Neuroscience 2005 Abstract
| Presentation Number: | 730.5 |
|---|---|
| Abstract Title: | Effects of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) on neurons of the hypoglossal nucleus in adult rat brainstem slices. |
| Authors: |
McCloskey, D. P.*1
; Scharfman, H. E.1
1Center for Neural Recovery and Rehabilitation Research, Helen Hayes Hospital, West Haverstraw, NY |
| Primary Theme and Topics |
Neural Excitability, Synapses, and Glia: Cellular Mechanisms - Synaptic Transmission -- Modulation |
| Secondary Theme and Topics | Sensory and Motor Systems<br />- Spinal Cord<br />-- Motoneurons |
| Session: |
730. Synaptic Plasticity and Modulation: Vertebrate and Invertebrate Systems Poster |
| Presentation Time: | Tuesday, November 15, 2005 1:00 PM-2:00 PM |
| Location: | Washington Convention Center - Hall A-C, Board # K10 |
| Keywords: | MOTOR NEURON, ALS, NEUROPROTECTION, GROWTH FACTOR |
We have previously shown that VEGF has specific effects on the physiology of hippocampal neurons, particularly under certain pathophysiological conditions (McCloskey et al., SFN 2004: 567.21). Given the evidence that brainstem motoneurons are also sensitive to VEGF signaling, we examined the effects of VEGF on intrinsic and synaptic properties of hypoglossal motoneurons in brainstem slices using intracellular recording techniques. Acute brainstem slices (400 µm) were made at the level of the obex in young adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (~ 31 days old) and maintained at 31-32°C. Morphologically-identified hypoglossal motoneurons were recorded with sharp microelectrodes. Recombinant human VEGF 165 (generously provided by Regeneron Pharmaceuticals) was applied directly to the slice, at a concentration shown to depress hippocampal synaptic transmission [260 ng/ml]. Intrinsic properties of hypoglossal neurons were compared before and after exposure to VEGF. The resting potential, action potential properties, and firing behavior were similar before and after > 30 min of exposure to VEGF in all cells (n=4), and input resistance was not significantly different (paired t-test, t(3)=0.07, p= 0.946), suggesting that VEGF did not permeabilize these neurons, and did not lead to deterioration of the slice. However, when responses to an electrical stimulus (delivered across the solitary nucleus by two electrodes with opposing polarity) were compared before and after VEGF exposure, peak amplitudes of stimulus-evoked subthreshold depolarizations were reduced in each of these cells (mean reduction ± SEM, 37.0 ± 11.7 %). This reduction was significant when the pre and post VEGF peak amplitudes were compared with a paired t-test (t(3)= 9.45, p= 0.003). The results suggest that VEGF has an effect on hypoglossal neurons that is independent of any permeabilizing actions on neurons.
Supported by NIH 37562, Helen Hayes Hospital Foundation
Sample Citation:
[Authors]. [Abstract Title]. Program No. XXX.XX. 2005 Neuroscience Meeting Planner. Washington, DC: Society for Neuroscience, 2005. Online.
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