| 1. |
- Adori, Csaba, et al.
(författare)
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Critical role of somatostatin receptor 2 in the vulnerability of the central noradrenergic system : new aspects on Alzheimer's disease
- 2015
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Ingår i: Acta Neuropathologica. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 0001-6322 .- 1432-0533. ; 129:4, s. 541-563
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Alzheimer's disease and other age-related neurodegenerative disorders are associated with deterioration of the noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC), a probable trigger for mood and memory dysfunction. LC noradrenergic neurons exhibit particularly high levels of somatostatin binding sites. This is noteworthy since cortical and hypothalamic somatostatin content is reduced in neurodegenerative pathologies. Yet a possible role of a somatostatin signal deficit in the maintenance of noradrenergic projections remains unknown. Here, we deployed tissue microarrays, immunohistochemistry, quantitative morphometry and mRNA profiling in a cohort of Alzheimer's and age-matched control brains in combination with genetic models of somatostatin receptor deficiency to establish causality between defunct somatostatin signalling and noradrenergic neurodegeneration. In Alzheimer's disease, we found significantly reduced somatostatin protein expression in the temporal cortex, with aberrant clustering and bulging of tyrosine hydroxylase-immunoreactive afferents. As such, somatostatin receptor 2 (SSTR2) mRNA was highly expressed in the human LC, with its levels significantly decreasing from Braak stages III/IV and onwards, i.e., a process preceding advanced Alzheimer's pathology. The loss of SSTR2 transcripts in the LC neurons appeared selective, since tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine beta-hydroxylase, galanin or galanin receptor 3 mRNAs remained unchanged. We modeled these pathogenic changes in Sstr2 (-/-) mice and, unlike in Sstr1 (-/-) or Sstr4 (-/-) genotypes, they showed selective, global and progressive degeneration of their central noradrenergic projections. However, neuronal perikarya in the LC were found intact until late adulthood (< 8 months) in Sstr2 (-/-) mice. In contrast, the noradrenergic neurons in the superior cervical ganglion lacked SSTR2 and, as expected, the sympathetic innervation of the head region did not show any signs of degeneration. Our results indicate that SSTR2-mediated signaling is integral to the maintenance of central noradrenergic projections at the system level, and that early loss of somatostatin receptor 2 function may be associated with the selective vulnerability of the noradrenergic system in Alzheimer's disease.
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| 2. |
- Adori, Csaba, et al.
(författare)
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Disorganization and degeneration of liver sympathetic innervations in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease revealed by 3D imaging
- 2021
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Ingår i: Science Advances. - : American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). - 2375-2548. ; 7:30
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Hepatic nerves have a complex role in synchronizing liver metabolism. Here, we used three-dimensional (3D) immunoimaging to explore the integrity of the hepatic nervous system in experimental and human nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). We demonstrate parallel signs of mild degeneration and axonal sprouting of sympathetic innervations in early stages of experimental NAFLD and a collapse of sympathetic arborization in steatohepatitis. Human fatty livers display a similar pattern of sympathetic nerve degeneration, correlating with the severity of NAFLD pathology. We show that chronic sympathetic hyperexcitation is a key factor in the axonal degeneration, here genetically phenocopied in mice deficient of the Rac-1 activator Vav3. In experimental steatohepatitis, 3D imaging reveals a severe portal vein contraction, spatially correlated with the extension of the remaining nerves around the portal vein, enlightening a potential intrahepatic neuronal mechanism of portal hypertension. These fundamental alterations in liver innervation and vasculature uncover previously unidentified neuronal components in NAFLD pathomechanisms.
