NR2B Levels Research Articles

Hypoxia associated NMDA receptor 2 subunit composition: developmental comparison between the hypoxia-tolerant subterranean mole-rat, Spalax, and the hypoxia-sensitive rat

Vertebrate brains are sensitive to oxygen depletion, which may lead to cell death. Hypoxia sensitivity originates from the high intrinsic rate of ATP consumption of brain tissue, accompanied by the release of glutamate, leading to the opening of ionotropic glutamate receptors, such as N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors (NMDARs). The relative expression levels of the four NMDAR-2 (NR2) subunits change during mammalian development with higher levels of units NR2B and NR2D observed during early development and correlated with hypoxic tolerance during embryonic and neonatal stages of development. Higher levels of NR2D are also abundant in brains of hypoxia tolerant species such as the crucian carp. The subterranean mole-rat, Spalax spends its life underground in sealed burrows and has developed a wide range of adaptations to this special niche including hypoxia-tolerance. In this study, we compared the in vivo mRNA expression of NR2 subunits in the brains of embryonic, neonatal and adult Spalax and rat. Our results demonstrate that under normoxic conditions, mRNA levels of NR2D are higher in Spalax than in rat at all developmental stages studied and are similar to levels in neonatal rat and in other hypoxia/anoxia tolerant species. Furthermore, under hypoxia Spalax NR2D mRNA levels increase while no response was observed in rat. Similarly, hypoxia induces an increase in mRNA levels of Spalax NR2A, claimed to promote neuronal survival. We suggest that indeed the proportional combinations of NMDAR-2 subunits contribute to the ability of the Spalax brain to cope with hypoxic environments.

Chronic nicotine exposure inhibits estrogen-mediated synaptic functions in hippocampus of female rats

Nicotine, the addictive agent in cigarettes, reduces circulating estradiol-17β (E2) and inhibits E2-mediated intracellular signaling in hippocampus of female rats. In hippocampus, E2-signaling regulates synaptic plasticity by phosphorylation of the N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunit NR2B and cyclic-AMP response element binding protein (pCREB). Therefore, we hypothesized that chronic nicotine exposure induces synaptic dysfunction in hippocampus of female rats. Female rats were exposed to nicotine or saline for 16days followed by electrophysiological analysis of hippocampus. Briefly, population measurements of excitatory post-synaptic field potentials (fEPSPs) were recorded from stratum radiatum of the CA1 hippocampal slice subfield. A strict software-controlled protocol was used which recorded 30min of baseline data (stimulation rate of 1/min), a paired-pulse stimulation sequence followed by tetanic stimulation, and 1h of post-tetanus recording. EPSP amplitude and the initial EPSP slope were measured off-line. We then investigated by Western blot analysis the effects of nicotine on hippocampal estrogen receptor-beta (ER-β), NR2B and pCREB. The results demonstrated significantly decreased post-tetanic potentiation and paired-pulse facilitation at the 40, and 80ms interval in nicotine-exposed rats compared to the saline group. Western blot analysis revealed that nicotine decreased protein levels of ER-β, NR2B, and pCREB. We also confirmed the role of E2 in regulating NR2B and pCREB phosphorylation by performing Western blots in hippocapmal tissue obtained from E2-treated ovariectomized rats. In conclusion, chronic nicotine exposure attenuates short-term synaptic plasticity, and the observed synaptic defects might be a consequence of loss of estradiol-17β-signaling. However, determining the exact molecular mechanisms of chronic nicotine exposure on synaptic plasticity specific to the female brain require further investigation.

Retracted: Phosphorylated CaMKII post‐synaptic binding to NR2B subunits in the anterior cingulate cortex mediates visceral pain in visceral hypersensitive rats

The NR2B subunit of NMDA receptor in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) is up-regulated in viscerally hypersensitive (VH) rats induced by colonic anaphylaxis. It plays a critical role in modulation of ACC sensitization and visceral pain responses. Given the key role of calcium/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) in synaptic plasticity and behavior learning and memory, we hypothesize that phosphorylation of CaMKII binding to NR2B mediates visceral pain in VH states. We performed in vivo electroporation of CaMKII siRNA produced inhibition of colorectal distension-induced visceromotor response in the VH rats. The NR2B, CaMKII and P-CaMKII-Thr²⁸⁶ protein levels were increased in 180%, 220% and 304% fold in the post-synaptic density (PSD) fraction in VH rats separately. Western blotting following co-immunoprecipitation showed that P-CaMKII-Thr²⁸⁶ bound to NR2B in the PSD, which was increased to 267% of control in VH rats. Administration of CaMKII antagonist Antennapedia-CaMKIINtide suppressed visceromotor response in VH rats in parallel with decrease of NR2B levels and reduction of the NR2B-P-CaMKII-Thr²⁸⁶ protein complex in PSD. In conclusion, CaMKII is a critical signaling molecule in the ACC glutamatergic synaptic transmission and phosphorylation of CaMKII at Thr286, which binds to NR2B subunit at post-synaptic site, modulates visceral pain in viscerally hypersensitive state.

