Subthalamic nucleus exclusively evokes dopamine release in the tail of the striatum.

A distinct population of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra pars lateralis (SNL) has a unique projection to the most caudolateral (tail) region of the striatum. Here, using two electrochemical techniques to measure basal dopamine and electrically evoked dopamine release in anesthetized rats, we characterized this pathway, and compared it with the 'classic' nigrostriatal pathway from neighboring substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine neurons to the dorsolateral striatum. We found that the tail striatum constitutes a distinct dopamine domain compared with the dorsolateral striatum, with consistently lower basal and evoked dopamine, and diverse dopamine release kinetics. Importantly, electrical stimulation of the SNL and SNc evoked dopamine release in entirely separate striatal regions; the tail and dorsolateral striatum, respectively. Furthermore, we showed that stimulation of the subthalamic nucleus (STN) evoked dopamine release exclusively in the tail striatum, likely via the SNL, consistent with previous anatomical evidence of STN afferents to SNL dopamine neurons. Our work identifies the STN as an important modulator of dopamine release in a novel dopamine pathway to the tail striatum, largely independent of the classic nigrostriatal pathway, which necessitates a revision of the basal ganglia circuitry with the STN positioned as a central integrator of striatal information.

Dopamine Dysregulation and Altered Responses to Drugs Affecting Dopaminergic Transmission in a New Dopamine Transporter Knockout (DAT-KO) Rat Model.

Under normal conditions, dopamine (DA) clearance after release largely depends on uptake by the DA transporter (DAT). DAT expression/activity is reduced in some neuropsychiatric and neurological disorders. Our aim was to characterize the behavioral, neurochemical and electrophysiological effects of eliminating DAT in a novel knockout rat model we generated using CRISPR/Cas9. Consistent with existing DAT-KO models, our DAT-KO rats displayed increased locomotion, paradoxical calming by amphetamine, and reduced kinetics of DA clearance after stimulated release. Reduced DA kinetics were demonstrated using fast-scan cyclic voltammetry in brain slices containing the striatum or substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) and in the dorsal striatum in vivo. Cocaine enhanced DA release in wild-type (WT) but not DAT-KO rats. Basal extracellular DA concentration measured with fast-scan controlled-adsorption voltammetry was higher in DAT-KO rats both in the striatum and SNc and was enhanced by L-DOPA (particularly after pharmacological block of monoamine oxidase), confirming that DA release after L-DOPA is not due to DAT reversal. The baseline firing frequency of SNc neurons was similar in both genotypes. However, D2 receptor-mediated inhibition of firing (by quinpirole or L-DOPA) was blunted in DAT-KO rats, while GABAB-mediated inhibition was preserved. We have also provided new data for the DAT-KO rat regarding the effects of slowing DA diffusion with dextran and blocking organic cation transporter 3 with corticosterone. Together, our results validate our DAT-KO rat and provide new insights into the mechanisms of chronic dysregulation of the DA system by addressing several unresolved issues in previous studies with other DAT-KO models.

Role of homeostatic feedback mechanisms in modulating methylphenidate actions on phasic dopamine signaling in the striatum of awake behaving rats.

Methylphenidate is an established treatment for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder that also has abuse potential. Both properties may relate to blocking dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake. We measured the effects of methylphenidate on dopamine dynamics in freely moving rats. Methylphenidate alone had no effect on the amplitude of phasic responses to cues or reward. However, when administered with the D2 receptor antagonist raclopride, methylphenidate increased dopamine responses, while raclopride alone had no effect. Using brain slices of substantia nigra or striatum, we confirmed that methylphenidate effects on firing rate of nigral dopamine neurons and dopamine release from terminals are constrained by negative feedback. A computational model using physiologically relevant parameters revealed that actions of methylphenidate on norepinephrine and dopamine transporters, and the effects of changes in tonic dopamine levels on D2 receptors, are necessary and sufficient to account for the experimental findings. In addition, non-linear fitting of the model to the data from freely moving animals revealed that methylphenidate significantly slowed the initial cue response dynamics. These results show that homeostatic regulation of dopamine release in the face of changing tonic levels of extracellular dopamine should be taken into account to understand the therapeutic benefits and abuse potential of methylphenidate.