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| 3. |
- Ahrén, Maria, 1979-
(författare)
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Metal Oxide Nanoparticles for Contrast Enhancement in Magnetic Resonance Imaging : Synthesis, Functionalization and Characterization
- 2013
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- This thesis work focuses on the design and production of nanoparticle based contrast agents for signal enhancement in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Three different synthesis routes are explored, primarily to produce crystalline gadolinium oxide (Gd2O3) nanoparticles, and surface modification is done to obtain stable, dispersible, biocompatible probes inducing high proton relaxivities.In Paper I and II we utilized the polyol synthesis method and nanoparticle purification was performed with dialysis. Active surface functionalization was achieved by an innermost layer of 3-mercaptopropyl trimetoxy silanes (MPTS) and an outer layer of bifunctional PEG. Surface capping was shown to greatly affect the water proton relaxation to a degree which is strongly dependent on the purification time. PEGylation also induced stabilizing effects and the ability to provide the nanoparticles with luminescent properties was proven by linking the fluorescent dye Rhodamine to the bifunctional PEG.In Paper III the magnetic behavior of yttrium (Y) alloyed Gd2O3 nanoparticles was investigated as a function of Y concentration. This was done by performing magnetic measurements and by studying the signal line width in electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy for Gd2O3, Y2O3 and a series of (GdxY1-x)2O3 samples produced using the combustion synthesis. The results verified that the signal line width is dependent on the percent of yttrium dilution. This is considered as an indication of that yttrium dilution changes the electron spin relaxation time in Gd2O3.Paper IV and V present a novel precipitation synthesis method for Gd2O3 nanoparticles. Acetate molecular groups were found to coordinate the nanoparticle surface increasing the water dispersability. The Gd2O3 nanoparticles induce a twice as high relaxivity per gadolinium atom, as compared to the commercially available contrast agent Magnevist. Incorporation of luminescent europium (Eu3+) ions into the Gd2O3 nanoparticles in combination with surface modification with a fluorescent branched carboxyl terminated TEG, produced dual probes with tunable luminescence, maintained relaxivity and thus a bright contrast in MRI.In Paper VI, a new approach to accomplish a dual probe was investigated. Luminescent ZnO nanoparticles decorated with Gd ions bound in an organic matrix were evaluated for MR signal enhancement and ability to function as fluorescent probes. Interestingly, these nanoprobes did show an enhanced capability to both strengthen the MR signal and increase the fluorescent quantum yield, as compared to the pure oxides.In Paper VII we investigate sub 5 nm crystalline manganese based nanoparticles produced by the precipitation synthesis used for Gd2O3 nanoparticles. Manganese oxide was chosen as another candidate for MRI contrast enhancement as it is expected to have a straight forward surface coupling chemistry. Characterization of the crystal structure and chemical composition indicated nanoparticles with a MnO core and presence of manganese species of higher valences at the nanoparticle surface. The MnO nanomaterial showed a superparamagnetic behavior and less capability to increase the MR signal as compared to Gd2O3.Characterization of the nanoparticle crystal structure and size is, throughout the work, performed by means of transmission electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction and dynamic light scattering. The chemical composition is studied with X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, infrared spectroscopy and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy and the fluorescence characteristics are evaluated with fluorescence spectroscopy. In addition, theoretical models and calculated IR spectroscopy and near edge X-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy data have been used for evaluation of experimental results.To conclude, the aim of this work is the design, production and characterization of ultrasmall rare earth based nanoparticles for signal enhancement in biomedical imaging. Surface modification clearly increases the colloidal stability and biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. Compared to the agents in clinical use today, these nanoprobes have a higher capability to enhance the MR-signal, and they will in the near future be equipped with tags for specific targeting.
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| 4. |
- Alekseenko, Zhanna, et al.
(författare)
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Robust derivation of transplantable dopamine neurons from human pluripotent stem cells by timed retinoic acid delivery
- 2022
-
Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2041-1723. ; 13
-
Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Stem cell therapies for Parkinson’s disease (PD) have entered first-in-human clinical trials using a set of technically related methods to produce mesencephalic dopamine (mDA) neurons from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs). Here, we outline an approach for high-yield derivation of mDA neurons that principally differs from alternative technologies by utilizing retinoic acid (RA) signaling, instead of WNT and FGF8 signaling, to specify mesencephalic fate. Unlike most morphogen signals, where precise concentration determines cell fate, it is the duration of RA exposure that is the key-parameter for mesencephalic specification. This concentration-insensitive patterning approach provides robustness and reduces the need for protocol-adjustments between hPSC-lines. RA-specified progenitors promptly differentiate into functional mDA neurons in vitro, and successfully engraft and relieve motor deficits after transplantation in a rat PD model. Our study provides a potential alternative route for cell therapy and disease modelling that due to its robustness could be particularly expedient when use of autologous- or immunologically matched cells is considered.
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| 5. |
- Chu, Jiangtao, 1982-
(författare)
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Microdialysis Sampling of Macro Molecules : Fluid Characteristics, Extraction Efficiency and Enhanced Performance
- 2015
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- In this thesis, fluid characteristics and sampling efficiency of high molecular weight cut-off microdialysis are presented, with the aim of improving the understanding of microdialysis sampling mechanisms and its performance regarding extraction efficiency of biological fluid and biomarkers.Microdialysis is a well-established clinical sampling tool for monitoring small biomarkers such as lactate and glucose. In recent years, interest has raised in using high molecular weight cut-off microdialysis to sample macro molecules such as neuropeptides, cytokines and proteins. However, with the increase of the membrane pore size, high molecular weight cut-off microdialysis exhibits drawbacks such like unstable catheter performance, imbalanced fluid recovery, low and unstable molecule extraction efficiency, etc. But still, the fluid characteristics of high molecular weight cut-off microdialysis is rarely studied, and the clinical or in vitro molecule sampling efficiency from recent studies vary from each other and are difficult to compare. Therefore, in this thesis three aspects of high molecular weight cut-off microdialysis have been explored. The first, the fluid characteristics of large pore microdialysis has been investigated, theoretically and experimentally. The results suggest that the experimental fluid recovery is in consistency with its theoretical formula. The second, the macromolecule transport behaviour has been visualized and semi-quantified, using an in vitro test system and fluorescence imaging. The third, two in vitro tests have been done to mimic in vivo cerebrospinal fluid sampling under pressurization, using native and differently surface modified catheters. As results, individual protein/peptide extraction efficiencies were achieved, using targeted mass spectrometry analysis.In summary, a theory system of the fluid characteristics of high molecular weight cut-off microdialysis has been built and testified; Macromolecular transport of microdialysis catheter has been visualized; In vivo biomolecules sampling has been simulated by well-defined in vitro studies; Individual biomolecular extraction efficiency has been shown; Different surface modifications of microdialysis catheter have been investigated. It was found that, improved sampling performance can be achieved, in terms of balanced fluid recovery and controlled protein extraction efficiency.
