Age-Related Hyperexcitability of Sympathetic Motor Neurons Linked to Reduced KCNQ Channel Function

แนวคิดหลัก

Aging leads to increased spontaneous firing and heightened responsiveness to electrical stimulation in sympathetic motor neurons, which is linked to a reduction in KCNQ potassium channel function.

บทคัดย่อ

This study investigates the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying age-associated sympathetic overactivity. The key findings are:

Aging influences the intrinsic membrane properties of sympathetic motor neurons:

Older motor neurons exhibit a more positive resting membrane potential (RMP) and increased rheobase.
The percentage of motor neurons displaying spontaneous activity increases with age.
Older motor neurons respond with higher firing rates to electrical stimulation.
Older motor neurons show a predominant tonic firing subpopulation.

Aging reduces KCNQ potassium current in sympathetic motor neurons:

KCNQ current density is lower in middle-aged and old neurons compared to young neurons.
The decrease in KCNQ current correlates with the depolarized RMP and increased firing in young and middle-aged, but not old, neurons.
Pharmacological inhibition of KCNQ channels in young neurons mimics the aged phenotype, while activation of KCNQ channels in old neurons reverses the aged phenotype.

These findings suggest that a reduction in KCNQ channel function is a key mechanism underlying the age-related hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons, which may contribute to sympathetic overactivity during aging.

สถิติ

Resting membrane potential (RMP) of sympathetic motor neurons:

Young (12 weeks): -64 ± 1 mV
Middle-aged (64 weeks): -58 ± 1 mV
Old (115 weeks): -54 ± 1 mV
Percentage of neurons exhibiting spontaneous firing:

Young (12 weeks): 3%
Middle-aged (64 weeks): 37%
Old (115 weeks): 58%
Spontaneous firing frequency:

Middle-aged (64 weeks): 177 ± 41 APs/minute
Old (115 weeks): 60 ± 20 APs/minute
KCNQ current density:

Young (12 weeks): 10.6 ± 1.5 pA/pF
Middle-aged (64 weeks): 7.5 ± 0.7 pA/pF
Old (115 weeks): 4.8 ± 0.7 pA/pF

คำพูด

"Aging does impact the distribution of firing subtypes, the percentage of adapting neurons decreased in middle age (10%) and old (12%) compared to young (29%)."
"Older neurons exhibited a reduced threshold for eliciting APs (64 weeks: 20 ± 2 pA; 115 weeks: 23 ± 5 pA) compared to young neurons (34 ± 4 pA)."
"Older neurons fired more APs with a 100 pA current injection (64 weeks: 15 ± 1 APs; 115 weeks: 15 ± 2 APs) compared to young neurons (12 weeks: 7 ± 1 APs)."

ข้อมูลเชิงลึกที่สำคัญจาก

Sympathetic Motor Neuron Dysfunction is a Missing Link in Age-Associated Sympathetic Overactivity

by de la Cruz,L... ที่ www.biorxiv.org 09-29-2023

https://www.biorxiv.org/content/10.1101/2023.09.27.559800v2

สอบถามเพิ่มเติม

How do the age-related changes in sympathetic motor neuron excitability contribute to the development of age-associated diseases like hypertension and arrhythmias?

The age-related changes in sympathetic motor neuron excitability play a significant role in the development of age-associated diseases such as hypertension and arrhythmias. As individuals age, there is a gradual increase in sympathetic nervous system activity, leading to heightened release of norepinephrine over organs. This overactivity can trigger compensatory processes and cellular deterioration, ultimately contributing to the pathophysiology of conditions like hypertension and arrhythmias.
Specifically, the hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons in aging individuals results in a more positive resting membrane potential, increased spontaneous firing, and enhanced responsiveness to electrical stimulation. These changes lead to alterations in the sympathetic reflex, impacting the communication between the central and peripheral components of the sympathetic nervous system. The dysregulation of sympathetic motor neurons can disrupt the balance of autonomic control over cardiovascular function, leading to increased blood pressure (hypertension) and irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias).
The age-related hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons can directly influence the release of neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, affecting the tone of blood vessels and the heart. This dysregulation can contribute to sustained high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms, both of which are common features of age-associated cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, understanding and addressing the changes in sympathetic motor neuron excitability are crucial for managing and potentially preventing age-related cardiovascular conditions.

