Neuroscience
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Cell-cell communication plays a central role in the guidance of migrating neuronal precursor cells during the development of the cerebral cortex. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) have previously been shown to be one of the central factors regulating neuronal migration. In this study the effects of eCBs on different parameters, expected to affect embryonic cortical neuronal motility have been analyzed in neurosphere-derived neuroblasts using time-lapse microscopy. ⋯ Similar changes occur interfering with the function of the metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) or its transducer canonical transient receptor potential channel 3 (TRPC3) or the neuregulin receptor ErbB4. Blocking of 2-AG production reverses these effects. The data suggest that eCB-regulated neuronal motility is controlled by mGluR5/TRPC3 activity possibly via NRG/ErbB4 signaling.
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Exaggerated thoughts, diminished mood and impaired cognition are the hallmarks of the schizophrenia-like condition. These symptoms are attributed to the dysregulation of dopamine and glutamate signaling in the brain. Since cocaine- and amphetamine-regulated transcript peptide (CART) modulates actions of dopamine as well as glutamate, we tested the role of this peptide in MK-801-induced schizophrenic dementia-like condition. ⋯ However, MK-801 treatment attenuated the peptide expression and induced social memory deficits. The schizophrenic dementia-like symptoms following antagonism of glutamatergic receptors may be attributed to the reduced dopamine activity in the mesocortical system. We suggest that CART may, positively modulate the dopamine system to alleviate cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia.