Questo lavoro è stato sostenuto dal National Institute of Neurological Disorder and Stroke del programma di ricerca intramurale (NS002986). Come ha scritto il manoscritto e implementato l&#39;analisi di deconvoluzione. JSD ha sviluppato la versione iniziale dell&#39;analisi deconvoluzione e commentato il testo.

<ol>
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P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Flux+coupling+in+a+neuronal+glutamate+transporter.">Flux coupling in a neuronal glutamate transporter.</a> Nature. 383, 634-637 (1038).</li><li>Eliasof, S., Jahr, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Retinal+glial+cell+glutamate+transporter+is+coupled+to+an+anionic+conductance.">Retinal glial cell glutamate transporter is coupled to an anionic conductance.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 93, 4153-4158 (1996).</li><li>Wadiche, J. I., Amara, S. G., Kavanaugh, M. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Ion+fluxes+associated+with+excitatory+amino+acid+transport.">Ion fluxes associated with excitatory amino acid transport.</a> Neuron. 15, 721-728 (1995).</li><li>Wadiche, J. I., Kavanaugh, M. P. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Macroscopic+and+microscopic+properties+of+a+cloned+glutamate+transporter/chloride+channel.">Macroscopic and microscopic properties of a cloned glutamate transporter/chloride channel.</a> J. Neurosci. 18, 7650-7661 (1998).</li><li>Bergles, D. E., Jahr, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synaptic+activation+of+glutamate+transporters+in+hippocampal+astrocytes.">Synaptic activation of glutamate transporters in hippocampal astrocytes.</a> Neuron. 19, 1297-1308 (1997).</li><li>Diamond, J. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Deriving+the+glutamate+clearance+time+course+from+transporter+currents+in+CA1+hippocampal+astrocytes:+transmitter+uptake+gets+faster+during+development.">Deriving the glutamate clearance time course from transporter currents in CA1 hippocampal astrocytes: transmitter uptake gets faster during development.</a> J. Neurosci. 25, 2906-2916 (2005).</li><li>Scimemi, A., Tian, H. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuronal+transporters+regulate+glutamate+clearance,+NMDA+receptor+activation,+and+synaptic+plasticity+in+the+hippocampus.">Neuronal transporters regulate glutamate clearance, NMDA receptor activation, and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus.</a> J. Neurosci. 29, 14581-14595 (2009).</li><li>Zuo, Z. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Isoflurane+enhances+glutamate+uptake+via+glutamate+transporters+in+rat+glial+cells.">Isoflurane enhances glutamate uptake via glutamate transporters in rat glial cells.</a> Neuroreport. 12, 1077-1080 (2001).</li><li>Barbour, B., Brew, H., Attwell, D. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Electrogenic+uptake+of+glutamate+and+aspartate+into+glial+cells+isolated+from+the+salamander+(Ambystoma)+retina.">Electrogenic uptake of glutamate and aspartate into glial cells isolated from the salamander (Ambystoma) retina.</a> J. Physiol. 436, 169-193 (1991).</li><li>Bergles, D. E., Tzingounis, A. V., Jahr, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Comparison+of+coupled+and+uncoupled+currents+during+glutamate+uptake+by+GLT-1+transporters.">Comparison of coupled and uncoupled currents during glutamate uptake by GLT-1 transporters.</a> J. Neurosci. 22, 10153-10162 (2002).</li><li>Diamond, J. S., Jahr, C. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Synaptically+released+glutamate+does+not+overwhelm+transporters+on+hippocampal+astrocytes+during+high-frequency+stimulation.">Synaptically released glutamate does not overwhelm transporters on hippocampal astrocytes during high-frequency stimulation.</a> J. Neurophysiol. 83, 2835-2843 (2000).</li><li>Benediktsson, A. M., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Neuronal+activity+regulates+glutamate+transporter+dynamics+in+developing+astrocytes.">Neuronal activity regulates glutamate transporter dynamics in developing astrocytes.</a> Glia. 60, 175-188 (2012).</li><li>Hires, S. A., Zhu, Y., Tsien, R. Y. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Optical+measurement+of+synaptic+glutamate+spillover+and+reuptake+by+linker+optimized+glutamate-sensitive+fluorescent+reporters.">Optical measurement of synaptic glutamate spillover and reuptake by linker optimized glutamate-sensitive fluorescent reporters.</a> Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 105, 4411-4416 (2008).</li><li>Scimemi, A., Meabon, J., Woltjer, R. L., Sullivan, J. M., Diamond, J. S., Cook, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/entrez/query.fcgi?db=PubMed&cmd=Search&doptcmdl=Citation&defaultField=Title+Word&term=Amyloid&#946;1-42+slows+clearance+of+synaptically-released+glutamate+by+mislocalizing+astrocytic+GLT-1.">Amyloid&#946;1-42 slows clearance of synaptically-released glutamate by mislocalizing astrocytic GLT-1.</a> J. Neurosci. 33, 5312-5318 (2013).</li></ol>

