大脑皮层神经元NMDA受体的单通道特性

本文用膜片箝技术对机械分离培养的大鼠大脑皮层神经元胞体上的ＮＭＤＡ受体的单通道特性进行了研究,实验用细胞贴附和内面向外两种形式记录单离子通道的活动。电极液内含有ＮＭＤＡ或Ｌ－门冬氨酸时,在皮层神经元上常见电导为３５ｐＳ的离子通道。通道对Ｎａ＋,Ｋ＋非选择性通透,对Ｃｌ－不通透,其平均开放时间和开放概率随超极化程度增大而降低。开放、关闭时间及ｂｕｒｓｔ时程的分布直方图均需双指数拟合。Ｍｇ２＋以电压和浓度依赖性的方式减小通道开放时间,ＡＰＶ能阻断通道活动,温度降低使通道开放时间延长及电流幅度减小。本文结果表明大脑皮层神经元上ＮＭＤＡ受体通道活动自身具有电压依赖性,因此提示ＮＭＤＡ受体通道的正常功能活动可能依赖于某些细胞内调控过程的存在。     

NMDA受体激活引起的突触活动对Wnt非经典通路的影响

目的探讨NMDA受体激活引起的突触活动诱导Wnt非经典通路的活化。方法构建C57BL/6J胎鼠大脑皮层神经元原代培养体系,用NMDA处理神经元细胞,并结合Western blotting、双免疫荧光染色等技术,检测神经元细胞内Wnt非经典通路的相关蛋白的变化。结果免疫荧光染色显示成功建立了C57BL/6J胎鼠大脑皮层神经元体外培养体系,原代神经元细胞在体外培养10d生长良好,且纯度达90%;体外培养的神经元细胞内存在Wnt5a神经递质,经NMDA的刺激,发现Wnt非经典通路的两个标志性蛋白CaMKII和JNK的磷酸化水平显著增加,且Wnt非经典通路的一种受体Frizzled-5的蛋白表达水平也显著增加。进一步的研究显示,用NMDA竞争性抑制剂DAP5能够阻断NMDA引起的CaMKII和JNK蛋白的磷酸化水平的提高。结论 NMDA受体的激活会诱导Wnt非经典通路的活化。     

NMDA受体的活化调节原代皮层神经元的Wnt/β-catenin信号通路

经典的Wnt/β-catenin信号通路在中枢神经系统突触形成和功能中发挥重要的调节作用。作为兴奋性神经递质的谷氨酸,与其受体结合,参与许多信号调节活动。为了探讨NMDA受体活化对Wnt/β-catenin信号通路的作用,该文利用18 d的C57小鼠胚胎培养皮层神经元（离体10 d）,用10μmol/L谷氨酸钠（monosodium glutamate,MSG）和50μmol/L N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸（NMDA）处理细胞,通过蛋白免疫印迹技术或者细胞免疫荧光染色分析Wnt/β-catenin信号通路关键成员。结果发现,NMDA受体的活化能使GSK-3β的Ser9位磷酸化水平增加,活性被抑制,胞浆内β-catenin蛋白降解减少,入核增加,激活下游基因表达。这些结果提示,NMDA受体激活能够上调Wnt/β-catenin信号通路。     

非NMDA受体参与双相呼气和吸气神经元电活动的调节

在新生大鼠延髓脑片上同步记录舌下神经根和双相呼气神经元／吸气神经元单位的放电活动,并在灌流的改良Kredbs液中先后加以非NMDA受体的激动剂KA和拮抗剂DNQX,观察对神经元单位放电的影响,以进一步探讨非NMDA受体在对双相呼气神经元之间交互兴奋和吸气神经元兴奋性突触输入中的作用,结果表明,使用非NMDA受体激动剂KA以后,双相呼气神经元的放电频率和蜂频率都明显增大,吸气神经元中期放电的频率和非NMDA受体激动剂KA以后,双相呼气神经元的放电频率和峰频率都明显增大,吸气神经元中期放电的频率和峰频率也显著增大,而早期和晚期放电的频率无明显改变,用相应拮抗剂以后,上述效应明显被抑制,结果提示,非NMDA受体参与了双相呼气神经元之间的交互兴奋作用,并且也介导了吸气神经元的兴奋性突触输入／     

NMDA受体参与皮层内突触结构和功能的调节

在中枢神经系统内神经细胞的树突棘是突触信息传递的重要部位,树突棘的体积和密度影响神经环路的功能。2007年美国加利福尼亚大学的SilaK．Ultanir等人在皮层NRl亚基（是NMDA受体的必要组分）基因敲除的小鼠上发现NMDA受体对树突棘的发育有重要影响。急性分离出生后三周内小鼠的脑片,用电压钳全细胞记录的方法,发现在皮层2／3层的锥体细胞中,AMPA受体介导的微小兴奋性突触后电流（mEP-SC）的幅度和频率均明显增大。     

NMDA受体与中枢神经系统的发育

离子型谷氨酸受体分为NMDA型和非NMDA型两类,其中NMDA型受体与中枢神经系统发育关系密切。本文综述了NMDA受体的分子特性及NMDA受体五种亚单位NR1、NR2A、NR2B、NR2C和NR2D在动物出生后脑内的时空表达;NMDA受体亚单位在发育中的作用以及NMDA受体活性的胞内调节机制。     

NMDA受体的结构及其生理作用

N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸（NMDA）受体是离子型兴奋性谷氨酸受体的一种亚型,生物体内已发现了3种NMDA受体亚基,且通过选择性剪接至少存在7种亚型,形成具有功能的多结合位点的大分子复合物。NMDA受体在中枢神经系统的突触传递、突触可塑性、学习记忆等生理过程中发挥着重要作用,且NMDA受体的异常会导致-些精神疾病及认知功能的障碍。     

NMDA受体与Ⅰ组代谢型谷氨酸受体的相互作用

谷氨酸是哺乳动物中枢神经系统重要兴奋性神经递质,参与学习、记忆、药物依赖成瘾及神经系统退行性疾病等多种病理生理过程。谷氨酸通过激活离子型（iGluRs）和代谢型谷氨酸受体（mGluRs）发挥作用。业已有研究提示iGluRs和mGluRs之间存在相互作用,但具体机制尚待阐明。本文从蛋白分子结构、突触可塑性、相互作用可能涉及的信号分子和通路等方面综述了NMDAR与Ⅰ组mGluRs之间的相互作用,旨在为深入研究谷氨酸受体之间的相互作用提供线索。     

围产期母鼠染毒双酚A对雄性子代脑内谷氨酸N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸受体发育的影响

为了探讨围生期双酚A (bisphenol A,BPA) 暴露对雄性子代大鼠海马和前皮层谷氨酸N- 甲基-D- 天冬氨酸受体(N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor, NMDAR) 表达的影响,作者通过对妊娠第7 天至仔鼠出生后21 天的母鼠灌胃染毒BPA (200, 50, 5, 0.5 mg/(kg·d)),用Western-blot法分别检测出生后4、7、14、21、56 天的雄性仔鼠海马和前皮层NMDA 受体NR1、NR2A、2B 亚基的表达。结果显示,在海马区,较低剂量(0.5～50 mg/(kg·d))BPA 剂量依赖性地下调NMDA 受体各亚基表达,而高剂量(200 mg/(kg·d)) BPA 最显著下调NR1 表达,却对
NR2A、2B的影响最小;但所有BPA剂量组的NMDA受体亚基表达均显著低于对照组。在前皮层,NMDAR 亚基表达对BPA 的敏感性相对较低,只有较高剂量(50～200 mg/(kg·d)) BPA 可明显下调NR2A、2B 亚基表达。此外,BPA 明显改变NMDAR 的亚基组成,NR2A/NR1 和NR2B/NR1 比值在海马区被200 mg/(kg·d) BPA 上调,在前皮层却被0.5 mg/(kg·d) BPA 上调;其它剂量BPA 均下调两脑区的该比值。以上结果提示,母体围生期双酚A 暴露下调NMDA 受体表达和亚基组成,这可能是BPA 影响雄性子代脑发育的机制之一。     

NMDA受体在焦虑症发病机制的研究进展

伴随社会生活和工作压力的增大,常见精神类疾病焦虑症的发病率逐年攀升。焦虑症的发病机制非常复杂,迄今尚未完全阐明。本文概述了焦虑症发病机制与NMDA受体不同亚型的关系。NMDA受体主要广泛分布于脑、脊髓和周围神经系统。NR1广泛分布于中枢神经,在NR2D亚基敲除小鼠中,NR1和NR2D的相互影响可能参与了焦虑样行为。NR2A与NR2B是NMDA受体的两个重要亚基,NR2B的高选择性拮抗剂艾芬地尔在小鼠的高架十字迷宫实验中发挥了抗焦虑功效。将小鼠全脑的NR2C基因用NR2B替代之后,1月龄变异小鼠的高架十字迷宫实验显示有明显的非条件性焦虑行为,表明NR2B和NR2C均可能参与焦虑的发生。因此,深入阐明调控NMDA受体亚基组成的确切作用机制,将有助于探索焦虑症潜在治疗靶点的发现,并针对性地开展新药的研发。     

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。     

Spatial expression patterns of genes involved in cyclic AMP responses in Dictyostelium discoideum development

The spatial expression patterns of genes involved in cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) responses during morphogenesis in Dictyostelium discoideum were analyzed by in situ hybridization. Genes encoding adenylyl cyclase A (ACA), cAMP receptor 1, G-protein alpha2 and beta subunits, cytosolic activator of ACA (CRAC and Aimless), catalytic subunit of protein kinase A (PKA-C) and cAMP phosphodiesterases (PDE and REG-A) were preferentially expressed in the anterior prestalk (tip) region of slugs, which acts as an organizing center. MAP kinase ERK2 (extracellular signal-regulated kinase-2) mRNA, however, was enriched in the posterior prespore region. At the culmination stage, the expression of ACA, CRAC and PKA-C mRNA increased in prespore cells in contrast with the previous stage. However, no alteration in the site of expression was observed for the other mRNA analyzed. Based on these findings, two and four classes of expression patterns were catalogued for these genes during the slug and culmination stages, respectively. Promoter analyses of genes in particular classes should enhance understanding of the regulation of dynamic and coordinated gene expression during morphogenesis.     

Genetic and pharmacological studies of GluR5 modulation of inhibitory synaptic transmission in the anterior cingulate cortex of adult mice

In the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), GluR5-containing kainate receptor mediated the small portion of excitatory postsynaptic current. However, little is known about its role in modulation of neurotransmitter release in this brain region. In the present study, we address this question by using selective GluR5 agonist and antagonist, as well as GluR5(-/-) mice. Our results showed that activation of GluR5 induced action potential-dependent GABA release, which is also required for the activation of voltage-dependent calcium channel and Ca(2+) influx. The effect of GluR5 activation is selective to the GABAergic, but not glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Endogenous activation of GluR5 also enhanced GABA release to ACC pyramidal neurons and the corresponding postsynaptic tonic GABA current. Our results suggest the somatodendritic, but not presynaptic GluR5, in modulation of GABA release. The endogenous GluR5 activation and the subsequent tonic GABA current may play an inhibitory role in ACC-related brain functions.     

Long-term potentiation in the anterior cingulate cortex and chronic pain

Glutamate is the primary excitatory transmitter of sensory transmission and perception in the central nervous system. Painful or noxious stimuli from the periphery ‘teach’ humans and animals to avoid potentially dangerous objects or environments, whereas tissue injury itself causes unnecessary chronic pain that can even last for long periods of time. Conventional pain medicines often fail to control chronic pain. Recent neurobiological studies suggest that synaptic plasticity taking place in sensory pathways, from spinal dorsal horn to cortical areas, contributes to chronic pain. Injuries trigger long-term potentiation of synaptic transmission in the spinal cord dorsal horn and anterior cingulate cortex, and such persistent potentiation does not require continuous neuronal activity from the periphery. At the synaptic level, potentiation of excitatory transmission caused by injuries may be mediated by the enhancement of glutamate release from presynaptic terminals and potentiated postsynaptic responses of AMPA receptors. Preventing, ‘erasing’ or reducing such potentiation may serve as a new mechanism to inhibit chronic pain in patients in the future.     

