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Journal of Neurochemistry Sep 2021One of the urgent tasks of neuroscience is to understand how neuronal circuits operate, what makes them fail, and how to repair them when needed. Achieving this goal... (Review)
Review
One of the urgent tasks of neuroscience is to understand how neuronal circuits operate, what makes them fail, and how to repair them when needed. Achieving this goal requires identifying the principal circuitry elements and their interactions with one another. However, what constitutes 'an atom' of a neuronal circuit, a neuronal type, is a complex question. In this review we focus on a class of cortical neurons that are exclusively identified by the expression of vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) and choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). The genetic profile of these VIP /ChAT interneurons suggests that they can release both γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and acetylcholine (ACh). This hints to a specific potential role in the cortical circuitry. Yet the VIP /ChAT interneurons are sparse (a mere 0.5% of the cortical neurons), which raises questions about their potential to significantly affect the circuit function. In view of recent developments in genetic techniques that allow for direct manipulation of these neurons, we provide a thorough and updated picture of the properties of the VIP /ChAT interneurons. We discuss their genetic profile, their physiological and structural properties, and their input-output mapping in sensory cortices and the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Then, we examine possible amplification mechanisms for mediating their function in the cortical microcircuit. Finally, we discuss directions for further exploration of the VIP /ChAT population, focusing on its function during behavioral tasks as compared to the VIP /ChAT population.
Topics: Animals; Cerebral Cortex; Choline O-Acetyltransferase; Humans; Interneurons; Transcriptome; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 33301603
DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15263 -
Sheng Li Xue Bao : [Acta Physiologica... Jun 2022Viral infection is clinically common and some viral diseases, such as the ongoing global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute... (Review)
Review
Viral infection is clinically common and some viral diseases, such as the ongoing global outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), have high morbidity and mortality. However, most viral infections are currently lacking in specific therapeutic agents and effective prophylactic vaccines, due to inadequate response, increased rate of drug resistance and severe adverse side effects. Therefore, it is urgent to find new specific therapeutic targets for antiviral defense among which "peptide-based therapeutics" is an emerging field. Peptides may be promising antiviral drugs because of their high efficacy and low toxic side effects. Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) is a prospective antiviral peptide. Since its successful isolation in 1970, VIP has been reported to be involved in infections of SARS-CoV-2, human immune deficiency virus (HIV), vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Zika virus (ZIKV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV). Additionally, given that viral attacks sometimes cause severe complications due to overaction of inflammatory and immune responses, the potent anti-inflammatory and immunoregulator properties of VIP facilitate it to be a powerful and promising candidate. This review summarizes the role and mechanisms of VIP in all reported viral infections and suggests its clinical potential as an antiviral therapeutic target.
Topics: Antiviral Agents; Humans; Prospective Studies; SARS-CoV-2; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Zika Virus; Zika Virus Infection; COVID-19 Drug Treatment
PubMed: 35770640
DOI: No ID Found -
Cell Reports Sep 2023Visual stimuli that deviate from the current context elicit augmented responses in the primary visual cortex (V1). These heightened responses, known as "deviance...
Visual stimuli that deviate from the current context elicit augmented responses in the primary visual cortex (V1). These heightened responses, known as "deviance detection," require local inhibition in the V1 and top-down input from the anterior cingulate area (ACa). Here, we investigated the mechanisms by which the ACa and V1 interact to support deviance detection. Local field potential recordings in mice during an oddball paradigm showed that ACa-V1 synchrony peaks in the theta/alpha band (≈10 Hz). Two-photon imaging in the V1 revealed that mainly pyramidal neurons exhibited deviance detection, while contextually redundant stimuli increased vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP)-positive interneuron (VIP) activity and decreased somatostatin-positive interneuron (SST) activity. Optogenetic drive of ACa-V1 inputs at 10 Hz activated V1-VIPs but inhibited V1-SSTs, mirroring the dynamics present during the oddball paradigm. Chemogenetic inhibition of V1-VIPs disrupted Aca-V1 synchrony and deviance detection in the V1. These results outline temporal and interneuron-specific mechanisms of top-down modulation that support visual context processing.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Visual Perception; Cerebral Cortex; Pyramidal Cells; Interneurons; Optogenetics; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 37708021
DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113133 -
Indian Journal of Pediatrics May 2022To determine the threshold of the inotropic score (IS) and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) for predicting mortality in pediatric septic shock.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the threshold of the inotropic score (IS) and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) for predicting mortality in pediatric septic shock.
