Gabriele Losi

An Excitatory Loop with Astrocytes Contributes to Drive Neurons to Seizure Threshold

Studies in rodent brain slices suggest that seizures in focal epilepsies are sustained and propagated by the reciprocal interaction between neurons and astroglial cells

Fast spiking interneuron control of seizure propagation in a cortical slice model of focal epilepsy

In focal epilepsy the propagation of seizure discharges arising at restricted brain sites is opposed by feedforward inhibition. Failure of this inhibition marks focal seizure propagation to distant neurons. The cellular source of inhibition and the mechanism of inhibition failure are, however, undefined. Here we reveal that a subclass of GABAergic interneurons, i.e. the parvalbumin‐expressing, fast‐spiking interneurons, are a main source of the inhibitory signal that locally restrains seizures. Furthermore, a firing impairment in these interneurons, probably due to a drastic membrane depolarization, is an important event that by reducing the overall strength of local inhibition allows seizures to propagate across the cortex. Our data suggest that modulation of fast‐spiking interneuron activity may represent a new therapeutic strategy to prevent generalization of focal epilepsies.

PSD‐95 regulates NMDA receptors in developing cerebellar granule neurons of the rat

We transfected a green fluorescent protein‐tagged PSD‐95 (PSD‐95gfp) into cultured rat cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) to investigate the role of PSD‐95 in excitatory synapse maturation. Cells were grown in low potassium to favour functional synapse formation in vitro. Transfected cells displayed clear clusters of PSD‐95gfp, often at the extremities of the short dendritic trees. We recorded NMDA and AMPA miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (NMDA‐ and AMPA‐mESPCs) in the presence of TTX and bicuculline. At days in vitro (DIV) 7–8 PSD‐95gfp‐transfected cells had NMDA‐mEPSCs with faster decay and smaller amplitudes than matching controls. In contrast, AMPA‐mEPSC frequencies and amplitudes were increased. Whole‐cell current density and ifenprodil sensitivity were reduced in PSD‐95gfp cells, indicating a reduction of NR2B subunits containing NMDA receptors. No changes were observed compared to control when cells were transfected with cDNA for PSD‐95gfp with palmitoylation site mutations that prevent targeting to the synapse. Overexpression of the NMDA receptor NR2A subunit, but not the NR2B subunit, prevented NMDA‐mEPSC amplitude reduction when cotransfected with PSD‐95gfp. PSD‐95gfp overexpression produced faster NMDA‐mEPSC decay when transfected alone or with either NR2 subunit. Surface staining of the epitope‐tagged NR2 subunits revealed that colocalization with PSD‐95gfp was higher for flag‐tagged NR2A subunit clusters than for flag‐tagged NR2B subunit clusters. These data suggest that PSD‐95 overexpression in CGCs favours synaptic maturation by allowing synaptic insertion of NR2A and depressing expression of NR2B subunits.

Functional expression of distinct NMDA channel subunits tagged with green fluorescent protein in hippocampal neurons in culture

We generated expression vectors for N-terminally green fluorescent protein -tagged NR2A and NR2B subunits (GFP-NR2A and GFP-NR2B). Both constructs expressed GFP and formed functional NMDA channels with similar properties to untagged controls when co-transfected with NR1 subunit partner in HEK293 cells. Primary cultured hippocampal neurons were transfected at five days in vitro with these vectors. Fifteen days after transfection, well-defined GFP clusters were observed for both GFP-NR2A and GFP-NR2B subunits being co-localized with endogenous NR1 subunit. Whole-cell recordings showed that the GFP-NR2A subunit determined the decay of NMDA-mediated miniature spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (NMDA-mEPSCs) in transfected neurons. Live staining with anti-GFP antibody demonstrated the surface expression of GFP-NR2A and GFP-NR2B subunits that was partly co-localized a presynaptic marker. Localization of NMDA receptor clusters in dendrites was studied by co-transfection of CFP-actin and GFP-NR2 subunits followed by anti-GFP surface staining. Within one week after plating most surface NMDAR clusters were distributed on dendritic shafts. Later in development, a large portion of surface clusters for both GFP-NR2A and GFP-NR2B subunits were clearly localized at dendritic spines. Our report provides the basis for studies of NMDA receptor location together with dendritic dynamics in living neurons during synaptogenesis in vitro.

GABAA receptor δ subunit deletion prevents neurosteroid modulation of inhibitory synaptic currents in cerebellar neurons

The delta subunit of the GABA(A) receptor has been reported to play a pivotal role in neurosteroid modulation. We investigated the action of the neurosteroid THDOC on GABA(A) receptor-mediated spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) recorded in cerebellar neurons from delta subunit knockout mice. We observed that the neurosteroid failed to prolong IPSCs in granule neurons in cerebellar slices from these mice. This was in contrast to robust potentiation observed in wild-type mice. However, in stellate neurons, naturally devoid of delta subunit, a significant reduction of neurosteroid action on sIPSCs recorded in the presence of tetrodotoxin (mIPSCs) was also observed in mice that lack the delta subunit. Given the reported role of intracellular protein kinase C modulation of neurosteroid activity, we investigated the action of THDOC by recording sIPSCs and mIPSCs from delta-deficient mice with intracellular perfusion of a kinase stimulator. Phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) completely restored the action of the neurosteroid on synaptic currents in both granule and stellate neurons.