Gli autori dichiarano assenza di conflitto di interessi.

Qui si descrive un approccio sperimentale per ottenere registrazioni elettrofisiologiche da astrociti, un protocollo analitico per isolare le correnti trasportatore del glutammato negli astrociti e un metodo matematico per ricavare l&#39;andamento nel tempo della clearance di glutammato dalle correnti transporter astrociti. Il successo della analisi si basa sulla capacità di ottenere alta qualità registrazioni di patch clamp dagli astrociti e sulla precisione dei algoritmi di adattamento u...

Astrociti sono uno dei più abbondanti tipi di cellule nel cervello con morfologia a forma di stella e sporgenze sottili membrane che si estendono per tutta la neuropil e raggiungono limitrofi sinaptica contatti 1,2. Membrana cellulare Le astrociti &#39;è densamente ricco di glutammato molecole trasportatrici 3. In condizioni fisiologiche, trasportatori del glutammato legano rapidamente glutammato extracellulare a lato della membrana e trasferirlo al citoplasma cellulare. Così facendo, i trasportatori mantenere bassa la concentrazione basale di glutammato nello spazio extracellulare 4. Trasportatori del glutammato nei processi astrocitici sottili adiacenti eccitatori sinapsi sono in posizione ottimale per legare il glutammato rilasciato durante gli eventi sinaptici come si diffonde lontano dalla fessura sinaptica. In questo modo, i trasportatori limitano anche spillover glutammato verso e peri-regioni extra-sinaptici e sulla sinapsi vicine, riducendo la diffusione spaziale del segnale eccitatorios nel cervello 5-7. Trasporto di glutammato è un processo elettrogenico stechiometricamente accoppiato al movimento di 3 Na + e 1 H + lungo il loro gradiente elettrochimico e alla contro-trasporto di K + 1 8. Trasporto di glutammato è associata con (ma non stechiometricamente accoppiata a) una conduttanza anionica permeabile SCN - (tiocianato)&gt; NO 3 - (nitrato) ≈ ClO 4 - (perclorato)&gt; I -&gt; Br -&gt; Cl -&gt; F -, non a CH 3 SO 3 - (metano sulfonato) e C 6 H 11 O 7 - (gluconato) 9-11. Entrambe le correnti (stechiometrico e non stechiometrico) possono essere registrati mediante l&#39;ottenimento di cellule intere registrazioni di patch-clamp da astrociti, identificati visivamente sotto illuminazione Dodt o infrarossi contrasto di interferenza differenziale (IR-DIC) in acutposta del cervello fette 12. La componente stechiometrica della corrente associata trasporto di glutammato attraverso la membrana può essere isolato utilizzando CH 3 SO 3 -, o H 11 O 7 C 6 - soluzioni intracellulari based e può essere evocato dal glutammato flash-uncaging sugli astrociti 13,14, o attivando il rilascio di glutammato da sinapsi vicine, sia elettricamente 12 o con un controllo optogenetic mirato. L&#39;andamento temporale della componente stechiometrica della corrente trasportatore è modellato dalla durata del profilo di concentrazione glutammato in astrociti membrane (cioè clearance della glutammato), la cinetica di trasportatori del glutammato, le proprietà di membrana passivi di astrociti, e durante stimolazioni sinaptiche, dal sincronicità del rilascio di glutammato attraverso le sinapsi attivate 13. Qui si descrive in dettaglio: (1) un appr sperimentaleoach di isolare la componente stechiometrica delle correnti trasportatore del glutammato da cellule intere registrazioni di patch-clamp da astrociti utilizzando acute del mouse fettine di ippocampo come esempio la preparazione sperimentale, (2) un approccio analitico per ricavare l&#39;andamento nel tempo della clearance di glutammato da queste registrazioni 13, 14. Questi metodi possono essere usati per registrare e analizzare le correnti trasportatore del glutammato dagli astrociti in qualsiasi regione del sistema nervoso centrale.