Crosstalk between mitochondria, calcium channels and actin cytoskeleton modulates noradrenergic activity of locus coeruleus neurons.

Locus coeruleus (LC) is the name of a group of large sized neurons located at the brain stem, which provides the main source of noradrenaline to the central nervous system, virtually, innervating the whole brain. All noradrenergic signalling provided by this nucleus is dependent on an intrinsic pacemaker process. Our study aims to understand how noradrenergic neurons finely tune their pacemaker processes and regulate their activities. Here we present that mitochondrial perturbation in the LC from mice, inhibits spontaneous firing by a hyperpolarizing response that involves Ca2+ entry via L-type Ca2+ channels and the actin cytoskeleton. We found that pharmacological perturbation of mitochondria from LC neurons using the protonophore carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP), induced a dominant hyperpolarizing response when electrophysiological approaches were performed. Surprisingly, the CCCP-induced hyperpolarizing response was dependent on L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated Ca2+ entry, as it was inhibited by: the removal of extracellular Ca2+ ; the addition of Cd2+ ; nifedipine or nicardipine; but not by the intracellular dialysis with the Ca2+ chelator 1,2-Bis(2-Aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid, the latter indicating that the response was not because of a global change in [Ca2+ ]c but does not exclude action at intracellular microdomains. Further to this, the incubation of slices with cytochalasin D, an agent that depolymerises the actin cytoskeleton, inhibited the hyperpolarizing response indicating an involvement of the actin cytoskeleton. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that there is a crosstalk between mitochondria and L-type Ca2+ channels leading to modulation of noradrenergic neuronal activity mediated by the actin cytoskeleton. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

Action potential and calcium dependence of tonic somatodendritic dopamine release in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta.

Despite the importance of somatodendritic dopamine (DA) release in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc), its mechanism remains poorly understood. Using a novel approach combining fast-scan controlled-adsorption voltammetry (FSCAV) and single-unit electrophysiology, we have investigated the mechanism of somatodendritic release by directly correlating basal (non-stimulated) extracellular DA concentration ([DA]out ), with pharmacologically-induced changes of firing of nigral dopaminergic neurons in rat brain slices. FSCAV measurements indicated that basal [DA]out in the SNc was 40.7 ± 2.0 nM (at 34 ± 0.5°C), which was enhanced by amphetamine, cocaine, and L-DOPA, and reduced by VMAT2 inhibitor, Ro4-1284. Complete inhibition of firing by TTX decreased basal [DA]out , but this reduction was smaller than the effect of D2 receptor agonist, quinpirole. Despite similar effects on neuronal firing, the larger decrease in [DA]out evoked by quinpirole was attributed to cell membrane hyperpolarization and greater reduction in cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+ ]in ). Decreasing extracellular Ca2+ also reduced basal [DA]out , despite increasing firing frequency. Furthermore, inhibiting L-type Ca2+ channels decreased basal [DA]out , although specific Cav 1.3 channel inhibition did not affect firing rate. Inhibition of sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ -ATPase (SERCA) also decreased [DA]out , demonstrating the importance of intracellular Ca2+ stores for somatodendritic release. Finally, in vivo FSCAV measurements showed that basal [DA]out in the SNc was 79.8 ± 10.9 nM in urethane-anesthetized rats, which was enhanced by amphetamine. Overall, our findings indicate that although tonic somatodendritic DA release is largely independent of action potentials, basal [DA]out is strongly regulated by voltage-dependent Ca2+ influx and release of intracellular Ca2+ . OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

Electrophysiological Characterization of Novel Effects of the Uptake-2 Blocker Decynium-22 (D-22) on Dopaminergic Neurons in the Substantia Nigra Pars Compacta.

