scholarly journals Roles of Gasotransmitters in Synaptic Plasticity and Neuropsychiatric Conditions

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ulfuara Shefa ◽  
Dokyoung Kim ◽  
Min-Sik Kim ◽  
Na Young Jeong ◽  
Junyang Jung

Synaptic plasticity is important for maintaining normal neuronal activity and proper neuronal functioning in the nervous system. It is crucial for regulating synaptic transmission or electrical signal transduction to neuronal networks, for sharing essential information among neurons, and for maintaining homeostasis in the body. Moreover, changes in synaptic or neural plasticity are associated with many neuropsychiatric conditions, such as schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar disorder (BP), major depressive disorder (MDD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The improper maintenance of neural plasticity causes incorrect neurotransmitter transmission, which can also cause neuropsychiatric conditions. Gas neurotransmitters (gasotransmitters), such as hydrogen sulfide (H2S), nitric oxide (NO), and carbon monoxide (CO), play roles in maintaining synaptic plasticity and in helping to restore such plasticity in the neuronal architecture in the central nervous system (CNS). Indeed, the upregulation or downregulation of these gasotransmitters may cause neuropsychiatric conditions, and their amelioration may restore synaptic plasticity and proper neuronal functioning and thereby improve such conditions. Understanding the specific molecular mechanisms underpinning these effects can help identify ways to treat these neuropsychiatric conditions.

Development ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 104 (Supplement) ◽  
pp. 169-179 ◽  
Author(s):  
Stephen J. Gaunt ◽  
Paul T. Sharpe ◽  
Denis Duboule

By use of in situ hybridization experiments, the transcripts of several different mouse homeo-genes (Hox-1.2, -1.3, -1.4, -1.5, -3.1 and -6.1) have been localized in l2½-day mouse embryos. In a comparison of these genes on adjacent or nearby embryo sections, it is found that their transcripts occupy domains which are usually different, although overlapping, along the anteroposterior axis of the body. The domains are not limited to single segments (assumed to be represented by single prevertebrae) but they encompass regions of adjacent segments. In addition to the prevertehral column, the transcript domains extend into the central nervous system and at least some of the organs (pharynx, thyroid, trachea, lung, stomach and kidney). Within the prevertebral column, a striking feature of most of the domains is that the abundance of transcripts rises (anteriorly) and falls (posteriorly) over a distance of several adjacent prevertebrae. For Hox-1.4 and Hox-1.3 the rise is over prevertebrae within the cervical region. For Hox-6.1, Hox-1·2 and Hox-3.1, the rise is over prevertebrae within the thoracic region. For each of the genes examined, transcripts in the central nervous system extend to a more anterior position in the body than transcripts in the prevertebral column. The myelencephalon of the hindbrain contains at least three different anterior boundaries for homeo-gene transcript domains. The positions of these are defined by Hox-1.5 (most anterior), Hox-1.4 and Hox-1.3. Anterior boundaries for Hox-6.1 and Hox-1.2 are apparently located at the Hox-1.3 position. Homeo-gene transcript domains extend into several structures known to be derived, at least in part, from the neural crest. These include the ventral pharynx, thyroid, aortic trunk and, probably, the sympathetic nerve chain and thymus. For several genes of the Hox-1 clusterr we note a correspondence between the serial arrangement of genes on the chromosome and the arrangement of their transcript domains in the developing embryo. We also note some striking similarities between the transcript domains of different homeo-genes that share the same subfamily (Duboule et al. 1988). These observations, and others, offer possible clues about the molecular mechanisms that might underlie the formation and maintenance of homeo-gene transcript domains.


Author(s):  
F. L. Azizova ◽  
U. A. Boltaboev

The features of production factors established at the main workplaces of shoe production are considered. The materials on the results of the study of the functional state of the central nervous system of women workers of shoe production in the dynamics of the working day are presented. The level of functional state of the central nervous system was determined by the speed of visual and auditory-motor reactions, installed using the universal device chronoreflexometer. It was revealed that in the body of workers of shoe production there is an early development of inhibitory processes in the central nervous system, which is expressed in an increase in the number of errors when performing tasks on proofreading tables. It was found that the most pronounced shift s in auditory-motor responses were observed in professional groups, where higher levels of noise were registered in the workplace. The correlation analysis showed a close direct relationship between the growth of mistakes made in the market and the decrease in production. An increase in the time spent on the task indicates the occurrence and growth of production fatigue.Funding. The study had no funding.Conflict of interests. The authors declare no conflict of interests.