How might the age-related hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons impact other organ systems beyond the cardiovascular system?

The age-related hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons can have far-reaching effects beyond the cardiovascular system, impacting various organ systems and physiological processes. The sympathetic nervous system plays a crucial role in regulating a wide range of functions throughout the body, including but not limited to:

Respiratory System: Sympathetic innervation influences bronchodilation and airway resistance. Hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons could lead to alterations in respiratory function, potentially contributing to respiratory conditions or exacerbating symptoms in individuals with pre-existing respiratory disorders.

Digestive System: Sympathetic innervation affects gastrointestinal motility, blood flow, and secretion. Changes in sympathetic motor neuron excitability could disrupt the balance of digestive processes, leading to issues such as altered gut motility, impaired nutrient absorption, or gastrointestinal disorders.

Urinary System: Sympathetic control influences bladder function and urinary continence. Hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons may impact bladder contractions, urinary retention, or incontinence, affecting urinary system health and function.

Endocrine System: The sympathetic nervous system interacts with the endocrine system, influencing hormone release and metabolic processes. Dysregulation of sympathetic motor neurons could disrupt hormonal balance, potentially contributing to metabolic disorders, hormonal imbalances, or other endocrine-related conditions.

Immune System: Sympathetic innervation plays a role in modulating immune responses and inflammation. Changes in sympathetic motor neuron excitability could impact immune function, potentially influencing susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, or inflammatory conditions.

Overall, the age-related hyperexcitability of sympathetic motor neurons can have widespread effects on various organ systems, highlighting the interconnected nature of physiological regulation by the autonomic nervous system. Understanding these impacts is essential for comprehensively addressing age-related changes in neuronal function and their implications for overall health and well-being.

What other ion channels or signaling pathways might be involved in compensating for the reduction in KCNQ current during aging, and how could targeting these mechanisms help restore normal sympathetic motor neuron function?

In addition to KCNQ channels, several other ion channels and signaling pathways may be involved in compensating for the reduction in KCNQ current during aging, potentially influencing the excitability and function of sympathetic motor neurons. Some of the key mechanisms that could play a role in restoring normal sympathetic motor neuron function include:

Calcium Channels: Changes in voltage-gated calcium channels (CaV) could impact calcium influx and neurotransmitter release in sympathetic motor neurons. Modulation of calcium channel activity may influence membrane excitability and synaptic transmission, potentially compensating for alterations in KCNQ current.

Potassium Channels: Apart from KCNQ channels, other potassium channels such as KV2 and KV4 channels are critical for regulating membrane potential and action potential firing in neurons. Modulation of these potassium channels could help restore the balance of ion currents and neuronal excitability in aging sympathetic motor neurons.

Sodium Channels: Voltage-gated sodium channels (NaV) are essential for action potential generation and propagation. Changes in sodium channel activity could impact the threshold and frequency of action potentials in sympathetic motor neurons, potentially compensating for alterations in KCNQ current and restoring normal neuronal function.

Second Messenger Systems: Signaling pathways involving second messengers like cyclic AMP (cAMP) or protein kinase C (PKC) could influence ion channel activity and neuronal excitability. Targeting these pathways pharmacologically could modulate ion channel function and restore the balance of membrane properties in aging sympathetic motor neurons.

By targeting these alternative ion channels and signaling pathways, it may be possible to modulate the excitability of sympathetic motor neurons and restore normal function in the context of age-related changes. Developing specific pharmacological interventions or therapeutic strategies that selectively influence these mechanisms could offer potential avenues for mitigating the hyperexcitability associated with aging and maintaining the proper regulation of sympathetic nervous system activity.