Long-term behavioral and NMDA receptor effects of young-adult corticosterone treatment in BDNF heterozygous mice

Psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia, are most likely caused by an interaction between genetic predisposition and environmental factors, including stress during development. The neurotrophin, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in this illness as BDNF levels are decreased in the brain of patients with schizophrenia. The aim of the present study was to assess the combined effect of reduced BDNF levels and postnatal stress, simulated by chronic young-adult treatment with the stress hormone, corticosterone. From 6weeks of age, female and male BDNF heterozygous mice and their wild-type controls were chronically treated with corticosterone in their drinking water for 3weeks. At 11weeks of age, male, but not female BDNF heterozygous mice treated with corticosterone exhibited a profound memory deficit in the Y-maze. There were no differences between the groups in baseline prepulse inhibition (PPI), a measure of sensorimotor gating, or its disruption by treatment with MK-801. However, an increase in startle caused by MK-801 treatment was absent in male, but not female BDNF heterozygous mice, irrespective of corticosterone treatment. Analysis of protein levels of the NMDA receptor subunits NR1, NR2A, NR2B and NR2C, showed a marked increase of NR2B levels in the dorsal hippocampus of male BDNF heterozygous mice treated with corticosterone. In the ventral hippocampus, significantly reduced levels of NR2A, NR2B and NR2C were observed in male BDNF heterozygous mice. The NMDA receptor effects in hippocampal sub-regions could be related to the spatial memory deficits and the loss of the effect of MK-801 on startle in these mice, respectively. No significant changes in NMDA receptor subunit levels were observed in any of the female groups. Similarly, no significant changes in levels of BDNF or its receptor, TrkB, were found other than the expected reduced levels of BDNF in heterozygous mice. In conclusion, the data show differential interactive effects of reduced levels of BDNF expression and corticosterone treatment on spatial memory and startle in male and female mice, accompanied by significant, but region-specific changes in NMDA receptor subunit levels in the dorsal and ventral hippocampus. These results could be important for our understanding of the interaction of neurodevelopmental stress and BDNF deficiency in cognitive and anxiety-related symptoms of psychiatric illnesses, such as schizophrenia.

Excessive activation of the loop between the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in the hippocampi of patients with major depressive disorder.

Objective:We showed previously that glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) levels are significantly elevated in the hippocampi of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the exact cause of this elevation and its function are unknown. Recent animal studies have suggested a mechanism involving the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) NR2B–GSK-3βloop.Methods:To investigate the existence of an NR2B–GSK-3βloop in the hippocampi of patients with MDD, we examined the expression of NR2B. We also attempted to identify markers that correlate with NR2B levels in the hippocampus, using the Stanley Neuropathology Consortium Integrative Database (SNCID). The SNCID is a web-based tool used to integrate Stanley Medical Research Institute (SMRI) data sets.Results:We found that hippocampal levels of NR2B and DLGAP1 mRNA were higher in the MDD group (n= 8) than in unaffected controls (n= 12) (p< 0.05). NR2B expression levels were correlated with the expression levels of NR2A, NR1, DLGAP1, GSK-3βand nitric oxide synthase 1, as well as with the number of calretinin-immunoreactive neurons in the hippocampus in all subjects in the SNC (n= 42,p< 0.001).Conclusion:The results of our study show the possible involvement of excessive activation of the NR2B–GSK-3βloop in the overexpression of GSK-3βin the hippocampi of patients with MDD.

