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Terms modified by Cs+ Selected AbstractsNeonatal alcohol exposure impairs acquisition of eyeblink conditioned responses during discrimination learning and reversal in weanling ratsDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 3 2007Kevin L. Brown Abstract Discrimination and reversal of the classically conditioned eyeblink response depends on cerebellar,brainstem interactions with the hippocampus. Neonatal "binge" exposure to alcohol at doses of 5 g/kg/day or more has been shown to impair single-cue eyeblink conditioning in both weanling and adult rats. The present study exposed neonatal rats to acute alcohol intubations across different developmental periods (postnatal day [PND] 4-9 or PND7-9) and tested them from PND26-31 on discriminative classical eyeblink conditioning and reversal. A high dose of alcohol (5 g/kg/day) dramatically impaired conditioning relative to controls when exposure occurred over PND4-9, but produced mild or no impairments when delivered over PND7-9. These findings support previous claims that developmental exposure period plays a critical role in determining the deleterious effects of alcohol on the developing brain. A lower dose of alcohol (4 g/kg/day) delivered from PND4-9,lower than has previously been shown to affect single-cue eyeblink conditioning,also produced deficits on the discrimination task, suggesting that discrimination learning and acquisition of responding to CS+ during reversal may be especially sensitive behavioral indicators of alcohol-induced brain damage in this rat model. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 49: 243,257, 2007. [source] Ontogenetic differences in the expression of conditioned visual aversionsDEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY, Issue 2 2003Joyce A. Jagielo Abstract We examined ontogenetic differences in the expression of conditioned visual aversions. Sprague-Dawley-derived rats, 16 or 21 days of age, were conditioned with either an element (brightness) or compound (brightness/odor) CS+ and tested for their aversion to the common element (brightness). Aversions to the brightness cue were assessed by either a traditional test of preference between the CS+ brightness and a contrasting brightness or by assessment of freezing in the presence of either brightness cue. The results indicated that strength of conditioning as well as the expression of overshadowing/potentiation was dependent on the age of the animal and on the technique used to assess conditioning. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 42: 123,130, 2003 [source] Nucleus accumbens neurons encode Pavlovian approach behaviors: evidence from an autoshaping paradigmEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 5 2006Jeremy J. Day Abstract Environmental stimuli predictive of appetitive events can elicit Pavlovian approach responses that enhance an organism's ability to track and secure natural rewards, but may also contribute to the compulsive nature of drug addiction. Here, we examined the activity of individual nucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons during an autoshaping paradigm. One conditioned stimulus (CS+, a retractable lever presented for 10 s) was immediately followed by the delivery of a 45-mg sucrose pellet to a food receptacle, while another stimulus (CS,, a separate retractable lever presented for 10 s) was never followed by sucrose. Approach responses directed at the CS+ and CS, were recorded as lever presses and had no experimental consequence. Rats (n = 9) selectively approached the CS+ on more than 80% of trials and were surgically prepared for electrophysiological recording. Of 76 NAc neurons, 57 cells (75%) exhibited increases and/or decreases in firing rate (i.e. termed ,phasically active') during the CS+ presentation and corresponding approach response. Forty-seven percent of phasically active cells (27 out of 57) were characterized by time-locked but transient increases in cell firing, while 53% (30 out of 57) showed a significant reduction in firing for the duration of the CS+. In contrast, the same excitatory subpopulation exhibited smaller increases in activity relative to CS, onset, while the inhibitory subpopulation showed no change in firing during the CS, period. The magnitude and prevalence of cue-related neural responses reported here indicates that the NAc encodes biologically significant, repetitive approach responses that may model the compulsive nature of drug addiction in humans. [source] Repeated withdrawal from ethanol impairs acquisition but not expression of conditioned fearEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 2 2003T. L. Ripley Abstract Repeated withdrawal from ethanol impairs acquisition of conditioned fear [Stephens, D.N., Brown, G., Duka, T. & Ripley, T.L. (2001) Eur. J. Neurosci., 14, 2023,2031]. This study further examined the effect of repeated withdrawal from ethanol on the expression and acquisition of fear conditioning. Following training, presentation of a cue associated with footshock (CS+) resulted in a suppression of operant responding for food reinforcement. In different groups, shock thresholds were manipulated to give weak or severe behavioural suppression. Rats were subsequently chronically treated with ethanol-containing liquid diet either continuously (single withdrawal) or with three withdrawal periods (repeated withdrawal). Ethanol treatment and withdrawal had no effect on conditioned suppression of responding tested 2 weeks after the final withdrawal, at either shock intensity. Nevertheless, extinction of conditioned fear was impaired in the repeated withdrawal group exposed to the higher shock intensity. In the high intensity group, the stimulus,shock association was then reversed, so that the previously neutral conditioned stimulus (CS,) became the CS+. Acquisition of suppression to the new CS+ was significantly less in the animals previously given repeated experience of withdrawal, confirming our previous finding. Thus, repeated withdrawal from ethanol lead to disruption in the acquisition of fear conditioning but had no effect on retrieval of an association formed prior to the ethanol-withdrawal experiences. [source] Impaired fear conditioning but enhanced seizure sensitivity in rats given repeated experience of withdrawal from alcoholEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 12 2001D. N. Stephens Abstract Repeated experience of withdrawal from chronic alcohol treatment increases sensitivity to seizures. It has been argued by analogy that negative affective consequences of withdrawal also sensitize, but repeated experience