中国医科大学学报  2025, Vol. 54 Issue (11): 967-976

文章信息

张凤英, 汤永红, 谢言青, 李敏, 蒋莉, 吴娜, 潘兆, 唐颖峰, 袁玲, 洪嫄媛, 刘会, 张平
ZHANG Fengying, TANG Yonghong, XIE Yanqing, LI Min, JIANG Li, WU Na, PAN Zhao, TANG Yingfeng, YUAN Ling, HONG Yuanyuan, LIU Hui, ZHANG Ping
过表达Slc1a2调节Glu/GABA平衡抑制铁死亡改善睡眠剥夺小鼠的认知功能障碍
Overexpression of Slc1a2 regulates Glu/GABA balance, inhibits ferroptosis and improves cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice
中国医科大学学报, 2025, 54(11): 967-976
Journal of China Medical University, 2025, 54(11): 967-976

文章历史

收稿日期:2024-11-27
网络出版时间:2025-11-21 13:03:52
过表达Slc1a2调节Glu/GABA平衡抑制铁死亡改善睡眠剥夺小鼠的认知功能障碍
1. 南华大学衡阳医学院附属南华医院睡眠医学中心, 湖南 衡阳 421001;
2. 衡阳市新安康复医院内科, 湖南 衡阳 421001
摘要目的 探讨过表达Slc1a2对睡眠剥夺(SD)小鼠认知功能障碍的改善作用及其作用机制。方法 将130只SPF级雄性C57BL/6J小鼠按照随机数字表法分为正常睡眠(NS)组、NS+ ov-Slc1a2组、SD组、SD+ov-NC组和SD+ov-Slc1a2组,每组26只。基于旋转杆的自动化系统建立SD小鼠模型,NS+ov-Slc1a2组和SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠前额叶皮层(PFC)内注射过表达Slc1a2腺病毒。采用免疫荧光和Western blotting检测小鼠PFC中Slc1a2表达情况;电生理学检测小鼠非快速眼动(NREM)睡眠时间、快速眼动(REM)睡眠时间和觉醒时间;实时定量PCR检测小鼠PFC中谷氨酸(Glu)和γ-氨基丁酸(GABA)代谢酶表达;全细胞膜片钳记录小鼠PFC微型兴奋性突触后电流(mEPSC)频率和振幅;免疫荧光检测小鼠PFC中GABA阳性细胞率;C11-BODIPY荧光探针检测小鼠PFC中脂质活性氧(ROS)阳性细胞率;相关试剂盒检测小鼠PFC中Fe2+和丙二醛(MDA)水平;采用旷场实验、新物体识别测试和Y迷宫实验评价小鼠认知功能。结果 与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠的NREM和REM睡眠时间、中心区域停留时间、识别指数和新臂选择指数明显升高,觉醒时间明显降低(均P < 0.05);小鼠PFC中Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例,Slc1a2蛋白表达,GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达,mEPSC频率和振幅,GABA阳性细胞率明显升高,脂质ROS、Fe2+和MDA水平明显降低(均P < 0.05)。与NS组相比,SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠NREM和REM睡眠时间、中心区域停留时间、识别指数和新臂选择指数明显降低,觉醒时间明显升高(均P < 0.05);小鼠PFC中Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例,Slc1a2蛋白表达,GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达,mEPSC频率和振幅,GABA阳性细胞率明显降低,脂质ROS水平、Fe2+和MDA含量明显升高(均P < 0.05)。与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠NREM和REM睡眠时间、中心区域停留时间、识别指数和新臂选择指数明显升高,觉醒时间明显降低(均P < 0.05);小鼠PFC中Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例,Slc1a2蛋白表达,GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达,mEPSC频率和振幅,GABA阳性细胞率明显升高,脂质ROS、Fe2+和MDA水平明显降低(均P < 0.05)。结论 PFC中异位过表达Slc1a2能明显改善SD小鼠睡眠障碍,减轻SD对PFC中的兴奋性神经信号传递和GABA能神经元功能的破坏,并改善SD小鼠认知障碍和焦虑行为,其作用机制可能与改善PFC中Glu/GABA代谢失衡并抑制铁死亡有关。
关键词睡眠障碍    睡眠剥夺    Slc1a2    谷氨酸    γ-氨基丁酸    铁死亡    认知功能障碍    
Overexpression of Slc1a2 regulates Glu/GABA balance, inhibits ferroptosis and improves cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice
1. Department of Sleep Medical Centre, The Affiliated Nanhua Hospital of Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China;
2. Department of Internal Medicine, Hengyang Xin'an Rehabilitation Hospital, Hengyang 421001, China
Abstract: Objective To explore the effect and mechanism of Slc1a2 overexpression on cognitive dysfunction in sleep-deprived mice. Methods A total of 130 mice were divided into five groups: normal sleep (NS), NS+ov-Slc1a2, sleep deprivation (SD), SD+ov-NC, and SD+ov-Slc1a2, with 26 mice in each group. The SD mice model was established using an automatic system based on a rotating rod, and overexpress Slc1a2 adenovirus was injected into the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Immunofluorescence and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of Slc1a2 in the mouse PFC. Electrophysiological tests were used to evaluate non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time, rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time, and wakefulness time in mice. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of glutamate (Glu) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) metabolic enzymes in the mouse PFC. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording was used to detect the frequency and amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSC) in mouse PFC. Immunofluorescence was used to detect the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC. The C11-BODIPY fluorescent probe was used to detect lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in mouse PFC. Commercial kits were used to detect Fe2+ and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in the mouse PFC. Cognitive function in mice was evaluated using the open field, novel object recognition, and Y-maze tests. Results Compared with the NS group, the NREM sleep time, REM sleep time, central area stay time, recognition index, and novel wall selection index increased significantly, while wakefulness time decreased significantly in the NS+ov-Slc1a2 group (all P < 0.05). The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+ cells, expression of Slc1a2 protein, expression of Glul, Slc6a1, and Abat mRNA, frequency and amplitude of mEPSC, and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the PFC increased significantly, whereas lipid ROS, Fe2+, and MDA levels decreased significantly (all P < 0.05). Compared with the NS group, the NREM sleep time, REM sleep time, central area stay time, recognition index, and novel wall selection index of the SD group and the SD+ov-NC group were significantly decreased, whereas wakefulness time was significantly increased (all P < 0.05). The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+ cells, expression of Slc1a2 protein, expression of Glul, Slc6a1, and Abat mRNA, frequency and amplitude of mEPSC, and proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC decreased significantly, whereas lipid ROS, Fe2+, and MDA levels increased significantly (all P < 0.05). Compared with the SD and SD+ov-NC groups, the NREM sleep time, REM sleep time, central area stay time, recognition index, and novel wall selection index of the SD+ov-Slc1a2 group increased significantly, whereas the wakefulness time decreased significantly (all P < 0.05). The percentage of Slc1a2+GFAP+ cells, the expression of Slc1a2 protein, the expression of Glul, Slc6a1, and Abat mRNA, the frequency and amplitude of mEPSC, and the proportion of GABA-positive cells in the mouse PFC increased significantly, whereas lipid ROS, Fe2+, and MDA levels decreased significantly (all P < 0.05). Conclusion Ectopic overexpression of Slc1a2 in the PFC can improve sleep disorders in SD mice, reduce the damage caused by SD to excitatory synaptic transmission and GABAergic neuron function in the PFC, and alleviate cognitive impairment and anxiety-like behavior in these mice. Its mechanism may be related to the improvement of Glu/GABA metabolic imbalance in the PFC and inhibition of ferroptosis.