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| 6. |
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| 7. |
- Fuxe, Kjell, et al.
(författare)
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From the Golgi-Cajal mapping to the transmitter-based characterization of the neuronal networks leading to two modes of brain communication: wiring and volume transmission.
- 2007
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Ingår i: Brain research reviews. - : Elsevier BV. - 0165-0173. ; 55:1, s. 17-54
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- After Golgi-Cajal mapped neural circuits, the discovery and mapping of the central monoamine neurons opened up for a new understanding of interneuronal communication by indicating that another form of communication exists. For instance, it was found that dopamine may be released as a prolactin inhibitory factor from the median eminence, indicating an alternative mode of dopamine communication in the brain. Subsequently, the analysis of the locus coeruleus noradrenaline neurons demonstrated a novel type of lower brainstem neuron that monosynaptically and globally innervated the entire CNS. Furthermore, the ascending raphe serotonin neuron systems were found to globally innervate the forebrain with few synapses, and where deficits in serotonergic function appeared to play a major role in depression. We propose that serotonin reuptake inhibitors may produce antidepressant effects through increasing serotonergic neurotrophism in serotonin nerve cells and their targets by transactivation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK), involving direct or indirect receptor/RTK interactions. Early chemical neuroanatomical work on the monoamine neurons, involving primitive nervous systems and analysis of peptide neurons, indicated the existence of alternative modes of communication apart from synaptic transmission. In 1986, Agnati and Fuxe introduced the theory of two main types of intercellular communication in the brain: wiring and volume transmission (WT and VT). Synchronization of phasic activity in the monoamine cell clusters through electrotonic coupling and synaptic transmission (WT) enables optimal VT of monoamines in the target regions. Experimental work suggests an integration of WT and VT signals via receptor-receptor interactions, and a new theory of receptor-connexin interactions in electrical and mixed synapses is introduced. Consequently, a new model of brain function must be built, in which communication includes both WT and VT and receptor-receptor interactions in the integration of signals. This will lead to the unified execution of information handling and trophism for optimal brain function and survival.
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| 8. |
- He, Yachao, et al.
(författare)
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Prosaposin maintains lipid homeostasis in dopamine neurons and counteracts experimental parkinsonism in rodents
- 2023
-
Ingår i: Nature Communications. - : Springer Nature. - 2041-1723. ; 14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Prosaposin (PSAP) modulates glycosphingolipid metabolism and variants have been linked to Parkinson's disease (PD). Here, we find altered PSAP levels in the plasma, CSF and post-mortem brain of PD patients. Altered plasma and CSF PSAP levels correlatewith PD-relatedmotor impairments. Dopaminergic PSAP-deficient (cPSAP(DAT)) mice display hypolocomotion and depression/anxiety-like symptoms with mildly impaired dopaminergic neurotransmission, while serotonergic PSAP-deficient (cPSAP(SERT)) mice behave normally. Spatial lipidomics revealed an accumulation of highly unsaturated and shortened lipids and reduction of sphingolipids throughout the brains of cPSAP(DAT) mice. The overexpression of alpha-synuclein via AAV lead to more severe dopaminergic degeneration and higher p-Ser129 alpha-synuclein levels in cPSAP(DAT) mice compared to WT mice. Overexpression of PSAP via AAV and encapsulated cell biodelivery protected against 6-OHDA and alpha-synuclein toxicity in wild-type rodents. Thus, these findings suggest PSAP may maintain dopaminergic lipid homeostasis, which is dysregulated in PD, and counteract experimental parkinsonism.
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| 9. |
- Hokfelt, Tomas, et al.