of withdrawal from another sedative-hypnotic drug, diazepam, results in amelioration of withdrawal anxiety and aversiveness. We tested whether giving rats repeated experience of withdrawal from alcohol altered their ability to acquire a conditioned emotional response (CER). Male Hooded Lister rats were fed a nutritionally complete liquid diet as their only food source. Different groups received control diet, or diet containing 7% ethanol. Rats receiving ethanol diet were fed for either 24 days (Single withdrawal, SWD), or 30 days, with two periods of 3 days, starting at day 11, and 21, in which they received control diet (Repeated withdrawal, RWD). All rats were fed lab chow at the end of their liquid diet feeding period. Starting 12 days after the final withdrawal, groups of Control, SWD and RWD rats were given pentylenetetrazole (PTZ; 30 mg/kg, i.p.) three times a week, and scored for seizures. The occurrence of two successive Stage 5 seizures was taken as the criterion for full PTZ kindling. Other groups of control, SWD and RWD rats were trained to operate levers to obtain food, and were then exposed, in a fully counterbalanced design, to light and tone stimuli which predicted unavoidable footshock (CS+), or which had no consequences (CS,). Rats consumed approximately 17.5 g/kg/day of ethanol, resulting in blood alcohol levels of approximately 100 mg/dL. Repeated administration of PTZ resulted in increasing seizure scores. RWD rats achieved kindling criterion faster than either Control or SWD rats. No differences were seen in the groups in flinch threshold to footshock (0.3 mA). At a shock intensity of 0.35 mA, Control, but not RWD or SWD rats showed significant suppression to the CS+ CS, presentation did not affect response rates. The three groups differed in their response to pairing the CS+ with increasing shock levels, the Controls remaining more sensitive to the CS+. SWD rats showed significant suppression of lever pressing during CS+ presentations only at 0.45 and 0.5 mA, and RWD rats only at 0.5 mA. Giving rats repeated experience of withdrawal from chronic ethanol results in increased sensitivity to PTZ kindling, but reduces their ability to acquire a CER. Withdrawal kindling of sensitivity to anxiogenic events does not seem to occur under circumstances which give rise to kindling of seizure sensitivity. [source] Genetic variation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor and human fear conditioningGENES, BRAIN AND BEHAVIOR, Issue 1 2009G. Hajcak Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in hippocampal-dependent learning processes, and carriers of the Met allele of the Val66Met BDNF genotype are characterized by reduced hippocampal structure and function. Recent nonhuman animal work suggests that BDNF is also crucial for amygdala-dependent associative learning. The present study sought to examine fear conditioning as a function of the BDNF polymorphism. Fifty-seven participants were genotyped for the BDNF polymorphism and took part in a differential-conditioning paradigm. Participants were shocked following a particular conditioned stimulus (CS+) and were also presented with stimuli that ranged in perceptual similarity to the CS+ (20, 40 or 60% smaller or larger than the CS+). The eye blink component of the startle response was measured to quantify fear conditioning; post-task shock likelihood ratings for each stimulus were also obtained. All participants reported that shock likelihood varied with perceptual similarity to the CS+ and showed potentiated startle in response to CS ± 20% stimuli. However, only the Val/Val group had potentiated startle responses to the CS+. Met allele carrying individuals were characterized by deficient fear conditioning , evidenced by an attenuated startle response to CS+ stimuli. Variation in the BDNF genotype appears related to abnormal fear conditioning, consistent with nonhuman animal work on the importance of BDNF in amygdala-dependent associative learning. The relation between genetic variation in BDNF and amygdala-dependent associative learning deficits is discussed in terms of potential mechanisms of risk for psychopathology. [source] Effects of d -Cycloserine on Extinction and Reconditioning of Ethanol-Seeking Behavior in MiceALCOHOLISM, Issue 5 2009Peter A. Groblewski Background:,d -Cycloserine (DCS), a partial N -methyl- d -aspartate receptor agonist, has been shown to enhance the extinction of both cocaine and amphetamine-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). However, there have been no reports of the effects of DCS on the extinction of ethanol-conditioned behaviors in mice. Thus, the current experiments examined the effects of DCS on the extinction and subsequent reconditioning of ethanol-induced CPP in mice. Methods:, Male DBA/2J mice received either 2 or 4 pairings of ethanol (2 g/kg) with a conditioned stimulus (CS+) floor cue (and an equal number of saline pairings with a CS, floor cue on alternate days) resulting in either a weak or strong ethanol CPP, respectively. Following conditioning of a strong ethanol CPP mice received saline or 30 mg/kg DCS prior to each of the twelve 30-minute choice extinction trials administered at 48-hour intervals. Mice that had received conditioning of a weak ethanol CPP received saline, 30 or 60 mg/kg DCS immediately before each of the six 30-minute choice extinction trials. Following successful ethanol CPP extinction, mice received reconditioning trials similar to the initial conditioning trials. A final experiment examined the effects 12 DCS pre-exposures (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) on initial conditioning of ethanol CPP. Results:, First, we showed that 2 doses of DCS (30 and 60 mg/kg) did not have aversive properties that could confound the effects on extinction of CPP (Experiment 1). Second, we showed that DCS (30 and 60 mg/kg) had no effect on the rate of extinction of either strong (Experiment 2) or weak (Experiment 3) ethanol-induced CPP. Interestingly, DCS administered during extinction interfered with reconditioning of ethanol-induced CPP,an effect specific to reconditioning, as DCS pre-exposure did not influence initial ethanol CPP conditioning (Experiment 4). Conclusions:, These experiments show that although DCS showed no effect on extinction behavior, when given during extinction it interfered with subsequent reconditioning of ethanol CPP. The mechanisms of this effect were not, however, due to nonspecific interference with learning because repeated DCS pre-exposures did not impair initial conditioning of ethanol CPP. [source] Long-Lasting Resistance to Extinction of Response Reinstatement Induced by