Estudamos os efeitos da estimulação elétrica no nucleus basalis magnocelular (Meynert), núcleo colinégico que projeta aferências para o córtex cerebral e tem sido associado a mecanismos de aprendizagem e memória. Verificamos os efeitos eletrofisiológicos induzidos pela estimulação elétrica do núcleo basalis pareado com apresentação de um tom puro. Caracterizamos a dinâmica da atividade elétrica neural do cortex auditivo primário e de núcleos subcorticais relacionados à circuitaria da aprendizagem e memória, durante o condicionamento auditivo nos momentos de aquisição e de revocação além correlacioná-las a dinâmica de freqüência cardiaca, variável que pode exprimir a relevância de um estímulo / Acetilcholine is related to learning and memory and is related to cortical activation. We studied the effects electrically stimulating the basal forebrain - the main cholinergic afferent to the cortex, while presenting paired and unpaired pure tones. Mathematical techniques were used to analyze electrophysiological data. The dynamics from primary auditory cortex and related subcortical nuclei were correlated to the auditory conditioning. We also correlated brain activity to the heart dynamics, considered a reliable measure of learning and conditioning, an interesting approach that uncovers the relevance of stimulus that is not detectable through other behavioral variables

Submitted by Daniele Amaral (daniee_ni@hotmail.com) on 2017-10-16T18:31:31Z No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseWIF.pdf: 2113715 bytes, checksum: 6432f11b933c0c20bd1a2e05f8ba6252 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (producaointelectual.bco@ufscar.br) on 2017-10-31T11:05:59Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseWIF.pdf: 2113715 bytes, checksum: 6432f11b933c0c20bd1a2e05f8ba6252 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Ronildo Prado (producaointelectual.bco@ufscar.br) on 2017-10-31T11:06:09Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseWIF.pdf: 2113715 bytes, checksum: 6432f11b933c0c20bd1a2e05f8ba6252 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-31T11:11:20Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 TeseWIF.pdf: 2113715 bytes, checksum: 6432f11b933c0c20bd1a2e05f8ba6252 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2017-08-11 / Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP) / The nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS) is the primary site of visceral afferents, such as baroreceptors and arterial chemoreceptors. Recent data from our laboratory have shown that the microinjection of acetylcholine (ACh) into the commissural moiety of the NTS (cNTS) of decorticated arterially-perfused in situ preparations of male juvenile rats did not change the sympathetic nerve activity (SNA), but increased the phrenic nerve activity (PNA). Furthermore, we demonstrated that the ACh-induced responses in cNTS involve the activation of both nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. However, nicotinic receptors seem to play a more relevant role in the control of breathing, especially considering that such receptor antagonism promotes a decrease in the KCN- activated peripheral chemoreflex tachypneic response. However, the effects of specific nicotinic and muscarinic agonists in the cNTS on respiratory and sympathetic responses have not been studied yet. Once established the involvement of nicotinic receptors in the cNTS on peripheral chemoreflex ventilatory responses activated by cytotoxic hypoxia (KCN), we also evaluated the involvement of the cholinergic system in the cNTS on respiratory and sympathetic responses induced by hypercapnia or 24 h sustained hypoxia. Therefore, this project proposed to study the effects of selective activation of distinct cholinergic receptors in the cNTS on respiratory and sympathetic activities and the role of the cholinergic system in cNTS on sympathetic and respiratory activities reflex changes in response to hypercapnia or sustained hypoxia. We observed that the injection of both nicotinic and muscarinic agonists in the cNTS induces an increase in SNA and changes in the respiratory modulation pattern. The nicotinic agonist induces a decrease in respiratory frequency, as well as the blockade of the enzyme acetylcholinesterase. It was also observed that the cholinergic agonists promote an increase in the amplitude and duration of the pre-inspiratory (pre-I) period of the hypoglossal nerve and also increased the amplitude of the vagus nerve. When it comes on the protocols involving hypoxia, we observed that the cholinergic antagonists injected into the cNTS of rats previously exposed to hypoxia promoted a decrease in sympathetic activity, increased respiratory frequency, decreased hypoglossal nerve amplitude, and decreased post-inspiratory peak amplitude of the vagus nerve, but only the muscarinic antagonist decreased phrenic nerve amplitude and hypoxia-induced hypoglossal nerve pre-I increase. Regarding to the experiments with hypercapnia, we verified that the nicotinic antagonist in the cNTS inhibited the hypercapnia-induced increase in pre-I of the hypoglossal nerve. In addition, the nicotinic antagonist injected into the cNTS also potentiated the recruitment of late-E activity from the abdominal nerve. Taken together, the responses observed with the cholinergic agonists and injected into the cNTS, as well as the antagonists upon hypoxia, suggest the involvement of cholinergic pathways in the cNTS in the modulation of sympathetic and respiratory responses to sustained hypoxia. On the other hand, it seems that only nicotinic receptors in the cNTS are involved in