Parvalbumin-Positive Inhibitory Interneurons Oppose Propagation But Favor Generation of Focal Epileptiform Activity

Parvalbumin (Pv)-positive inhibitory interneurons effectively control network excitability, and their optogenetic activation has been reported to block epileptic seizures. An intense activity in GABAergic interneurons, including Pv interneurons, before seizures has been described in different experimental models of epilepsy, raising the hypothesis that an increased GABAergic inhibitory signal may, under certain conditions, initiate seizures. It is therefore unclear whether the activity of Pv interneurons enhances or opposes epileptiform activities. Here we use a mouse cortical slice model of focal epilepsy in which the epileptogenic focus can be identified and the role of Pv interneurons in the generation and propagation of seizure-like ictal events is accurately analyzed by a combination of optogenetic, electrophysiological, and imaging techniques. We found that a selective activation of Pv interneurons at the focus failed to block ictal generation and induced postinhibitory rebound spiking in pyramidal neurons, enhancing neuronal synchrony and promoting ictal generation. In contrast, a selective activation of Pv interneurons distant from the focus blocked ictal propagation and shortened ictal duration at the focus. We revealed that the reduced ictal duration was a direct consequence of the ictal propagation block, probably by preventing newly generated afterdischarges to travel backwards to the original focus of ictal initiation. Similar results were obtained upon individual Pv interneuron activation by intracellular depolarizing current pulses. The functional dichotomy of Pv interneurons here described opens new perspectives to our understanding of how local inhibitory circuits govern generation and spread of focal epileptiform activities.

The role of astroglia in the epileptic brain

Epilepsies comprise a family of multifactorial neurological disorders that affect at least 50 million people worldwide. Despite a long history of neurobiological and clinical studies the mechanisms that lead the brain network to a hyperexcitable state and to the intense, massive neuronal discharges reflecting a seizure episode are only partially defined. Most epilepsies of genetic origin are related to mutations in ionic channels that cause neuronal hyperexcitability. However, idiopathic epilepsies of unclear origin represent the majority of these brain disorders. A large body of evidence suggests that in the epileptic brain neurons are not the only players. Indeed, the glial cell astrocyte is known to be morphologically and functionally altered in different types of epilepsy. Although it is unclear whether these astrocyte dysfunctions can have a causative role in epileptogenesis, the hypothesis that astrocytes contribute to epileptiform activities recently received a considerable experimental support. Notably, currently used antiepileptic drugs, that act mainly on neuronal ion channels, are ineffective in a large group of patients. Clarifying astrocyte functions in the epileptic brain tissue could unveil astrocytes as novel therapeutic targets. In this review we present first a short overview on the role of astrocytes in the epileptic brain starting from the “historical” observations on their fundamental modulation of brain homeostasis, such as the control of water content, ionic equilibrium, and neurotransmitters concentrations. We then focus our review on most recent studies that hint at a distinct contribution of these cells in the generation of focal epileptiform activities.

GABAergic interneuron to astrocyte signalling: a neglected form of cell communication in the brain.

GABAergic interneurons represent a minority of all cortical neurons and yet they efficiently control neural network activities in all brain areas. In parallel, glial cell astrocytes exert a broad control of brain tissue homeostasis and metabolism, modulate synaptic transmission and contribute to brain information processing in a dynamic interaction with neurons that is finely regulated in time and space. As most studies have focused on glutamatergic neurons and excitatory transmission, our knowledge of functional interactions between GABAergic interneurons and astrocytes is largely defective. Here, we critically discuss the currently available literature that hints at a potential relevance of this specific signalling in brain function. Astrocytes can respond to GABA through different mechanisms that include GABA receptors and transporters. GABA-activated astrocytes can, in turn, modulate local neuronal activity by releasing gliotransmitters including glutamate and ATP. In addition, astrocyte activation by different signals can modulate GABAergic neurotransmission. Full clarification of the reciprocal signalling between different GABAergic interneurons and astrocytes will improve our understanding of brain network complexity and has the potential to unveil novel therapeutic strategies for brain disorders.

A new experimental model of focal seizures in the entorhinal cortex

Purpose:  Despite intensive studies, our understanding of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying epileptogenesis remains largely unsatisfactory. Our defective knowledge derives in part from the lack of adequate experimental models of the distinct phases that characterize the epileptic event, that is, initiation, propagation, and cessation. The aim of our study is the development of a new brain slice model in which a focal seizure can be repetitively evoked at a precise and predictable site.

The inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA evokes long-lasting Ca(2+) oscillations in cortical astrocytes.

Studies over the last decade provided evidence that in a dynamic interaction with neurons glial cell astrocytes contribut to fundamental phenomena in the brain. Most of the knowledge on this derives, however, from studies monitoring the astrocyte Ca2+ response to glutamate. Whether astrocytes can similarly respond to other neurotransmitters, including the inhibitory neurotransmitter GABA, is relatively unexplored. By using confocal and two photon laser‐scanning microscopy the astrocyte response to GABA in the mouse somatosensory and temporal cortex was studied. In slices from developing (P15‐20) and adult (P30‐60) mice, it was found that in a subpopulation of astrocytes GABA evoked somatic Ca2+ oscillations. This response was mediated by GABAB receptors and involved both Gi/o protein and inositol 1,4,5‐trisphosphate (IP3) signalling pathways. In vivo experiments from young adult mice, revealed that also cortical astrocytes in the living brain exibit GABAB receptor‐mediated Ca2+ elevations. At all astrocytic processes tested, local GABA or Baclofen brief applications induced long‐lasting Ca2+ oscillations, suggesting that all astrocytes have the potential to respond to GABA. Finally, in patch‐clamp recordings it was found that Ca2+ oscillations induced by Baclofen evoked astrocytic glutamate release and slow inward currents (SICs) in pyramidal cells from wild type but not IP3R2−/− mice, in which astrocytic GABAB receptor‐mediated Ca2+ elevations are impaired. These data suggest that cortical astrocytes in the mouse brain can sense the activity of GABAergic interneurons and through their specific recruitment contribut to the distinct role played on the cortical network by the different subsets of GABAergic interneurons. GLIA 2016;64:363–373