迷走神经背核对胃机能调控的研究进展

神经解剖学和生理学的研究证明,迷走神经背核（dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus,DMV）是调控胃机能的重要副交感初级中枢。支配胃的迷走神经纤维主要发自于延髓的DMV。就DMV的细胞构筑和突触联系、DMV对胃的神经支配、电刺激DMV对胃机能的影响以及DMV内的神经递质和受体对胃机能的调控进行综述。     

苍白球γ-氨基丁酸能神经传递及其与神经系统疾病的关系

苍白球是基底神经节间接环路的重要核团,在机体运动功能调节中发挥重要作用。近年来,苍白球在基底神经节正常及异常功能调节中的重要性已日渐受到重视。然而,目前对苍白球内各种神经递质系统的功能活动了解较少。GABA是苍白球主要的神经递质。采用电生理记录、免疫组织化学及行为测试等实验方法,人们对大鼠苍白球GABA能神经传递系统的受体分布及功能活动有了新的认识。形态学研究揭示,苍白球存在GABAA受体及其苯二氮卓结合位点和GABAB受体。在亚细胞水平,GABAA受体主要位于对称性突触(GABA能突触)的突触后膜,而GABAB受体则位于对称性突触和非对称性突触(兴奋性突触)的突触前膜及突触后膜。功能学研究进一步揭示,激活苍白球突触前膜GABAB自身和异源性受体可分别减少GABA和谷氨酸释放;激活突触后膜GABAB受体,可引起苍白球神经元超极化。除GABAB受体外,激活苍白球GABAA受体苯二氮卓结合位点及阻断GABA重摄取可延长GABA电流持续时间,从而改变苍白球神经元兴奋性。与离体实验结果相一致,激活苍向球GABAB受体和苯二氮卓结合位点及阻断GABA重摄取可引起整体动物旋转行为。苍白球GABA神经递质系统与帕金森病病因学及癫痫发病有关。已证实,苍白球神经元放电频率的降低及簇状放电的产生与帕金森病运动减少及静止性震颤等症状直接相关。此外,电牛理及行为学实验发现,新型抗癫痫药物替加平可调节苍白球神经元功能活动．这为进一步了解苍白球与癫痫发病的关系提供了新的理论及实验依据。     

大鼠脑内5-HT能神经元对咽肌的支配及调控

用ＰＲＶ和５－ＨＴ免疫组织化学双标记方法研究脑内５－ＨＴ能神经元对咽肌的神经支配及调控。观察到中缝核群的中缝苍白核、中缝隐核、中缝大核、中缝桥核、中缝正中核、中缝背核、和中缝尾侧线形核等部位有ＰＲＶ和５－ＨＴ双标记细胞,直接证明中缝核群的５－ＨＴ能神经元投射到支配咽肌的疑核运动神经元和孤束核中的前运动神经元,调控咽肌的运动。并推测脑干中缝核群中的５－ＨＴ能神经元对咽肌运动的调控可能经由５ＨＴ３和５ＨＴ１Ａ两种受体介导。     

锌离子对配体门控型离子通道的调节作用

在中枢神经系统(central nervous system,CNS)中,锌离子对配体门控型离子通道具有重要的调节作用。锌离子随着神经元的活动从突触前膜的囊泡中释放到突触间隙,对突触内受体进行调控。锌离子抑制N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸(N-methyl-D-aspartate,NMDA)型谷氨酸受体的活性,而对非NMDA型谷氨酸受体的调控具有多样性。由γ氨基丁酸(γ-aminobutyric acid,GABA)受体所介导的抑制性突触传递活动也受到锌离子的抑制;而锌离子对glycine受体则呈现出浓度依赖的双向调节效应。病理条件下,锌离子参与了兴奋性细胞毒作用所触发的神经元凋亡过程。本文主要阐述了在CNS中,锌离子对配体门控型离子通道所介导的突触传递活动的调控作用,以及这些调控作用的生理功能和病理意义。     