hypercapnia-induced increase in pre-inspiratory activity and active expiration. / O núcleo do trato solitário (NTS) é o sítio primário de aferências viscerais, como barorreceptores e quimiorreceptores arteriais. Estudos recentes do nosso laboratório demonstraram que, em preparações in situ, decorticadas e perfundidas intra-arterialmente, a microinjeção de acetilcolina (ACh) na porção comissural do NTS (NTSc) não alterou a atividade simpática (SNA), mas promoveu aumento da atividade do nervo frênico (PNA). Além disso, evidenciamos que as respostas induzidas pela ACh no NTSc envolvem a ativação dos receptores nicotínicos e muscarínicos. Contudo, os receptores nicotínicos parecem desempenhar um papel mais relevante no controle da respiração, principalmente considerando que o antagonismo de tais receptores promove uma redução da resposta taquipneica do quimiorreflexo periférico ativado pelo KCN. Entretanto, os efeitos de agonistas específicos nicotínicos e muscarínicos, bem como a inibição da inibição da degradação de ACh no NTSc sobre as respostas respiratórias e sobre a atividade simpática ainda não foram estudados. Sabendo-se da participação dos receptores nicotínicos do NTSc sobre as respostas ventilatórias dos quimiorreceptores periféricos ativados por hipóxia citotóxica (KCN), avaliamos também a participação do sistema colinérgico do NTSc sobre as respostas simpática e respiratória induzidas por hipercapnia ou hipóxia sustentada por 24 h. Portanto, este projeto se propôs a estudar o efeito da ativação seletiva de diferentes receptores colinérgicos no NTSc sobre as atividades simpática e respiratória e o papel do sistema colinérgico no NTSc sobre as alterações reflexas nas atividades simpática e respiratória em resposta à hipercapnia ou hipóxia sustentada por 24 h. Observamos que a injeção de agonistas tanto nicotínico quanto muscarínico no NTSc promovem aumento da SNA e modifica o seu padrão de modulação respiratória. O agonista nicotínico induz uma diminuição da frequência respiratória, assim como o bloqueio da enzima acetilcolinesterase. Também foi observado que os agonistas colinérgicos promovem um aumento na amplitude e duração do período préinspiratório (pre-I) do nervo hipoglosso e também aumento na amplitude do nervo vago. Com relação aos protocolos envolvendo hipóxia, observamos os antagonistas colinérgicos injetados no NTSc de ratos previamente expostos à hipóxia, promoveu diminuição da atividade simpática, aumento da frequência respiratória, diminuição da amplitude do nervo hipoglosso e diminuição da amplitude do pico pós-inspiratório do nervo vago, mas somente o antagonista muscarínico diminuiu a amplitude do nervo frênico e o aumento do pre-I do nervo hipoglosso induzido pela hipóxia. Com relação aos experimentos com hipercapnia, verificamos que o antagonista nicotínico no NTSc inibiu o aumento do pre-I do nervo hipoglosso induzido pela hipercapnia. Além disso, o antagonista nicotínico injetado no NTSc também potencializou o recrutamento de atividade late-E do nervo abdominal. Tomados em conjunto, as respostas observadas com os agonistas colinérgicos injetados no NTSc, bem como com os antagonistas mediante a hipóxia, sugerem a participação de vias colinérgica do NTSc na modulação das respostas simpática e respiratória à hipóxia sustentada. Por outro lado, apenas os receptores nicotínicos do NTSc parecem estar envolvidos com o aumento da atividade pré-inspiratória e da expiração ativa induzidos por hipercapnia. / FAPESP: 2013/22526-4

L’activité électrique du cerveau lors de l’éveil est traditionnellement décrite comme rapide, microvoltée, et « désynchronisée ». De récents travaux chez les rongeurs ont montré que l’activité de l’éveil est plus complexe et varie notamment avec les contraintes comportementales. Chez la souris, il est possible d’enregistrer localement dans le cortex somatosensoriel primaire (S1) deux types d’activités associées aux comportements d’éveil calme et d’éveil « actif », lors de l’exploration de l’environnement par les moustaches. La première étude de cette thèse a permis de montrer que les activités corticales dans S1 lors des éveils calme et actif sont sous le contrôle principal du thalamus et, dans une moindre mesure, du système cholinergique. Pour ce faire, nous avons utilisé différentes méthodes : des enregistrements électrophysiologiques du thalamus et du cortex, l’activation optogénétique ou l’inactivation pharmacologique du thalamus. Au cours de la seconde étude, nous avons voulu savoir si le changement d’état d’éveil dans S1 s’observait dans d’autres structures. En réalisant des enregistrements multisites, nous montrons qu’il est possible d’observer ce changement d’état cortical suivant l’activité motrice de la souris en particulier dans les cortex sensori-moteurs (S1, sensoriel secondaire S2, moteur primaire M1), et de manière moins présente dans d’autres modalités sensorielles (auditif primaire Au1, visuel primaire V1), le pariétal associatif (PtA) ou l’hippocampe (dCA1). L’étude d’enregistrements multisites montre une hétérogénéité des activités corticales de l’éveil liée d’une part au comportement de l’animal, et d’autre part aux régions corticales considérées / The activity in the brain during wakefulness has been typically described as rapid, low amplitude and desynchronized. However, recent data on rodents support evidence for a more complex panel of activities depending on the behaviour. For instance, it has been shown in mice a state change in primary somatosensory cortex (S1) from quiet to active wakefulness while the animal is scanning the environment with its whiskers. In the first study, we show that this state change