Heterozygous deletion of NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor alters ethanol-related behaviors and regional expression of NR2 subunits in the brain

NMDA receptors have been hypothesized to play a role in various aspects of ethanol-related phenotypes, notably in ethanol withdrawal. However, the role of each of the specific subunits remains unclear. To address this issue, mice that are heterozygous for the NR1 deletion, and thus have a reduction in functional NMDA receptors, were examined for ethanol consumption and acute ethanol withdrawal. Additionally, mice were examined for the level of vocalization following footshock, and behavior in an elevated plus maze, to determine their responses to stress. In these behavioral tests, NR1 heterozygous mice were shown to consume significantly higher levels of ethanol in the two bottle-choice test showing a possible role for this receptor in ethanol consumption. Analysis of acute withdrawal found that the heterozygous mice exhibit lower levels of handling-induced convulsions consistent with a role in ethanol sensitivity or withdrawal. In contrast, no effects on stress-related phenotypes were detected. Levels of NR2A–NR2D subunits of the NMDA receptor in specific brain regions were compared between NR1+/− mice and wild-type controls to assess whether the behavioral responses were specific to the diminution in NR1 expression or whether these changes could be due to secondary changes in expression of other NMDA subunits. Real-time quantitative PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to examine expression levels in the hippocampus, neocortex, striatum and cerebellum. For the majority of the subunits, no differences were found between the wild-type and heterozygous mice in any of the brain regions. However, the NR2B subunit exhibited differences in expression of RNA in the hippocampus and protein levels in multiple brain regions, between wild-type and NR1+/− mice. These results show that NR1 plays a role, through mechanisms as yet unknown, in the expression of NR2 subunits in a region and subtype specific manner. This provides evidence of the effects of altered levels of NR1 expression on ethanol withdrawal and consumption, and suggests that concomitant changes in the levels of NR2B may contribute to that effect.

Kalirin Binds the NR2B Subunit of the NMDA Receptor, Altering Its Synaptic Localization and Function

The ability of dendritic spines to change size and shape rapidly is critical in modulating synaptic strength; these morphological changes are dependent upon rearrangements of the actin cytoskeleton. Kalirin-7 (Kal7), a Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor localized to the postsynaptic density (PSD), modulates dendritic spine morphology in vitro and in vivo. Kal7 activates Rac and interacts with several PSD proteins, including PSD-95, DISC-1, AF-6, and Arf6. Mice genetically lacking Kal7 (Kal7(KO)) exhibit deficient hippocampal long-term potentiation (LTP) as well as behavioral abnormalities in models of addiction and learning. Purified PSDs from Kal7(KO) mice contain diminished levels of NR2B, an NMDA receptor subunit that plays a critical role in LTP induction. Here we demonstrate that Kal7(KO) animals have decreased levels of NR2B-dependent NMDA receptor currents in cortical pyramidal neurons as well as a specific deficit in cell surface expression of NR2B. Additionally, we demonstrate that the genotypic differences in conditioned place preference and passive avoidance learning seen in Kal7(KO) mice are abrogated when animals are treated with an NR2B-specific antagonist during conditioning. Finally, we identify a stable interaction between the pleckstrin homology domain of Kal7 and the juxtamembrane region of NR2B preceding its cytosolic C-terminal domain. Binding of NR2B to a protein that modulates the actin cytoskeleton is important, as NMDA receptors require actin integrity for synaptic localization and function. These studies demonstrate a novel and functionally important interaction between the NR2B subunit of the NMDA receptor and Kalirin, proteins known to be essential for normal synaptic plasticity.

Effects of Venlafaxine and Escitalopram Treatments on NMDA Receptors in the Rat Depression Model

Depression may relate to neurocognitive impairment that results from alteration of N-methyl-D: -aspartate receptor (NMDAR) levels. Venlafaxine and escitalopram are two drugs commonly used to treat depression. The drugs may affect expression of NMDARs, which mediate learning and memory formation. The aim of the study was to examine whether the effects of venlafaxine and escitalopram treatments are associated with NMDARs in a rat model of depression. Forty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (n=10) as follows: control group, chronic mild stress group (CMS), venlafaxine (20mg/kg body weight per day)+CMS, and escitalopram (10mg/kg body weight per day)+CMS. After induction of depression, a decrease in the concentration of NR2B was observed; venlafaxine treatment prevented the reduction of NR2B expression. Escitalopram treatment did not effect the reduced levels of NR2B resulting from depression. There was no significant difference in NR2A concentration among groups. The present data support the notion that venlafaxine plays a role in maintaining NR2B receptor in experimental depression. It may be possible that treatment with escitalopram has no effect on NMDARs in experimental depression.