心脏副交感节前神经元的研究进展

近年来,应用逆行荧光标记技术和膜片钳技术,对心脏副交感节前神经元(PCPNs)的研究取得很大进展。PCPNs不具有自主发放特性,其活动完全依赖于其突触前支配。PCPNs主要受胆碱能、兴奋性氨基酸能、GABA能及甘氨酸能支配;这些递质传递之间除相互作用外,还受多种神经肽及药物的影响。胆碱能递质对GABA能及甘氨酸能突触前支配的易化作用,参与生理性呼吸性窦性心律不齐的产生,其异常可能与多种心血管疾病发生有关。     

囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维在大鼠三叉神经运动核内的分布

目的观察I、Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维在大鼠三叉神经运动核内的分布。方法首先采用免疫荧光三重标记I、Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体和神经元核蛋白以观察I、Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维在大鼠三叉神经运动核内的分布;接着注射四甲基罗达明人下颌舌骨肌神经逆行标记三叉神经运动核开口神经元,再采用免疫荧光双重标记I型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体和神经元核蛋白以观察I、Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维在大鼠三叉神经运动核开口神经元区和闭口神经元区内的分布差异。结果I型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维仅在三叉神经运动核背外侧部分布,而Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维在整个三叉神经运动核内分布;开口神经元区未观察到I型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性终末。结论闭口神经元接受I、Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维支配,开口神经元仅仅接受Ⅱ型囊泡膜谷氨酸转运体阳性纤维支配。     

大鼠丘脑侧后核到初级视皮层突触传递的短时程可塑性

大鼠丘脑侧后核(lateral posterior thalamic nucleus,LP nucleus)到初级视皮层的突触连接是膝体外视觉通路的重要组成部分.运用场电位记录和电泳的方法在位研究了该视觉回路突触传递的短时程可塑性.结果表明,无论是运用双脉冲刺激还是串刺激都能观察到明显的短时程抑制特性.电泳荷包牡丹碱(bicuculline)和2-hydroxy-saclofen使该抑制作用减弱,电泳钙离子使抑制加强,电泳APV对抑制作用没有明显影响.所以突触前递质释放水平的改变,和γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)能受体（尤其是GABA_B受体）的活动都会影响该回路突触传递的短时程可塑性,而N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸(NMDA)受体则几乎没有作用.该回路很强的短时程抑制特性可能与LP核在视觉注意中的作用有关.     

NMDA受体参与小鼠的前额扣带回的神经突触传递

谷氨酸性突触是哺乳动物神经系统的主要兴奋性突触。在正常条件下,大多数的突触反应是由谷氨酸的AMPA受体传递的。NMDA受体在静息电位下为镁离子抑制。在被激活时,NMDA受体主要参与突触的可塑性变化。但是,许多NMDA受体拮抗剂在全身或局部注射时能产生行为效应,提示NMDA受体可能参与静息状态的生理功能。此文中,我们在离体的前额扣带回脑片上进行电生理记录,发现NMDA受体参与前额扣带回的突触传递。在重复刺激或近于生理性温度时,NMDA受体传递的反应更为明显。本文直接显示了NMDA受体参与前额扣带回的突触传递,并提示NMDA受体在前额扣带回中起着调节神经元兴奋的重要作用。     

脊髓背角深层痛敏神经元与胶质层SP,Clu和GABA能末梢的突触联系

应用整体猫单细胞生理特性鉴定和细胞内注射辣根过氧化物酶标记法,显示了一些脊髓背角深层广动力范围型痛敏神经元有背侧树突延伸至背角浅层.并结合包埋后免疫,电镜显示这种神经元可通过分布于背角胶质层的树突接受大量P物质和谷氨酸免疫反应阳性纤维末梢的支配.由于后者主要来源于C类纤维,由此可以推测在背角浅层C类纤维介导的部分痛信息,可直接以单突触方式转送至背角深层的痛敏神经元.背角浅层的GABA免疫反应阳性轴突可与标记的远端树突形成突触,支持通过突触后抑制对脊髓痛觉传递发挥调制作用.     