METHOD
This retrospective cohort study included children aged 1 mo to 13 y with septic shock, requiring vasoactive medication. The area under curve receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) was calculated using mean IS and mean VIS to predict PICU mortality, and Youden index cut points were generated. Sensitivity, specificity, and binary regression analysis were performed.
RESULTS
A total of 176 patients were enrolled (survivor, n = 72, 41% and nonsurvivor, n = 104, 59%). For predicting the PICU mortality, AUROC (95% CI) of IS was 0.80 (0.74-0.86) [sensitivity of 88.5 (80.7-94) and specificity of 58.3 (46.1-69.8)] and AUROC of VIS was 0.88 (0.82-0.92) [sensitivity of 83.7 (75.1-90.2) and specificity of 80.6 (69.5-89)]. The respective cutoff scores of IS and VIS were 28 and 42.5. On regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 95% CI), illness severity (PRISM-III) (1.12, 1.05-1.12), worst lactate value (1.31, 1.08-1.58), IS (> 28) (3.98, 1.24-12.80), and VIS (> 42.5) (4.66, 1.57-13.87) independently predicted the PICU mortality (r = 0.625).
CONCLUSION
Threshold of inotropic score (> 28) and vasoactive-inotropic score (> 42.5) were independently associated with PICU mortality. In addition to IS and VIS, severity and worst lactate value independently predicted septic shock mortality in PICU.
Topics: Child; Humans; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; Lactic Acid; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Shock, Septic
PubMed: 34318405
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03846-x -
Developmental Neuroscience 2021GABAergic inhibitory interneurons of the cerebral cortex expressing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP-INs) are rapidly emerging as important regulators of network... (Review)
Review
GABAergic inhibitory interneurons of the cerebral cortex expressing vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP-INs) are rapidly emerging as important regulators of network dynamics and normal circuit development. Several recent studies have also identified VIP-IN dysfunction in models of genetically determined neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). In this article, we review the known circuit functions of VIP-INs and how they may relate to accumulating evidence implicating VIP-INs in the mechanisms of prominent NDDs. We highlight recurring VIP-IN-mediated circuit motifs that are shared across cerebral cortical areas and how VIP-IN activity can shape sensory input, development, and behavior. Ultimately, we extract a set of themes that inform our understanding of how VIP-INs influence pathogenesis of NDDs. Using publicly available single-cell RNA sequencing data from the Allen Institute, we also identify several underexplored disease-associated genes that are highly expressed in VIP-INs. We survey these genes and their shared related disease phenotypes that may broadly implicate VIP-INs in autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability rather than epileptic encephalopathy. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of the relevance of cell type-specific investigations and therapeutics in the age of genomic diagnosis and targeted therapeutics.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cerebral Cortex; Humans; Interneurons; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 33794534
DOI: 10.1159/000515264 -
Archives of Medical Research Nov 2021The ongoing outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as the latest threat to global health, causes overwhelming effects for the public... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The ongoing outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), as the latest threat to global health, causes overwhelming effects for the public healthcare systems worldwide. Of note, in addition to the respiratory complications, some patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) also develop serious cardiovascular injuries. Vasoactive peptides play an important role in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions.
AIM
With the urgent need for exploring the specific therapeutic targets and biomarkers for the emerging COVID-19, the general aim of this review is to discuss the potentials of the vasoactive peptides including Angiotensin II (Ang II), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), endothelin-1 (ET-1), calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), natriuretic peptides, substance P (SP) and bradykinin (BK) as therapeutic targets and/or prognostic indicators for the COVID-19 pandemic.
CONCLUSION
Based on various observations some authors conclude that the assessment of vasoactive peptides shall be considered a routine part of COVID-19 patient monitoring, and they can serve as potential therapeutic targets for the disease management.
Topics: Biomarkers; COVID-19; Humans; Pandemics; Peptides; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34134920
DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2021.05.007 -
Kidney360 Jan 2021
Topics: Arteriovenous Fistula; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Renal Dialysis
PubMed: 35368825
DOI: 10.34067/KID.0006262020 -
Birth Defects Research Aug 2020Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) includes limb deficiencies accompanied by fibrous strands originating from the amniotic lining. Terminal transverse limb deficiencies (TTLD)...
INTRODUCTION
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) includes limb deficiencies accompanied by fibrous strands originating from the amniotic lining. Terminal transverse limb deficiencies (TTLD) appear to be similar but lack fibrous strands. Both are hypothesized to result from vascular disruption. For ABS, limb deficiencies are considered secondary to amnion rupture. We explored an alternative possibility-that TTLD is the primary defect and ABS is secondary.