in S1 is under thalamic control and to a smaller extent a regulation by the cholinergic system. In order to study the underlying mechanism of the state change, we have recorded in S1 and the thalamus, and we have activated (optogenetic tools) or inactivated (with pharmacology) the thalamus. In the second part of this thesis work, we asked if the state change related to the behaviour was restricted to S1, or if it was also observed in other areas. We have done multiple recordings in several areas, and we show that it is possible to observe a state change related to muscular activity in sensori-motor areas (in S1, but also secondary sensory S2, and primary motor M1 cortex), and in a much less prominent extent in other sensory modalities (primary auditive Au1 and primary visual V1 cortex), in parietal associative cortex (PtA) and in hippocampus (dCA1). Thus, the multiple recordings in the secondary study show heterogeneity of cortical activities during wakefulness according to the behaviour and the cortical area recorded

Le tissu adipeux sous-cutané (TAsc) est le site préférentiel du stockage postprandial des triglycérides (TG). Quand les capacités d’accrétion sont dépassées, le stockage des TG se fait dans des sites ectopiques du TA et dans des tissus non adipocytaires, par exemple foie et muscles, ce qui entraine de multiples dysfonctionnements dans ces organes et tissus, et permet le développement du syndrome d’insulinorésistance. Chez les sujets obèses, la période postprandiale est caractérisée par des anomalies métaboliques, immunitaires, hormonales, et également par une diminution importante du flot sanguin dans le tissu adipeux (FSTA) sous-cutané. Ce blocage de la perfusion postprandiale du TA a aussi été montrée chez des individus minces qui avaient de très lourds antécédents familiaux de maladies cardiométabolique (obésité, diabète de type 2, maladies cardiovasculaires). Dans cette thèse, on classifiera ces individus comme « non-répondeurs ». À ce jour, peu d’attention a été accordée à ce phénomène. L’hypothèse qui sous-tend cette thèse est que les anomalies du FSTA sont innées ou primaires et sont impliquées très tôt dans le développement de la résistance à l’insuline (RI), du diabète de type 2 et du syndrome métabolique. Le but de notre recherche était donc de vérifier si les altérations du FSTA sont présentes chez les personnes saines et minces, mais à très haut risque de développer une RI ou une maladie cardiométabolique. Nous avons aussi cherché à déterminer les facteurs liés à la non-réponse. Pour cela il nous a fallu explorer certains facteurs hormonaux impliqués dans la régulation du FSTA. Nos résultats montrent que le FSTA est très diminué, à jeun et en postprandial, chez les sujets à haut risque de maladies cardiométaboliques mais encore minces et métaboliquement sains, sans RI. Nous avons aussi montré, pour la première fois, l’effet vasodilatateur du peptide intestinal vasoactif (VIP) dans le TAsc, tout comme le rôle stimulant du système cholinergique dans la régulation postprandiale du FSTA. Cependant, aucun de ces facteurs ne participe au dysfonctionnement du FSTA postprandial chez les non-répondeurs. Des taux répétés de TG plus élevés chez les non-répondeurs et l’association du FSTA avec certains indices de la RI décrits dans la littérature suggèrent que l’altération du métabolisme lipidique suite à la diminution du FSTA puisse servir de médiateur à la détérioration de la sensibilité à l’insuline. / Abstract : Subcutaneous adipose tissue (SCAT) is the preferential site of triacylglycerols (TAG) postprandial disposal. When the buffering capacity of SCAT for lipids is exceeded, TAG are disposed in ectopic adipose tissue depots and in non-adipose tissues, such as liver and muscles. Consequently, multiple dysfunctions of these organs and tissues develop including insulin resistance (IR). In obese people, the postprandial period is characterized by metabolic, immune and hormonal alterations, but also by severely altered adipose tissue blood flow (ATBF). Nevertheless, significant alteration of postprandial ATBF was also found in lean individuals with highly positive familiar history of cardiometabolic diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular diseases). In the thesis, we term them as "non-responders". Up to date, little attention has been payed to this phenomenon. The underlying hypothesis of this thesis is that alterations in ATBF are inborne or very early and that they participate on the development of IR, type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome. Consequently, the aim of our research was to verify if the alterations in ATBF are present in healthy, normal-weight subjects, but at very high risk for development of IR or cardiometabolic diseases. Simultaneously, we searched for factors linked with nonresponsiveness phenomenon. To do this, we examined some hormonal factors in ATBF regulation. Our results confirm the presence of altered fasting and postprandial ATBF in at highrisk subjects for cardiometabolic diseases, but still lean and metabolically healthy, without IR. For the first time, we have also demonstrated the role of cholinergic system in postprandial ATBF regulation, and vasodilatory effect of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in SCAT. However, none of these factors takes part in postprandial ATBF dysfunction in non-responders. Higher TAG levels repeatedly found in non-responders and the association of ATBF with some indices of insulin sensitivity described in the literature suggest that alteration of lipid metabolism as a result of low ATBF may mediate deterioration of insulin sensitivity.