Extracellular levels of dopamine (DA) and other monoamines in the brain depend not only on the classic transporters encoded by SLC6A gene family such as DAT, NET and SERT, but also a more recently identified group of low-affinity/high-capacity 'Uptake-2' transporters, mainly OCT3 and PMAT. The most frequently used pharmacological tool in functional studies of Uptake-2 is decynium-22 (D-22) known to block these transporters. However, the effectiveness of this drug in enhancing extracellular DA remains uncertain. Our aim was to test the hypothesis that D-22 increases extracellular levels of DA released from the somatodendritic region of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) by reducing the OCT3/PMAT-dependent component of DA uptake. Extracellular DA was assessed indirectly, by evoking D2-IPSCs in SNc neurons following stimulated release of this neurotransmitter in midbrain slices obtained from mice. Recordings were conducted after partial inhibition of DAT with nomifensine, and after application of L-DOPA which increased the releasable DA pool. Contrary to our expectations, D-22 reduced, rather than increased, the amplitude of D2-IPSCs. Other effects included inhibition of GABAB-IPSCs and Ih current, and a reduction in firing frequency of nigral neurons. These results show that in addition to the previously known non-specific inhibitory action on α1 adrenoceptors, D-22 exerts additional off-target effects by inhibiting dopaminergic and GABAergic synaptic transmission in the SNc and the spontaneous (pacemaker) activity of nigral neurons. It remains to be established if these novel effects contribute to a reduction in spontaneous locomotor activity reported in previous studies after systemic drug administration.

Acute sensitivity of astrocytes in the Substantia Nigra to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) compared with hippocampal astrocytes in brain slices.

The Substantia Nigra is a brainstem nucleus critical for movement control. Although its dopamine-producing neurons degenerate in Parkinsons disease, little is known of the acute effects of ischemia in this region. We recently reported that oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in brain slices, an in vitro ischemia model, evokes a profound depolarization and swelling of GABAergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars reticulata (SNr), but not dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc). The current study characterised the effects of OGD on nigral astrocytes, and compared these with the established responses of astrocytes in the CA1 hippocampal region. Intracellular recordings were made from astrocytes at the border between SNc and SNr subregions, in midbrain slices from postnatal day 21-23 rats. Immunoreactivity for astrocyte-specific proteins was also assessed. OGD evoked a slow, then fast depolarization of nigral astrocytes. The fast phase developed during the anoxic depolarization (indicated by a fast negative shift of extracellular DC potential and increase in light transmittance) and rapid increase in extracellular K+ concentration in the SNr. This biphasic response resembled the OGD-evoked depolarization of hippocampal astrocytes. However, unlike the partial repolarization seen in hippocampal cells after reperfusion with O2 and glucose, nigral astrocytes remained depolarized near 0 mV. In addition, immunoreactivity for glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes markedly decreased in the Substantia Nigra after OGD, while in the hippocampus remained unchanged. These data indicate an acute post-ischemic withdrawal of astrocytic support in the Substantia Nigra, but not in the hippocampus.

Differential spread of anoxic depolarization contributes to the pattern of neuronal injury after oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) in the Substantia Nigra in rat brain slices.

Anoxic depolarization (AD) is an acute event evoked by brain ischemia, involving a profound loss of cell membrane potential and swelling that spreads over susceptible parts of the gray matter. Its occurrence is a strong predictor of the severity of neuronal injury. Little is known about this event in the Substantia Nigra, a midbrain nucleus critical for motor control. We tested the effects of oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro model of brain ischemia, in rat midbrain slices. AD developed within 4min from OGD onset and spread in the Substantia Nigra pars reticulata (SNr), but not through the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc). This differential effect involved a contrasting pattern of changes in membrane potential between dopamine-producing SNc and non-dopaminergic SNr neurons. A fast depolarization in SNr neurons was not followed by repolarization after the end of OGD, and was associated with swollen somata and beaded dendrites. In contrast, slowly developing depolarization of SNc neurons led to repolarization after OGD ended, and no changes in neuronal morphology were observed. The AD-resistance of the SNc involved smaller dysregulations of K+ and Ca2+ ions, and a slower loss of energy metabolites. Our results show that acute ischemia profoundly impairs the function and morphology of SNr neurons but not adjacent SNc neurons, and that the surprising higher tolerance of SNc neurons correlates with the resistance of the SNc region to AD. This differential response may affect the pattern of early neuronal injury that develops in the brainstem after acute ischemic insults.