目前,睡眠障碍是普遍存在的问题[1],其中受睡眠剥夺(sleep deprivation,SD)影响的人数约占1/3[2]。短期SD可造成情绪压力、注意力持续时间缩短、学习和记忆障碍以及白天嗜睡增加等问题,而长期SD会显著增加心脏病、高血压、肥胖症、脑卒中、糖尿病和阿尔茨海默病等疾病的风险[3]。研究[4]表明,SD可导致认知功能下降和情绪调节中断。前额叶皮层(prefrontal cortex,PFC)是调节工作记忆、注意力和推理等高级大脑功能的关键区域,其功能和结构的完整性对维持神经心理活动至关重要[5-6]。此外,PFC功能与睡眠质量密切相关,睡眠质量改变可能直接影响其功能[7-8]。然而,SD影响PFC功能的具体机制尚不完全清楚。谷氨酸(glutamate,Glu)是主要的兴奋性神经递质,而γ-氨基丁酸(gamma-aminobutyric acid,GABA)是主要的抑制性神经递质,它们之间的平衡破坏会导致神经发育障碍、神经变性、神经疾病以及急性神经障碍[9]。研究[10]表明,SD导致Glu/GABA代谢失衡,从而影响神经元信号传导和整体大脑功能。Slc1a2基因编码参与Glu转运的兴奋性氨基酸转运蛋白2(excitatory amino acid transporter 2,EAAT2)的表达,其作为一种主要在星形胶质细胞中表达的高效Glu转运蛋白,可调节Glu水平以防止其过度积累引起神经毒性[11-13]。研究[14]表明,Slc1a2在SD大鼠PFC中表达下调,这可能导致Glu/GABA循环紊乱。近年来研究[15]发现睡眠不足导致的认知功能障碍与大脑中铁沉积的增加有关,此外Glu过度积累可导致细胞内谷胱甘肽耗尽并诱导铁死亡[16]。本研究探讨过表达Slc1a2对SD小鼠睡眠时间、认知功能以及PFC中Glu/GABA代谢、GABA能神经元功能和铁死亡的影响,旨在为Slc1a2作为睡眠障碍治疗的潜在靶点提供理论基础。

1 材料与方法 1.1 实验动物与分组

130只8周龄SPF级雄性C57BL/6J小鼠购自北京Vital River实验动物技术有限公司,体重20~25 g,于60%~65%湿度、22~25 ℃、12 h昼夜光照循环的环境下饲养,自由摄食饮水。按照随机数字表法将小鼠分为正常睡眠(NS)组、正常睡眠+过表达Slc1a2组(NS+ov-Slc1a2组)、SD组、SD+过表达对照组(SD+ov-NC组)和SD+过表达Slc1a2组(SD+ov-Slc1a2组),每组26只。本研究获得中国医科大学实验动物福利与伦理委员会批准(CMUKT2024130)。

1.2 主要试剂及仪器

腺病毒(上海吉凯基因医学科技股份有限公司),异氟烷(美国Sigma-Aldrich公司),多聚甲醛(上海碧云天生物技术股份有限公司),免疫荧光和Western blotting检测使用的抗体以及铁水平检测试剂盒(英国abcam公司),TRIzol(美国Invitrogen公司),第一链cDNA合成试剂盒(上海碧云天生物技术股份有限公司),实时定量PCR试剂盒(南京诺唯赞生物科技股份有限公司),C11-BODIPY探针(美国Sigma-Aldrich公司),丙二醛(malondialdehyde,MDA)水平检测试剂盒(武汉云克隆科技股份有限公司),Medusa小动物EP记录系统[易格生物科技(南京)有限公司],Lunion Stage自动睡眠评分软件(上海麓联智能科技有限公司),XR-XS108型自动化系统(上海鑫软计算机技术有限公司),CFX96实时荧光定量PCR系统(美国Bio-Rad公司),Image Quant LAS 4000C凝胶成像系统(美国GE公司)。

1.3 方法

1.3.1 SD模型制备

使用基于旋转杆的自动化系统制备SD小鼠模型[17]。将小鼠置于可自由摄食的笼子中,笼子底部的杆顺时针和逆时针旋转。顺时针和逆时针各3圈交替进行,每旋转6圈暂停18 s使小鼠摄食饮水。每日杆以5 r/min的速度从20:00旋转至次日16:00以防止小鼠睡眠,持续7 d [17]