(författare)
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Neuropeptide and Small Transmitter Coexistence: Fundamental Studies and Relevance to Mental Illness
- 2018
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Neural Circuits. - : FRONTIERS MEDIA SA. - 1662-5110. ; 12
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Forskningsöversikt (refereegranskat)abstract
- Neuropeptides are auxiliary messenger molecules that always co-exist in nerve cells with one or more small molecule (classic) neurotransmitters. Neuropeptides act both as transmitters and trophic factors, and play a role particularly when the nervous system is challenged, as by injury, pain or stress. Here neuropeptides and coexistence in mammals are reviewed, but with special focus on the 29/30 amino acid galanin and its three receptors GalR1, -R2 and -R3. In particular, galanins role as a co-transmitter in both rodent and human noradrenergic locus coeruleus (LC) neurons is addressed. Extensive experimental animal data strongly suggest a role for the galanin system in depression-like behavior. The translational potential of these results was tested by studying the galanin system in postmortem human brains, first in normal brains, and then in a comparison of five regions of brains obtained from depressed people who committed suicide, and from matched controls. The distribution of galanin and the four galanin system transcripts in the normal human brain was determined, and selective and parallel changes in levels of transcripts and DNA methylation for galanin and its three receptors were assessed in depressed patients who committed suicide: upregulation of transcripts, e.g., for galanin and GalR3 in LC, paralleled by a decrease in DNA methylation, suggesting involvement of epigenetic mechanisms. It is hypothesized that, when exposed to severe stress, the noradrenergic LC neurons fire in bursts and release galanin from their soma/dendrites. Galanin then acts on somato-dendritic, inhibitory galanin autoreceptors, opening potassium channels and inhibiting firing. The purpose of these autoreceptors is to act as a brake to prevent overexcitation, a brake that is also part of resilience to stress that protects against depression. Depression then arises when the inhibition is too strong and long lasting - a maladaption, allostatic load, leading to depletion of NA levels in the forebrain. It is suggested that disinhibition by a galanin antagonist may have antidepressant activity by restoring forebrain NA levels. A role of galanin in depression is also supported by a recent candidate gene study, showing that variants in genes for galanin and its three receptors confer increased risk of depression and anxiety in people who experienced childhood adversity or recent negative life events. In summary, galanin, a neuropeptide coexisting in LC neurons, may participate in the mechanism underlying resilience against a serious and common disorder, MDD. Existing and further results may lead to an increased understanding of how this illness develops, which in turn could provide a basis for its treatment.
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| 10. |
- Kadkhodaei, Banafsheh, et al.
(författare)
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Transcription factor Nurr1 maintains fiber integrity and nuclear-encoded mitochondrial gene expression in dopamine neurons
- 2013
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 1091-6490 .- 0027-8424. ; 110:6, s. 2360-2365
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Developmental transcription factors important in early neuron specification and differentiation often remain expressed in the adult brain. However, how these transcription factors function to mantain appropriate neuronal identities in adult neurons and how transcription factor dysregulation may contribute to disease remain largely unknown. The transcription factor Nurr1 has been associated with Parkinson's disease and is essential for the development of ventral midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons. We used conditional Nurr1 gene-targeted mice in which Nurr1 is ablated selectively in mature DA neurons by treatment with tamoxifen. We show that Nurr1 ablation results in a progressive pathology associated with reduced striatal DA, impaired motor behaviors, and dystrophic axons and dendrites. We used laser-microdissected DA neurons for RNA extraction and next-generation mRNA sequencing to identify Nurr1-regulated genes. This analysis revealed that Nurr1 functions mainly in transcriptional activation to regulate a battery of genes expressed in DA neurons. Importantly, nuclear-encoded mitochondrial genes were identified as the major functional category of Nurr1-regulated target genes. These studies indicate that Nurr1 has a key function in sustaining high respiratory function in these cells, and that Nurr1 ablation in mice recapitulates early features of Parkinson's disease.
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| 11. |
- Panman, Lia, et al.
(författare)
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Sox6 and Otx2 Control the Specification of Substantia Nigra and Ventral Tegmental Area Dopamine Neurons
- 2014
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Ingår i: Cell Reports. - : Elsevier BV. - 2211-1247. ; 8:4, s. 1018-1025
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Distinct midbrain dopamine (mDA) neuron subtypes are found in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and the ventral tegmental area (VTA), but it is mainly SNc neurons that degenerate in Parkinson's disease. Interest in how mDA neurons develop has been stimulated by the potential use of stem cells in therapy or disease modeling. However, very little is known about how specific dopaminergic subtypes are generated. Here, we show that the expression profiles of the transcription factors Sox6, Otx2, and Nolz1 define subpopulations of mDA neurons already at the neural progenitor cell stage. After cell-cycle exit, Sox6 selectively localizes to SNc neurons, while Otx2 and Nolz1 are expressed in a subset of VTA neurons. Importantly, Sox6 ablation leads to decreased expression of SNc markers and a corresponding increase in VTA markers, while Otx2 ablation has the opposite effect. Moreover, deletion of Sox6 affects striatal innervation and dopamine levels. We also find reduced Sox6 levels in Parkinson's disease patients. These findings identify Sox6 as a determinant of SNc neuron development and should facilitate the engineering of relevant mDA neurons for cell therapy and disease modeling.