Paradoxical lower sensitivity of Locus Coeruleus than Substantia Nigra pars compacta neurons to acute actions of rotenone.

Parkinson's disease (PD) is not only associated with degeneration of dopaminergic (DAergic) neurons in the Substantia Nigra, but also with profound loss of noradrenergic neurons in the Locus Coeruleus (LC). Remarkably, LC degeneration may exceed, or even precede the loss of nigral DAergic neurons, suggesting that LC neurons may be more susceptible to damage by various insults. Using a combination of electrophysiology, fluorescence imaging and electrochemistry, we directly compared the responses of LC, nigral DAergic and nigral non-dopaminergic (non-DAergic) neurons in rat brain slices to acute application of rotenone, a mitochondrial toxin used to create animal and in vitro models of PD. Rotenone (0.01-5.0µM) dose-dependently inhibited the firing of all three groups of neurons, primarily by activating KATP channels. The toxin also depolarised mitochondrial potential (Ψm) and released reactive oxygen species (H2O2). When KATP channels were blocked, rotenone (1µM) increased the firing of LC neurons by activating an inward current associated with dose-dependent increase of cytosolic free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). This effect was attenuated by blocking oxidative stress-sensitive TRPM2 channels, and by pre-treatment of slices with anti-oxidants. These results demonstrate that rotenone inhibits the activity of LC neurons mainly by activating KATP channels, and increases [Ca2+]ivia TRPM2 channels. Since the responses of LC neurons were smaller than those of nigral DAergic neurons, our study shows that LC neurons are paradoxically less sensitive to acute effects of this parkinsonian toxin.

Excitatory drive from the Subthalamic nucleus attenuates GABAergic transmission in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta via endocannabinoids.

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) are cannabis-like substances produced in the brain where their primary function is to regulate synaptic transmission by inhibiting neurotransmitter release in a retrograde fashion. We have recently demonstrated a novel mechanism regulating GABAergic transmission from neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars reticulata (SNr) to dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc) mediated by eCBs. Production of eCBs was initiated by spillover of glutamate, yet the source of the glutamate was not determined (Freestone et al., 2014; Neuropharmacology 79 p467). The present study aimed at elucidating the potential role of glutamatergic terminals arising from neurons in the Subthalamic nucleus (STN) in driving the eCB-mediated modulation of this inhibitory transmission. GABAergic IPSCs or IPSPs evoked in SNc neurons by electrical stimuli delivered to the SNr region were transiently inhibited by electrical or pharmacological (U-tube application of muscarinic agonist carbachol [100 µM]) stimulation of the STN (to 74±5% and 69±4% respectively). In both stimulation protocols, the attenuation of GABAergic transmission was abolished by cannabinoid receptor 1 antagonist rimonabant (3 µM), and reduced by group 1 metabotropic glutamate receptor antagonist CPCCOEt (100 µM), consistent with a glutamate-initiated and eCB-mediated mechanism. The carbachol-induced attenuation of GABAergic transmission was abolished by M3 muscarinic receptor antagonist 4-DAMP (10 µM), confirming a specific activation of STN neurons. These results demonstrate that glutamatergic projection from the STN to dopaminergic SNc neurons underlies an eCB-mediated inhibition of GABAergic input to these neurons.

A novel electrochemical approach for prolonged measurement of absolute levels of extracellular dopamine in brain slices.