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			<td>Sigma</td>
			<td>P1675</td>
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			<td>Tocris</td>
			<td>1490</td>
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			<td>Alexa 594</td>
			<td>Life Technologies</td>
			<td>A10438</td>
			<td>Optional</td>
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			<td>Matrix electrodes</td>
			<td>Frederick Haer Company</td>
			<td>MX21AES(JD3)</td>
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			<td>Borosilicate glass capillaries</td>
			<td>World Precision Instruments</td>
			<td>PG10165-4</td>
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			<td>Dual-stage glass micro-pipette puller</td>
			<td>Narishige</td>
			<td>PC-10</td>
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			<td>Loctite 404 instant adhesive</td>
			<td>Ted Pella</td>
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			<td>Xe lamp</td>
			<td>Rapp OptoElectronic</td>
			<td>FlashMic</td>
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			<td>Igor Pro 6</td>
			<td>Wavemetrics</td>
			<td></td>
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deriving the time course of glutamate clearance with a deconvolution analysis of astrocytic transporter currents

La più alta densità di trasportatori del glutammato nel cervello è trovato in astrociti. Glutammato trasportatori coppia il movimento del glutammato attraverso la membrana con il co-trasporto di Na + e 3 1 H + e la contro-trasporto di K + 1. La corrente stechiometrico generata dal processo di trasporto può essere monitorato con cellule intere registrazioni di patch-clamp da astrociti. L&#39;andamento temporale della corrente registrata è modellato dalla decorso temporale del profilo glutammato concentrazione a cui sono esposti gli astrociti, la cinetica di trasportatori del glutammato, e le proprietà elettrotoniche passivi di membrane astrociti. Qui si descrivono i metodi sperimentali e analitici che possono essere utilizzati per registrare le correnti trasportatore del glutammato negli astrociti e isolare l&#39;andamento nel tempo della clearance di glutammato da tutti gli altri fattori che determinano la forma d&#39;onda delle correnti trasportatore astrociti. I metodi qui descritti possono essere utilizzati per stimare la durata of flash-Uncaged e sinapticamente-glutammato rilasciato a membrane astrocitici in qualsiasi regione del sistema nervoso centrale durante salute e di malattia.

Il successo di questo approccio analitico descritto qui dipende criticamente ottenere registrazioni elettrofisiologiche alta qualità delle correnti Trasportatori dagli astrociti in qualsiasi regione del sistema nervoso centrale. In acute del mouse fettine di ippocampo, astrociti possono essere facilmente identificati sotto Dodt illuminazione o IR-DIC causa del loro piccolo corpo cellulare (Ø = 10 micron) e nucleo prominente (Figura 1). Loro caratteristico morfologia a stella può essere apprezzato con...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about Deriving the Time Course of Glutamate Clearance with a Deconvolution Analysis of Astrocytic Transporter Currents at JoVE.com

Deriving the Time Course of Glutamate Clearance with a Deconvolution Analysis of Astrocytic Transporter Currents

Descriviamo un metodo analitico per stimare la durata del glutammato a membrane di astrociti da registrazioni elettrofisiologiche delle correnti trasportatore del glutammato negli astrociti.

