In Situ Analysis of Na,K-ATPase α1- and α3-Isoform mRNAs in Aging Rat Hippocampus

Abstract: Age-related changes in the expression of Na,K-ATPase α1- and α3-isoform mRNAs were analyzed by in situ hybridization in the Fischer-344 rat hippocampus. Quantification of signal density with cRNA probes in rat hippocampus at 3 months of age showed (a) α1 content is 1.5 times higher in granule than in pyramidal cell layers, whereas α3 content shows the opposite ratio and (b) α3 label is found in large clusters related to mossy cells and basket cells and in medium clusters corresponding to interneurons within the dendritic fields of CA1–3. In the 24-month-old rats as compared with the young animals, the α1 signal is increased more than sevenfold in the dendritic fields and is not significantly changed in perikaryal layers. The α3 signal is reduced about threefold ( p < 0.0001, ANOVA, n = 6) in perikaryal layers, is almost completely absent over the interneurons, basket cells, and mossy cells, and is not significantly changed in dendritic fields. These data indicate age-related, cell- and isoform-specific alterations in pretranslational regulation of Na,K-ATPase α isoforms. The striking changes in the dendritic fields, mossy cells, and GABAergic basket cells and interneurons may constitute early and sensitive markers for age-related alterations in hippocampal function, before cell loss.     

Intermittent cold-induced hippocampal oxidative stress is associated with changes in the plasma lipid composition and is modifiable by vitamins C and E in old rats

This study primarily investigated the effects of intermittent cold exposure (ICE) on oxidative stress (OS) in the hippocampus(HC) and plasma lipid profile of old male rats. Secondly, it evaluated structural changes in the hippocampus region of the rat’s brain. Thirdly, it attempted an evaluation of the effectiveness of the combined supplement of vitamins C and E in alleviating cold stress in terms of these biochemical parameters. Thirty male rats aged 24 months were divided into groups of five each: control (CON), cold-exposed at 10 °C (C10), cold-exposed at 5 °C (C5), supplemented control (CON+S), and supplemented cold-exposed at either 5 °C (C5+S) or 10 °C (C10+S). The rats were on a daily supplement of vitamin C and vitamin E. Cold exposure lasted 2 h/day for 4 weeks. Rats showed increased levels of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the HC at 10 °C with further increase at 5 °C. Cold also induced neuronal loss in the hippocampus with concomitant elevations in total cholesterol (TCH), triglycerides (TG) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) levels, and a depletion in high-density lipoprotein (HDL-C). A notable feature was the hyperglycaemic effects of ICE and depleted levels of vitamins C and E in the hippocampus and plasma while supplementation increased their levels. More importantly, a positive correlation was observed between plasmatic LDL-C, TCH and TG and hippocampal TBARS and H₂O₂ levels. Further, intensity of cold emerged as a significant factor impacting the responses to vitamin C and E supplementation. These results suggest that cold-induced changes in the plasma lipid profile correlate with OS in the hippocampus, and that vitamin C and E together are effective in protecting from metabolic and possible cognitive consequences in the old under cold exposures.     

Diet composition of the seahorses, Hippocampus guttulatus Cuvier, 1829 and Hippocampus hippocampus (L., 1758) (Teleostei, Syngnathidae) in the Aegean Sea

The diet composition of the European seahorses, Hippocampus guttulatus and Hippocampus hippocampus was determined based on the analysis of 279 and 19 specimens, respectively, collected in the Aegean Sea. The diet of both species was mainly based on Crustacea, with Amphipoda, Anomura Decapoda and Mysidacea being the dominant prey categories. ANOSIM analyses, however, indicated statistically significant differences in the diet of the two species as well as differences in the diet composition of non-brooding males, brooding males and females within each species. In H. guttulatus , stomach fullness percentages and vacuity coefficient values indicated that female individuals seem to have a higher feeding activity in relation to males.     

Light–dark variations in plasma melatonin concentrations in the pot-bellied seahorse Hippocampus abdominalis Lesson, 1827

A diel plasma melatonin profile measured in adult pot-bellied seahorses Hippocampus abdominalis showed that this species produces elevated levels of melatonin during the scotophase, returning to basal levels during the photophase.     

Differential Effects of GM1 Ganglioside Treatment on Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Content in the Rat Septum and Hippocampus After Partial Interruption of Their Connections

Abstract: The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) content was investigated using immunoblotting techniques in the septum and hippocampus of the rat after bilateral lateral fimbria transection. Seven days after surgery GFAP content increased significantly both in the septum (140% of control) and hippocampus (120% in dorsal, the less denervated, and 145% in the most denervated ventral part), indicating the occurrence of reactive gliosis. The GM1 treatment caused statistically significant attenuation of GFAP increment in all hippocampal parts. In contrast, GM1 treatment has no influence on the increase of GFAP content in the septum. Results suggest a differential effect of GM1 on the two gliotic reactions formed as a consequence of the lesion at the level of the source of innervation (septum) and the target (hippocampus).     