大鼠视皮质—外侧膝状体HRP示踪结合谷氨酸及GABA免疫组化研究

采用HRP逆行追踪观察了大鼠视皮质锥体细胞至外侧膝状体背核的投射,结合谷氨酸及GABA免疫组化方法探测了该类细胞的化学递质。光镜下HRP标记细胞与谷氨酸和GABA免疫阳性细胞清晰可辨。谷氨酸免疫阳性神经元主要分布在视皮质第Ⅱ～Ⅵ层。在第Ⅵ层可见HRP和谷氨酸双标记的锥体细胞,双标细胞的数量约占HRP标记细胞总数的42.7％。GABA免疫阳性神经元分布在皮质各层。但未见有GABA和HRP的双标记神经元。因而有充分理由推测:谷氨酸可能是视皮质投射至外侧膝状体背核的锥体细胞的神经递质之一。     

Synaptic and intrinsic activation of GABAergic neurons in the cardiorespiratory brainstem network

GABAergic pathways in the brainstem play an essential role in respiratory rhythmogenesis and interactions between the respiratory and cardiovascular neuronal control networks. However, little is known about the identity and function of these GABAergic inhibitory neurons and what determines their activity. In this study we have identified a population of GABAergic neurons in the ventrolateral medulla that receive increased excitatory post-synaptic potentials during inspiration, but also have spontaneous firing in the absence of synaptic input. Using transgenic mice that express GFP under the control of the Gad1 (GAD67) gene promoter, we determined that this population of GABAergic neurons is in close apposition to cardioinhibitory parasympathetic cardiac neurons in the nucleus ambiguus (NA). These neurons fire in synchronization with inspiratory activity. Although they receive excitatory glutamatergic synaptic inputs during inspiration, this excitatory neurotransmission was not altered by blocking nicotinic receptors, and many of these GABAergic neurons continue to fire after synaptic blockade. The spontaneous firing in these GABAergic neurons was not altered by the voltage-gated calcium channel blocker cadmium chloride that blocks both neurotransmission to these neurons and voltage-gated Ca(2+) currents, but spontaneous firing was diminished by riluzole, demonstrating a role of persistent sodium channels in the spontaneous firing in these cardiorespiratory GABAergic neurons that possess a pacemaker phenotype. The spontaneously firing GABAergic neurons identified in this study that increase their activity during inspiration would support respiratory rhythm generation if they acted primarily to inhibit post-inspiratory neurons and thereby release inspiration neurons to increase their activity. This population of inspiratory-modulated GABAergic neurons could also play a role in inhibiting neurons that are most active during expiration and provide a framework for respiratory sinus arrhythmia as there is an increase in heart rate during inspiration that occurs via inhibition of premotor parasympathetic cardioinhibitory neurons in the NA during inspiration.     

Overnight Fasting Regulates Inhibitory Tone to Cholinergic Neurons of the Dorsomedial Nucleus of the Hypothalamus

The dorsomedial nucleus of the hypothalamus (DMH) contributes to the regulation of overall energy homeostasis by modulating energy intake as well as energy expenditure. Despite the importance of the DMH in the control of energy balance, DMH-specific genetic markers or neuronal subtypes are poorly defined. Here we demonstrate the presence of cholinergic neurons in the DMH using genetically modified mice that express enhanced green florescent protein (eGFP) selectively in choline acetyltransferase (Chat)-neurons. Overnight food deprivation increases the activity of DMH cholinergic neurons, as shown by induction of fos protein and a significant shift in the baseline resting membrane potential. DMH cholinergic neurons receive both glutamatergic and GABAergic synaptic input, but the activation of these neurons by an overnight fast is due entirely to decreased inhibitory tone. The decreased inhibition is associated with decreased frequency and amplitude of GABAergic synaptic currents in the cholinergic DMH neurons, while glutamatergic synaptic transmission is not altered. As neither the frequency nor amplitude of miniature GABAergic or glutamatergic postsynaptic currents is affected by overnight food deprivation, the fasting-induced decrease in inhibitory tone to cholinergic neurons is dependent on superthreshold activity of GABAergic inputs. This study reveals that cholinergic neurons in the DMH readily sense the availability of nutrients and respond to overnight fasting via decreased GABAergic inhibitory tone. As such, altered synaptic as well as neuronal activity of DMH cholinergic neurons may play a critical role in the regulation of overall energy homeostasis.     