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| 12. |
- Rossbach, Uwe
(författare)
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The Impact of Drugs of Abuse on the Neuroproteome : Application of Immunoblotting and LC-MS-based Proteomics
- 2010
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Doktorsavhandling (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Qualitative and quantitative analysis of proteins can be based either on immunological or on mass spectrometry-utilizing methods. In this thesis, different approaches of protein analysis were applied to elucidate the impact of drugs of abuse on the rat brain. Androgens have been reported to affect mood, anxiety and memory function. The hippocampus plays an important role in memory formation, and studies have reported androgen-induced alteration in hippocampal dendritic spine density. The process of memory and learning requires synaptic plasticity, which depends on key components of signaling pathways, e.g. the ERK and the NMDA receptor. Often, misuse of anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) leads to administration of supratherapeutical doses with partly unknown impact on the brain. Rapid and subchronic effects of high AAS doses on proteins of a synapse-enriched rat hippocampal preparation (synaptoneurosomes) were investigated using the immunoblot technique and mass spectrometry. A single high dose of the AAS nandrolone decanoate was found to increase the in vivo phosphorylation of both NMDA receptor subunits and ERKs 24 h after administration. Subchronic treatment with multiple doses showed no effect. A subsequent study focused on rapid effects of the free nandrolone. The phosphorylation of the NMDA receptor subunit GluN2B and ERK1 was found diminished after 2 h and restored after 6 h. This suggests a biphasic impact of nandrolone on signaling components. Moreover, this study aimed to elucidate whether the effects were mediated via the androgen receptor (AR). The AR antagonist flutamide abolished AAS-induced effects. Determination of the CaMKIIα and ephrinB2 proteins, being a potential link of the analogous phosphorylation of NMDA receptor and ERK, could be excluded. Proteins involved in synaptogenesis were not found to be altered. A mass spectrometry-based study was conducted to screen for phosphoproteins and their potential alteration 2 h after a single dose of nandrolone. This analysis identified several proteins with known and not yet described phosphorylation sites. A differential analysis of the identified phosphoproteins was performed. In a fourth study, quantitative MS-based peptidomics were applied to investigate endogenous neuropeptides in the mesolimbic system during morphine withdrawal. Moreover, strain-dependence was investigated. In accordance to earlier reports, comparable regulation was observed of proenkephalin-, prodynorphin- and preprotachykinin-derived neuropeptides levels.
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| 13. |
- Soltani, Amin, et al.
(författare)
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Direct nanoscopic observation of plasma waves in the channel of a graphene field-effect transistor
- 2020
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Ingår i: Light: Science and Applications. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 2047-7538 .- 2095-5545. ; 9:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Plasma waves play an important role in many solid-state phenomena and devices. They also become significant in electronic device structures as the operation frequencies of these devices increase. A prominent example is field-effect transistors (FETs), that witness increased attention for application as rectifying detectors and mixers of electromagnetic waves at gigahertz and terahertz frequencies, where they exhibit very good sensitivity even high above the cut-off frequency defined by the carrier transit time. Transport theory predicts that the coupling of radiation at THz frequencies into the channel of an antenna-coupled FET leads to the development of a gated plasma wave, collectively involving the charge carriers of both the two-dimensional electron gas and the gate electrode. In this paper, we present the first direct visualization of these waves. Employing graphene FETs containing a buried gate electrode, we utilize near-field THz nanoscopy at room temperature to directly probe the envelope function of the electric field amplitude on the exposed graphene sheet and the neighboring antenna regions. Mapping of the field distribution documents that wave injection is unidirectional from the source side since the oscillating electrical potentials on the gate and drain are equalized by capacitive shunting. The plasma waves, excited at 2 THz, are overdamped, and their decay time lies in the range of 25–70 fs. Despite this short decay time, the decay length is rather long, i.e., 0.3-0.5 μm, because of the rather large propagation speed of the plasma waves, which is found to lie in the range of 3.5–7 × 10^6 m/s, in good agreement with theory. The propagation speed depends only weakly on the gate voltage swing and is consistent with the theoretically predicted 1414 power law.
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| 14. |
- Soltani, Amin, et al.
(författare)
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Unveiling the plasma wave in the channel of graphene field-effect transistor
- 2019
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Ingår i: International Conference on Infrared, Millimeter, and Terahertz Waves, IRMMW-THz. - 2162-2027 .- 2162-2035. ; 2019-September
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Konferensbidrag (refereegranskat)abstract
- Coupling an electromagnetic wave at GHz to THz frequencies into the channel of a graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) provokes collective charge carrier oscillations of the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) known as plasma waves. Here, we report the very first experimental and direct mapping of the electric field distribution in a gated GFET at nanometer length scales using scattering-type scanning near-field microscopy (s-SNOM) at 2 THz. Based on the experimental results we deduce the plasma wave velocity for different gate bias voltages, which is in good agreement with the theoretical prediction.
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| 15. |
- Sun, Shiguo, et al.
(författare)
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ECL performance of ruthenium tris-bipyridyl complexes covalently linked with phenothiazine through different bridge
- 2010
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Ingår i: Dalton Transactions. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1477-9226 .- 1477-9234. ; 39:37, s. 8626-8630
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Three ruthenium complexes 1a, 1b and 1c were synthesized, in which the phenothiazine moiety was covalently linked to the ruthenium complex through a 4 carbon chain and amide bond, respectively. The results demonstrate that one PTZ moiety is preferred to reach a good ECL performance, and the 4 carbon chain linked complex 1a exhibits the highest ECL enhancement (up to about 9 times), in comparison with the commonly utilized parent Ru(bpy)(3)(2+), permitting a lower detection limit of 1.0 x 10(-14) M with signal to noise of 3 for 20 mM DBAE at Au electrode.