Derivando La durata di Liquidazione glutammato con una analisi Deconvoluzione delle Correnti Transporter astrociti

The highest density of glutamate transporters in the brain is found in astrocytes. Glutamate transporters couple the movement of glutamate across the ...

deriving-time-course-glutamate-clearance-with-deconvolution-analysis

Research

JoVE Journal

Neuroscience

10.3K Views.  National Institutes of Health. Descriviamo un metodo analitico per stimare la durata del glutammato a membrane di astrociti da registrazioni elettrofisiologiche delle correnti trasportatore del glutammato negli astrociti.

Video: Deriving the Time Course of Glutamate Clearance with a Deconvolution Analysis of Astrocytic Transporter Currents

Visualization and Genetic Manipulation of Dendrites and Spines in the Mouse Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus using In utero Electroporation

In utero electroporation (IUE) has become a powerful technique to study the development of different regions of the embryonic nervous system 1-5. To date this tool has been widely used to study the regulation of cellular proliferation, differentiation and neuronal migration especially in the developing cerebral cortex 6-8. Here we detail our protocol to electroporate in utero the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus and provide evidence that this approach can be used to study dendrites and spines in these two cerebral regions.
Visualization and manipulation of neurons in primary cultures have contributed to a better understanding of the processes involved in dendrite, spine and synapse development. However neurons growing in vitro are not exposed to all the physiological cues that can affect dendrite and/or spine formation and maintenance during normal development. Our knowledge of dendrite and spine structures in vivo in wild-type or mutant mice comes mostly from observations using the Golgi-Cox method 9. However, Golgi staining is considered to be unpredictable. Indeed, groups of nerve cells and fiber tracts are labeled randomly, with particular areas often appearing completely stained while adjacent areas are devoid of staining. Recent studies have shown that IUE of fluorescent constructs represents an attractive alternative method to study dendrites, spines as well as synapses in mutant / wild-type mice 10-11 (Figure 1A). Moreover in comparison to the generation of mouse knockouts, IUE represents a rapid approach to perform gain and loss of function studies in specific population of cells during a specific time window. In addition, IUE has been successfully used with inducible gene expression or inducible RNAi approaches to refine the temporal control over the expression of a gene or shRNA 12. These advantages of IUE have thus opened new dimensions to study the effect of gene expression/suppression on dendrites and spines not only in specific cerebral structures (Figure 1B) but also at a specific time point of development (Figure 1C).
Finally, IUE provides a useful tool to identify functional interactions between genes involved in dendrite, spine and/or synapse development. Indeed, in contrast to other gene transfer methods such as virus, it is straightforward to combine multiple RNAi or transgenes in the same population of cells. 
In summary, IUE is a powerful method that has already contributed to the characterization of molecular mechanisms underlying brain function and disease and it should also be useful in the study of dendrites and spines.

Visualization and Genetic Manipulation of Dendrites and Spines in the Mouse Cerebral Cortex and Hippocampus using In utero Electroporation

This article describes in detail a protocol to electroporate in utero the cerebral cortex and the hippocampus at E14.5 in mice. We also show that this is a valuable method to study dendrites and spines in these two cerebral regions.

Visualizzazione e manipolazione genetica di dendriti e spine nella corteccia cerebrale e nell&#39;ippocampo mouse utilizzando<em&gt; In utero</em&gt; Elettroporazione

In utero electroporation (IUE) has become a powerful technique to study the development of different regions of the embryonic nervous system 1-5. To date ...

