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A diverse array of neuromodulators governs cellular function in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) via the activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs). However, these functionally diverse signals are carried and amplified by a relatively small assortment of intracellular second messengers. Here, we examine whether two distinct Gαi-coupled neuromodulators (norepinephrine and GABA) act as redundant regulators of glutamatergic synaptic transmission. Our results reveal that, within single dendritic spines of layer 5 pyramidal neurons, alpha-2 adrenergic receptors (α2Rs) selectively inhibit excitatory transmission mediated by AMPA-type glutamate receptors, while type B GABA receptors (GABA(B)Rs) inhibit NMDA-type receptors. We show that both modulators act via the downregulation of cAMP and PKA. However, by restricting the lifetime of active Gαi, RGS4 promotes the independent control of these two distinct target proteins. Our findings highlight a mechanism by which neuromodulatory microdomains can be established in subcellular compartments such as dendritic spines.
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http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.celrep.2015.06.029 | DOI Listing |
J Vis Exp
August 2025
Department of Cell Biology and Imaging, Institute of Zoology and Biomedical Research, Faculty of Biology, Jagiellonian University;
Examining circadian synaptic plasticity requires housing mice under different lighting conditions (light/dark cycle, LD 12:12, and constant darkness, DD), providing access to running wheels, and sacrificing them at four defined time points within 24 h-at the beginning and middle of the day/subjective day and at the beginning and middle of the night/subjective night. Brains are then properly fixed for transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The barrel cortex, with its precise somatotopic organization, provides an ideal model for such analysis.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFJ Cell Biol
November 2025
Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
Two major protein recycling pathways have emerged as key regulators of enduring forms of synaptic plasticity, such as long-term potentiation (LTP), yet how these pathways are recruited during plasticity is unknown. Phosphatidylinositol-3-phosphate (PI(3)P) is a key regulator of endosomal trafficking and alterations in this lipid have been linked to neurodegeneration. Here, using primary hippocampal neurons, we demonstrate dynamic PI(3)P synthesis during chemical induction of LTP (cLTP), which drives coordinate recruitment of the SNX17-Retriever and SNX27-Retromer pathways to endosomes and synaptic sites.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFRev Esp Anestesiol Reanim (Engl Ed)
September 2025
Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou, China. Electronic address:
Objective: This study aims to investigate the effects of anaesthesia and surgical procedures on the cognitive function of both young and aged mice. It will also explore the role and mechanisms of c-Fos expression in altering hippocampal neuron excitability and its relationship with perioperative neurocognitive disorders in mice.
Methods: In this study, we used a murine laparotomy model to assess cognitive behavioural changes in both young and aged mice at 1, 3, and 7 days post-surgery.
FASEB J
September 2025
Institute of Anatomy and Histology & Embryology, Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, Gansu, People's Republic of China.
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is influenced by genetic and environmental factors. Previous studies showed that enriched environments improved memory and reduced amyloid plaques in AD mice, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. This study investigated the effects and mechanisms of enriched environments on AD pathology and cognitive function in aged APP/PS1 mice.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFPhysiol Behav
September 2025
Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy & Technology Management, SVKM NMIMS Global University, Dhule 424001, Maharashtra, India. Electronic address:
Preclinical models are essential for understanding the pathophysiology of intermittent explosive disorder (IED) in rodents. However, current models fail to fully uncover the molecular mechanisms behind restraint stress-induced aggression. We introduced a restrainer combined with a biting rod to measure IED-associated symptoms in stressed rats.
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