Neural cells without functional N-Methyl-D-Aspartate (NMDA) receptors contribute extensively to normal postnatal brain development in efficiently generated chimaeric NMDA R1 -/- <--> +/+ mice

Embryonic stem (ES) cells have revolutionised our understanding of animal physiology. Analysis of chimaeric mice generated from these cells allows us to study the role of genes in development and function of the nervous system. The NMDA receptor, one of the two major ionotropic glutamate receptors, has been proposed to play fundamental roles in the survival, migration, differentiation, and activity-dependent maturation of neural cells. The NMDA receptor subunit 1 (NR1) gene is indispensable for receptor function, and knock-out mice die at birth, inhibiting the study of glutamate signalling in postnatal neurons. Homozygous NR1-/- ES cells were derived from matings of heterozygous mice under feeder-free conditions. Chimaeras were made by incorporating these ES cells into wild-type blastocysts and by the classical aggregation of morulae between wild-type and NR1-/- embryos. The resulting chimaeras survive and develop normally. NR1-/- neurons, identified by their lacZ label, were analysed and quantified in developing and adult brains with varying knock-out contributions in every single brain region. Specifically, postnatal ontogenesis of cerebellum and hippocampus was normal. Accordingly, in chimaeric mice, NMDA receptor-initiated signals are not required for the migration, differentiation, and survival of most types of neurons in the central nervous system, in a cell-autonomous way.     

Recombinant human serotonin 5A receptors stably expressed in C6 glioma cells couple to multiple signal transduction pathways

Human serotonin 5A (5-HT5A) receptors were stably expressed in undifferentiated C6 glioma. In 5-HT5A receptors-expressing cells, accumulation of cAMP by forskolin was inhibited by 5-HT as reported previously. Pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of ADP-ribosyl cyclase was also observed, indicating a decrease of cyclic ADP ribose, a potential intracellular second messenger mediating ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ mobilization. On the other hand, 5-HT-induced outward currents were observed using the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration. The 5-HT-induced outward current was observed in 84% of the patched 5-HT5A receptor-expressing cells and was concentration-dependent. The 5-HT-induced current was inhibited when intracellular K+ was replaced with Cs+ but was not significantly inhibited by typical K+ channel blockers. The 5-HT-induced current was significantly attenuated by 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) in the patch pipette. Depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores by application of caffeine or thapsigargin also blocked the 5-HT-induced current. Blocking G protein, the inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor, or pretreatment with pertussis toxin, all inhibited the 5-HT-induced current. IP3 showed a transient increase after application of 5-HT in 5-HT5A receptor-expressing cells. It was concluded that in addition to the inhibition of cAMP accumulation and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, 5-HT5A receptors regulate intracellular Ca2+ mobilization which is probably a result of the IP3-sensitive Ca2+ store. These multiple signal transduction systems may induce complex changes in the serotonergic system in brain function.     

Regulation of PINK1 by NR2B-containing NMDA receptors in ischemic neuronal injury