Ricerca

Neuroscienze

Isolation of Sensory Neurons of Aplysia californica for Patch Clamp Recordings of Glutamatergic Currents

The marine gastropod mollusk Aplysia californica has a venerable history as a model of nervous system function, with particular significance in studies of learning and memory. The typical preparations for such studies are ones in which the sensory and motoneurons are left intact in a minimally dissected animal, or a technically elaborate neuronal co-culture of individual sensory and motoneurons. Less common is the isolated neuronal preparation in which small clusters of nominally homogeneous neurons are dissociated into single cells in short term culture. Such isolated cells are useful for the biophysical characterization of ion currents using patch clamp techniques, and targeted modulation of these conductances. A protocol for preparing such cultures is described. The protocol takes advantage of the easily identifiable glutamatergic sensory neurons of the pleural and buccal ganglia, and describes their dissociation and minimal maintenance in culture for several days without serum.

Isolation of Sensory Neurons of Aplysia californica for Patch Clamp Recordings of Glutamatergic Currents

We describe the dissection of the nervous system of the marine sea hare Aplysia after anesthesia, the isolation of neurons for short term-tissue culture, and recordings of single cell ion currents via the patch clamp technique.

Isolamento dei neuroni sensoriali<em&gt; Aplysia californica</em&gt; Per Bloccare Registrazioni patch di correnti glutamatergico

The marine gastropod mollusk Aplysia californica has a venerable  history as a model of nervous system function, with particular significance in  studies ...

Fast Micro-iontophoresis of Glutamate and GABA: A Useful Tool to Investigate Synaptic Integration

One of the fundamental interests in neuroscience is to understand the integration of excitatory and inhibitory inputs along the very complex structure of the dendritic tree, which eventually leads to neuronal output of action potentials at the axon. The influence of diverse spatial and temporal parameters of specific synaptic input on neuronal output is currently under investigation, e.g. the distance-dependent attenuation of dendritic inputs, the location-dependent interaction of spatially segregated inputs, the influence of GABAergig inhibition on excitatory integration, linear and non-linear integration modes, and many more.
With fast micro-iontophoresis of glutamate and GABA it is possible to precisely investigate the spatial and temporal integration of glutamatergic excitation and GABAergic inhibition. Critical technical requirements are either a triggered fluorescent lamp, light-emitting diode (LED), or a two-photon scanning microscope to visualize dendritic branches without introducing significant photo-damage of the tissue. Furthermore, it is very important to have a micro-iontophoresis amplifier that allows for fast capacitance compensation of high resistance pipettes. Another crucial point is that no transmitter is involuntarily released by the pipette during the experiment.
Once established, this technique will give reliable and reproducible signals with a high neurotransmitter and location specificity. Compared to glutamate and GABA uncaging, fast iontophoresis allows using both transmitters at the same time but at very distant locations without limitation to the field of view. There are also advantages compared to focal electrical stimulation of axons: with micro-iontophoresis the location of the input site is definitely known and it is sure that only the neurotransmitter of interest is released. However it has to be considered that with micro-iontophoresis only the postsynapse is activated and presynaptic aspects of neurotransmitter release are not resolved. In this article we demonstrate how to set up micro-iontophoresis in brain slice experiments.

In this article we introduce fast micro-iontophoresis of neurotransmitters as a technique to investigate integration of postsynaptic signals with high spatial and temporal precision.

Veloce micro-ionoforesi di glutammato e GABA: un utile strumento per indagare l&#39;integrazione Synaptic

One of the fundamental interests in neuroscience is to understand the integration of excitatory and inhibitory inputs along the very complex structure of ...

Inducing Plasticity of Astrocytic Receptors by Manipulation of Neuronal Firing Rates

Close to two decades of research has established that astrocytes in situ and in vivo express numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that can be stimulated by neuronally-released transmitter. However, the ability of astrocytic receptors to exhibit plasticity in response to changes in neuronal activity has received little attention. Here we describe a model system that can be used to globally scale up or down astrocytic group I metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) in acute brain slices. Included are methods on how to prepare parasagittal hippocampal slices, construct chambers suitable for long-term slice incubation, bidirectionally manipulate neuronal action potential frequency, load astrocytes and astrocyte processes with fluorescent Ca2+ indicator, and measure changes in astrocytic Gq GPCR activity by recording spontaneous and evoked astrocyte Ca2+ events using confocal microscopy. In essence, a &#8220;calcium roadmap&#8221; is provided for how to measure plasticity of astrocytic Gq GPCRs. Applications of the technique for study of astrocytes are discussed. Having an understanding of how astrocytic receptor signaling is affected by changes in neuronal activity has important implications for both normal synaptic function as well as processes underlying neurological disorders and neurodegenerative disease.