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-03T11:24:00Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Carolina Nobre Ribeiro Pontes - 2018.pdf: 2152959 bytes, checksum: 9a1997dd7deceede7ede68d4550b490c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2018-10-03T11:46:07Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Carolina Nobre Ribeiro Pontes - 2018.pdf: 2152959 bytes, checksum: 9a1997dd7deceede7ede68d4550b490c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-10-03T11:46:08Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Carolina Nobre Ribeiro Pontes - 2018.pdf: 2152959 bytes, checksum: 9a1997dd7deceede7ede68d4550b490c (MD5) license_rdf: 0 bytes, checksum: d41d8cd98f00b204e9800998ecf8427e (MD5) Previous issue date: 2018-03-02 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Previous studies suggested that the Angiotensin-(1-7) [(Ang-(1-7)] is able to modulate the cardiac sympathetic control and beta-adrenergic sensitivity. However, whether or not Ang-(1- 7) modulates the cholinergic activity in the heart remains unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of Ang-(1-7) upon cholinergic sensitivity of hearts from normotensive and hypertensive rats. Wistar and Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (SHR) were anesthetized with urethane and underwent catheterization of femoral artery and left ventricle to record the arterial and intraventricular pressure, respectively. Following, a dose-response curve of acetylcholine (ACh, 10, 20, 40 and 80 ng/Kg, i.v. into femoral vein) was performed in the absence or presence of Ang-(1-7) (7 x 10-12 mol/min), Mas receptor antagonist A-779 (7 x 10-11 mol/min) or Ang-(1-7)+A-779. Isolated hearts were perfused according to the Langendorff technique. Increasing concentrations of ACh (10-7 to 10-5 mol/L) were added to the hearts in absence or presence of Ang-(1-7), (2 x 10-11 mol/L), A-779, (2 x 10-10 mol/L), Ang-(1-7)+A-779, MrgD receptor antagonist, D-PRO (2 x 10-10 mol/L) or D-PRO+Ang-(1-7). ACh-induced vasorelaxation was assessed in absence or presence of Ang-(1-7) (2 x 10-11 mol/L or 2 x 10-10 mol/L). Ang-(1-7) attenuated the effect of ACh in decreasing the intraventricular systolic, dP/dt max and dP/dt min in anesthetized Wistar and SHR. These effects were blocked by A-779. Ang-(1-7) did not change the amplitude of the hypotensive effect evoked by ACh in Wistar or SHRs. In isolated hearts, Ang-(1-7) also attenuated the reduction of the intraventricular systolic pressure, dP/dt max and dP/dt min evoked by ACh. A-779 blocked the Ang-(1-7) effects in hearts from Wistar. A-779 or D-PRO did not modify the effects of Ang-(1-7) in hearts from SHR, but in presence of D-PRO, Ang-(1-7) effects were equipotent. Ang-(1-7) attenuated the vasorelaxation induced by ACh in aorta from SHR by only in SHR group. These data suggest that Ang-(1-7) exerts differential modulation of cardiac cholinergic sensitivity during experimental primary hypertension, which is independent on blood pressure. / Estudos prévios sugerem que a Angiotensina-(1-7) [(Ang-(1-7)] é capaz de modular o controle simpático cardíaco e sensibilidade beta-adrenérgica. Entretanto, ainda não se sabe se a Ang-(1-7) consegue modular a atividade colinérgica no coração. O objetivo deste estudo foiavaliar a influência da Ang-(1-7) na sensibilidade colinérgica cardíaca de ratos normotensos e hipertensos. Wistar e Ratos Espontaneamente Hipertensos (SHR) foram anestesiados com uretano e submetidos à canulação de artéria femoral e ventrículo esquerdo cardíaco para registro de pressão arterial e intraventricular, respectivamente. Em seguida, foi realizada uma curva dose-resposta de acetilcolina (ACh, 10, 20, 40 e 80 ng/Kg, i.v.) por infusão pela veia femoral. A infusão ocorreu na presença e ausência de Ang-(1-7) (7 x 10-12 mol/min), do antagonista do receptor Mas, A-779 (7 x 10-11 mol/min) ou de Ang-(1-7)+A-779. Os corações isolados foram perfundidos de acordo com a técnica de Langendorff e concentrações crescentes de ACh (10-7 a 10-5 mol/L) foram adicionadas aos corações na presença ou ausência de Ang-(1-7), (2 x 10-11 