Tonic dopamine (DA) levels influence the activity of dopaminergic neurons and the dynamics of fast dopaminergic transmission. Although carbon fiber microelectrodes and fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) have been extensively used to quantify stimulus-induced release and uptake of DA in vivo and in vitro, this technique relies on background subtraction and thus cannot provide information about absolute extracellular concentrations. It is also generally not suitable for prolonged (>90 s) recordings due to drift of the background current. A recently reported, modified FSCV approach called fast-scan controlled-adsorption voltammetry (FSCAV) has been used to assess tonic DA levels in solution and in the anesthetized mouse brain. Here we describe a novel extension of FSCAV to investigate pharmacologically induced, slowly occurring changes in tonic (background) extracellular DA concentration, and phasic (stimulated) DA release in brain slices. FSCAV was used to measure adsorption dynamics and changes in DA concentration (for up to 1.5 h, sampling interval 30 s, detection threshold < 10 nM) evoked by drugs affecting DA release and uptake (amphetamine, l-DOPA, pargyline, cocaine, Ro4-1284) in submerged striatal slices obtained from rats. We also show that combined FSCAV-FSCV recordings can be used for concurrent study of stimulated release and changes in tonic DA concentration. Our results demonstrate that FSCAV can be effectively used in brain slices to measure prolonged changes in extracellular level of endogenous DA expressed as absolute values, complementing studies conducted in vivo with microdialysis.

Putative role of border cells in generating spontaneous morphological activity within Kölliker's organ.

Kölliker's organ is a transient epithelial structure, comprising a major part of the organ of Corti during pre-hearing stages of development. The auditory system is spontaneously active during development, which serves to retain and refine neural connections. Kölliker's organ is considered a key candidate for generating such spontaneous activity, most likely through purinergic (P2 receptor) signalling and inner hair cell (IHC) activation. Associated with the spontaneous neural activity, ATP released locally by epithelial cells induces rhythmic morphological changes within Kölliker's organ, the purpose of which is not understood. These changes are accompanied by a shift in cellular refractive index, allowing optical detection of this activity in real-time. Using this principle, we investigated the origin of spontaneous morphological activity within Kölliker's organ. Apical turns of Wistar rat cochleae (P9-11) were dissected, and the purinergic involvement was studied following acute tissue exposure to a P2 receptor agonist (ATPγS) and antagonist (suramin). ATPγS induced a sustained darkening throughout Kölliker's organ, reversed by suramin. This effect was most pronounced in the region closest to the inner hair cells, which also displayed the highest frequency of intrinsic morphological events. Additionally, suramin alone induced swelling of this region, suggesting a tight regulation of cell volume by ATP-mediated mechanisms. Histological analysis of cochlear tissues demonstrates the most profound volume changes in the border cell region immediately adjacent to the IHCs. Together, these results underline the role of purinergic signalling in initiating morphological events within Kölliker's organ, and suggest a key involvement of border cells surrounding IHCs in regulating this spontaneous activity.

Effects of the Parkinsonian toxin MPP+ on electrophysiological properties of nigral dopaminergic neurons.

Although MPP(+) (1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium) has been widely used to damage dopaminergic neurons of the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc) and produce animal and cellular models of Parkinson's disease, the action of this toxin on ion channels and electrophysiological properties of these neurons remains controversial. Previous work has attributed the early effects of MPP(+) on the membrane potential and firing frequency of SNc neurons either to block of hyperpolarisation-activated (Ih) current, or to activation of ATP-sensitive K(+) (KATP) channels. Using a combination of electrophysiological and pharmacological techniques, we investigated the acute effects of MPP(+) (20 µM) on SNc neurons in rat midbrain slices. Our results show that MPP(+) inhibits the activity of these neurons in distinct stages involving different mechanisms. The early phase of inhibition was dependent on D2 autoreceptors, but [(3)H]raclopride membrane binding and cAMP production assays demonstrated that the toxin (0.001-100 µM) did not directly bind to these receptors nor activated the Gi-linked signalling pathway. Depletion of vesicular dopamine with Ro4-1284 attenuated the early inhibitory effect, indicating that D2 autoreceptors were activated by dopamine released from the somato-dendritic region. After longer exposure (>10-20 min), MPP(+) produced a late phase of inhibition which mainly involved activation of KATP channels, and required uptake of the toxin via dopamine transporter. Although Ih current mediated by hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels was reduced by MPP(+), neither inhibition of firing nor membrane potential hyperpolarisation was significantly attenuated by blocking HCN channels with ZD7288. Our results indicate that the initial cellular events that lead to activation of cell death pathways by MPP(+) are complex and include KATP, and dopamine-dependent components, and show that the inhibitory effect of the toxin is independent of Ih block.