Here we describe an adaptation of protocols used to induce homeostatic plasticity in neurons for the study of plasticity of astrocytic G protein-coupled receptors. Recently used to examine changes in astrocytic group I mGluRs in juvenile mice, the method can be applied to measure scaling of various astrocytic GPCRs, in tissue from adult mice in situ and in vivo, and to gain a better appreciation of the sensitivity of astrocytic receptors to changes in neuronal activity.

Indurre Plasticità di astrociti recettori per manipolazione del neuronali di cottura Prezzi

Close to two decades of research has established that astrocytes in situ and in vivo express numerous G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that can be ...

Multi-photon Intracellular Sodium Imaging Combined with UV-mediated Focal Uncaging of Glutamate in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons

Multi-photon fluorescence microscopy has enabled the analysis of morphological and physiological parameters of brain cells in the intact tissue with high spatial and temporal resolution. Combined with electrophysiology, it is widely used to study activity-related calcium signals in small subcellular compartments such as dendrites and dendritic spines. In addition to calcium transients, synaptic activity also induces postsynaptic sodium signals, the properties of which are only marginally understood. Here, we describe a method for combined whole-cell patch-clamp and multi-photon sodium imaging in cellular micro domains of central neurons. Furthermore, we introduce a modified procedure for ultra-violet (UV)-light-induced uncaging of glutamate, which allows reliable and focal activation of glutamate receptors in the tissue. To this end, whole-cell recordings were performed on Cornu Ammonis subdivision 1 (CA1) pyramidal neurons in acute tissue slices of the mouse hippocampus. Neurons were filled with the sodium-sensitive fluorescent dye SBFI through the patch-pipette, and multi-photon excitation of SBFI enabled the visualization of dendrites and adjacent spines. To establish UV-induced focal uncaging, several parameters including light intensity, volume affected by the UV uncaging beam, positioning of the beam as well as concentration of the caged compound were tested and optimized. Our results show that local perfusion with caged glutamate (MNI-Glutamate) and its focal UV-uncaging result in inward currents and sodium transients in dendrites and spines. Time course and amplitude of both inward currents and sodium signals correlate with the duration of the uncaging pulse. Furthermore, our results show that intracellular sodium signals are blocked in the presence of blockers for ionotropic glutamate receptors, demonstrating that they are mediated by sodium influx though this pathway. In summary, our method provides a reliable tool for the investigation of intracellular sodium signals induced by focal receptor activation in intact brain tissue.

We describe the combination of focal UV-induced photo-activation of neuro-active compounds with whole-cell patch-clamp and multi-photon imaging of intracellular sodium transients in dendrites and spines of hippocampal neurons in acute tissue slices of the mouse brain.

Multi-fotone intracellulare di sodio Imaging Combinato con UV-mediata uncaging focale di glutammato in neuroni piramidali CA1

Multi-photon fluorescence microscopy has enabled the analysis of morphological and physiological parameters of brain cells in the intact tissue with high ...