Bisphenol-A rapidly enhanced passive avoidance memory and phosphorylation of NMDA receptor subunits in hippocampus of young rats

Bisphenol-A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor, is found to influence development of brain and behaviors in rodents. The previous study indicated that perinatal exposure to BPA impaired learning-memory and inhibited N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) subunits expressions in hippocampus during the postnatal development in rats; and in cultured hippocampal neurons, BPA rapidly promotes dynamic changes in dendritic morphology through estrogen receptor-mediated pathway by concomitant phosphorylation of NMDAR subunit NR2B. In the present study, we examined the rapid effect of BPA on passive avoidance memory and NMDAR in the developing hippocampus of Sprague–Dawley rats at the age of postnatal day 18. The results showed that BPA or estradiol benzoate (EB) rapidly extended the latency to step down from the platform 1h after footshock and increased the phosphorylation levels of NR1, NR2B, and mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in hippocampus within 1h. While 24h after BPA or EB treatment, the improved memory and the increased phosphorylation levels of NR1, NR2B, ERK disappeared. Furthermore, pre-treatment with an estrogen receptors (ERs) antagonist, ICI182,780, or an ERK-activating kinase inhibitor, U0126, significantly attenuated EB- or BPA-induced phosphorylations of NR1, NR2B, and ERK within 1h. These data suggest that BPA rapidly enhanced short-term passive avoidance memory in the developing rats. A non-genomic effect via ERs may mediate the modulation of the phosphorylation of NMDAR subunits NR1 and NR2B through ERK signaling pathway.

A Silent Synapse-Based Mechanism for Cocaine-Induced Locomotor Sensitization

Locomotor sensitization is a common and robust behavioral alteration in rodents whereby following exposure to abused drugs such as cocaine, the animal becomes significantly more hyperactive in response to an acute drug challenge. Here, we further analyzed the role of cocaine-induced silent synapses in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) shell and their contribution to the development of locomotor sensitization. Using a combination of viral vector-mediated genetic manipulations, biochemistry, and electrophysiology in a locomotor sensitization paradigm with repeated, daily, noncontingent cocaine (15 mg/kg) injections, we show that dominant-negative cAMP-element binding protein (CREB) prevents cocaine-induced generation of silent synapses of young (30 d old) rats, whereas constitutively active CREB is sufficient to increase the number of NR2B-containing NMDA receptors (NMDARs) at synapses and to generate silent synapses. We further show that occupancy of CREB at the NR2B promoter increases and is causally related to the increase in synaptic NR2B levels. Blockade of NR2B-containing NMDARs by administration of the NR2B-selective antagonist Ro256981 directly into the NAc, under conditions that inhibit cocaine-induced silent synapses, prevents the development of cocaine-elicited locomotor sensitization. Our data are consistent with a cellular cascade whereby cocaine-induced activation of CREB promotes CREB-dependent transcription of NR2B and synaptic incorporation of NR2B-containing NMDARs, which generates new silent synapses within the NAc. We propose that cocaine-induced activation of CREB and generation of new silent synapses may serve as key cellular events mediating cocaine-induced locomotor sensitization. These findings provide a novel cellular mechanism that may contribute to cocaine-induced behavioral alterations.

Gestational nicotine exposure regulates expression of AMPA and NMDA receptors and their signaling apparatus in developing and adult rat hippocampus