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| 16. |
- Sun, Shiguo, et al.
(författare)
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Intra- and intermolecular interaction ECL study of novel ruthenium tris-bipyridyl complexes with different amine reductants
- 2009
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Ingår i: Dalton Transactions. - : Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC). - 1477-9226 .- 1477-9234. ; :38, s. 7969-7974
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- A series of ruthenium(II) tris-bipyridyl complexes covalently linked with different amine reductants such as tripropylamine (TPrA), ethanolamine and diethanolamine for an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) system have been synthesized. Their ECL property at different working electrodes has been studied with and without the presence of TPrA, triethanolamine (TEOA) and 2-(dibutylamino) ethanol (DBAE) as the coreactant, respectively. The results demonstrate that the conjugated ruthenium complex alone can generate ECL through intramolecular interaction at a relatively low concentration, while with intermolecular interaction the ECL intensity increases progressively and becomes increasingly dominant with increasing complex concentration. For the coreactant system ECL, the amine coreactant needed for the conjugate complexes can be significantly lowered in comparison with that of the well known [Ru(bpy)(3)](2+)/TPrA system. One amine substituent is better for the system in order to diminish the steric hindrance, and the intramolecular amine reductant employed should have a similar structure with that of the additive amine coreactant to achieve a good ECL performance, which can pave a new route to further improving the ECL efficiency and increase the sensitivity of detection through combining both intra-and intermolecular interaction.
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| 17. |
- Tajeddinn, Walid, et al.
(författare)
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Association of Platelet Serotonin Levels in Alzheimers Disease with Clinical and Cerebrospinal Fluid Markers
- 2016
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Ingår i: Journal of Alzheimer's Disease. - : IOS PRESS. - 1387-2877 .- 1875-8908. ; 53:2, s. 621-630
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Introduction: Serotonin (5-HT) is involved in the pathology of Alzheimers disease (AD). Objective: We aimed to measure 5-HT level in platelets in AD and explore its association with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), AD biomarkers (amyloid-beta 1-42 (A beta(42)), total tau (t-tau), and phosphorylated tau (p-tau)), and clinical symptoms. Methods: 15 patients with AD and 20 patients with subjective cognitive impairment (SCI) were included. 5-HT metabolites were measured, in a specific fraction, using high performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD). Results: Significantly lower 5-HT concentrations were observed in AD patients compared to SCI patients both after normalization against total protein (p = 0.008) or platelet count (p = 0.019). SCI patients with lower 5-HT level have higher AD CSF biomarkers, total tau (p = 0.026) and tau/A beta(42) ratio (p = 0.001), compared to those with high 5-HT levels. Conclusion: AD patients have reduced platelet 5-HT levels. In SCI, lower 5-HT content was associated with a higher AD-CSF biomarker burden.
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| 18. |
- Tarnawski, Laura, et al.
(författare)
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Cholinergic regulation of vascular endothelial function by human ChAT + T cells
- 2023
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Ingår i: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. - : Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. - 0027-8424 .- 1091-6490. ; 120:14
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Endothelial dysfunction and impaired vasodilation are linked with adverse cardiovascular events. T lymphocytes expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT), the enzyme catalyzing biosynthesis of the vasorelaxant acetylcholine (ACh), regulate vasodilation and are integral to the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway in an inflammatory reflex in mice. Here, we found that human T cell ChAT mRNA expression was induced by T cell activation involving the PI3K signaling cascade. Mechanistically, we identified that ChAT mRNA expression was induced following the attenuation of RE-1 Silencing Transcription factor REST-mediated methylation of the ChAT promoter, and that ChAT mRNA expression levels were up-regulated by GATA3 in human T cells. In functional experiments, T cell-derived ACh increased endothelial nitric oxide-synthase activity, promoted vasorelaxation, and reduced vascular endothelial activation and promoted barrier integrity by a cholinergic mechanism. Further, we observed that survival in a cohort of patients with severe circulatory failure correlated with their relative frequency of ChAT+CD4+ T cells in blood. These findings on ChAT+ human T cells provide a mechanism for cholinergic immune regulation of vascular endothelial function in human inflammation.
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| 19. |
- Watanabe, Hiroyuki, et al.