Kölliker's organ and the development of spontaneous activity in the auditory system: implications for hearing dysfunction.

Prior to the "onset of hearing," developing cochlear inner hair cells (IHCs) and primary auditory neurons undergo experience-independent activity, which is thought to be important in retaining and refining neural connections in the absence of sound. One of the major hypotheses regarding the origin of such activity involves a group of columnar epithelial supporting cells forming Kölliker's organ, which is only present during this critical period of auditory development. There is strong evidence for a purinergic signalling mechanism underlying such activity. ATP released through connexin hemichannels may activate P2 purinergic receptors in both Kölliker's organ and the adjacent IHCs, leading to generation of electrical activity throughout the auditory system. However, recent work has suggested an alternative origin, by demonstrating the ability of IHCs to generate this spontaneous activity without activation by ATP. Regardless, developmental abnormalities of Kölliker's organ may lead to congenital hearing loss, considering that mutations in ion channels (hemichannels, gap junctions, and calcium channels) involved in Kölliker's organ activity share strong links with such types of deafness.

Involvement of TRPV4 channels in Aß(40)-induced hippocampal cell death and astrocytic Ca(2+) signalling.

Previous studies suggested that amyloid ß (Aß)-induced disruption of astrocytic Ca(2+) signalling and oxidative stress play a major role in the progression towards neuronal and glial death in Alzheimer's disease. We have recently demonstrated that Ca(2+)-permeable TRPV4 channels are highly expressed in rat hippocampal astrocytes and are involved in oxidative stress-induced cell damage. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that TRPV4 channels also contribute to hippocampal damage evoked by Aß. Synthetic Aß40 evoked cell death in hippocampal slice cultures in a concentration (0-20µM) and time (12-48h) dependent manner, after cultures were preconditioned with sublethal concentration of buthionine sulfoximine (1.5µM) which enhanced endogenous ROS production. As demonstrated by propidium iodide fluorescence, damage was observed in the granule cell layer of the dentate gyrus and to a smaller degree in pyramidal neurons of the CA1-CA3 region, as well as in glia cells mainly at the edge of the slice. Immunocytochemistry revealed an altered pattern of TRPV4 and GFAP protein expression, and reactive astrogliosis surrounding pyramidal CA1-CA3 neurons. Neuronal and astrocytic damage was attenuated by the antioxidant Trolox, TRPV4 channel blockers Gd(3+) and ruthenium red (RR), and a specific inhibitor of the redox and Ca(2+)-sensitive phospholipase A2 enzyme (MAFP). In disassociated co-cultures of hippocampal neurons and astrocytes without BSO preconditioning, Aß40 evoked pronounced neuronal damage, enhanced the expression of TRPV4 and GFAP proteins (indicative of reactive astrogliosis), and increased intracellular free Ca(2+) concentration in astrocytes. The latter effect was attenuated by RR and in Ca(2+)-free media. These data show that Aß40 can activate astrocytic TRPV4 channels in the hippocampus, leading to neuronal and astrocytic damage in a Ca(2+) and oxidative stress-dependent manner.

Glutamate spillover drives endocannabinoid production and inhibits GABAergic transmission in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta.