Ethanol-Related Stimuli: Role of Genetic Ethanol PreferenceALCOHOLISM, Issue 10 2001Roberto Ciccocioppo Background: The conditioning of ethanol's reinforcing effects with specific environmental stimuli is thought to be a critical factor in long-lasting relapse risk associated with alcoholism. To study the significance of such learning factors in the addictive potential of ethanol, this experiment was designed (1) to characterize the effects of stimuli associated with alcohol availability on the reinstatement of responding at a previously ethanol-paired lever in rats with genetically determined ethanol preference versus nonpreference and (2) to examine the persistence of the motivating effects of these stimuli over time. Methods: Male alcohol-preferring (P) and alcohol-nonpreferring (NP) rats were trained to operantly self-administer ethanol (10% w/v) or water on a fixed-ratio 1 schedule in a 30-min daily session. Ethanol and water sessions were scheduled in random sequence across training days. Ethanol availability was signaled by an olfactory discriminative stimulus (banana extract, S+), and each lever press was paired with brief presentation of the conditioning chamber's house light (CS+). The discriminative stimulus signaling water availability (i.e., nonreward) consisted of anise odor (S,), and lever-responses during water sessions were paired with a brief white noise generation (CS,). The rats then were placed on extinction conditions during which ethanol and water, as well as the corresponding stimuli, were withheld. The effects of noncontingent exposure to the S+ versus S, paired with response-contingent presentation of the CS+ versus CS, on responding at the previously active lever were then determined in 30-min reinstatement sessions. To study the resistance to extinction of the effects of the ethanol-associated stimuli, additional tests were conducted at 3-day intervals for a total of 50 days. Results: The number of ethanol-reinforced responses during self-administration training was significantly greater in P than in NP rats (p < 0.01). After extinction, a significant recovery of responding was observed in both groups of rats under the stimulus conditions associated with ethanol (S+/CS+) but not those associated with water (S,/CS,). However, the response reinstatement was significantly greater in P than NP rats (p < 0.01). In addition, the results revealed a considerable resistance to extinction to the effects of the ethanol-associated stimuli. Throughout the 50-day test period, responding remained significantly above extinction levels in both P and NP rats (p < 0.01), but with an overall greater number of responses in P than NP rats (p < 0.05). Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that conditioning factors contribute importantly to compulsive ethanol seeking and long-lasting vulnerability to relapse. In addition, the results suggest that genetic predisposition toward heightened ethanol intake extends to greater susceptibility to the motivating effects of ethanol-related environmental stimuli. [source] Facilitated Transfer of Alkali Metal Ions by a Tetraester Derivative of Thiacalix[4]arene at the Liquid,Liquid InterfaceELECTROANALYSIS, Issue 12 2008Akgemci, Emine Guler Abstract The facilitated transfer of alkali metal ions (Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+) by 25,26,27,28-tetraethoxycarbonylmethoxy-thiacalix[4]arene across the water/1,2-dichloroethane interface was investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The dependence of the half-wave transfer potential on the metal and ligand concentrations was used to formulate the stoichiometric ratio and to evaluate the association constants of the complexes formed between ionophore and metal ions. While the facilitated transfer of Li+ ion was not observed across the water/1,2-dichloroethane interface, the facilitated transfers were observed by formation of 1,:,1 (metal:ionophore) complex for Na+, K+, and Rb+ ions except for Cs+ ion. In the case of Cs+ a 1,:,2 (metal:ionophore) complex was obtained from its special electrochemical response to the variation of ligand concentrations in the organic phase. The logarithms of the complex association constants, for facilitated transfer of Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+, were estimated as 6.52, 7.75, 7.91 (log ,1°), and 8.36 (log ,2°), respectively. [source] Interaction study of a lysozyme-binding aptamer with mono- and divalent cations by ACEELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 3 2010Marie Girardot Abstract Binding between an aptamer and its target is highly dependent on the conformation of the aptamer molecule, this latter seeming to be affected by a variety of cations. As only a few studies have reported on the interactions of monovalent or divalent cations with aptamers, we describe herein the use of ACE in its mobility shift format for investigating interactions between various monovalent (Na+, K+, Cs+) or divalent (Mg2+, Ca2+, Ba2+) cations and a 30-mer lysozyme-binding aptamer. This study was performed in BGEs of different natures (phosphate and MOPS buffers) and ionic strengths. First, the effective charges of the aptamer in 30,mM ionic strength phosphate and MOPS (pH 7.0) were estimated to be 7.4 and 3.6, respectively. Then, corrections for ionic strength and counterion condensation effects were performed for all studies. The effective mobility shift was attributed not only to these effects, but also to a possible interaction with the buffer components (binary or ternary complexes) as well as possible conformational changes of the aptamer. Finally, apparent binding constants were calculated for divalent cations with mathematical linearization methods, and the influence of the nature of the BGE was evidenced. [source] Effect of alkali metal hydroxides on the enantioseparation of amines using di- O -isopropylidene-keto- L -gulonic acid as the selector in NACEELECTROPHORESIS, Issue 22 2006Ylva Hedeland Dr. Abstract The present work demonstrates the importance of the ionic composition in the BGE for enantioseparation. (,)-2,3:4,6-di- O -Isopropylidene-2-keto- L -gulonic acid ((,)-DIKGA) has been used as the chiral selector in methanolic and ethanolic BGEs. The influence of added alkali metal hydroxides on the EOF and the chiral separation of amines (atenolol, isoprenaline, pindolol and propranolol) have been studied. The ion-pair formation constants in ethanol were determined by precision conductometry for the enantiomers of pindolol with (,)-DIKGA, for Li+, Na+ and Cs+ with (,)-DIKGA, and also for the corresponding alkali metal hydroxides. The effective mobilities and the enantiomeric