(författare)
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Asymmetry of the Endogenous Opioid System in the Human Anterior Cingulate : a Putative Molecular Basis for Lateralization of Emotions and Pain
- 2015
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Ingår i: Cerebral Cortex. - United kingdom : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 1047-3211 .- 1460-2199. ; 25:1, s. 97-108
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Lateralization of processing of positive and negative emotions and pain suggests an asymmetric distribution of the neurotransmitter systems regulating these functions between the left and right brain hemispheres. By virtue of their ability to selectively mediate euphoria, dysphoria and pain, the m-, d- and k-opioid receptors and their endogenous ligands may subserve these lateralized functions. We addressed this hypothesis by comparing the levels of the opioid receptors and peptides in the left and right anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), a key area for emotion and pain processing. Opioid mRNAs and peptides and five “classical” neurotransmitters were analyzed in postmortem tissues from 20 human subjects. Leu-enkephalin-Arg and Met-enkephalin-Arg-Phe, preferential d-/m- and k-/m-opioid agonists demonstrated marked lateralization to the left and right ACC, respectively. Dynorphin B strongly correlated with Leu-enkephalin-Arg in the left but not right ACC suggesting different mechanisms of conversion of this k-opioid agonist to d-/m-opioid ligand in the two hemispheres; in the right ACC dynorphin B may be cleaved by PACE4, a proprotein convertase regulating left-right asymmetry formation. These findings suggest that region-specific lateralization of neuronal networks expressing opioid peptides underlyes in part lateralization of higher functions including positive and negative emotions and pain in the human brain.
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| 20. |
- Watanabe, Hiroyuki, et al.
(författare)
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Ipsilesional versus contralesional postural deficits induced by unilateral brain trauma : a side reversal by opioid mechanism
- 2020
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Ingår i: Brain Communications. - : Oxford University Press. - 2632-1297. ; 2:2
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Unilateral traumatic brain injury and stroke result in asymmetric postural and motor deficits including contralateral hemiplegia and hemiparesis. In animals, a localized unilateral brain injury recapitulates the human upper motor neuron syndrome in formation of hindlimb postural asymmetry with contralesional limb flexion and the asymmetry of hindlimb nociceptive withdrawal reflexes. The current view is that these effects are developed due to aberrant activity of motor pathways that descend from the brain into the spinal cord. These pathways and their target spinal circuits may be regulated by local neurohormonal systems that may also mediate effects of brain injury. Here we evaluate if a unilateral traumatic brain injury induces hindlimb postural asymmetry, a model of postural deficits, and if this asymmetry is spinally encoded and mediated by the endogenous opioid system in rats. A unilateral right-sided controlled cortical impact, a model of clinical focal traumatic brain injury was centered over the sensorimotor cortex and was observed to induce hindlimb postural asymmetry with contralateral limb flexion. The asymmetry persisted after complete spinal cord transection, implicating local neurocircuitry in the development of the deficits. Administration of the general opioid antagonist naloxone and µ-antagonist β-funaltrexamine blocked formation of postural asymmetry. Surprisingly, κ-antagonists nor-binaltorphimine and LY2444296 did not affect the asymmetry magnitude but reversed the flexion side; instead of contralesional (left) hindlimb flexion the ipsilesional (right) limb was flexed. The postural effects of the right-side cortical injury were mimicked in animals with intact brain via intrathecal administration of the opioid κ-agonist U50,488 that induced hindlimb postural asymmetry with left limb flexion. The δ-antagonist naltrindole produced no effect on the contralesional (left) flexion but inhibited formation of the ipsilesional (right) limb flexion in brain-injured rats that were treated with κ-antagonist. The effects of the antagonists were evident before and after spinal cord transection. We concluded that the focal traumatic brain injury-induced postural asymmetry was encoded at the spinal level, and was blocked or its side was reversed by administration of opioid antagonists. The findings suggest that the balance in activity of the mirror symmetric spinal neural circuits regulating contraction of the left and right hindlimb muscles is controlled by receptors; and that this equilibrium is impaired after unilateral brain trauma through side-specific opioid mechanism.
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| 21. |
- Yoshitake, Shimako, et al.
(författare)
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Correlation between the effects of local and intracerebroventricular infusions of galanin on 5-HT release studied by microdialysis, and distribution of galanin and galanin receptors in prefrontal cortex, ventral hippocampus, amygdala, hypothalamus, and striatum of awake rats
- 2014
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Ingår i: Synapse. - : John Wiley & Sons. - 0887-4476 .- 1098-2396. ; 68:5, s. 179-193
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The neuropeptide galanin is implicated in regulation of affective behavior, including modulation of 5-HT signaling. Here, we investigated, by use of microdialysis in freely moving rats, the effects of intracerebral (i.c.) and intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusions of galanin on basal extracellular 5-HT levels in medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), CA1 area of ventral hippocampus (vHPC), central amygdaloid nucleus (CeA), ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus ventrolateral part (VMHvl), and ventromedial caudate putamen (CPu). These results were compared with a parallel immunohistochemical analysis of the distribution of galanin, 5-HT, and noradrenaline (NA) nerve terminals, and with data on galanin receptors. Galanin i.c.v. significantly decreased the 5-HT levels in mPFC to 79% and in vHPC to 72%. Local infusions of galanin caused a long-lasting decrease in 5-HT levels in vHPC to 88%, and a moderate decrease in CeA, whereas the 5-HT levels in mPFC significantly increased to 121%. These effects of i.c. galanin correlated well with the density of 5-HT and galanin nerve terminals and galanin receptors autoradiography in mPFC, vHPC, and CeA. No effects of i.c. or i.c.v. galanin on 5-HT levels were observed in CPu or VMHvl, in agreement with the low numbers of galanin-positive terminals and low/moderate galanin receptor density. Galanin was often found to coexist in NA, but could never be detected in 5-HT terminals. Together the results show a neuroanatomical correlation between the effects of galanin infusions on 5-HT release and distribution of galanin and its receptors, and that i.c.v. and i.c. administration can give opposite effects on 5-HT release.
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| 22. |
- You, Zhi-Bing, et al.
(författare)
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Effect of morphine on dynorphin B and GABA release in the basal ganglia of rat
- 1996
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Ingår i: Brain Research. - : Elsevier BV. - 0006-8993 .- 1872-6240. ; 710:1-2, s. 241-248
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- In vivo microdialysis was used to study the effects of systemic, as well as intracerebral administration of morphine and naloxone on dynorphin B release in neostriatum and substantia nigra of rats. The release of dopamine (DA), gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate (Glu) and aspartate (Asp) was also investigated. Systemic injection of morphine (1 mg/kg s.c.) induced long-lasting increases in extracellular dynorphin B and GABA levels in the substantia nigra, whereas DA, Glu and Asp levels, measured in the same region, were not significantly affected. No effect on striatal neurotransmitter levels was observed following systemic morphine administration. Local perfusion of the substantia nigra with morphine (100 microM) through the microdialysis probe also increased nigral dynorphin B and GABA levels. Perfusion of the neostriatum with morphine (100 microM) significantly increased GABA and dynorphin B levels in the ipsilateral substantia nigra, but no effect was observed locally. Naloxone blocked the effect of systemic morphine administration on nigral dynorphin B and GABA release, already at a dose of 0.2 mg/kg s.c. Naloxone alone, given either systemically (0.2-4 mg/kg s.c.) or intracerebrally (1-100 microM), did not affect dynorphin B or amino acid levels, either in neostriatum or in substantia nigra. However, naloxone produced a concentration-dependent increase in DA levels. The present results indicate that systemic morphine administration stimulates the release of dynorphin B in the substantia nigra, probably by activating the mu-subtype of opioid receptor, since the effect of morphine on nigral dynorphin B and GABA was antagonized by a low dose of naloxone. The increase in extracellular DA levels produced by high concentrations of naloxone, both in neostriatum and substantia nigra, indicates a disinhibitory effect of this drug on DA release, probably via a non-mu subtype of opioid receptors located on nigro-striatal DA neurones.
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| 23. |
- Zhang, Xiaoqun, et al.
(författare)
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Striatal Tyrosine Hydroxylase Is Stimulated via TAAR1 by 3-Iodothyronamine, But Not by Tyramine or beta-Phenylethylamine
- 2018
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Ingår i: Frontiers in Pharmacology. - : FRONTIERS MEDIA SA. - 1663-9812. ; 9
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- The trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is expressed by dopaminergic neurons, but the precise influence of trace amines upon their functional activity remains to be fully characterized. Here, we examined the regulation of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) by tyramine and beta-phenylethylamine (beta-PEA) compared to 3-iodothyronamine (T(1)AM). Immunoblotting and amperometry were performed in dorsal striatal slices from wildtype (WT) and TAAR1 knockout (KO) mice. T(1)AM increased TH phosphorylation at both Ser(19) and Ser(40), actions that should promote functional activity of TH. Indeed, HPLC data revealed higher rates of L-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) accumulation in WT animals treated with T(1)AM after the administration of a DOPA decarboxylase inhibitor. These effects were abolished both in TAAR1 KO mice and by the TAAR1 antagonist, EPPTB. Further, they were specific inasmuch as Ser(845) phosphorylation of the post-synaptic GluA1 AMPAR subunit was unaffected. The effects of T1AM on TH phosphorylation at both Ser(19) (CamKII-targeted), and Ser40 (PKA-phosphorylated) were inhibited by KN-92 and H-89, inhibitors of CamKII and PKA respectively. Conversely, there was no effect of an EPAC analog, 8-CPT-2Me-cAMP, on TH phosphorylation. In line with these data, T(1)AM increased evoked striatal dopamine release in TAAR1 WT mice, an action blunted in TAAR1 KO mice and by EPPTB. Mass spectrometry imaging revealed no endogenous T(1)AM in the brain, but detected T(1)AM in several brain areas upon systemic administration in both WT and TAAR1 KO mice. In contrast to T1AM, tyramine decreased the phosphorylation of Ser40-TH, while increasing Ser(845)-GluA1 phosphorylation, actions that were not blocked in TAAR1 KO mice. Likewise, beta-PEA reduced Ser(40)-TH and tended to promote Ser845-GluA1 phosphorylation. The D-1 receptor antagonist SCH23390 blocked tyramine-induced Ser(845)-GluA1 phosphorylation, but had no effect on tyramine-or beta-PEA-induced Ser(40)-TH phosphorylation. In conclusion, by intracellular cascades involving CaMKII and PKA, T(1)AM, but not tyramine and beta-PEA, acts via TAAR1 to promote the phosphorylation and functional activity of TH in the dorsal striatum, supporting a modulatory influence on dopamine transmission.
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