Biosynthesis and Metabolism of Native and Oxidized Neuropeptide Y in the Hippocampal Mossy Fiber System

Abstract: Neuropeptide Y (NPY) gene expression is known to be modulated in the mossy fiber projection of hippocampal granule cells following seizure. We investigated NPY biosynthesis and metabolism in an attempt to characterize NPY biochemically as a neurotransmitter in the granule cell mossy fiber projection. NPY biosynthesis was compared in normal control animals and in animals that had experienced a single pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure. In situ hybridization analysis established the postseizure time course of preproNPY mRNA expression in the hippocampal formation, localizing the majority of increased preproNPY mRNA content to the hilus of the dentate gyrus. Radioimmunoassay analysis of the CA3/mossy fiber terminal subfield confirmed a subsequent increase in NPY peptide content. Biosynthesis of NPY peptide by granule cells and transport to the CA3/mossy fiber subfield was demonstrated by in vivo radiolabel infusion to the dentate gyrus/hilus followed by sequential HPLC purification of identified radiolabeled peptide from the CA3/mossy fiber terminal subfield. Additional in vivo radiolabeling studies revealed a postseizure increase in an unidentified NPY-like immunoreactive (NPY-LI) species. HPLC/radioimmunoassay analyses of CA3 subfield tissue extracts comparing normal control animals and pentylenetetrazole-treated animals confirmed the increased total NPY-LI, and demonstrated that the increased NPY-LI was comprised of a minor increase in native NPY and a major increase in the unknown NPY-LI. Data from subsequent and separate analyses incorporating immunoprecipitation with anti-C-terminal flanking peptide of NPY, further HPLC purification, and matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry support the conclusion that the unknown NPY-LI is methionine sulfoxide NPY. NPY and NPY-sulfoxide displayed differential calcium sensitivity for release from mossy fiber synaptosomes. Similar to NPY, NPY sulfoxide displayed high-affinity binding to each of the cloned Y1, Y2, Y4, and Y5 receptor subtypes. Postrelease inactivation of NPY was demonstrated in a mossy fiber synaptosomal preparation. Thus, the present study in combination with previously reported electrophysiological activity of NPY in the CA3 subfield demonstrates that NPY fulfills the classical criteria for a neurotransmitter in the hippocampal granule cell mossy fiber projection, and reveals the presence of two molecular forms of NPY that display differential mechanisms of release while maintaining similar receptor potencies.     

不同剂量异氟醚对中年小鼠认知功能及海马MBP和pNF-H表达的影响

目的:探讨异氟醚对中年小鼠认知功能及海马髓磷脂碱性蛋白(MBP, myelin basic protein)和磷酸化神经丝重亚单位(pNF-H,phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain)表达的影响。方法:给予中年小鼠不同浓度的异氟醚处理,实验分为对照组和异氟醚处理组(0.5ISO,1.0ISO,1.5ISO),其中异氟醚组小鼠细胞分别给予0.5 MAC,1.0 MAC和1.5 MAC三个浓度的异氟醚处理4小时,对照组给予O_2处理4小时,随后通过水迷宫测试检测其学习记忆能力变化,通过免疫荧光检测海马形态结构及髓鞘相关蛋白MBP和pNF-H表达变化。结果:与对照组相比,(1)类临床浓度的异氟醚处理不影响中年小鼠的自发运动能力(总运动距离:sham:7275.17±1732.58; 0.5ISO:8057.58±1732.58; 1.0ISO:7540.98±1401.61; 1.5ISO:8243.79±1257.65;运动速度:sham:116.75±22.35; 0.5ISO:135.45±32.84; 1.0ISO:130.16±21.38; 1.5ISO:142.31±20.58),但1.0 MAC和1.5 MAC的异氟醚处理明显降低了中年小鼠在水迷宫目标象限的活动时间百分比(sham:58.62±13.70; 0.5ISO:48.92±7.22; 1.0ISO:31.23±13.16; 1.5ISO:30.29±15.76)(P 0.05),且高浓度异氟醚作用强于低浓度异氟醚;(2) 1.0 MAC和1.5 MAC的异氟醚处理明显下调了海马的MBP和p NF-H表达(MBP:sham:60.48±8.20; 0.5ISO:56.69±7.86; 1.0ISO:40.15±4.50; 1.5ISO:31.66±5.46; pNF-H:sham:62.23±9.45; 0.5ISO:55.47±6.98; 1.0ISO:40.16±6.97; 1.5ISO:30.94±5.89)(P 0.05),造成了小鼠海马髓鞘结构损伤,且高浓度损伤强于低浓度。结论:异氟醚可能通过下调中年小鼠海马MBP和pNF-H表达,破坏海马髓鞘完整性而损伤小鼠的学习认知能力。     