3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular parasite with a broad host range, including humans and rodents. In both humans and rodents, Toxoplasma establishes a lifelong persistent infection in the brain. While this brain infection is asymptomatic in most immunocompetent people, in the developing fetus or immunocompromised individuals such as acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, this predilection for and persistence in the brain can lead to devastating neurologic disease. Thus, it is clear that the brain-Toxoplasma interaction is critical to the symptomatic disease produced by Toxoplasma, yet we have little understanding of the cellular or molecular interaction between cells of the central nervous system (CNS) and the parasite. In the mouse model of CNS toxoplasmosis it has been known for over 30 years that neurons are the cells in which the parasite persists, but little information is available about which part of the neuron is generally infected (soma, dendrite, axon) and if this cellular relationship changes between strains. In part, this lack is secondary to the difficulty of imaging and visualizing whole infected neurons from an animal. Such images would typically require serial sectioning and stitching of tissue imaged by electron microscopy or confocal microscopy after immunostaining. By combining several techniques, the method described here enables the use of thick sections (160 &#181;m) to identify and image whole cells that contain cysts, allowing three-dimensional visualization and analysis of individual, chronically infected neurons without the need for immunostaining, electron microscopy, or serial sectioning and stitching. Using this technique, we can begin to understand the cellular relationship between the parasite and the infected neuron.

3-D Imaging and Analysis of Neurons Infected In Vivo with Toxoplasma gondii

Using this protocol, we were able to image 160 &#181;m thick brain sections from mice infected with the parasite Toxoplasma gondii, which enables visualization and analysis of the spatial relationship between the encysting parasite and the infected neuron.

3-D imaging e analisi di neuroni infetti<em&gt; In Vivo</em&gt; Con<em&gt; Toxoplasma gondii</em

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate, intracellular parasite with a broad host range, including humans and rodents. In both humans and rodents, Toxoplasma ...

Peering at Brain Polysomes with Atomic Force Microscopy

The translational machinery, i.e., the polysome or polyribosome, is one of the biggest and most complex cytoplasmic machineries in cells. Polysomes, formed by ribosomes, mRNAs, several proteins and non-coding RNAs, represent integrated platforms where translational controls take place. However, while the ribosome has been widely studied, the organization of polysomes is still lacking comprehensive understanding. Thus much effort is required in order to elucidate polysome organization and any novel mechanism of translational control that may be embedded. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a type of scanning probe microscopy that allows the acquisition of 3D images at nanoscale resolution. Compared to electron microscopy (EM) techniques, one of the main advantages of AFM is that it can acquire thousands of images both in air and in solution, enabling the sample to be maintained under near physiological conditions without any need for staining and fixing procedures. Here, a detailed protocol for the accurate purification of polysomes from mouse brain and their deposition on mica substrates is described. This protocol enables polysome imaging in air and liquid with AFM and their reconstruction as three-dimensional objects. Complementary to cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-EM), the proposed method can be conveniently used for systematically analyzing polysomes and studying their organization.

While ribosome structure has been extensively characterized, the organization of polysomes is still understudied. To overcome this lack of knowledge, we present here a detailed preparation protocol for accurate imaging of mammalian polysomes by atomic force microscopy (AFM) in air and liquid.

Scrutando Cervello polisomi con microscopia a forza atomica

The translational machinery, i.e., the polysome or polyribosome, is one of the biggest and most complex cytoplasmic machineries in cells. Polysomes, ...

A Protocol for the Administration of Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training

Neurologic disorders are characterized by abnormal cellular-, molecular-, and circuit-level functions in the brain. New methods to induce and control neuroplastic processes and correct abnormal function, or even shift functions from damaged tissue to physiologically healthy brain regions, hold the potential to dramatically improve overall health. Of the current neuroplastic interventions in development, neurofeedback training (NFT) from functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) has the advantages of being completely non-invasive, non-pharmacologic, and spatially localized to target brain regions, as well as having no known side effects. Furthermore, NFT techniques, initially developed using fMRI, can often be translated to exercises that can be performed outside of the scanner without the aid of medical professionals or sophisticated medical equipment. In fMRI NFT, the fMRI signal is measured from specific regions of the brain, processed, and presented to the participant in real-time. Through training, self-directed mental processing techniques, that regulate this signal and its underlying neurophysiologic correlates, are developed. FMRI NFT has been used to train volitional control over a wide range of brain regions with implications for several different cognitive, behavioral, and motor systems. Additionally, fMRI NFT has shown promise in a broad range of applications such as the treatment of neurologic disorders and the augmentation of baseline human performance. In this article, we present an fMRI NFT protocol developed at our institution for modulation of both healthy and abnormal brain function, as well as examples of using the method to target both cognitive and auditory regions of the brain.

