No abstract

SummaryQuantification of synaptic engulfment is an indirect measurement of synaptic pruning. Here, we provide a detailed protocol for the volumetric rendering of individual high-resolution astrocytes in the CA1 region of hippocampus in an in vitro slice model of Amyloid-beta (Aβ) treatment. This includes free floating slice preparation, treatment with Aβ oligomers, immunofluorescence, confocal imaging and analysis of individual astrocytes. We also provide a comprehensive analysis for 3D rendering of astrocytes and assessment of synaptic engulfment via “eat-me tag” C1q protein and synaptic marker PSD95.HighlightsMeasurement of synaptic engulfment in response to treatment with Aβ peptideVolumetric reconstruction of high resolution individual astrocyteColocalization analysis of astrocyte and complementary “eat-me” protein C1qGraphical abstract

Evidence indicates that inhalative anesthetics enhance the β-site amyloid precursor protein (APP)-cleaving enzyme (BACE) activity, increase amyloid beta 1-42 (Aβ1–42) aggregation, and modulate dendritic spine dynamics. However, the mechanisms of inhalative anesthetics on hippocampal dendritic spine plasticity and BACE-dependent APP processing remain unclear. In this study, hippocampal slices were incubated with equipotent isoflurane (iso), sevoflurane (sevo), or xenon (Xe) with/without pretreatment of the BACE inhibitor LY2886721 (LY). Thereafter, CA1 dendritic spine density, APP processing-related molecule expressions, nectin-3 levels, and long-term potentiation (LTP) were tested. The nectin-3 downregulation on LTP and dendritic spines were evaluated. Sevo treatment increased hippocampal mouse Aβ1–42 (mAβ1–42), abolished CA1-LTP, and decreased spine density and nectin-3 expressions in the CA1 region. Furthermore, CA1-nectin-3 knockdown blocked LTP and reduced spine density. Iso treatment decreased spine density and attenuated LTP. Although Xe blocked LTP, it did not affect spine density, mAβ1–42, or nectin-3. Finally, antagonizing BACE activity partly restored sevo-induced deficits. Taken together, our study suggests that sevo partly elevates BACE activity and interferes with synaptic remodeling, whereas iso mildly modulates synaptic changes in the CA1 region of the hippocampus. On the other hand, Xe does not alternate dendritic spine remodeling.