Endocannabinoids (eCBs) modulate synaptic transmission in the brain, but little is known of their regulatory role in nigral dopaminergic neurons, and whether transmission to these neurons is tonically inhibited by eCBs as seen in some other brain regions. Using whole-cell recording in midbrain slices, we observed potentiation of evoked IPSCs (eIPSCs) in these neurons after blocking CB1 receptors with rimonabant or LY-320,135, indicating the presence of an eCB tone reducing inhibitory synaptic transmission. Increased postsynaptic calcium buffering and block of mGluR1 or postsynaptic G-protein coupled receptors prevented this potentiation. Increasing spillover of endogenous glutamate by inhibiting uptake attenuated eIPSC amplitude, while enhancing the potentiation by rimonabant. Group I mGluR activation transiently inhibited eIPSCs, which could be prevented by GDP-ß-S, increased calcium buffering or rimonabant. We explored the possibility that the dopamine-derived eCB N-arachidonoyl dopamine (NADA) is involved. The eCB tone was abolished by preventing dopamine synthesis, and enhanced by l-DOPA. It was not detected in adjacent non-dopaminergic neurons. Preventing 2-AG synthesis did not affect the tone, while inhibition of NADA production abolished it. Quantification of ventral midbrain NADA suggested a basal level that increased following prolonged depolarization or mGluR activation. Since block of the tone was not always accompanied by attenuation of depolarization-induced suppression of inhibition (DSI) and vice versa, our results indicate DSI and the eCB tone are mediated by distinct eCBs. This study provides evidence that dopamine modulates the activity of SNc neurons not only by conventional dopamine receptors, but also by CB1 receptors, potentially via NADA.

Oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced spreading depression in the Substantia Nigra.

Spreading depression (SD) is a profound depolarization of neurons and glia that propagates in a wave-like manner across susceptible brain regions, and can develop during periods of compromised cellular energy such as ischemia, when it influences the severity of acute neuronal damage. Although SD has been well characterized in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, little is known of this event in the Substantia Nigra (SN), a brainstem nucleus engaged in motor control and reward-related behavior. Transverse brain slices (250 µm; P21-23 rats) containing the SN were subject to oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD) tests, modeling brain ischemia. SD developed in lateral aspects of the SN within 3.3±0.2 min of OGD onset, and spread through the Substantia Nigra pars reticulata (SNr), as indicated by fast-occurring and propagating increased tissue light transmittance and negative shift of extracellular DC potential. These events were associated with profound mitochondrial membrane depolarization (ΔΨm) throughout the SN, as demonstrated by increased Rhodamine 123 fluorescence. Extracellular recordings from individual SNr neurons indicated rapid depolarization followed by depolarizing block, while dopaminergic neurons in the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc) showed inhibition of firing associated with hyperpolarization. SD evoked in the SNr was similar to OGD-induced SD in the CA1 region in hippocampal slices. In the hippocampus, SD also developed during anoxia or aglycemia alone (associated with less profound ΔΨm than OGD), while these conditions rarely led to SD in the SNr. Our results demonstrate that OGD consistently evokes SD in the SN, and that this phenomenon only involves the SNr. It remains to be established whether nigral SD contributes to neuronal damage associated with a sudden-onset form of Parkinson's disease known as 'vascular parkinsonism'.

Dual effects of L-DOPA on nigral dopaminergic neurons.

L-DOPA (Levodopa) remains the gold standard for the treatment of motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), despite indications that the drug may have detrimental effects in cell culture. Classically, l-DOPA increases the production of dopamine (DA) in nigral dopaminergic neurons, while paradoxically inhibiting the firing of these neurons due to activation of D2 autoreceptors by extracellularly released DA. Using a combination of electrophysiology and calcium microfluorometry in brain slices, we have identified a novel effect of L-DOPA on dopaminergic neurons when D2 receptors were blocked. Under these conditions, L-DOPA (0.03-3 mM) evoked an excitatory effect consisting of two components. The 'early' component observed during and immediately after application of the drug, was associated with increased firing, membrane depolarization and inward current. This excitatory response was strongly attenuated by CNQX (10 µM), pointing to the involvement of TOPA quinone, an auto-oxidation product of L-DOPA and a potent activator of AMPA/kainate receptors. The 'late' phase of excitation persisted >30 min after brief L-DOPA application and was not mediated by ionotropic glutamate receptors, nor by D1, α1-adrenergic, mGluR1 or GABAB receptors. It was eliminated by carbidopa, demonstrating its dependence on conversion of L-DOPA to DA. Exogenous DA (50 µM) also evoked a glutamate-receptor independent increase in firing and an inward current when D2 receptors were blocked. In voltage-clamped neurons, both L-DOPA and DA produced a long-lasting increase in [Ca(2+)]i which was unaffected by block of ionotropic glutamate receptors. These results demonstrate that L-DOPA has dual, inhibitory and excitatory, effects on nigral dopaminergic neurons, and suggest that the excitation and calcium rise may have long-lasting consequences for the activity and survival of these neurons when the expression or function of D2 receptors is impaired.