mol/L), A-779, (2 x 10-10 mol/L), Ang-(1-7)+A-779, antagonista do receptor MrgD, D-PRO (2 x 10-10 mol/L) ou D-PRO+Ang-(1-7). O vasorrelaxamento induzido pela ACh foi mensurado na presença ou ausência da Ang-(1-7) (2 x 10-11 mol/L ou 2 x 10-10 mol/L). Em Wistar e SHR anestesiados, a Ang-(1-7) atenuou o efeito da ACh na queda da pressão intraventricular sistólica, dP/dt máx, e dP/dt mín. Estes efeitos foram bloqueados pelo A-779. A Ang-(1-7) não alterou a resposta hipotensora da ACh em Wistar ou SHR. Nos corações isolados, a Ang-(1-7) também atenuou a redução na pressão intraventricular sistólica, dP/dt máx e dP/dt mín evocados pela ACh. O A-779 bloqueou os efeitos da Ang-(1-7) em corações de Wistar. O A-779 ou D-PRO, per se, não modificaram os efeitos da Ang-(1-7) em corações de SHR, mas na presença do D-PRO, a Ang-(1-7) apresentou efeitos similares. O vasorrelaxamento da aorta induzido pela ACh foi atenuado pela Ang-(1-7) apenas nos SHR. Estes dados sugerem que a Ang-¬(1-¬7) modula o sistema colinérgico cardíaco de forma diferente no modelo de hipertensão primária experimental e de maneira independente de ajustes na pressão arterial.

Submitted by Pedro Silva Filho (pfsilva@ipen.br) on 2017-10-09T19:00:00Z No. of bitstreams: 0 / Made available in DSpace on 2017-10-09T19:00:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 0 / O presente estudo teve como propósito o desenvolvimento de um método para a determinação e a validação de uma metodologia para a identificação e quantificação de Neonicotinóides em águas superficiais coletadas na região de Bauru, no estado de São Paulo. As técnicas analíticas estudadas para o desenvolvimento deste método foram a cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência acoplada a espectrometria de massas em tandem (HPLC - MS/MS), a cromatografia a gás acoplada a espectrometria de massas (GC/MS) e a cromatografia a gás acoplada ao detector de captura de elétrons (GC/ECD). A classe de pesticidas Neonicotinóides foi escolhida para este trabalho por estar relacionada com um súbito desaparecimento de abelhas em colônias de todo o mundo. Este fenômeno é conhecido como colapso de desordem das colônias (Colony Collapse Disorder CCD) e o mesmo é caracterizado por uma rápida perda na população de abelhas adultas. Os Neonicotinóides utilizados neste estudo foram os compostos Clotianidina, Imidacloprido e Tiametoxam que foram proibidos na sua utilização como pesticidas na Europa pelo regulamento de execução nº 540/2011. As amostras foram concentradas utilizando as técnicas de extração em fase sólida (SPE) e extração líquido líquido (LLE) e injetadas no HPLC MS/MS, GC/MS e GC/ECD. As técnicas de GC/ECD e GC/MS não foram satisfatórias para a determinação na matriz água, pois, o limite de detecção (10 mg L-1), esta acima do valor máximo permitido na legislação da agência de proteção ambiental americana (0,6 μg L-1). A técnica de HPLC MS/MS utilizando o modo de monitoramento de reações múltiplas (MRM) provou se adequada para este estudo por obter limites de quantificação entre 5,89 a 8,06 μg L-1 e uma linearidade entre 0,9963 e 0,9993 para os três compostos. / Dissertação (Mestrado em Tecnologia Nuclear) / IPEN/D / Instituto de Pesquisas Energéticas e Nucleares - IPEN-CNEN/SP

Cette thèse avait pour but d’étudier dans quelle mesure l’enrichissement des conditions d’hébergement jusqu’à- ou à partir d’-un âge auquel les déficits cognitifs sont déjà présents contribue au maintien de la mémoire spatiale observé chez des rats âgés hébergés toute leur vie en environnement enrichi (EE), et d’étudier certains mécanismes neurobiologiques susceptibles de contribuer à cette préservation. Nous avons montré que l’hébergement en EE n’a pas besoin d’être maintenu jusqu’à la fin de la vie pour permettre la préservation des fonctions cognitives chez le Rat âgé. De plus, un enrichissement tardif ne permet pas de récupérer des capacités déjà altérées mais permet la préservation de certaines fonctions d’altérations subséquentes. Ce maintien de la mémoire spatiale ne semble pas être dû à la modification par l’enrichissement du cycle veille-sommeil. Par