1.3.2 小鼠脑内腺病毒注射

小鼠腹腔注射戊巴比妥钠(45 mg/kg)麻醉后固定于脑立体定位仪上。暴露头骨,使用微量注射器将5 μL过表达对照或过表达Slc1a2腺病毒(4×1010 PFU/mL,上海吉凯基因医学科技股份有限公司)注射到小鼠双侧PFC中(前囟前1.8 mm,中线向左或右0.3 mm,深度2.5 mm),注射速度为0.2 μL/min,注射后将注射器再固定10 min防止拔出时回流[18]

1.3.3 各组小鼠处理方法

SD组、SD+ov-NC组和SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠按1.3.1方法建立SD模型,NS组和NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠仅置于装置中而不进行SD。NS+ov-Slc1a2组、SD+ov-NC组和SD+ov-Slc1a2组于SD模型建立前7 d按1.3.2方法进行腺病毒注射,1次/d,持续7 d。SD造模结束后,每组随机选取10只小鼠进行睡眠时间检测。每组余下的16只小鼠中随机选择10只依次进行旷场试验、Y迷宫实验和新物体识别测试。行为学检测结束后,每组16只小鼠中随机选取10只小鼠用于全细胞膜片钳记录,随机选取3只小鼠灌注取脑用于免疫荧光检测,随机选取3只小鼠收集PFC组织进行Western blotting、实时定量PCR和铁死亡检测。

1.3.4 睡眠时间检测

将小鼠用2.5%(质量分数)异氟烷麻醉后置于脑立体定位仪中,将4根电极线分别插入左额叶(前囟前3.0 mm,中线向左0.8 mm,深度3.5 mm)、右额叶(前囟前3.0 mm,中线向右0.8 mm,深度3.5 mm)、左顶叶(前囟后2.0 mm,中线向左2.5 mm,深度1.8 mm)和右顶叶(前囟后2.0 mm,中线向右2.5 mm,深度1.8 mm)记录脑电图,将1对绝缘电极插入颈部肌肉记录肌电图,使用Medusa小动物EP记录系统以1 000 Hz的采样率记录脑和肌肉电活动。使用Lunion Stage自动睡眠评分软件将睡眠状态分为清醒、快速眼动(rapid eye movement,REM)睡眠和非快速眼动(non-rapid eye movement,NREM)睡眠。清醒的特征是脑电图振幅低、频率高的同时肌肉张力升高。REM睡眠通过脑电图中的高θ(6~10 Hz)功率和肌肉力量的缺失识别。NREM睡眠的特征是脑电图显示高电压和低频(1~4 Hz)信号同时肌电图活动减少[19]。在12 h内记录各组小鼠每小时的清醒情况,并统计每隔3 h的NREM睡眠时间、REM睡眠时间和觉醒时间。

1.3.5 行为学检测

在旷场实验中,将小鼠放置在1个分为4个象限的方形竞技场中,在标准照明下评估它们在中心区域的运动和时间,持续10 min[20],记录运动的总距离和中心区域停留时间。Y迷宫实验涉及3只手臂,在训练阶段阻断1只手臂,小鼠可以探索2只张开的手臂10 min,1 h后打开阻断的手臂并让小鼠探索所有手臂5 min以检验他们对新打开手臂的偏好[21],记录小鼠的平均速度并计算新臂选择指数:新臂选择指数(%)=在新臂中时间/(在新臂中时间+在旧臂中时间)×100。在新物体识别测试中,小鼠首先适应包含2个相同物体的装置5 min,间隔2 h后用新物体替换其中1个旧物体,并在5 min内检测小鼠对每个物体的探索以计算识别指数,即在新对象中花费的时间与测试总持续时间的比值[19]

1.3.6 全细胞膜片钳记录

小鼠用异氟烷深入麻醉后断头取脑,将大脑浸入预冷的充氧解剖液中,用冷冻切片机将大脑切成厚300 μm的切片。将切片转移到人工脑脊液中,30 ℃孵育1 h。在持续灌流人工脑脊液、31 ℃以及前置电压-70 mV条件下记录微型兴奋性突触后电流(miniature excitatory postsynaptic currentsm,mEPSC)。

1.3.7 免疫荧光检测

小鼠异氟烷麻醉后依次用生理盐水和4%(质量分数)多聚甲醛灌注,提取完整大脑组织并在4%多聚甲醛中固定48 h,用30%(质量分数)蔗糖溶液脱水后切割成40 µm的脑切片。用含0.01%(体积分数)Triton X-100和10%(体积分数)山羊血清的PBS封闭后,Slc1a2、胶原纤维酸性蛋白(glial fibrillary acidic protein,GFAP)和GABA一抗4 ℃孵育切片过夜。PBS洗涤切片3次,于室温下用荧光二抗孵育1 h,DAPI染色液复染细胞核,于荧光显微镜下观察并拍照。计算Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例和GABA阳性细胞率。Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例(%)= Slc1a2阳性细胞数/GFAP阳性细胞数×100;GABA阳性细胞率(%)= GABA阳性细胞数/DAPI阳性细胞数×100。

1.3.8 Western blotting检测

用含1%(体积分数)PMSF的RIPA裂解液裂解PFC组织样本,BCA法检测提取蛋白的浓度,将蛋白样本加入SDS-聚丙烯酰胺凝胶并进行电泳分离,将凝胶上分离的蛋白转移到PVDF膜上。5%(体积分数)脱脂牛奶室温封闭1 h,Slc1a2和α-tubulin一抗4 ℃孵育过夜,TBST洗膜后室温下用二抗孵育1 h,TBST洗去多余抗体并进行ECL发光成像,使用ImageJ软件定量分析Slc1a2蛋白的相对表达。

1.3.9 实时定量PCR检测

用TRIzol法提取PFC组织总RNA,使用第一链cDNA合成试剂盒将RNA转化为cDNA。使用实时定量PCR试剂盒进行检测。以α-tubulin为内参,采用2-ΔΔCt法计算目的基因GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA的相对表达量。

1.3.10 铁死亡检测

收集的新鲜PFC组织切成厚10 μm的冰冻切片后用C11-BODIPY探针孵育,DAPI染核后于荧光显微镜下观察并拍照。ImageJ软件计算荧光强度,活性氧(reactive oxygen species,ROS)水平为绿色荧光强度与红色荧光强度的比值。Fe2+和MDA水平的检测严格按照相关试剂盒说明书进行操作。

1.4 统计学分析

采用GraphPad Prism 8.0处理数据。符合正态分布的计量资料以x±s表示,2组间比较采用t检验,多组间比较采用单因素方差分析,两两比较采用LSD-t检验(方差齐)和Dunnett T3检验(方差不齐)。P < 0.05为差异有统计学意义。

2 结果 2.1 SD模型评估

频谱分析结果显示,SD组小鼠相较于NC组表现出易醒性以及REM和NREM睡眠时间减少,表明SD模型建立成功。见图 1

A, NS group; B, SD group. EEG, electroencephalogram; EMG, electromyography; WEAK, awakening; NREM, non-rapid eye movement; REM, rapid eye movement. 图 1 小鼠脑电图、肌电图和睡眠状态分析 Fig.1 Analysis of electroencephalograms, electromyograms, and sleep status in mice

2.2 各组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2表达情况

结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例升高(P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例降低(均P < 0.05)。与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例升高(均P < 0.05)。Western blotting检测结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2蛋白表达升高(P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2蛋白表达降低(均P < 0.05)。与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2蛋白表达升高(均P < 0.05)。见图 23表 1

图 2 免疫荧光检测各组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例×200 Fig.2 Proportion of Slc1a2+GFAP+ cells in the PFC of mice in each group by immunofluorescence ×200

图 3 Western blotting检测各组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2蛋白表达 Fig.3 Slc1a2 protein expression in the PFC of mice in each group by Western blotting