mobility differences were affected by the type of alkali metal hydroxide (LiOH, NaOH, KOH, RbOH or CsOH) added to the BGE. The effective mobility and mobility difference were increased with decrease in solvated radius of the alkali metal cation. These differences could partly be correlated to the ion-pair formation constants of the alkali metal cations with the chiral selector, affecting the equilibrium concentration of the free selector. The electroosmosis was also affected by the alkali metal hydroxide added to the BGE. The cathodic electroosmosis decreased with decreasing solvated radius of the alkali metal cation added to the BGE. Interestingly, the cathodic EOF was even reversed, i.e. became anodic in the ethanolic BGEs containing KOH, RbOH or CsOH and the methanolic ones with RbOH and CsOH. [source] Alkali Metal (Li+,Cs+) Salts with Hexafluorochromate(V), Hexafluorochromate(IV), Pentafluorochromate(IV), and Undecafluorodichromate(IV) AnionsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2008Zoran Mazej Abstract The compounds ACrF6 (A = Li,Cs) were prepared by photochemical reactions of AF/CrF3 mixtures in anhydrous HF with elemental F2 at ambient temperature. The crystal structures of compounds ACrF6 (A = K,Cs) are analogous to that of KOsF6, and NaCrF6 exhibits polymorphism. The trigonal phase (II) can be classified to have the well-known LiSbF6 type of structure, while the crystal structure of the orthorhombic modification (I) appears to be a new structure-type. Thermal decomposition of the ACrF6 salts produce ACrF5(A = Rb, Cs), ACrF5/A2CrF6 (A = K), or A2CrF6 (A = Li, Na). These compounds undergo partial solvolysis in anhydrous HF with precipitation of CrF4. From the remaining solutions of the [CrF6]2, anions and dissolved AF (A = Li,Cs), single crystals of ACrF5 (A = K,Cs), A2CrF6·2HF (A = Na, K), A2CrF6·4HF (A = Rb, Cs), Li2CrF6, and K3Cr2F11·2HF were grown, and their crystal structures determined. The main structural feature of the ACrF5 compounds is the infinite zig-zag [CrF5]nn, chain of distorted [CrF6] octahedra joined by cis vertices. The crystal structures of A2CrF6·2HF (A = Na, K) and A2CrF6·4HF (A = Rb, Cs) consist of distorted [CrF6]2, octahedra involved in moderate to strong hydrogen bonding with HF molecules, while two A+ cations compensate the negative charge of each octahedron. In Na2CrF6·2HF, two neighboring HF molecules are involved in moderate to strong hydrogen bonding with each other. (HF)2 dimers with a parallelogram structure are formed. The mutual interactions in the crystal structure of K2CrF6·2HF differ from those found in Na2CrF6·2HF. In the former, each HF molecule interacts with the [CrF6]2, anion and three K+ cations. A2CrF6·4HF compounds of Rb and Cs are isostructural. Their structures consist of A+ cations and [CrF6]2, anions involved in hydrogen bonding with two sets of HF molecules in the trans position. The crystal structure of K3Cr2F11·2HF reveals a rare case of the [M2F11]3, anion. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2008) [source] A Cyclic Fc,Histidine Conjugate: Synthesis and Properties , Interactions with Alkali Metal IonsEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 5 2006Somenath Chowdhury Abstract The synthesis of the novel N,N, -(ferrocenophane-1,1,-diyldicarbonyl)-bridged histidine methyl ester 1 and of the acyclicbis(histidine methyl ester) derivative 3 are reported. The structure of 1 was studied in the solid state and in solution. The single-crystal structure of 1 shows that both proximal ferrocenyl (Fc) carbonyl groups are syn with respect to each other, which is a new structural motif for Fc,amino acid conjugates. This new syn conformation allows effective binding to alkali metal cations. Binding is evaluated by cyclic voltammetry monitoring the halfwave potential of the Fc group. Cation binding causes a shift to lower potential (Na+ > Li+ > K+, Cs+). Upon binding, compound 1 shows selectivity towards Na+ ions. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2006) [source] Towards Understanding of the Selective Precipitation of Alkali Metal Cations in Presence of Dipicrylamine AnionEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF INORGANIC CHEMISTRY, Issue 11 2005Suresh Eringathodi Abstract Dipicrylamine anion (DPA,) precipitates out [K(DPA)] with high selectivity from salt bitterns containing Na+, K+, and Mg2+, whereas the same ligand shows poor selectivity towards K+ , and much higher selectivity towards Cs+ , in studies conducted with a mixture of K+, Rb+, and Cs+. Their single-crystal structures reveal that the K+ and Rb+ salts have similar layered structures, with 8 oxygen atoms from seven DPA, anions encapsulating the metal cation, whereas the Cs+ salt possesses a channel-like structure with the metal ion encapsulated by ten oxygen atoms from six DPA,. The conformation of DPA, in the [Cs(DPA)] single crystal matches closely that of DPA in crystalline state. M···O and intermolecular C,H···O interactions together stabilize the structures. The 133Cs NMR spectrum of the poorly soluble [Cs(DPA)] shows an upfield shift of the peak with respect to CsCl as a result of the interaction with the oxygen atoms of DPA,, whereas 23Na NMR spectrum of the highly soluble [Na(DPA)] shows no such upfield shift compared to NaCl. Powder XRD patterns of bulk [M(DPA)] (M = K+, Rb+, and Cs+) precipitates show that these are similar to the patterns obtained by simulation of the single-crystal X-ray data. The selectivity of precipitation correlates qualitatively with the size and hydration enthalpies of the ions. (© Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2005) [source] Excitatory actions of substance P in the rat lateral posterior nucleusEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 1 2010Kush Paul Abstract The lateral posterior nucleus (LP) receives inputs from both neocortex and superior colliculus (SC), and is involved with integration and processing of higher-level visual information. Relay neurons in LP contain tachykinin receptors and are innervated by substance P (SP)-containing SC neurons and by layer V neurons of the visual cortex. In this study, we investigated the actions of SP on LP relay neurons using whole-cell recording techniques. SP produced a graded depolarizing response in LP neurons along the rostro-caudal extent of the lateral subdivision of LP nuclei (LPl), with a significantly larger response in rostral LPl neurons compared with caudal LPl neurons. In rostral LPl, SP (5,2000 nm) depolarized nearly all relay neurons tested (> 98%) in a concentration-dependent manner. Voltage-clamp experiments revealed that SP produced an inward current associated with a decreased conductance. The inward current was mediated primarily by neurokinin receptor (NK)1 tachykinin receptors, although significantly smaller inward currents were produced by specific NK2 and NK3 receptor agonists. The selective NK1 receptor antagonist RP67580 attenuated the SP-mediated response by 71.5% and was significantly larger than the attenuation of the SP response obtained by NK2 and NK3 receptor antagonists, GR159897 and SB222200, respectively. The SP-mediated response showed voltage characteristics consistent with a K+ conductance, and was attenuated by Cs+, a K+ channel blocker. Our data suggest that SP may modulate visual information that is being processed and integrated in the LPl with inputs from collicular sources. [source] The functional properties of the human ether-à-go-go -like (HELK2) K+ channelEUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE, Issue 3 2002Andrea Becchetti Abstract The voltage-dependent K+ channels belonging to the ether-à-go-go family (eag, erg, elk) are widely expressed in the mammalian CNS. Their neuronal function, however, is poorly understood. Among the elk clones, elk2 is the most abundantly expressed in the brain. We have characterized the human ELK2 channel (HELK2) expressed in mammalian cell lines. Moreover, we have detected helk2 mRNA and ELK2-like currents in freshly dissociated human astrocytoma cells. HELK2 was inhibited by Cs+ in a voltage-dependent way (Kd was 0.7 mm, at ,120 mV). It was not affected by Way 123398 (5 µm), dofetilide (10 µm), quinidine (10 µm), verapamil (20 µm), haloperidol (2 µm), astemizole (1 µm), terfenadine (1 µm) and hydroxyzine (30 µm), compounds known to inhibit the biophysically related HERG channel. The crossover of the activation and inactivation curves produced a steady state ,window' current with a peak around ,20 mV and considerably broader than it usually is in voltage-dependent channels, including HERG. Similar features were observed in the ELK2 clone from rat, in the same experimental conditions. Thus, ELK2 channels are active within a wide range of membrane potentials, both sub- and suprathreshold. Moreover, the kinetics of channel deactivation and removal of inactivation was about one order of magnitude quicker in HELK2, compared to HERG. Overall, these properties suggest that ELK2 channels are very effective at dampening the neuronal excitability, but less so at producing adaptation of action potential firing frequency. In addition, we suggest experimental ways to recognize HELK2 currents in vivo and raise the issue of the possible function of these channels in astrocytoma. [source] Auxotrophic mutant of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum showing absolute requirement of Cs+ or Rb+ for diazotrophy and autotrophyJOURNAL OF BASIC MICROBIOLOGY, Issue 4 2006Santosh Bhargava Dr. Caesium-resistant (Cs+ -R) mutant clones of the cyanobacterium Nostoc muscorum were characterized for diazotrophic growth in a medium devoid of Cs+ or Rb+ or both. Cs+ -R phenotype suffered severe genetic damage of a pleiotropic nature affecting diazotrophic growth, chlorophyll a content, nitrogenase activity and photosynthetic O2 evolution. Mutation leading to development of Cs+ -R phenotype could be overcome by availability of Cs+/Rb+. Parent and mutant strains were similar with respect to their Cs+/Rb+ uptake. Available data suggests operation of an efficient coupling of the two incompatible reactions viz. oxygenic photosynthesis and oxygen sensitive N2 fixation in this cyanobacterium. (© 2006 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim) [source] Metal ion attachment to the matrix meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin, related matrices and analytes: an experimental and theoretical study,JOURNAL OF MASS SPECTROMETRY (INCORP BIOLOGICAL MASS SPECTROMETRY), Issue 11 2009Jeroen J. A. van Kampen Abstract In a previous study [van Kampen et al.Analytical Chemistry 2006; 78: 5403], we found that meso-tetrakis (pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin (F20TPP), in combination with lithium salts, provides an efficient matrix to cationize small molecules by Li+ attachment and that this combination can be successfully applied to the quantitative analysis of drugs, such as antiretroviral compounds using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization in conjunction with a time-of-flight analyzer (MALDI,TOF). In the present study, we further explore the mechanism of metal ion attachment to F20TPP and analytes by MALDI,FTMS(/MS). To this end, we have studied the interaction of F20TPP and analytes with various mono-, di- and trivalent metal ions (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+, Co2+, Cu2+, Zn2+, Fe2+, Fe3+ and Ga3+). For the alkali cations, we find that F20TPP forms complexes only with Li+ and Na+; in addition, model analyte molecules such as poly(ethyleneglycol)s, mixed with F20TPP and the alkali cations, also only form Li+ and Na+ adducts. This contrasts sharply with the commonly used matrix 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, where analytes are most efficiently cationized by Na+ or K+. Reasons for this difference are delineated. Ab initio calculations on porphyrin itself reveal that even the smallest alkali cation, Li+, does not fit in the porphyrin cavity, but lies on top of it, pushing the 21H and 23 H hydrogen atoms out of and below the plane with concomitant bending of the porphyrin skeleton in the opposite direction, i.e. toward the cation. Thus, the Li+ ion is not effectively sequestered and is in fact exposed and thus accessible for donation to analyte molecules. Interaction of F20TPP with di- and trivalent metal ions leads to protoporphyrin,metal ions, where the metal ion is captured within the protoporphyrin dianion cavity. The most intense signal is obtained when F20TPP is reacted with CuCl2 and then subjected to laser ablation. This method presents an easy general route to study the metal containing protoporphyrin molecules, which could all act as potential MALDI matrices. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Recombinant human serotonin 5A receptors stably expressed in C6 glioma cells couple to multiple signal transduction pathwaysJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 2 2003Mami Noda Abstract Human serotonin 5A (5-HT5A) receptors were stably expressed in undifferentiated C6 glioma. In 5-HT5A receptors-expressing cells, accumulation of cAMP by forskolin was inhibited by 5-HT as reported previously. Pertussis toxin-sensitive inhibition of ADP-ribosyl cyclase was also observed, indicating a decrease of cyclic ADP ribose, a potential intracellular second messenger mediating ryanodine-sensitive Ca2+ mobilization. On the other hand, 5-HT-induced outward currents were observed using the patch-clamp technique in whole-cell configuration. The 5-HT-induced outward current was observed in 84% of the patched 5-HT5A receptor-expressing cells and was concentration-dependent. The 5-HT-induced current was inhibited when intracellular K+ was replaced with Cs+ but was not significantly inhibited by typical K+ channel blockers. The 5-HT-induced current was significantly attenuated by 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane- N,N,N,,N,-tetraacetic acid (BAPTA) in the patch pipette. Depleting intracellular Ca2+ stores by application of caffeine or thapsigargin also blocked the 5-HT-induced current. Blocking G protein, the inositol triphosphate (IP3) receptor, or pretreatment with pertussis toxin, all inhibited the 5-HT-induced current. IP3 showed a transient increase after application of 5-HT in 5-HT5A receptor-expressing cells. It was concluded that in addition to the inhibition of cAMP accumulation and ADP-ribosyl cyclase activity, 5-HT5A receptors regulate intracellular Ca2+ mobilization which is probably a result of the IP3-sensitive Ca2+ store. These multiple signal transduction systems may induce complex changes in the serotonergic system in brain function. [source] In depolarized and glucose-deprived neurons, Na+ influx reverses plasmalemmal K+ -dependent and K+ -independent Na+/Ca2+ exchangers and contributes to NMDA excitotoxicityJOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY, Issue 6 2002Aneta Czy Abstract Cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) express K+ -dependent (NCKX) and K+ -independent (NCX) plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchangers which, under plasma membrane-depolarizing conditions and high cytosolic [Na+], may reverse and mediate potentially toxic Ca2+ influx. To examine this possibility, we inhibited NCX or NCKX with KB-R7943 or K+ -free medium, respectively, and studied how gramicidin affects cytosolic [Ca2+] and 45Ca2+ accumulation. Gramicidin forms pores permeable to alkali cations but not Ca2+. Therefore, gramicidin-induced Ca2+ influx is indirect; it results from fluxes of monovalent cations. In the presence of Na+, but not Li+ or Cs+, gramicidin induced Ca2+ influx that was inhibited by simultaneous application of KB-R7943 and K+ -free medium. The data indicate that gramicidin-induced Na+ influx reverses NCX and NCKX. To test the role of NCX and/or NCKX in excitotoxicity, we studied how NMDA affects the viability of glucose-deprived and depolarized CGCs. To assure depolarization of the plasma membrane, we inhibited Na+,K+ -ATPase with ouabain. Although inhibition of NCX or NCKX reversal failed to significantly limit 45Ca2+ accumulation and excitotoxicity, simultaneously inhibiting NCX and NCKX reversal was neuroprotective and significantly decreased NMDA-induced 45Ca2+ accumulation. Our data suggest that NMDA-induced Na+ influx reverses NCX and NCKX and leads to the death of depolarized and glucose-deprived neurons. [source] Dependence of Hyperpolarisation-Activated Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Channel Activity on Basal Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate Production in Spontaneously Firing GH3 CellsJOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY, Issue 7 2006K. Kretschmannova Abstract The hyperpolarisation-activated cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channels play a distinct role in the control of membrane excitability in spontaneously active cardiac and neuronal cells. Here, we studied the expression and role of HCN channels in pacemaking activity, Ca2+ signalling, and prolactin secretion in GH3 immortalised pituitary cells. Reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed the presence of mRNA transcripts for HCN2, HCN3 and HCN4 subunits in these cells. A hyperpolarisation of the membrane potential below ,,60 mV elicited a slowly activating voltage-dependent inward current (Ih) in the majority of tested cells, with a half-maximal activation voltage of ,89.9 ± 4.2 mV and with a time constant of 1.4 ± 0.2 s at ,120 mV. The bath application of 1 mM Cs+, a commonly used inorganic blocker of Ih, and 100 µM ZD7288, a specific organic blocker of Ih, inhibited Ih by 90 ± 4.1% and 84.3 ± 1.8%, respectively. Receptor- and nonreceptor-mediated activation of adenylyl and soluble guanylyl cyclase and the addition of a membrane permeable cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) analogue, 8-Br-cAMP, did not affect Ih. Inhibition of basal adenylyl cyclase activity, but not basal soluble guanylyl cyclase activity, led to a reduction in the peak amplitude and a leftward shift in the activation curve of Ih by 23.7 mV. The inhibition of the current was reversed by stimulation of adenylyl cyclase with forskolin and by the addition of 8-Br-cAMP, but not 8-Br-cGMP. Application of Cs+ had no significant effect on the resting membrane potential or electrical activity, whereas ZD7288 exhibited complex and Ih -independent effects on spontaneous electrical activity, Ca2+ signalling, and prolactin release. These results indicate that HCN channels in GH3 cells are under tonic activation by basal level of cAMP and are not critical for spontaneous firing of action potentials. [source] Environmentally responsive micelles from polystyrene,poly[bis(potassium carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene] block copolymersJOURNAL OF POLYMER SCIENCE (IN TWO SECTIONS), Issue 13 2005Youngkyu Chang Abstract Amphiphilic diblock copolymers that contained hydrophilic poly[bis(potassium carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene] segments and hydrophobic polystyrene sections were synthesized via the controlled cationic polymerization of Cl3PNSiMe3 with a polystyrenyl,phosphoranimine as a macromolecular terminator. These block copolymers self-associated in aqueous media to form micellar structures which were investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and transmission electron microscopy. The size and shape of the micelles were not affected by the introduction of different monovalent cations (Li+, K+, Na+, and Cs+) into the stable micellar solutions. However, exposure to divalent cations induced intermicellar crosslinking through carboxylate groups, which caused precipitation of the ionically crosslinked aggregates from solution. This micelle-coupling behavior was reversible: the subsequent addition of monovalent cations caused the redispersion of the polystyrene- block -poly[bis(potassium carboxylatophenoxy)phosphazene] (PS,KPCPP) block copolymers into a stable micellar solution. Aqueous micellar solutions of PS,KPCPP copolymers also showed pH-dependent behavior. These attributes make PS,KPCPP block copolymers suitable for studies of guest retention and release in response to ion charge and pH. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 43: 2912,2920, 2005 [source] A solid-state 23Na NMR study of monovalent cation binding to double-stranded DNA at low relative humidityMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN CHEMISTRY, Issue 4 2008Alan Wong Abstract We report a solid-state 23Na NMR study of monovalent cation (Li+, Na+, K+, Rb+, Cs+ and NH4+) binding to double-stranded calf thymus DNA (CT DNA) at low relative humidity, ca 0,10%. Results from 23Na31P rotational echo double resonance (REDOR) NMR experiments firmly establish that, at low relative humidity, monovalent cations are directly bound to the phosphate group of CT DNA and are partially dehydrated. On the basis of solid-state 23Na NMR titration experiments, we obtain quantitative thermodynamic parameters concerning the cation-binding affinity for the phosphate group of CT DNA. The free energy difference (,G° ) between M+ and Na+ ions is as follows: Li+ (,1.0 kcal mol,1), K+ (7.2 kcal mol,1), NH4+ (1.0 kcal mol,1), Rb+ (4.5 kcal mol,1) and Cs+ (1.5 kcal mol,1). These results suggest that, at low relative humidity, the binding affinity of monovalent cations for the phosphate group of CT DNA follows the order: Li+ > Na+ > NH4+ > Cs+ > Rb+ > K+. This sequence is drastically different from that observed for CT DNA in solution. This discrepancy is attributed to the different modes of cation binding in dry and wet states of DNA. In the wet state of DNA, cations are fully hydrated. Our results suggest that the free energy balance between direct cation,phosphate contact and dehydration interactions is important. The reported experimental results on relative ion-binding affinity for the DNA backbone may be used for testing theoretical treatment of cation-phosphate interactions in DNA. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [source] Cesium-133: A potential reporter of the hepatic uptake of contrast agentsMAGNETIC RESONANCE IN MEDICINE, Issue 4 2001Jean-Marie Colet Abstract NMR spectroscopy of intracellularly located 133Cs has been used to monitor the uptake of Gd-EOB-DTPA by the isolated rat liver. As shown by 31P spectroscopy, accumulation of 133Cs ions in hepatocytes does not produce detectable effects on the metabolism. The hepatic internalization of Gd-EOB-DTPA was followed by the paramagnetic relaxation enhancement of the intracellular 133Cs ions, and confirmed by parallel quantitations of Gd and Cs run by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) analysis of liver samples and aliquots of perfusate. The relaxation data significantly underestimate the Gd content, suggesting a potential compartmentation of Cs+ and/or the contrast agent. Magn Reson Med 45:711,715, 2001. © 2001 Wiley-Liss, Inc. [source] Cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry of polymers and related materials,MASS SPECTROMETRY REVIEWS, Issue 2 2010Christine M. Mahoney Abstract Cluster secondary ion mass spectrometry (cluster SIMS) has played a critical role in the characterization of polymeric materials over the last decade, allowing for the ability to obtain spatially resolved surface and in-depth molecular information from many polymer systems. With the advent of new molecular sources such as , , , and , there are considerable increases in secondary ion signal as compared to more conventional atomic beams (Ar+, Cs+, or Ga+). In addition, compositional depth profiling in organic and polymeric systems is now feasible, without the rapid signal decay that is typically observed under atomic bombardment. The premise behind the success of cluster SIMS is that compared to atomic beams, polyatomic beams tend to cause surface-localized damage with rapid sputter removal rates, resulting in a system at equilibrium, where the damage created is rapidly removed before it can accumulate. Though this may be partly true, there are actually much more complex chemistries occurring under polyatomic bombardment of organic and polymeric materials, which need to be considered and discussed to better understand and define the important parameters for successful depth profiling. The following presents a review of the current literature on polymer analysis using cluster beams. This review will focus on the surface and in-depth characterization of polymer samples with cluster sources, but will also discuss the characterization of other relevant organic materials, and basic polymer radiation chemistry. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc., Mass Spec Rev 29:247,293, 2010 [source] Membrane depolarization induces K+ efflux from subapical maize root segmentsNEW PHYTOLOGIST, Issue 1 2002Fabio F. Nocito Summary ,,The role of potassium efflux from maize (Zea mays) root segments in maintaining transmembrane electric potential difference (Em) was studied in vivo, together with the involvement of outward rectifying K+ channels (ORCs). ,,Measurements were made of the efflux of potassium (K+) from roots when its uptake was competitively inhibited by rubidium (Rb+), of the Em of the root cells by microelectrodes and of the unidirectional fluxes of monovalent cations. ,,The influx of Rb+, caesium (Cs+) or ammonium (NH4+) into the segments induced an efflux of K+. Lithium (Li+) and sodium (Na+) were not taken up and did not induce K+ efflux. The permeating cations induced membrane depolarizations, which were closely related to the values of K+ efflux. Two K+ -channel blockers, tetraethylammonium-chloride and quinidine, inhibited K+ efflux. The inhibition was accompanied by a higher membrane depolarization induced by Rb+, whose influx was not affected. ,,The results suggest that a depolarizing event caused by cation uptake increased K+ efflux from the cells, probably through the activation of ORCs involved in restoration and stabilization of Em. [source] Properties of ion channels in the protoplasts of the Mediterranean seagrass Posidonia oceanicaPLANT CELL & ENVIRONMENT, Issue 3 2004A. CARPANETO ABSTRACT Posidonia oceanica (L) Delile, a seagrass endemic of the Mediterranean sea, provides food and shelter to marine organisms. As environment contamination and variation in physico-chemical parameters may compromise the survival of the few Posidonia genotypes living in the Mediterranean, comprehending the molecular mechanisms controlling Posidonia growth and development is increasingly important. In the present study the properties of ion channels in P. oceanica plasma membranes studied by the patch-clamp technique in protoplasts obtained from the young non-photosynthetic leaves were investigated. In protoplasts that were presumably originated from sheath cells surrounding the vascular bundles of the leaves, an outward-rectifying time-dependent channel with a single channel conductance of 58 ± 2 pS which did not inactivate, was selective for potassium and impermeable to monovalent cations such as Na+, Li+ and Cs+ was identified. In the same protoplasts, an inward-rectifying channel that has a time-dependent component with single channel conductance of the order of 10 pS, a marked selectivity for potassium and no permeation to sodium was also identified, as was a third type of channel that did not display any ionic selectivity and was reversibly inhibited by tetraethylammonium and lanthanum. A comparison of Posidonia channel characteristics with channels identified in terrestrial plants and other halophytic plants is included. [source] Probing protein structure and dynamics by second-derivative ultraviolet absorption analysis of cation,, interactionsPROTEIN SCIENCE, Issue 10 2006Laura H. Lucas Abstract We describe an alternate approach for studying protein structure using the detection of ultraviolet (UV) absorbance peak shifts of aromatic amino acid side chains induced by the presence of salts. The method is based on the hypothesis that salt cations (Li+, Na+, and Cs+) of varying sizes can differentially diffuse through protein matrices and interact with benzyl, phenyl, and indole groups through cation,, interactions. We have investigated the potential of this method to probe protein dynamics by measuring high resolution second-derivative UV spectra as a function of salt concentration for eight proteins of varying physical and chemical properties and the N -acetylated C -ethyl esterified amino acids to represent totally exposed side chains. We show that small shifts in the wavelength maxima for Phe, Tyr, and Trp in the presence of high salt concentrations can be reliably measured and that the magnitude and direction of the peak shifts are influenced by several factors, including protein size, charge, and the local environment and solvent accessibility of the aromatic groups. Evaluating the empirical UV spectral data in light of known protein structural information shows that probing cation,, interactions in proteins reveals unique information about the influence of structure on aromatic side chain spectroscopic behavior. [source] Characteristics and physiological role of hyperpolarization activated currents in mouse cold thermoreceptorsTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 9 2009Patricio Orio Hyperpolarization-activated currents (Ih) are mediated by the expression of combinations of hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated (HCN) channel subunits (HCN1,4). These cation currents are key regulators of cellular excitability in the heart and many neurons in the nervous system. Subunit composition determines the gating properties and cAMP sensitivity of native Ih currents. We investigated the functional properties of Ih in adult mouse cold thermoreceptor neurons from the trigeminal ganglion, identified by their high sensitivity to moderate cooling and responsiveness to menthol. All cultured cold-sensitive (CS) neurons expressed a fast activating Ih, which was fully blocked by extracellular Cs+ or ZD7288 and had biophysical properties consistent with those of heteromeric HCN1,HCN2 channels. In CS neurons from HCN1(,/,) animals, Ih was greatly reduced but not abolished. We find that Ih activity is not essential for the transduction of cold stimuli in CS neurons. Nevertheless, Ih has the potential to shape the excitability of CS neurons. First, Ih blockade caused a membrane hyperpolarization in CS neurons of about 5 mV. Furthermore, impedance power analysis showed that all CS neurons had a prominent subthreshold membrane resonance in the 5,7 Hz range, completely abolished upon blockade of Ih and absent in HCN1 null mice. This frequency range matches the spontaneous firing frequency of cold thermoreceptor terminals in vivo. Behavioural responses to cooling were reduced in HCN1 null mice and after peripheral pharmacological blockade of Ih with ZD7288, suggesting that Ih plays an important role in peripheral sensitivity to cold. [source] Functional expression of the hyperpolarization-activated, non-selective cation current If in immortalized HL-1 cardiomyocytesTHE JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY, Issue 1 2002Laura Sartiani HL-1 cells are adult mouse atrial myocytes induced to proliferate indefinitely by SV40 large T antigen. These cells beat spontaneously when confluent and express several adult cardiac cell markers including the outward delayed rectifier K+ channel. Here, we examined the presence of a hyperpolarization-activated If current in HL-1 cells using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique on isolated cells enzymatically dissociated from the culture at confluence. Cell membrane capacitance (Cm) ranged from 5 to 53 pF. If was detected in about 30 % of the cells and its occurrence was independent of the stage of the culture. If maximal slope conductance was 89.7 ± 0.4 pS pF,1 (n= 10). If current in HL-1 cells showed typical characteristics of native cardiac If current: activation threshold between ,50 and ,60 mV, half-maximal activation potential of ,83.1 ± 0.7 mV (n= 50), reversal potential at ,20.8 ± 1.5 mV (n= 10), time-dependent activation by hyperpolarization and blockade by 4 mm Cs+. In half of the cells tested, activation of adenylyl cyclase by the forskolin analogue L858051 (20 ,m) induced both a ,6 mV positive shift of the half-activation potential and a ,37 % increase in the fully activated If current. RT-PCR analysis of the hyperpolarization-activated, cyclic nucleotide-gated channels (HCN) expressed in HL-1 cells demonstrated major contributions of HCN1 and HCN2 channel isoforms to If current. Cytosolic Ca2+ oscillations in spontaneously beating HL-1 cells were measured in Fluo-3 AM-loaded cells using a fast-scanning confocal microscope. The oscillation frequency ranged from 1.3 to 5 Hz and the spontaneous activity was stopped in the presence of 4 mm Cs+. Action potentials from HL-1 cells had a triangular shape, with an overshoot at +15 mV and a maximal diastolic potential of ,69 mV, i.e. more negative than the threshold potential for If activation. In conclusion, HL-1 cells display a hyperpolarization-activated If current which might contribute to the spontaneous contractile activity of these cells. [source] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||