The ability to induce and/or control neural plasticity may be critical in future treatments for neurologic disorders and the recovery from brain injury. In this paper, we present a protocol on the use of neurofeedback training with functional magnetic resonance imaging to modulate human brain function.

Un protocollo per l'amministrazione di Real-Time fMRI Neurofeedback Training

Neurologic disorders are characterized by abnormal cellular-, molecular-, and circuit-level functions in the brain. New methods to induce and control ...

Live Images of GLUT4 Protein Trafficking in Mouse Primary Hypothalamic Neurons Using Deconvolution Microscopy

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health crisis which is characterized by insulin signaling impairment and chronic inflammation in peripheral tissues. The hypothalamus in the central nervous system (CNS) is the control center for energy and insulin signal response regulation. Chronic inflammation in peripheral tissues and imbalances of certain chemokines (such as CCL5, TNF&#945;, and IL-6) contribute to diabetes and obesity. However, the functional mechanism(s) connecting chemokines and hypothalamic insulin signal regulation still remain unclear.
In vitro primary neuron culture models are convenient and simple models which can be used to investigate insulin signal regulation in hypothalamic neurons. In this study, we introduced exogeneous GLUT4 protein conjugated with GFP (GFP-GLUT4) into primary hypothalamic neurons to track GLUT4 membrane translocation upon insulin stimulation. Time-lapse images of GFP-GLUT4 protein trafficking were recorded by deconvolution microscopy, which allowed users to generate high-speed, high-resolution images without damaging the neurons significantly while conducting the experiment. The contribution of CCR5 in insulin regulated GLUT4 translocation was observed in CCR5 deficient hypothalamic neurons, which were isolated and cultured from CCR5 knockout mice. Our results demonstrated that the GLUT4 membrane translocation efficiency was reduced in CCR5 deficient hypothalamic neurons after insulin stimulation.

This protocol describes a technique for observation of real-time Green Fluorescence Protein (GFP) tagged Glucose Transporter 4 (GLUT4) protein trafficking upon insulin stimulation and characterization of the biological role of CCR5 in the insulin&#8211;GLUT4 signaling pathway with Deconvolution Microscopy.

Immagini in diretta della proteina GLUT4 tratta di neuroni ipotalamici primario del Mouse usando la microscopia di Deconvolution

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a global health crisis which is characterized by insulin signaling impairment and chronic inflammation in peripheral ...

Focal Macropatch Recordings of Synaptic Currents from the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction

Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an excellent model system to study glutamatergic synaptic transmission. We describe the technique of focal macropatch recordings of synaptic currents from visualized boutons at the Drosophila larval NMJ. This technique requires customized fabrication of recording micropipettes, as well as a compound microscope equipped with a high magnification, long-distance water immersion objective, differential interference contrast (DIC) optics, and a fluorescent attachment. The recording electrode is positioned on the top of a selected synaptic bouton visualized with DIC optics, epi-fluorescence, or both. The advantage of this technique is that it allows monitoring the synaptic activity of a limited number of sites of release. The recording electrode has&#160;a diameter of several microns, and the release sites positioned outside of the electrode rim do&#160;not significantly affect the recorded currents. The recorded synaptic currents have fast kinetics and can be readily resolved. These advantages are especially important for the studies of mutant fly lines with enhanced spontaneous or asynchronous synaptic activity.

Focal Macropatch Recordings of Synaptic Currents from the Drosophila Larval Neuromuscular Junction

Synaptic currents can be recorded focally from visualized synaptic boutons at the Drosophila third instar larvae neuromuscular junction. This technique enables monitoring the activity of a single synaptic bouton.

Macropatch focale registrazioni delle correnti sinaptiche da giunzione neuromuscolare larvale della drosofila

Drosophila neuromuscular junction (NMJ) is an excellent model system to study glutamatergic synaptic transmission. We describe the technique of focal ...