表 1 各组小鼠PFC中Slc1a2表达比较 Tab.1 Comparison of Slc1a2 expression in the PFC of mice in different groups
Group n Slc1a2+GFAP+ cell (%) Slc1a2 protein
NS 3 44.03±4.60 0.52±0.04
NS+ov-Slc1a2 3 64.82±5.221) 0.76±0.051)
SD 3 5.37±0.761) 0.15±0.021)
SD+ov-NC 3 5.27±1.071) 0.18±0.061)
SD+ov-Slc1a2 3 24.67±6.952),3) 0.45±0.042),3)
F 57.86 52.99
P < 0.001 < 0.001
1) compared with the NS group, P < 0.05;2) compared with the SD group, P < 0.05;3) compared with the SD+ov-NC group, P < 0.05.

2.3 各组小鼠睡眠时间比较

与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠NREM和REM睡眠时间增加,觉醒时间减少(均P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠NREM和REM睡眠时间减少,觉醒时间增加(均P < 0.05)。与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠NREM和REM睡眠时间增加,觉醒时间减少(均P < 0.05)。见表 2

表 2 各组小鼠睡眠时间比较(min/3 h) Tab.2 Comparison of sleep time among different groups of mice (min/3 h)
Group n NREM REM Awakening time
NS 10 92.17±6.44 15.79±2.84 72.36±5.23
NS+ov-Slc1a2 10 105.21±5.051) 19.79±2.281) 55.00±6.461)
SD 10 50.38±7.051) 7.35±1.921) 102.74±5.541)
SD+ov-NC 10 55.1±7.181) 7.44±2.271) 105.9±5.211)
SD+ov-Slc1a2 10 71.37±7.552),3) 10.52±2.362),3) 89.13±7.482),3)
F 71.44 27.82 66.26
P < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001
1) compared with the NS group, P < 0.05;2) compared with the SD group, P < 0.05;3) compared with the SD+ov-NC group, P < 0.05.

2.4 各组小鼠Glu和GABA代谢酶表达情况

实时定量PCR检测结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达升高(均P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠PFC中GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达降低(均P < 0.05);与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达升高(均P < 0.05)。见表 3

表 3 各组小鼠PFC中GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达比较 Tab.3 Comparison of mRNA expression of Glul, Slc6a1, and Abat in PFC in various groups of mice
Group n Glul mRNA Slc6a1 mRNA Abat mRNA
NS 3 1.01±0.05 0.98±0.05 1.01±0.08
NS+ov-Slc1a2 3 2.48±0.271) 2.82±0.611) 1.75±0.261)
SD 3 0.52±0.131) 0.34±0.041) 0.29±0.051)
SD+ov-NC 3 0.52±0.091) 0.35±0.031) 0.30±0.081)
SD+ov-Slc1a2 3 0.65±0.112),3) 0.52±0.062),3) 0.59±0.062),3)
F 56.67 166.10 241.80
P < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001
1) compared with the NS group, P < 0.05;2) compared with the SD group, P < 0.05;3) compared with the SD+ov-NC group, P < 0.05.

2.5 各组小鼠PFC中GABA能神经元功能变化

结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中mEPSC频率和振幅、GABA阳性细胞率升高(均P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠PFC中mEPSC频率和振幅、GABA阳性细胞率降低(均P < 0.05);与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中mEPSC频率和振幅、GABA阳性细胞率升高(均P < 0.05)。见图 4表 4

图 4 免疫荧光检测各组小鼠PFC中GABA阳性细胞×200 Fig.4 GABA positive cells in the PFC of mice in each group by immunofluorescence ×200

表 4 各组小鼠PFC中GABA能神经元功能变化 Tab.4 Functional changes of GABA neurons in the PFC of mice in each group
Group Frequency of mEPSC (Hz, n=10) Amplitude of mEPSC (pA, n=10) GABA-positive cells rate (%, n=3)
NS 4.92±0.24 18.67±1.24 89.49±2.86
NS+ov-Slc1a2 5.13±0.071) 21.04±1.231) 94.19±3.071)
SD 2.11±0.361) 10.61±1.301) 12.36±2.51)
SD+ov-NC 2.17±0.321) 10.43±1.241) 12.79±1.791)
SD+ov-Slc1a2 4.73±0.542),3) 16.28±1.172),3) 58.90±3.892),3)
F 164.70 111.60 520.80
P < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001
1) compared with the NS group, P < 0.05;2) compared with the SD group, P < 0.05;3) compared with the SD+ov-NC group, P < 0.05.