The principal neurons of the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body and NG2+ glial cells receive coordinated excitatory synaptic input

Glial cell processes are part of the synaptic structure and sense spillover of transmitter, while some glial cells can even receive direct synaptic input. Here, we report that a defined type of glial cell in the medial nucleus of the trapezoid body (MNTB) receives excitatory glutamatergic synaptic input from the calyx of Held (CoH). This giant glutamatergic terminal forms an axosomatic synapse with a single principal neuron located in the MNTB. The NG2 glia, as postsynaptic principal neurons, establish synapse-like structures with the CoH terminal. In contrast to the principal neurons, which are known to receive excitatory as well as inhibitory inputs, the NG2 glia receive mostly, if not exclusively, α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-isoxazole-4-propionic acid receptor–mediated evoked and spontaneous synaptic input. Simultaneous recordings from neurons and NG2 glia indicate that they partially receive synchronized spontaneous input. This shows that an NG2⁺ glial cell and a postsynaptic neuron share presynaptic terminals.     

Potentiation of glutamatergic synaptic input to supraoptic neurons by presynaptic nicotinic receptors

The release of vasopressin and oxytocin from the supraoptic nucleus (SON) neurons is tonically regulated by excitatory glutamatergic and inhibitory GABAergic synaptic inputs. Acetylcholine is known to excite SON neurons and to elicit vasopressin release. Cholinergic receptors are located pre- and postsynaptically in the SON, but their functional significance in the regulation of SON neurons is not fully understood. In this study, we determined the role of presynaptic cholinergic receptors in regulation of the excitatory glutamatergic inputs to the SON neurons. The magnocellular neurons in the rat hypothalamic slices were identified microscopically, and the spontaneous miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) were recorded using the whole cell voltage-clamp technique. The mEPSCs were abolished by the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (20 microM). Acetylcholine (100 microM) significantly increased the frequency of mEPSCs of 38 SON neurons from 1.87 +/- 0.36 to 3.42 +/- 0.54 Hz but did not alter the amplitude (from 19.61 +/- 0.90 to 19.34 +/- 0.84 pA) and the decay time constant of mEPSCs. Furthermore, the nicotinic receptor antagonist mecamylamine (10 microM, n = 16), but not the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (100 microM, n = 12), abolished the excitatory effect of acetylcholine on the frequency of mEPSCs. These data provide new information that the excitatory effect of acetylcholine on the SON neurons is mediated, at least in part, by its effect on presynaptic glutamate release. Activation of presynaptic nicotinic, but not muscarinic, receptors located in the glutamatergic terminals increases the excitatory synaptic input to the SON neurons of the hypothalamus.     