Untimely activation of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) by nicotine results in short- and long-term consequences on learning and behavior. In this study, the aim was to determine how prenatal nicotine exposure affects components of glutamatergic signaling in the hippocampus during postnatal development. We investigated regulation of both nAChRs and glutamate receptors for AMPA and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), from postnatal day 1 (P1) to P63 after a temporally restricted exposure to saline or nicotine for 14 days in utero. We analyzed postsynaptic density components associated with AMPA receptor (AMPAR) and NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signaling: calmodulin (CaM), CaM Kinase II alpha (CaMKIIα), and postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), as well as presynaptically localized synaptosomal-associated protein 25 (SNAP25). At P1, there was significantly heightened expression of AMPAR subunit GluR1 but not GluR2, and of NMDAR subunits NR1, NR2a, and NR2d but not NR2b. NR2c was not detectable. CaM, CaMKIIα, and PSD95 were also significantly upregulated at P1, together with presynaptic SNAP25. This enhanced expression of glutamate receptors and signaling proteins was concomitant with elevated levels of [³H]epibatidine (³H]EB) binding in prenatal nicotine-exposed hippocampus, indicating that α4β2 nAChR may influence glutamatergic function in the hippocampus at P1. By P14, neither [³H]EB binding nor the expression levels of subunits GluR1, GluR2, NR1, NR2a, NR2b, NR2c, or NR2d seemed changed with prenatal nicotine. However, CaMKIIα was significantly upregulated with nicotine treatment while CaM showed downregulation at P14. The effects of nicotine persisted in P63 young adult brains which exhibited significantly downregulated GluR2, NR1, and NR2c expression levels in hippocampal homogenates and a considerably muted overall distribution of [³H]AMPA binding in areas CA1, CA2 and CA3, and the dentate gyrus. Our results suggest that prenatal nicotine exposure can regulate the glutamatergic signaling system throughout postnatal development by enhancing or inhibiting availability of AMPAR and NMDAR or their signaling components. The persistent depression, in adults, of the requisite NR1 subunit for NMDAR assembly, and of GluR2, important for assembly, trafficking, and biophysical properties of AMPAR, indicates that nicotine may alter ionotropic glutamate receptor stoichiometry and functional properties in adults after prenatally restricted nicotine exposure.

Calorie restriction modulates hippocampal NMDA receptors in diet-induced obese rats

Calorie restriction (CR) has attracted increased interest since CR enhances lifespan and alters age-related decline in hippocampal-dependent cognitive functions. Obesity is associated with poor neurocognitive outcome including impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive abilities such as learning and memory. N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are linked to hippocampal-dependent learning and memory, which may be stabilized by CR. In the present study, we aimed to establish the effects of CR on NMDARs in CA1 region of hippocampus in obese and non-obese rats. In addition, malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were determined as a marker for lipid peroxidation (LPO) in hippocampus. Four groups were constituted as control group (C, n = 9), obese group (OB, n = 10), obese calorie-restricted group (OCR, n = 9), and non-obese calorie-restricted group (NCR, n = 10). OCR and NCR were fed with a 60% CR diet for 10 weeks. After 10 weeks of CR, the MDA levels significantly decreased in the calorie-restricted groups. Obesity caused significant decreases in NR2A and NR2B subunit expressions in the hippocampus. The hippocampal NR2A and NR2B levels significantly increased in the OCR group compared with the OB group (P < 0.05). In contrast, the hippocampal NR2A and NR2B levels significantly decreased in the NCR group compared with the C group (P < 0.05). Oxidative stress can be prevented by CR, and these data may provide a molecular and cellular mechanism by which CR may regulate NMDAR-mediated response against obesity-induced changes in the hippocampus.

The expression changes of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor in hippocampus of offspring from female rats exposed to aluminum in the pregnancy and lactation

To investigate the effects of aluminum on learning and memory and the expression of N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR) of hippocampus in offspring from female rats exposed to Al in the pregnancy or lactation, and to explore the mechanism of toxic effects of Al on central nervous system (CNS) during development. The pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into 3 groups based on their body weight, i.e. control group was exposed to distilled water, low exposure group (0.2%AlCl3) and high exposure group (0.4%AlCl3) were exposed orally to AlCl3 in pregnancy and lactation for 6 weeks, 10 rats each group. Aluminum content in blood and brains was determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). Platform experiment was used to detect the abilities of learning and memory. The expression levels of NMDARs were detected by western blot assay. The Al content in blood and brains of rats in exposure groups increased significantly with Al dose, as compared with the control group (P < 0.05). In platform experiment, the incubation periods of rats in low and high exposure groups were (202.71 ± 81.99) and (19.67 ± 8.44) s respectively, which were significantly lower than that [(300.00 ± 0.00) s] in control group (P < 0.01), but the mistake times of rats in low and high exposure groups were 1.43 ± 0.85 and 2.47 ± 0.99 respectively, which were significantly higher than that (0.00 ± 0.00) in control group (P < 0.01). The Al exposure could change the proportion of NMDAR subtypes, the expression levels of NR1 and NR2B in hippocampus of newborn rats in low and high exposure groups were 25.22 ± 0.68, 81.23 ± 15.37 and 24.75 ± 0.71, 56.63 ± 7.82, respectively, which were significantly lower than those (31.69 ± 3.44, 107.61 ± 9.05) in control group (P < 0.05). Aluminum exposure in pregnancy and lactation could reduce the abilities of learning and memory in newborn rats, and change the proportion of NMDAR subtypes. The reduced NR1 and NR2B expression levels may be one of important mechanisms to influence the abilities of learning and memory in offspring.