褪黑素对慢性脑低灌注大鼠海马齿状回区神经再生的影响

目的:研究褪黑素在慢性脑低灌注(Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion,CCH)大鼠模型中对神经再生的作用及机制。方法:使用双侧颈总动脉结扎法(bilateral common carotid artery occlusion,BCCAO)制备大鼠CCH模型,80只雄性的SD大鼠随机分为4组,每组20只:生理盐水治疗假手术组(Sham组)、生理盐水治疗模型组(BCCAO组)、褪黑素(5 mg/kg)治疗模型组(MT1组)、褪黑素(10 mg/kg)治疗模型组(MT2组)。连续腹腔注射褪黑素或生理盐水共4周。利用挖掘实验评估大鼠行为学;使用HE染色观察神经细胞变性及坏死;采取尼氏染色法观察大鼠海马齿状回区神经元损伤情况;利用免疫荧光法测定神经元特异核蛋白(NeuN)、胶质纤维酸性蛋白(Ki67)、双皮质素(DCX)的表达;利用Western Blot法测定大鼠海马区脑源性神经营养因子(BDNF)、酪氨酸激酶B受体(TrkB)含量的表达。结果:和Sham组相比,BCCAO组大鼠挖掘能力明显下降(P0.01),HE和尼氏染色出现神经细胞大量坏死、数量减少,NeuN阳性细胞数增加(P0.01)、Ki67/DCX阳性细胞数无明显增加(P0.05),BDNF、TrkB蛋白含量明显低于假手术组(P0.01)。与BCCAO组相比,MT1组和MT2组大鼠挖掘能力均明显改善(P0.01),HE和尼氏染色显示神经元存活数量增加,MT1组NeuN阳性细胞数增加(P0.05)、Ki67/DCX阳性细胞数增加(P0.05),MT2组NeuN、Ki67/DCX阳性细胞数明显增加(P0.01),MT1组及MT2组BDNF、TrkB蛋白含量明显增加(P0.01)。结论:褪黑素促进了CCH大鼠海马齿状回区神经再生和行为学的改变,其机制可能与激活BDNF-TrkB信号转导通路有关。     

The effects of early life lead exposure on the expression of P2X7 receptor and synaptophysin in the hippocampus of mouse pups

The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of maternal lead exposure on expression of P2X7 receptor and synaptophysin in the hippocampus of mice offspring. Lead exposure initiated from beginning of gestation to weaning. Lead acetate administered in drinking solutions was dissolved in distilled deionized water at the concentrations of 0.1%, 0.5% and 1% groups, respectively. On the 21st postnatal day, the Pb levels were also determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The expression of P2X7 receptor and synaptophysin in hippocampus was examined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. The lead levels in blood and hippocampus of all lead exposure groups were significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the expression of P2X7 receptor was increased in lead exposed groups (P < 0.05), but the expression of synaptophysin was decreased (P < 0.05). The high expression of P2X7 receptor and low expression of synaptophysin in the hippocampus of pups may contribute to the neurotoxicity associated with maternal Pb exposure.     

Evaluation of oxidative stress in the brain of a transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer disease by in vivo electron paramagnetic resonance imaging

Alzheimer disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease clinically characterized by progressive cognitive dysfunction. Deposition of amyloid-β (Aβ) peptides is the most important pathophysiological hallmark of AD. Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species is prominent in AD, and several reports suggest the relationship between a change in redox status and AD pathology containing progressive Aβ deposition, the activation of glial cells, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Therefore, we performed immunohistochemical analysis using a transgenic mouse model of AD (APdE9) and evaluated the activity of superoxide dismutase in brain tissue homogenates of APdE9 mice in vitro. Together with those analyses, in vivo changes in redox status with age in both wild-type (WT) and APdE9 mouse brains were measured noninvasively by three-dimensional electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) imaging using nitroxide (3-methoxycarbonyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine-1-yloxy) as a redox-sensitive probe. Both methods found similar changes in redox status with age, and in particular a significant change in redox status in the hippocampus was observed noninvasively by EPR imaging between APdE9 mice and age-matched WT mice from 9 to 18 months of age. EPR imaging clearly visualized the accelerated change in redox status of APdE9 mouse brain compared with WT. The evaluation of the redox status in the brain of AD model rodents by EPR imaging should be useful for diagnostic study of AD.