Dysfunction of PTEN-induced kinase-1 (PINK1) is implicated in neurodegeneration. We report here that oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro insult mimicking ischemic neuron injury, resulted in a significant reduction of PINK1 protein expression in cultured cortical neurons. The decrease of PINK1 expression was blocked by the antagonists of NMDA receptors. We revealed that the overactivation of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors (NR2BRs) was responsible for the OGD-induced PINK1 reduction. The overactivated NR2BRs also inhibited the phosphorylation, but not the protein expression, of the cell survival-promoting kinase Akt after OGD insult, indicating that OGD-induced reduction of PINK1 protein is specific in the injury paradigm. We further showed that enhancing the protein expression of PINK1 antagonized OGD-induced reduction of Akt phosphorylation, suggesting that Akt may be a downstream target of PINK1 in ischemic neuron injury. Importantly, we provided evidence that both NR2BR antagonist and PINK1 over-expression protected against OGD-induced neuronal death. These results suggest that the overactivation of NR2BRs may contribute to ischemic neuron death through suppressing PINK1-dependent survival signaling. Thus, selectively antagonizing NR2BR signal pathway-induced neurotoxicity may be a potential neuroprotection strategy.     

NMDA Receptor antagonists prevent acute ammonia toxicity in mice

We proposed that acute ammonia toxicity is mediated by activation of NMDA receptors. To confirm this hypothesis we have tested whether different NMDA receptor antagonists, acting on different sites of NMDA receptors, prevent death of mice induced by injection of 14 mmol/Kg of ammonium acetate, a dose that induces death of 95% of mice. MK-801, phencyclidine and ketamine, which block the ion channel of NMDA receptors, prevent death of at least 75% of mice. CPP, AP-5, CGS 19755, and CGP 40116, competitive antagonists acting on the binding site for NMDA, also prevent death of at least 75% of mice. Butanol, ethanol and methanol which block NMDA receptors, also prevent death of mice. There is an excellent correlation between the EC₅₀ for preventing ammonia-induced death and the IC₅₀ for inhibiting NMDA-induced currents. Acute ammonia toxicity is not prevented by antagonists of kainate/AMPA receptors, of muscarinic or nicotinic acetylcholine receptors or of GABA receptors. Inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase afford partial protection against ammonia toxicity while inhibitors of calcineurin, of glutamine synthetase or antioxidants did not prevent ammonia-induced death of mice. These results strongly support the idea that acute ammonia toxicity is mediated by activation of NMDA receptors.     

小鼠大脑皮质N─甲基－D－天冬氨酸受体的鉴定及其在衰老时的变化

以放射性配基结合分析法对正常成年小鼠大脑皮质中Ｎ─甲基－Ｄ－天冬氨酸（ＮＭＤＡ）受体作了鉴定;观察了衰老小鼠ＮＭＤＡ受体、空间辨别能力、海马突触传递长时程增强（ｌｏｎｇｔｅｒｍｐｏｔｅｎｔｉａｔｉｏｎ,ＬＴＰ）的变化及补肾中药复方对这些变化的影响。结果表明：小鼠大脑皮质含有丰富的、高亲和力的ＮＭＤＡ受体;衰老过程中小鼠ＮＭＤＡ受体的最大结合容量（Ｂｍａｘ）呈渐进性降低,空间辨别能力下降,ＬＴＰ的振幅和斜率明显降低;补肾中药复方具有提高衰老小鼠ＮＭＤＡ全体Ｂｍａｘ值和维持ＬＴＰ于较高水平的作用。     

缺血/再灌注小鼠海马组织cAMP和腺苷环化酶mRNA水平的变化

目的:观测缺血/再灌注小鼠海马组织环磷酸腺苷(cAMP)和腺苷环化酶(AC)mRNA水平,探讨缺血/再灌注发病的分子生物学机制.方法:通过双侧颈总动脉线结、连续3次缺血-再灌注,制作缺血/再灌注动物模型,并设立假手术组;术后29 d、30 d分别测试学习和记忆成绩;应用放射免疫法检测小鼠海马组织cAMP水平,应用原位杂交技术检测ACmRNA水平.结果:与假手术组比较,模型组学习和记忆成绩均降低(P＜0.05),且海马组织cAMP水平也降低(P＜0.05),海马CA1区AC mRNA阳性神经元面密度明显降低(P＜0.05).结论:海马组织cAMP和AC mRNA水平降低可能参与了缺血/再灌注后学习和记忆障碍的分子生物学发病机制.