Dysbindin and Schizophrenia: It's Dopamine and Glutamate All Over Again

Dysbindin and Schizophrenia: It's Dopamine and Glutamate All Over Again

Expression of NR2A/NR2B in rat visual cortex at terminal stage of critical period of visual development

目的 在视觉发育可塑性关键期终止前后,观察大鼠视皮层内NR2A/NR2B比率的发育性变化.方法 健康SPF级Long Evans大鼠15只,雌雄不限,采用Western blot法观察出生后3、4、5、6、7周正常大鼠视皮层中NR2A和NR2B的蛋白表达量,分析NR2A/NR2B随着大鼠视皮层发育表达的变化.结果 Western blot检测显示,生后3～7周正常大鼠视皮层中NR2A蛋白的表达量逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(F=156.263,P=0.008),生后4、5、6、7周组大鼠视皮层中NR2A的积分光密度(IOD)值明显高于生后3周组大鼠,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.05).可塑性关键期终止前后,正常大鼠视皮层中NR2B蛋白的表达量逐渐降低 (F=73.340,P=0.007),生后6～7周趋于稳定.可塑性关键期终止前后,大鼠视皮层中NR2A/NR2B比率随着大鼠视皮层的发育逐渐增加,差异有统计学意义(F=113.031,P=0.003).结论 在可塑性关键期终止前后,NR2A/NR2B比率的变化参与了视皮层可塑性终止的过程。

Differential functions of NR2A and NR2B in short-term and long-term memory in rats

N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are glutamate receptors implicated in synaptic plasticity and memory function. The specific functions of NMDA receptor subunits NR2A and NR2B have not yet been fully determined in the different types of memory. Nine Wistar rats (8-weeks-old) were subjected to the Morris water maze task to evaluate the memory behaviorally. Quantitative analysis of NR1, NR2A, and NR2B levels in the right and left forebrain of rats was performed and subunit associations with different types of memory were investigated using the Morris water maze task. Right forebrain NR2A expression was significantly increased and correlated with faster escape time onto a hidden platform, indicating involvement of short-term memory, because of the training time interval. Right forebrain NR2B expression was positively associated with long-term memory lasting 24-h (h). In the left forebrain, NR2B expression was positively related to 72-h long-term memory. In conclusion, the functions of NR2A and NR2B receptors were differentially specialized in short-term and long-term memory, depending on the right or left forebrain.

Low (60 cGy) Doses of56Fe HZE-Particle Radiation Lead to a Persistent Reduction in the Glutamatergic Readily Releasable Pool in Rat Hippocampal Synaptosomes

Exposure to galactic cosmic radiation (GCR) is considered to be a potential health risk in long-term space travel, and it represents a significant risk to the central nervous system (CNS). The most harmful component of GCR is the HZE [high-mass, highly charged (Z), high-energy] particles, e.g. (56)Fe. In ground-based experiments, exposure to HZE-particle radiation induces pronounced deficits in hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in rodents. The mechanisms underlying these impairments are mostly unknown, but some studies suggest that HZE-particle exposure perturbs the regulation of long-term potentiation (LTP) at the CA1 synapse in the hippocampus. In this study, we irradiated rats with 60 cGy of 1 GeV (56)Fe-particle radiation and established its impact on hippocampal glutamatergic neurotransmissions at 3 and 6 months after exposure. Exposure to 60 cGy (56)Fe-particle radiation significantly (P < 0.05) reduced hyperosmotic sucrose evoked [(3)H]-glutamate release from hippocampal synaptosomes, a measure of the readily releasable vesicular pool (RRP). This HZE-particle-induced reduction in the glutamatergic RRP persisted for at least 6 months after exposure. At 90 days postirradiation, there was a significant reduction in the expression of the NR1, NR2A and NR2B subunits of the glutamatergic NMDA receptor. The level of the NR2A protein remained suppressed at 180 days postirradiation, but the level of NR2B and NR1 proteins returned to or exceeded normal levels, respectively. Overall, this study shows that hippocampal glutamatergic transmission is sensitive to relative low doses of (56)Fe particles. Whether the observed HZE-particle-induced change in glutamate transmission, which plays a critical role in learning and memory, is the cause of HZE-particle-induced neurocognitive impairment requires further investigation.