Immunocytochemical localization of the AMPA receptor subunits in the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus of the rat

The mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus is composed of large (35-50 microns) pseudo-unipolar neurons. Closely associated with them are small (< 20 microns) multipolar neurons. An unique peculiarity of the pseudo-unipolar perikarya is that they receive synaptic input from various sources, which sets them apart from the dorsal root and cranial nerves sensory ganglia neurons. Whereas glutamate is the best neurotransmitter candidate in pseudo-unipolar neurons, glutamatergic input into them has not yet been reported. AMPA glutamate receptors are implicated in fast excitatory glutamatergic synaptic transmission. They have been localized ultrastructurally at postsynaptic sites. This study demonstrates that the pseudo-unipolar neurons of the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus express AMPA glutamate receptor subunits, which indicates that these neurons receive glutamatergic input. Serial sections from the rostral pons and midbrain of Sprague-Dawley rats were immunostained with antibodies against C-terminus of AMPA receptor subunits: GluR1, GluR2/3, and GluR4. The immunoreaction was visualized with avidin-biotin-peroxidase/DAB for light and electron microscopy. With GluR1 antibody only the smallest multipolar neurons were recognized as immunopositive within the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus. GluR2/3 stained the pseudo-unipolar neurons intensely within the entire rostro-caudal extent of the nucleus. In addition the former antibody stained small multipolar neurons within the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus, though with somewhat larger dimensions than those immunoreactive for GluR1. Whereas the overall staining with GluR4 antibody was scant, those pseudo-unipolar neurons that were stained, were strongly stained. Furthermore, a considerable number of microglial cells within and surrounding the mesencephalic trigeminal nucleus displayed very intense immunoreactivity for GluR4. These results are discussed in the light of the glutamate receptor subunit composition.     

Differential control over postganglionic neurons in rat cardiac ganglia by NA and DmnX neurons: anatomical evidence

In previous single-labeling experiments, we showed that neurons in the nucleus ambiguous (NA) and the dorsal moto nucleus of the vagus (DmnX) project to intrinsic cardiac ganglia. Neurons in these two motor nuclei differ significantly in the size of their projection fields, axon caliber, and endings in cardiac ganglia. These differences in NA and DmnX axon cardiac projections raise the question as to whether they target the same, distinct, or overlapping populations of cardiac principal neurons. To address this issue, we examined vagal terminals in cardiac ganglia and trace injection sites in the brain stem using two different anterograde t ace s 1,1-dioleyl-3,3,3,3-tetramethylindocarbocyanine methanesulfonate and 4-[4-(dihexadecylamino)-styryl]-N-methylpyridinium iodide] and confocal microscopy in male Sprague-Dawley rats. We found that 1) NA and DmnX neurons innervate the same cardiac ganglia, but these axons target separate subpopulations of principal neurons and 2) axons arising from neurons in the NA and DmnX in the contralateral sides of the brain stem enter the cardiac ganglionic plexus through separate bundles and preferentially innervate principal neurons near their entry regions, providing topographic mapping of vagal motor neurons in left and right brain stem vagal nuclei. Because the NA and DmnX project to distinct populations of cardiac principal neurons, we propose that they may play different roles in controlling cardiac function.     

An orthograde labelling study of axons of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus to rat cardiac ganglia as demonstrated by autoradiography

Central organization of the cardiac vagus has not been clarified. Retrograde changes produced in medulla oblongata neurons after section of vagal branches has favored the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMNX). Current information concerning the origin, course, and termination of vagal preganglionic fibers within cardiac ganglia is conflicting. The explicit purpose of this study was to determine if vagal fibers originated specifically within the DMNX proper. Fibers within the cardiac ganglia were labelled with 3H-leucine following injection into the DMNX. 12 adult albino rats were studied. DMNX were injected with 25 microCi 3H-leucine reconstituted to microliter. Animals were sacrificed by transcardial perfusion following a 4-day survival period. Serial cross-sections of the caudal pons, medulla oblongata, and thoracic viscera were processed for autoradiography. DMNX possessed a heavy incorporation of the radiochemical. Label was observed within the axons of the vagi. Cardiac ganglia contained labelled vagal fibers in close proximity to the postganglionic somata. Cardiac ganglia containing labelled preganglionic vagal axons were located in the cardiac plexuses and in the epicardium. Results show a labelled vagal preganglionic input to cardiac ganglia from the DMNX.     