METHODS
Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we expanded on a previous study. We examined smoking, alcohol, and medications categorized by indicated vasoactivity as markers of vascular disruption. Logistic regression models with Firth's penalized likelihood were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Use of bronchodilators and aspirin appeared to increase the risk of ABS, while decongestants and nonaspirin NSAIDs increased the risk of TTLD. The risk of ABS was markedly increased in cases reporting combinations of vasoactive exposures, particularly alcohol and aspirin (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6, 7.8), and alcohol and bronchodilators (aOR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4, 7.5). Increased risk of TTLD due to combinations of vasoactive exposures was only observed for smoking and decongestants (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4, 3.6).
CONCLUSIONS
Exposures associated with increased risk of ABS had no apparent association with TTLD, supporting previous evidence that these may be distinct phenotypes. ABS appears to be associated with combined exposures with vasodilation properties, such as alcohol and bronchodilators, while increased risk of TTLD may be associated with smoking and decongestants, both vasoconstrictive exposures.
Topics: Amniotic Band Syndrome; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Odds Ratio; Smoking
PubMed: 32573119
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1740 -
Journal of Neuroscience Methods Feb 2020Neuronal cell cultures are widely used in the field of neuroscience. Cell dissociation allows for the isolation of a desired cell type, yet the neuronal complexity that...
BACKGROUND
Neuronal cell cultures are widely used in the field of neuroscience. Cell dissociation allows for the isolation of a desired cell type, yet the neuronal complexity that distinguishes the nervous system is often lost as a result. Thus, culturing neural tissues in ex vivo format provides a physiological context that more closely resembles the in vivo environment.
NEW METHOD
We developed a simple method to culture nodose ganglia neurons from neonatal pigs long-term in ex vivo format using an in-house media formulation derived from commercially available components.
RESULTS
Ganglia were cultured for six and twelve months. mRNA expression of nestin was stable across time. Vasoactive intestinal peptide and tachykinin showed statistically insignificant increases and decreases in mRNA expression, respectively. mRNA expression of glia fibrillary acidic protein decreased, whereas myelin basic protein showed no statistically significant differences, over time. Immunofluorescence studies of sectioned ganglia demonstrated neurofilament-positive cell bodies, glia fibrillary acidic protein and myelin basic protein at all time points. A significant decrease in cell nuclei density and fragmented DNA were noted.
COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S)
There are currently no methods that describe short-term or long-term culturing of porcine nodose ganglia. Further, the media formulation we developed is new and not previously reported.
CONCLUSIONS
The simple procedure we developed for culturing nodose ganglia will enable both short-term and long-term investigations aimed at understanding peripheral ganglia in vitro. It is also possible that the methods described herein can be applied to other models, different developmental stages, and potentially other neural tissues.
Topics: Animals; Neurons; Nodose Ganglion; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Swine; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 31821820
DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2019.108546 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022This study was conducted in order to test the expression of vasoactive substances within rat lamina cribrosa (LC) and optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes, so as to...
PURPOSE
This study was conducted in order to test the expression of vasoactive substances within rat lamina cribrosa (LC) and optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes, so as to investigate the role and potential mechanism of ONH astrocytes in vascular associated effects.
METHODS
LC tissue sections and primary cultured ONH astrocytes were obtained from adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Immunofluorescent staining was then used to detect the expression of vasoactive substances. Hyperoxia exposure was carried out both and , after which nitric oxide (NO) levels in LC tissue and cell supernatant were detected. The variations of protein and gene expression associated with vasoactive substances were subsequently tested. ONH astrocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were then incubated in a direct co-culture manner. Morphological parameters of VSMCs were finally analyzed in order to evaluate cell contraction.
RESULTS
Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) were detected in both LC tissue and ONH astrocytes. Retinal vessel diameter was found obviously decreased following hyperoxia exposure. Moreover, hyperoxia inhibited NO production both and . ET-1 and RAS elements were observed to be upregulated, whereas NOS was downregulated. In ONH astrocytes and VSMCs co-culture system, the length-to-width ratio of VSMCs was shown to significantly increase on days 3 and 7 in hyperoxia compared with normoxia.
CONCLUSIONS
There is an abundance of expression of vasoactive substances within LC tissue and ONH astrocytes. The contractile response of VSMCs in the co-culture system provided direct evidence for the involvement of ONH astrocytes in vascular associated effects, which may signify a potentially novel direction for future research.
PubMed: 35957853
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.943986