The Effect of Treadmill Training Pre-Exercise on Glutamate Receptor Expression in Rats after Cerebral Ischemia

Physical exercise has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in both clinical and laboratory settings. However, the exact mechanism underlying this effect is unclear. Our study aimed to investigate whether pre-ischemic treadmill training could serve as a form of ischemic preconditioning in a rat model undergoing middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Thirty-six rats were divided into three groups: a sham control group, a non-exercise with operation group and an exercise with operation group. After treadmill training, ischemia was induced by occluding the MCA for 2 h, followed by reperfusion. Half of the rats in each group were sacrificed for mRNA detection of mGluR5 and NR2B 80 min after occlusion. The remaining animals were evaluated for neurological deficits by behavioral scoring and then decapitated to assess the infarct volume. The mRNA expression of mGluR5 and NR2B was detected by real-time PCR. The results suggest that pre-ischemic treadmill training may induce brain ischemic tolerance by reducing the mRNA levels of mGluR5 and NR2B, and thus, the results indicate that physical exercise might be an effective method to establish ischemic preconditioning.

Acute Hypoxia Differentially Affects the NMDA Receptor NR1, NR2A and NR2B Subunit mRNA Levels in the Developing Chick Optic Tectum: Stage-Dependent Plasticity in the 2B–2A Ratio

It is known that the NMDA-R NR1 subunit is needed for the receptor activity and that under hypoxia the evolution toward apoptosis or neuronal survival depends on the balance NR2A/NR2B subunits. This paper analyzes the effect of acute hypoxia on the above mentioned subunits mRNAs during development. The mean percentage of NR1+ neurons displayed the higher plasticity during development while the NR2A+ neurons the higher stability. Acute hypoxia increased the mean percentage of NR1+ and NR2B+ neurons at ED12 but only that of NR1+ neurons at ED18. Acute hypoxia increased the levels of expression of NR1 and NR2B mRNAs at ED12 without changes in the NR2A mRNA. During early stages there is a higher sensitivity to change the subunits mRNA levels under a hypoxic treatment. At ED12 acute hypoxia increased the probability of co-expression of the NR1-NR2A and NR1-NR2B subunits combinations, the level of NR1 and NR2B and the ratio NR2B/NR2A. These conditions facilitate the evolution towards apoptosis.

Protection of excitatory synapses by DHA through preserving function of NMDA-Tiam1-PAK signal pathway in Alzheimer models

Defects in dendritic spines and excitatory synapses contribute to cognitive deficits in mental retardation syndromes and Alzheimer's disease (AD), in which the Rho family GTPases Rac and its downstream p21-activeated kinases (PAKs) have been involved as a key player. We previously found that beta-Amyloid (Aβ) oligomers dysregulated Rac/PAK signaling but little is known which signal pathway is involved and whether DHA can prevent its dysregulation. In this study, we investigated whether Aβ oligomers can disrupt the NMDA-Tiam1-PAK signal pathway to inhibit dendritic spine morphogenesis and whether DHA can protect. Cultured primary neurons and 3xTg-AD transgenic mice were used and investigated using Westerns. Our results indicated that Aβ oligomers inhibited dendritic spine or Ephrin-stimulated dendritic spine morphogenesis through the dysregulation of NMDA-Tiam1-PAK signal pathway that was prevented by ω-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). Tyrosine kinase fyn participated in the processing as an upstream regulator of the signal pathway that was also protected by DHA. In cultured rat primary hippocampal neurons, Aβ42 oligomers significantly reduced membrane PSD-95, drebrin, NR2B, pNR2B, Tiam1 and Fyn. These losses were significantly protected by pretreatment with DHA. Similarly, simultaneous treatment of 3xTg-AD transgenic mice with high fat diet and dietary fish oil/DHA for four months, DHA elevated brain hippocampal membrane levels of PSD-95, drebrin, NR2B, pNR2B, Tiam1 and fyn, accompanied by improvement of cognitive function in Y-maze performance. Tiam1 significantly correlated with NR2B and Fyn in AD brain. Since dysregulation of NMDA receptors and fyn by Aβ oligomers is implicated in AD and associated with the morphogenesis of dendritic spines and cognitive deficits, our results suggest the NMDA-Tiam1-PAK signal pathway is intimately involved in Aβ oligomer-induced synaptic impairment in AD pathogenesis and demonstrate a possible protective mechanism of DHA on synaptic plasticity in early stage AD through preserving function of this signal transduction pathway.