contre, cet enrichissement induit une modification de l’activité oscillatoire hippocampique, et pourrait, en favorisant une synchronisation neuronale locale, promouvoir un traitement de l’information au sein de réseaux plus spécialisés. Enfin, l’exposition à un EE pendant toute la vie permet la préservation de l’innervation cholinergique de différentes aires cérébrales, un effet pouvant contribuer au maintien des fonctions cognitives chez les animaux âgés hébergés toute leur vie en EE. / This thesis aimed to investigate in which extent environmental enrichment (EE) until or from an age at which cognitive decline is already apparent contributes to the maintenance of spatial memory observed in aged rats housed all their life in EE, and to study some neurobiological mechanisms likely underlying this preservation. We showed that housing in EE does not need to be maintained until the end of life to allow the preservation of cognitive function in aged rats. Moreover, late EE does not permit the recovery from already altered capabilities, but enables the preservation of some functions of subsequent alterations. The maintenance of spatial memory does not seem to be due to EE-related modification of sleep-wake cycle. But, exposure to EE induces a modification of hippocampal oscillatory activity, and could, by supporting local neuronal synchronization, promote information processing in more specialized networks. Finally, EE preserves the cholinergic system from age-related alteration in different cerebral areas, a mechanism that could participate to the maintenance of cognitive function in aged rats housed all their life in EE.

Chez les rongeurs et humains, un « tonus » cholinergique spinal endogène modulant les comportements nociceptifs (douloureux) a été décrit. Une source potentielle de cette acétylcholine sont les interneurones cholinergiques de la corne dorsale (CD) de la moelle épinière. Nos objectifs étaient les suivants : (1) caractériser le « tonus » cholinergique spinal responsable de l’établissement des seuils mécaniques nociceptifs et (2) élucider le rôle des neurones cholinergiques CD dans la modulation de l'information sensorielle chez des animaux naïfs et neuropathiques. Nous avons confirmé la présence d'un « tonus » cholinergique qui module les seuils mécaniques et démontré qu'il est encore présent, bien qu'il soit modifié, après une neuropathie. Les interneurones cholinergiques reçoivent des entrées excitatrices localisées sur des segments plus distants et reçoivent généralement une faible fréquence d’entrées inhibitrices. De plus, ils sont indirectement reliés par des afférences primaires nociceptives qui expriment TRPV1, ce qui démontre leur implication dans le circuit nociceptif. Dans les conditions neuropathiques, les entrées des neurones LIII / IV ne sont pas affectées après une lésion du nerf périphérique. Une meilleure compréhension du système cholinergique spinal peut ouvrir la voie à une thérapie alternative contre la douleur. / An endogenous spinal cholinergic tone modulating nociceptive (pain­like) behaviors has been demonstrated in rodents and humans. One potential source of this acetylcholine is the spinal Dorsal Horn (DH) cholinergic interneurons. Our objectives were to: (1) characterize the spinal cholinergic tone establishing mechanical nociceptive thresholds and (2) to elucidate the role of DH cholinergic neurons in the modulation of sensory information of naïve and neuropathic animals. We have confirmed the presence of a cholinergic tone modulating mechanical thresholds and demonstrated that it is still present, although altered, after neuropathy. The DH cholinergic interneurons receive excitatory inputs from distant spinal segments and generally receive lower inhibitory inputs. In addition, they are indirectly connected by a subset of nociceptive primary afferents expressing TRPV1, demonstrating their involvement in nociceptive processing. In neuropathic spinal circuits, the inputs to LIII/IV neurons appears to be unaffected after injury. Better understanding the spinal cholinergic system can pave way to alternative pain therapy.

