effect since it was blocked by bath application of tetrodotoxin (TTX). In the presence of TTX, responses to NA of all but one cell were simple hyperpolarizations or biphasic (hyperpolarization/depolarization) responses. The presence of the depolarizing component appeared to be age-dependent, since it was frequently observed in cultures grown in vitro for less than 26 days, while neurons in older cultures exhibited only hyperpolarizing responses. If such age-dependent depolarizing responses are present in vivo, they would represent a unique example of a transmitter response which is present only during a transient developmental phase.

The effects of d-aspartic acid supplementation in resistance-trained men over a three month training period: A randomised controlled trial.

PubMed

Melville, Geoffrey W; Siegler, Jason C; Marshall, Paul W M

2017-01-01

Research on d-aspartic acid (DAA) has demonstrated increases in total testosterone levels in untrained men, however research in resistance-trained men demonstrated no changes, and reductions in testosterone levels. The long-term consequences of DAA in a resistance trained population are currently unknown. To evaluate the effectiveness of DAA to alter basal testosterone levels over 3 months of resistance training in resistance-trained men. Randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial in healthy resistance-trained men, aged 18-36, had been performing regular resistance training exercise for at least 3 d.w-1 for the previous 2 years. Randomised participants were 22 men (d-aspartic acid n = 11; placebo n = 11) (age, 23.8±4.9 y, training age, 3.2±1.5 y). D-aspartic acid (6 g.d-1, DAA) versus equal-weight, visually-matched placebo (PLA). All participants performed 12 weeks of supervised, periodised resistance training (4 d.w-1), with a program focusing on all muscle groups. Basal hormones, total testosterone (TT), free testosterone (FT), estradiol (E2), sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin (ALB); isometric strength; calf muscle cross-sectional area (CSA); calf muscle thickness; quadriceps muscle CSA; quadriceps muscle thickness; evoked V-wave and H-reflexes, were assessed at weeks zero (T1), after six weeks (T2) and after 12 weeks (T3). No change in basal TT or FT were observed after the intervention. DAA supplementation (n = 10) led to a 16%, 95% CI [-27%, -5%] reduction in E2 from T1-T3 (p<0.01). The placebo group (n = 9) demonstrated improvements in spinal responsiveness (gastrocnemius) at the level of the alpha motoneuron. Both groups exhibited increases in isometric strength of the plantar flexors by 17%, 95% CI [7%, 28%] (p<0.05) as well as similar increases in hypertrophy in the quadriceps and calf muscles. The results of this paper indicate that DAA supplementation is ineffective at changing testosterone levels, or positively affecting training

Modulatory effect of phytoglycoprotein (38 kDa) on cyclin D1/CDK4 in BNL CL.2 cells induced by N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine.

PubMed

Lee, Jin; Lim, Kye-Taek

2012-02-01

In the developmental stages of cancer, cell transformation occurs after the promotion stage and is a marker of cancer progression. This cell transformation is related to abnormal proliferation during the cancer initiation stage. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of Styrax japonica Siebold et al. Zuccarin (SJSZ) glycoprotein on cell transformation in murine embryonic liver cells (BNL CL.2) following N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) treatment. To determine abnormal proliferation during the initiation stage, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), activities of cell cycle-related factors [cyclin D1/cyclin dependent kinase (CDK) 4], cell cycle inhibitors (p53, p21, and p27), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were evaluated using Western blot analysis and real-time PCR. Our study demonstrated that SJSZ glycoprotein (50 μg/ml) reduces foci formation with combined treatment [MNNG and 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate] of BNL CL.2 cells. With regard to proliferation-related signals, our finding indicated that SJSZ glycoprotein (50 μg/ml) diminished the production of intracellular ROS, activity of phosphorylated ERK, p38 MAPK, NF-κB (p50 and p65), PCNA, and cyclin D1/CDK4 in MNNG-induced BNL CL.2 cells. Taken together, these results lead us to speculate that SJSZ glycoprotein can inhibit abnormal cell proliferation at the initiation stage of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Activation barriers for methylation of DNA bases by dimethyl sulfate

NASA Astrophysics Data System (ADS)

Eichler, Daniel R.; Papadantonakis, George A.

2017-12-01

The SN2 transition states of the methylation reaction of DNA bases with dimethyl sulfate were examined employing DFT/ M06-2X/6-31+G∗ and DFT/B3LYP-D3/6-311+G (2df, 2p) levels of theory. Solvation effects were examined using the conductor-like polarizable continuum model (CPCM). Calculation results and feedback from electrostatic potential maps show that in water, charge separation lowers the activation barriers relative to the gas phase for the reactions at N7 of guanine, N3 of adenine and cytosine. Also, the reaction at the O6 site of guanine is governed by steric interference and exhibits a higher activation barrier in water.

Distinctive Roles of D-Amino Acids in the Homochiral World: Chirality of Amino Acids Modulates Mammalian Physiology and Pathology.

PubMed

Sasabe, Jumpei; Suzuki, Masataka

2018-05-22

Living organisms enantioselectively employ L-amino acids as the molecular architecture of protein synthesized in the ribosome. Although L-amino acids are dominantly utilized in most biological processes, accumulating evidence points to the distinctive roles of D-amino acids in non-ribosomal physiology. Among the three domains of life, bacteria have the greatest capacity to produce a wide variety of D-amino acids. In contrast, archaea and eukaryotes are thought generally to synthesize only two kinds of D-amino acids: D-serine and D-aspartate. In mammals, D-serine is critical for neurotransmission as an endogenous coagonist of N-methyl D-aspartate receptors. Additionally, D-aspartate is associated with neurogenesis and endocrine systems. Furthermore, recognition of D-amino acids originating in bacteria is linked to systemic and mucosal innate immunity. Among the roles played by D-amino acids in human pathology, the dysfunction of neurotransmission mediated by D-serine is implicated in psychiatric and neurological disorders. Non-enzymatic conversion of L-aspartate or L-serine residues to their D-configurations is involved in age-associated protein degeneration. Moreover, the measurement of plasma or urinary D-/L-serine or D-/L-aspartate levels may have diagnostic or prognostic value in the treatment of kidney diseases. This review aims to summarize current understanding of D-amino-acid-associated biology with a major focus on mammalian physiology and pathology.

K+ currents underlying the action of endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor in guinea-pig, rat and human blood vessels

PubMed Central

Coleman, H A; Tare, Marianne; Parkington, Helena C

2001-01-01

Membrane currents attributed to endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF) were recorded in short segments of submucosal arterioles of guinea-pigs using single microelectrode voltage clamp. The functional responses of arterioles and human subcutaneous, rat hepatic and guinea-pig coronary arteries were also assessed as changes in membrane potential recorded simultaneously with contractile activity. The current-voltage (I-V) relationship for the conductance due to EDHF displayed outward rectification with little voltage dependence. Components of the current were blocked by charybdotoxin (30-60 nM) and apamin (0.25-0.50 μM), which also blocked hyperpolarization and prevented EDHF-induced relaxation. The EDHF-induced current was insensitive to Ba2+ (20-100 μM) and/or ouabain (1 μM to 1 mM). In human subcutaneous arteries and guinea-pig coronary arteries and submucosal arterioles, the EDHF-induced responses were insensitive to Ba2+ and/or ouabain. Increasing [K+]o to 11-21 mM evoked depolarization under conditions in which EDHF evoked hyperpolarization. Responses to ACh, sympathetic nerve stimulation and action potentials were indistinguishable between dye-labelled smooth muscle and endothelial cells in arterioles. Action potentials in identified endothelial cells were always associated with constriction of the arterioles. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (30 μM) and carbenoxolone (100 μM) depolarized endothelial cells by 31 ± 6 mV (n = 7 animals) and 33 ± 4 mV (n = 5), respectively, inhibited action potentials in smooth muscle and endothelial cells and reduced the ACh-induced hyperpolarization of endothelial cells by 56 and 58 %, respectively. Thus, activation of outwardly rectifying K+ channels underlies the hyperpolarization and relaxation due to EDHF. These channels have properties similar to those of intermediate conductance (IKCa) and small conductance (SKCa) Ca2+-activated K+ channels. Strong electrical coupling between endothelial and smooth muscle cells

Bradykinin-activated transmembrane signals are coupled via N/sub o/ or N/sub i/ to production of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate, a second messenger in NG108-15 neuroblastoma-glioma hybrid cells

DOE Office of Scientific and Technical Information (OSTI.GOV)

Higashida, H.; Streaty, R.A.; Klee, W.

1986-02-01

The addition of bradykinin to NG108-15 cells results in a transient hyperpolarization followed by prolonged cell depolarization. Injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or CaS into the cytoplasm of NG108-15 cells also elicits cell hyperpolarization followed by depolarization. Tetraethylammonium ions inhibit the hyperpolarizing response of cells to bradykinin or inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate. Thus, the hyperpolarizing phase of the cell response may be due to inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-dependent release of stored UVCa-labelled CaS into the cytoplasm, which activates CaS -dependent K channels. The depolarizing phase of the cell response to bradykinin is due largely to inhibition of M channels, thereby decreasing the rate of Kmore » efflux from cells and, to a lesser extent, to activation of CaS -dependent ion channels and CaS channels. In contrast, injection of inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate or CaS into the cytosol did not alter M channel activity. Incubation of NG108-15 cells with pertussis toxin inhibits bradykinin-dependent cell hyperpolarization and depolarization. Bradykinin stimulates low K/sub m/ GTPase activity and inhibits adenylate cyclase in NG108-15 membrane preparations but not in membranes prepared from cells treated with pertussis toxin. These results show that (bradykinin-receptor) complexes interact with N/sub o/ or N/sub i/ and suggest that N/sub o/ and/or N/sub i/ mediate the transduction of signals from bradykinin receptors to phospholipase C and adenylate cyclase.« less

The calcineurin pathway links hyperpolarization (Kir2.1)-induced Ca2+ signals to human myoblast differentiation and fusion.

PubMed

Konig, Stéphane; Béguet, Anne; Bader, Charles R; Bernheim, Laurent

2006-08-01

In human myoblasts triggered to differentiate, a hyperpolarization, resulting from K+ channel (Kir2.1) activation, allows the generation of an intracellular Ca2+ signal. This signal induces an increase in expression/activity of two key transcription factors of the differentiation process, myogenin and MEF2. Blocking hyperpolarization inhibits myoblast differentiation. The link between hyperpolarization-induced Ca2+ signals and the four main regulatory pathways involved in myoblast differentiation was the object of this study. Of the calcineurin, p38-MAPK, PI3K and CaMK pathways, only the calcineurin pathway was inhibited when Kir2.1-linked hyperpolarization was blocked. The CaMK pathway, although Ca2+ dependent, is unaffected by changes in membrane potential or block of Kir2.1 channels. Concerning the p38-MAPK and PI3K pathways, their activity is present already in proliferating myoblasts and they are unaffected by hyperpolarization or Kir2.1 channel block. We conclude that the Kir2.1-induced hyperpolarization triggers human myoblast differentiation via the activation of the calcineurin pathway, which, in turn, induces expression/activity of myogenin and MEF2.