Activation of subfornical organ neurons in rats through pre- and postsynaptic alpha-adrenoceptors

The effects of noradrenaline (NA) and its analogs on subfornical organ (SFO) neurons in rat slice preparations were investigated by using whole cell patch-clamp recording. In the current-clamp mode, the application of NA at 10-100 microM produced membrane depolarization (63%, 17 responsive neurons/27 neurons tested) and hyperpolarization (22%, 6/27 neurons). In the voltage-clamp mode, NA application at 1-100 microM produced inward currents (69%, 42/61 neurons) and outward currents (23%, 14/61 neurons). These currents remained in the presence of TTX or both glutamate and GABA receptor antagonists. In most of the neurons (25/31 neurons) showing inward currents in the presence of NA, the membrane conductance was not changed by voltage ramps or hyperpolarizing pulse stimulation. Similar responses were obtained by the application of the alpha1-agonist phenylephrine. The phenylephrine-induced inward currents were inhibited by the alpha1-antagonist prazosin. The alpha2-agonist clonidine decreased the frequency of spontaneous GABAergic inhibitory postsynaptic currents (4/10 neurons). In addition, RT-PCR assay and immunohistochemical staining showed the existence of alpha1-adrenoceptors in the SFO. The results suggest that SFO neurons in rats are activated postsynaptically through alpha1-adrenoceptors and that the activation is enhanced by suppressing GABAergic inhibitory synaptic inputs through presynaptic alpha2-adrenoceptors.     

Inactivation kinetics of voltage-gated calcium channels in glutamatergic neurons are influenced by SNAP-25

SNAP-25 forms part of the SNARE core complex that mediates membrane fusion. Biochemical and electrophysiological evidence supports an accessory role for SNAP-25 in interacting with voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) to modulate channel activity. We recently reported that endogenous SNAP-25 negatively regulates VGCC activity in glutamatergic neurons from rat hippocampal cultures by shifting the voltage-dependence of inactivation of the predominant P/Q-type channel current in these cells. In the present study, we extend these findings by investigating the effect that manipulating endogenous SNAP-25 expression has on the inactivation kinetics of VGCC current in both glutamatergic and GABAergic cells recorded from 9-13 DIV cultures. Silencing SNAP-25 in glutamatergic neurons significantly slowed the inactivation rate of P/Q-type VGCC current whereas alterations in SNAP-25 expression did not alter inactivation rates in GABAergic neurons. These results indicate that endogenous SNAP-25 plays an important role in P/Q-type channel regulation in glutamatergic neurons.     

Flotillin‐1 promotes formation of glutamatergic synapses in hippocampal neurons

Synapse malformation underlies numerous neurodevelopmental illnesses, including autism spectrum disorders. Here we identify the lipid raft protein flotillin‐1 as a promoter of glutamatergic synapse formation. We cultured neurons from the hippocampus, a brain region important for learning and memory, and examined them at two weeks in vitro, a time period rich with synapse formation. Double‐label immunocytochemistry of native flot‐1 with glutamatergic and GABAergic synapse markers showed that flot‐1 was preferentially colocalized with the glutamatergic presynaptic marker vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), compared to the GABAergic presynaptic marker glutamic acid decarboxylase‐65 (GAD‐65). Triple‐label immunocytochemistry of native flot‐1, VGLUT1, and NR1, the obligatory subunit of NMDA receptors, indicates that Flot‐1 was preferentially localized to synaptic rather than extrasynaptic NR1. Furthermore, electrophysiological results using whole‐cell patch clamp showed that Flot‐1 increased the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) but not miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs), whereas amplitude and decay kinetics of either type of synaptic current was not affected. Corresponding immunocytochemical data confirmed that the number of glutamatergic synapses increased with flot‐1 overexpression. Overall, our anatomical and physiological results show that flot‐1 enhances the formation of glutamatergic synapses but not GABAergic synapses, suggesting that the role of flot‐1 in neurodevelopmental disorders should be explored. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 70: 875–883, 2010