Expression and functional properties of TRPM2 channels in dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra of the rat.

Transient receptor potential melastatin 2 (TRPM2) channels are sensitive to oxidative stress, and their activation can lead to cell death. Although these channels have been extensively studied in expression systems, their role in the brain, particularly in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc), remains unknown. In this study, we assessed the expression and functional properties of TRPM2 channels in rat dopaminergic SNc neurons, using acute brain slices. RT-PCR analysis revealed TRPM2 mRNA expression in the SNc region. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated expression of TRPM2 protein in tyrosine hydroxylase-positive neurons. Channel function was tested with whole cell patch-clamp recordings and calcium (fura-2) imaging. Intracellular application of ADP-ribose (50-400 µM) evoked a dose-dependent, desensitizing inward current and intracellular free calcium concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) rise. These responses were strongly inhibited by the nonselective TRPM2 channel blockers clotrimazole and flufenamic acid. Exogenous application of H(2)O(2) (1-5 mM) evoked a rise in [Ca(2+)](i) and an outward current mainly due to activation of ATP-sensitive potassium (K(ATP)) channels. Inhibition of K(+) conductance with Cs(+) and tetraethylammonium unmasked an inward current. The inward current and/or [Ca(2+)](i) rise were partially blocked by clotrimazole and N-(p-amylcinnamoyl)anthranilic acid (ACA). The H(2)O(2)-induced [Ca(2+)](i) rise was abolished in "zero" extracellular Ca(2+) concentration and was enhanced at higher baseline [Ca(2+)](i), consistent with activation of TRPM2 channels in the cell membrane. These results provide evidence for the functional expression of TRPM2 channels in dopaminergic SNc neurons. Given the involvement of oxidative stress in degeneration of SNc neurons in Parkinson's disease, further studies are needed to determine the pathophysiological role of these channels in the disease process.

L-DOPA: a scapegoat for accelerated neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease?

There is consensus that amelioration of the motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease is most effective with L-DOPA (levodopa). However, this necessary therapeutic step is biased by an enduring belief that L-DOPA is toxic to the remaining substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons by itself, or by specific metabolites such as dopamine. The concept of L-DOPA toxicity originated from pre-clinical studies conducted mainly in cell culture, demonstrating that L-DOPA or its derivatives damage dopaminergic neurons due to oxidative stress and other mechanisms. However, the in vitro data remain controversial as some studies showed neuroprotective, rather than toxic action of the drug. The relevance of this debate needs to be considered in the context of the studies conducted on animals and in clinical trials that do not provide convincing evidence for L-DOPA toxicity in vivo. This review presents the current views on the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease, focusing on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative/proteolytic stress, the factors that can be affected by L-DOPA or its metabolites. We then critically discuss the evidence supporting the two opposing views on the effects of L-DOPA in vitro, as well as the animal and human data. We also address the problem of inadequate experimental models used in these studies. L-DOPA remains the symptomatic 'hero' of Parkinson's disease. Whether it contributes to degeneration of nigral dopaminergic neurons, or is a 'scapegoat' for explaining undesirable or unexpected effects of the treatment, remains a hotly debated topic.