Detailseite
Projekt Druckansicht

Optogenetische Kontrolle von epileptischen Anfällen in einem mittels simultaner Kalzium-Messung und fMRT kartierten Netzwerk

Fachliche Zuordnung Experimentelle Modelle zum Verständnis von Erkrankungen des Nervensystems
Molekulare Biologie und Physiologie von Nerven- und Gliazellen
Förderung Förderung von 2016 bis 2021
Projektkennung Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Projektnummer 316102862
 
Erstellungsjahr 2021

Zusammenfassung der Projektergebnisse

Epilepsy is regarded as brain network disease. We instituted multimodal methods, fMRI, optical, fiber-based Ca2+ recordings, parallel electrophysiological slice experiments and immunohistochemistry to characterize the epileptic brain network in a spontaneous rat absence epilepsy model, the Genetic Absence epilepsy rat from Strasbourg (GAERS). The ultimate goal was to identify potential epileptic hubs and probe these targets by optogenetic stimulation in order to control seizures in this model. Simultaneous Ca2+ recordings during resting state (rs)-fMRI acquisition allowed for unambiguous identification of brain states: the pre-seizure state and the seizure state. Based on standard BOLD fMRI and one-dimensional line scanning data, a hemodynamic response function appropriate for the analysis of seizure activity in the rat brain was established. Graph theoretical analysis of rs-fMRI data allowed for identification of acute and chronic network changes. The most prominent acute change in network organization during seizures was the segregation of cortical regions from the remaining brain. Subtle differences were observed for retrosplenial cortex (RS), forming more connections beyond cortex in epileptic rats and showing a tendency to lateralization during seizures. A potential role of RS as hub between subcortical and cortical regions in epilepsy was supported by increased numbers of parvalbumin-positive (PV+) interneurons together with enhanced inhibitory synaptic activity and neuronal excitability in pyramidal neurons. General differences in brain networks of GAERS and NEC were already apparent at 3 months of age in the longitudinal rs-fMRI study. Functional brain mapping with manganese-enhanced MRI (MEMRI) indicated involvement of thalamus, basal ganglia, and limbic regions during frequently reoccurring absence seizures in this rat model. Although reliable BOLD responses could be evoked by light stimulation of excitatory opsins ChR2, C1V1, and ultrafast opsins we did not succeed in controlling seizure activity by targeting either the perioral region of the sensory cortex or the RS yet. Light intensities necessary to activate the inhibitory opsin ArchT caused heating artifacts. Targeting inhibitory neurons represent a further strategy, however, commercially available viral constructs with promotors specific for interneurons are rare. Targeting basal ganglia and limbic regions with excitatory opsins remain promising strategies for future experiments.

Projektbezogene Publikationen (Auswahl)

 
 

Zusatzinformationen

Textvergrößerung und Kontrastanpassung