Ghrelin accelerates synapse formation and activity development in cultured cortical networks
Irina I Stoyanova1, Joost le Feber
1Biomedical Signals and Systems, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, Mathematics and Computer Sciences, Institute for Biomedical Engineering and Technical Medicine MIRA, BSS, ZH 226, University of Twente, P,O, Box 217, Enschede 7500 AE, The Netherlands. stoyanovai@yahoo.co.uk.
BMC Neuroscience
|April 19, 2014
Summary
Acylated ghrelin accelerates synapse formation and network activity in developing cortical neurons. This peptide hormone promotes earlier maturation of neuronal networks, impacting synaptic plasticity and function.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Ghrelin, known for appetite regulation, also exhibits neuroprotective effects and influences cognitive function by modulating synaptic plasticity.
- Previous research indicated ghrelin's role in stimulating synapse formation and altering electrophysiological properties in various brain regions, but its direct impact on cortical neurons remained unelucidated.
- The study aimed to investigate ghrelin's effects on cortical neuron activity, network development, synaptogenesis, and the expression of its receptor, GHSR-1a.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of acylated ghrelin on the development of activity levels and patterns in cortical neurons.
- To examine the relationship between acylated ghrelin, synaptogenesis, and neuronal network formation.
- To quantify the developmental expression of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a (GHSR-1a) in cortical neurons.
Main Methods:
- Utilized electrophysiology and immunohistochemistry on dissociated cortical cultures from neonates.
- Administered chronic treatment with acylated ghrelin to cultured cortical neurons.
- Quantified synapse density and neuronal network activity over a 3-week period.
Main Results:
- Acylated ghrelin treatment significantly increased synapse density in cortical cultures compared to controls across all tested ages.
- Cortical neurons expressed the growth hormone secretagogue receptor-1a (GHSR-1a) in 76±4.6% of cases.
- Ghrelin-treated cultures exhibited higher network activity during early developmental stages (1-2 weeks) and reached peak activity approximately one week earlier than controls.
Conclusions:
- Acylated ghrelin promotes accelerated network formation and earlier activation in developing cortical neuronal networks.
- The enhanced network activity observed is likely a consequence of ghrelin-induced acceleration of synaptogenesis.
- Ghrelin plays a significant role in the developmental maturation of cortical neuronal networks.
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