L’acétylcholine (ACh) est un important neurotransmetteur qui est produit dans le système nerveux. Cependant, cette molécule est aussi produite par d’autres cellules non-neuronales du corps humain. Cette dernière est produite en abondance par les lymphocytes T CD4+, qui sont la cible principale du virus de l’immunodéficience humaine (VIH). ACh exerce ses effets sur les cellules par l’intermédiaire de ses récepteurs nicotiniques (n) et muscariniques (m) qui sont exprimés à la fois sur les cellules immunitaires et non immunitaires dans le corps. Il est bien connu que l’ACh a des effets anti inflammatoires sur les cellules immunitaires, et c’est le récepteur nicotinique qui est un joueur indispensable de cet effet. SLURP-1 (Secreted Ly6/uPAR-related Protein-1), est une autre molécule secrétée par les cellules T activées et d’autres cellules. Elle agit comme un ligand allostérique pour le récepteur α7, et module les effets de l'ACh sur les lymphocytes T. Il est peu connu comment ce système cholinergique extra-neuronal (ENCS) est régulé chez les individus infectés par le VIH. Nos résultats démontrent que le taux d'ACh et de SLURP-1 en circulation ne change pas significativement chez les sujets infectés par le VIH comparé aux témoins sains. Cependant, le niveau de ces médiateurs est plus élevé chez les sujets infectés à long termes non progresseur (LTNP), qui contrôlaient la réplication virale, depuis plus que sept ans, sans aucune thérapie. Il est tentant de spéculer que le niveau élevé de ces deux composantes de l'ENCS peut jouer un rôle dans leur capacité à contrôler la réplication du VIH. Les résultats de cette étude montrent que l’agoniste du récepteur α7 diminue, et que l’antagoniste de ce même récepteur augmente la réplication virale in vitro, dans les cellules activées par le phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). En outre, l'hémicholinium (HC-3), un composé qui inhibe la capacité des cellules à produire ACh en compétition avec leur absorption de choline, augmente la réplication virale. L'expression du récepteur α7 sur les lymphocytes T CD4 + provenant du sang périphérique, mais pas sur les monocytes, était significativement réduite (p <0,01) chez les individus infectés par le VIH, et elle n'a pas été entièrement restaurée par le traitement antirétrovirale (TAR). Tandis que l'expression du récepteur adrénergique β-2 a diminué significativement (p <0,01) sur les monocytes et les lymphocytes T CD4 + chez des individus infectés par le VIH. Ces cellules répondent à la norépinephrine via ce récepteur et l’ACh secrété. Dans l'ensemble, les résultats cette étude suggèrent que le VIH provoque une modulation significative des différentes composantes de l'ENCS chez les individus infectés par le virus. Ce système pourrait être manipulé pour réduire la réplication virale et l’inflammation chez ces patients. / Acetylcholine (ACh) is an important neurotransmitter produced in the nervous system. However, the molecule is also produced by non-neuronal cells in the body. CD4+ T cells, the main targets of HIV-1, produce it abundantly. ACh exerts its effects on cells via its nicotinic (n) and muscarinic (m) receptors that are expressed on both immune and non-immune cells in the body. ACh is well known to exert anti-inflammatory effects on immune cells. The main receptor that is indispensable for the anti-inflammatory effects of ACh is the α7 nicotinic receptor. Another molecule, secreted by activated T cells and by other cells is SLURP-1 (Secreted Ly6/uPAR-related Protein-1), which acts as an allosteric ligand for α7 and fine tunes the effects of ACh on T cells. Little is known as to how this extra-neuronal cholinergic system (ENCS) is regulated in HIV-infected individuals. Our results show that the circulating levels of ACh and SLURP-1 do not change significantly in HIV-infected individuals, as compared to the circulating levels in healthy controls. Interestingly, higher levels of these soluble mediators were detected in HIV-infected long-term non-progressors (LTNP) who control the viral replication for more than seven years without any chemotherapy. It is tempting to speculate that the increase in levels of these two soluble mediators of the ENCS present in HIV-infected LTNPs may play a role in their ability to control HIV replication. The results from this study show that an α7 agonist decreased HIV replication, whereas a receptor antagonist increased its replication in vitro in human PHA blasts. Furthermore, hemicholinium (HC-3), a compound that inhibits the ability of the cells to produce ACh, by competing with their uptake of choline, increases the viral replication. The expression of the α7 receptor on peripheral blood CD4+ T cells, but not on monocytes, was significantly reduced (p<0.01) in HIV-infected individuals, and it was not fully restored by antiretroviral therapy (ART). Interestingly, the expression of the β2 adrenergic receptor was decreased significantly (p<0.01) on both monocytes and CD4+ T cells in HIV-infected individuals. These cells respond to norepinephrine via this receptor and secrete ACh. Overall, the results of this study suggest that HIV causes significant modulation of different components of the ENCS in virus-infected individuals. This system could be manipulated to reduce viral replication and inflammation in these patients.