Author(s):  
Prithiv K R Kumar

Stem cells have the capacity to differentiate into any type of cell or organ. Stems cell originate from any part of the body, including the brain. Brain cells or rather neural stem cells have the capacitive advantage of differentiating into the central nervous system leading to the formation of neurons and glial cells. Neural stem cells should have a source by editing DNA, or by mixings chemical enzymes of iPSCs. By this method, a limitless number of neuron stem cells can be obtained. Increase in supply of NSCs help in repairing glial cells which in-turn heal the central nervous system. Generally, brain injuries cause motor and sensory deficits leading to stroke. With all trials from novel therapeutic methods to enhanced rehabilitation time, the economy and quality of life is suppressed. Only PSCs have proven effective for grafting cells into NSCs. Neurons derived from stem cells is the only challenge that limits in-vitro usage in the near future.


2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (15) ◽  
pp. 5475 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuela Pennisi ◽  
Giuseppe Lanza ◽  
Luca Falzone ◽  
Francesco Fisicaro ◽  
Raffaele Ferri ◽  
...  

Increasing evidence suggests that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) can also invade the central nervous system (CNS). However, findings available on its neurological manifestations and their pathogenic mechanisms have not yet been systematically addressed. A literature search on neurological complications reported in patients with COVID-19 until June 2020 produced a total of 23 studies. Overall, these papers report that patients may exhibit a wide range of neurological manifestations, including encephalopathy, encephalitis, seizures, cerebrovascular events, acute polyneuropathy, headache, hypogeusia, and hyposmia, as well as some non-specific symptoms. Whether these features can be an indirect and unspecific consequence of the pulmonary disease or a generalized inflammatory state on the CNS remains to be determined; also, they may rather reflect direct SARS-CoV-2-related neuronal damage. Hematogenous versus transsynaptic propagation, the role of the angiotensin II converting enzyme receptor-2, the spread across the blood-brain barrier, the impact of the hyperimmune response (the so-called “cytokine storm”), and the possibility of virus persistence within some CNS resident cells are still debated. The different levels and severity of neurotropism and neurovirulence in patients with COVID-19 might be explained by a combination of viral and host factors and by their interaction.


Molecules ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (5) ◽  
pp. 1372
Author(s):  
Tengrui Shi ◽  
Jianxi Song ◽  
Guanying You ◽  
Yujie Yang ◽  
Qiong Liu ◽  
...  

MsrB1 used to be named selenoprotein R, for it was first identified as a selenocysteine containing protein by searching for the selenocysteine insert sequence (SECIS) in the human genome. Later, it was found that MsrB1 is homologous to PilB in Neisseria gonorrhoeae, which is a methionine sulfoxide reductase (Msr), specifically reducing L-methionine sulfoxide (L-Met-O) in proteins. In humans and mice, four members constitute the Msr family, which are MsrA, MsrB1, MsrB2, and MsrB3. MsrA can reduce free or protein-containing L-Met-O (S), whereas MsrBs can only function on the L-Met-O (R) epimer in proteins. Though there are isomerases existent that could transfer L-Met-O (S) to L-Met-O (R) and vice-versa, the loss of Msr individually results in different phenotypes in mice models. These observations indicate that the function of one Msr cannot be totally complemented by another. Among the mammalian Msrs, MsrB1 is the only selenocysteine-containing protein, and we recently found that loss of MsrB1 perturbs the synaptic plasticity in mice, along with the astrogliosis in their brains. In this review, we summarized the effects resulting from Msr deficiency and the bioactivity of selenium in the central nervous system, especially those that we learned from the MsrB1 knockout mouse model. We hope it will be helpful in better understanding how the trace element selenium participates in the reduction of L-Met-O and becomes involved in neurobiology.


In the study of the phenomena of anaphylaxis there are certain points on which some measure of agreement seems to have been attained. In the case of anaphylaxis to soluble proteins, with which alone we are directly concerned in this paper, the majority of investigators probably accept the view that the condition is due to the formation of an antibody of the precipitin type. Concerning the method, however, by which the presence of this antibody causes the specific sensitiveness, the means by which its interaction with the antibody produces the anaphylactic shock, there is a wide divergence of conception. Two main currents of speculation can be discerned. One view, historically rather the earlier, and first put forward by Besredka (1) attributes the anaphylactic condition to the location of the antibody in the body cells. There is not complete unanimity among adherents of this view as to the nature of the antibody concerned, or as to the class of cells containing it which are primarily affected in the anaphylactic shock. Besredka (2) himself has apparently not accepted the identification of the anaphylactic antibody with a precipitin, but regards it as belonging to a special class (sensibilisine). He also regards the cells of the central nervous system as those primarily involved in the anaphylactic shock in the guinea-pig. Others, including one of us (3), have found no adequate reason for rejecting the strong evidence in favour of the precipitin nature of the anaphylactic antibody, produced by Doerr and Russ (4), Weil (5), and others, and have accepted and confirmed the description of the rapid anaphylactic death in the guinea-pig as due to a direct stimulation of the plain-muscle fibres surrounding the bronchioles, causing valve-like obstruction of the lumen, and leading to asphyxia, with the characteristic fixed distension of the lungs, as first described by Auer and Lewis (6), and almost simultaneously by Biedl and Kraus (7). But the fundamental conception of anaphylaxis as due to cellular location of an antibody, and of the reaction as due to the union of antigen and antibody taking place in the protoplasm, is common to a number of workers who thus differ on details.


1957 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 306-333
Author(s):  
G. M. HUGHES

I. The effects of limb amputation and the cutting of commissures on the movements of the cockroach Blatta orientalis have been investigated with the aid of cinematography. Detailed analyses of changes in posture and rhythm of leg movements are given. 2. It is shown that quite marked changes occur following the amputation of a single leg or the cutting of a single commissure between the thoracic ganglia. 3. Changes following the amputation of a single leg are immediate and are such that the support normally provided by the missing leg is taken over by the two remaining legs on that side. Compensatory movements are also found in the contralateral legs. 4. When two legs of opposite sides are amputated it has been confirmed that the diagonal sequence tends to be adopted, but this is not invariably true. Besides alterations in the rhythm which this may involve, there are again adaptive modifications in the movements of the limbs with respect to the body. 5. When both comrnissures between the meso- and metathoracic ganglia are cut, the hind pair of legs fall out of rhythm with the other four legs. The observations on the effects of cutting commissures stress the importance of intersegmental pathways in co-ordination. 6. It is shown that all modifications following the amputation of legs may be related to the altered mechanical conditions. Some of the important factors involved in normal co-ordination are discussed, and it is suggested that the altered movements would be produced by the operation of these factors under the new conditions. It is concluded that the sensory inflow to the central nervous system is of major importance in the co-ordination of normal movement.


1998 ◽  
Vol 84 (3) ◽  
pp. 408-411 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maria Laura Del Basso De Caro ◽  
Antonella Siciliano ◽  
Paolo Cappabianca ◽  
Alessandra Alfieri ◽  
Enrico de Divitiis

Paragangliomas are usually benign tumors which can be found in many sites of the body, from the base of the skull down to the pelvic floor. In the central nervous system the sellar region is very rarely involved; only three well studied cases have been reported to date. We present the cytological, histological, histochemical, immunocytochemical and ultrastructural features of an intrasellar and suprasellar paraganglioma in an 84-year-old man.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mar Pacheco-Herrero ◽  
Luis O. Soto-Rojas ◽  
Charles R. Harrington ◽  
Yazmin M. Flores-Martinez ◽  
Marcos M. Villegas-Rojas ◽  
...  

The current pandemic caused by the new severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has become a public health emergency. To date, March 1, 2021, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has caused about 114 million accumulated cases and 2.53 million deaths worldwide. Previous pieces of evidence suggest that SARS-CoV-2 may affect the central nervous system (CNS) and cause neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients. It is also known that angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 (ACE2), the primary receptor for SARS-CoV-2 infection, is expressed in different brain areas and cell types. Thus, it is hypothesized that infection by this virus could generate or exacerbate neuropathological alterations. However, the molecular mechanisms that link COVID-19 disease and nerve damage are unclear. In this review, we describe the routes of SARS-CoV-2 invasion into the central nervous system. We also analyze the neuropathologic mechanisms underlying this viral infection, and their potential relationship with the neurological manifestations described in patients with COVID-19, and the appearance or exacerbation of some neurodegenerative diseases.


2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jason C. Ray ◽  
Penelope Allen ◽  
Ann Bacsi ◽  
Julian J. Bosco ◽  
Luke Chen ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is expressed throughout the body and is a known mediator of migraine, exerting this biological effect through activation of trigeminovascular, meningeal and associated neuronal pathways located in close proximity to the central nervous system. Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) targeting the CGRP pathway are an effective new preventive treatment for migraine, with a generally favourable adverse event profile. Pre-clinical evidence supports an anti-inflammatory/immunoregulatory role for CGRP in other organ systems, and therefore inhibition of the normal action of this peptide may promote a pro-inflammatory response. Cases We present a case series of eight patients with new or significantly worsened inflammatory pathology in close temporal association with the commencement of CGRP mAb therapy. Conclusion This case series provides novel insights on the potential molecular mechanisms and side-effects of CGRP antagonism in migraine and supports clinical vigilance in patient care going forward.


Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document