The Birth of Neurochemical Maps

Abstract

The fusion of synaptic vesicles with the plasma membrane during exocytosis can be recorded by membrane capacitance measurements under voltage-clamp conditions. These measurements enable high time-resolution quantitation of exocytosis. The present study was carried out using the above technique to elucidate the effects of various polyunsaturated fatty acids on exocytosis in a neuroendocrine cell, the rat pheochromocytoma-12 (PC12) cell. External application of eicosapentaenoic acid and arachidonic acid resulted in an increase in capacitance of PC12 cells, indicating fusion of secretory vesicles with cell membranes and exocytosis. In contrast, docosahexaenoic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, and vehicle control had no significant effect on capacitance. The above findings show differential effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids on exocytosis in PC12 cells. It is postulated that besides arachidonic acid, eicosapentaenoic acid could also play an important role in exocytosis and neurotransmitter release, in neurons and hormone-secreting cells.

Omega-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acids Enhance Neuronal Differentiation in Cultured Rat Neural Stem Cells

“…Our results indicated that EPA itself acts as an enhancer for neuronal differentiation, and EPA did not serve solely as a precursor for DHA. Previous reports have shown different effects of DHA and EPA on neuronal function [29]. In contrast to DHA, it is not clear whether EPA enhanced neuronal differentiation in NSCs in vivo.…”

Mapping Molecular Datasets Back to the Brain Regions They are Extracted from: Remembering the Native Countries of Hypothalamic Expatriates and Refugees

“…2A), including areas they sampled outside of the hypothalamus that served as a control. Their careful documentation of the sampled area and use of a custom-made micropunch tool (which they also illustrated in their study) anticipates the later use of similar instruments as developed by Palkovits and colleagues to sample discrete parts of the brain [194; 320–323] (also see [195]).…”