Abstract Collagen XIII is a transmembrane protein consisting of intracellular, transmembrane and extracellular domains. The latter can be cleaved by proteases of the furin family at the plasma membrane and in the trans-Golgi network. Both the transmembrane and shed collagen XIII are expressed at the neuromuscular junctions of mice and humans. Such motor synapse passes the contraction signal from the central nervous system to the muscles and brings about all voluntary movements. Loss of both forms of collagen XIII in mice and loss-of-function mutations in the COL13A1 gene in humans leads to congenital myasthenic syndrome characterized by decreased neuromuscular transmission and muscle weakness. To study the roles of the two collagen XIII forms, a novel mouse line was engineered to harbor only the transmembrane collagen XIII by mutating the furin cleavage site. Transmembrane collagen XIII was discovered to be sufficient to prevent adhesion defects, Schwann cell invagination, the ineffective vesicle accumulation and dispersion of both acetylcholinesterase and acetylcholine receptors, phenotypes seen in the complete lack of collagen XIII. On the other hand, lack of shedding led to acetylcholine receptor fragmentation, aberrantly increased neurotransmission and presynaptic complexity. Remarkably, in vivo and in vitro interaction of collagen XIII and acetylcholinesterase-anchoring ColQ was detected. Furthermore, muscle and neuromuscular junction phenotype in the lack of both forms of collagen XIII closely resembled those in the human patients harboring mutations in the COL13A1 gene and these mice were validated as a good model for studying the human disease. Misexpression of collagen XIII was studied with mice exhibiting transgenic overexpression of the protein. Overexpression of collagen XIII was detected to be mostly extrasynaptic in the muscles of such mice. Exogenous collagen XIII was found at the myotendinous junctions, tenocytes and fibroblast-like cells, in addition to some localization in the near vicinity of the neuromuscular junctions. Collagen XIII expression was found, for the most part, to be normal at the neuromuscular junctions, although some were devoid of collagen XIII. The neuromuscular junction phenotype resembled in many ways the findings made in the lack of collagen XIII. Furthermore, acetylcholine receptor and nerve pattern was discovered to be widened. / Tiivistelmä Kollageeni XIII on solukalvoproteiini, jonka rakenne koostuu solunsisäisestä, solukalvon läpäisevästä ja solun ulkoisesta osasta, joka pystytään entsymaattisesti irrottamaan solukalvoilta. Täten se esiintyy kahdessa eri muodossaan; solukalvomuotoisena ja soluvälitilan lihasperäisenä proteiinina hiirten ja ihmisten hermolihasliitoksessa. Tässä motorisessa synapsissa keskushermostosta peräisin oleva lihaksen supistumiskäsky välittyy lihakseen ja aikaan saa tahdonalaiset liikkeet. Molempien kollageeni XIII:n muotojen puute hiirillä ja COL13A1 geenin mutaatiot ihmisillä johtavat synnynnäiseen myasteeniseen oireyhtymään, jossa heikentynyt hermolihasliitoksen toiminta johtaa lihasheikkouteen. Kollageeni XIII:n eri muotojen hermolihasliitosvaikutusten selvittämiseksi luotiin hiirilinja, jossa kollageeni XIII ilmenee geneettisen manipulaation seurauksena ainoastaan solukalvomuodossaan. Tutkimukset osoittivat solukalvomuotoisen kollageeni XIII:n tarvittavan hermon ja lihaksen kiinnittymiseen toisiinsa, hermovälittäjäainerakkuloiden ankkuroimiseen hermopäätteeseen, estämään Schwannin solujen tunkeutuminen synapsirakoon, asetyylikoliiniesteraasin sitomiseen ja asetyylikoliinireseptorien vakaantumiseen. Soluvälitilan kollageeni XIII:n puutos puolestaan johti lihaksen puolen liitoksen pirstaloitumiseen sekä hermopäätteiden liialliseen kasvuun ja aktiivisuuteen. Kollageeni XIII todettiin sitoutuvan asetyylikoliiniesteraasia hermolihasliitokseen ankkuroivan kollageeni Q:n kanssa. Lisäksi molempien kollageeni XIII:n muotojen suhteen poistogeenisten hiirten hermolihas- ja lihaslöydökset todettiin muistuttavan COL13A1 geenin mutaatioista kärsivien ihmisten vastaavia löydöksiä todistaen nämä hiiret hyväksi tautimalliksi tulevaisuuden hoitomuotojen suunnitteluun. Kollageeni XIII:n ylimäärän vaikutusta hermolihasliitokseen ja lihaskudokseen tutkittiin kollageeni XIII:a ylenmäärin ilmentävillä hiirillä. Kollageeni XIII todettiin ilmentyvän ylenmäärin lihaksessa fibroblastinkaltaisissa soluissa, lihasjänneliitoksessa ja hermolihasliitoksen lähettyvillä, mutta ei hermolihasliitoksessa. Osa hermolihasliitoksista näissä hiirissä ilmensi jopa vähemmän kollageeni XIII:a kuin normaalisti. Asetyylikoliinireseptorien ja hermojen valtaama alue todettiin leventyneeksi ja hermolihasliitoslöydökset muistuttivat molempien kollageeni XIII:n muotojen suhteen poistogeenisien hiirten löydöksiä.