2.6 各组小鼠PFC中铁死亡比较

结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中脂质ROS、Fe2+和MDA水平降低(均P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠PFC中脂质ROS、Fe2+和MDA水平升高(均P < 0.05)。与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠PFC中脂质ROS、Fe2+和MDA水平降低(均P < 0.05)。见图 5表 5

565 nm, excitation light is 565 nm, red; 488 nm, excitation light is 488 nm, green. 图 5 C11-BODIPY探针荧光染色检测各组小鼠PFC中脂质ROS阳性细胞表达×200 Fig.5 Expression of lipid ROS positive cells in the PFC of mice in each group by C11-BODIPY probe fluorescence staining ×200

表 5 各组小鼠PFC中铁死亡指标比较 Tab.5 Comparison of ferroptosis indicators in the PFC of mice in different groups
Group n ROS Fe2+(μmol/g) MDA(μmol/mg)
NS 10 0.66±0.06 2.15±0.13 4.37±0.26
NS+ov-Slc1a2 10 0.33±0.081) 1.80±0.121) 3.57±0.281)
SD 10 1.91±0.131) 4.78±0.181) 8.12±0.441)
SD+ov-NC 10 1.99±0.131) 4.84±0.141) 8.46±0.321)
SD+ov-Slc1a2 10 1.41±0.082),3) 3.20±0.172),3) 6.83±0.352),3)
F 74.39 918.60 430.50
P < 0.001 < 0.001 < 0.001
1) compared with the NS group, P < 0.05;2) compared with the SD group, P < 0.05;3) compared with the SD+ov-NC group, P < 0.05.

2.7 各组小鼠认知功能比较

旷场实验结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠中心区域停留时间增加(P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠中心区域停留时间减少(均P < 0.05)。与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠中心区域停留时间增加(均P < 0.05)。各组小鼠总距离比较无统计学差异(均P > 0.05)。新物体识别测试结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠识别指数增加(P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠识别指数减少(均P < 0.05)。与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠识别指数增加(均P < 0.05)。Y迷宫实验结果显示,与NS组相比,NS+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠新臂选择指数增加(P < 0.05),SD组和SD+ov-NC组小鼠新臂选择指数减少(均P < 0.05);与SD组和SD+ov-NC组相比,SD+ov-Slc1a2组小鼠新臂选择指数增加(均P < 0.05)。各组小鼠平均速度比较无统计学差异(均P > 0.05)。见表 6

表 6 各组小鼠认知功能比较 Tab.6 Comparison of cognitive function among different groups of mice
Group n Open field experiment New object recognition test[recognition index (%)] Y maze experiment
Total distance (m) Stay time in the central area (s) Average speed (cm/s) Novel arm choice index (%)
NS 10 17.03±1.87 56.50±5.52 59.87±3.10 16.73±1.16 50.86±5.46
NS+ov-Slc1a2 10 17.93±0.91 61.90±2.511) 64.01±2.811) 16.88±0.50 64.22±4.311)
SD 10 16.41±2.89 27.10±1.851) 38.02±2.701) 16.70±1.34 33.74±2.001)
SD+ov-NC 10 16.24±2.27 27.80±1.691) 37.00±3.211) 16.50±1.33 32.31±3.101)
SD+ov-Slc1a2 10 15.81±3.02 44.30±3.402),3) 53.35±4.472),3) 17.17±1.59 45.41±2.672),3)
F 0.39 165.90 107.20 0.43 64.38
P 0.76 < 0.001 < 0.001 0.73 < 0.001
1) compared with the NS group, P < 0.05, 2) compared with the SD group, P < 0.05, 3) compared with the SD+ov-NC group, P < 0.05.

3 讨论

SD会对个体的情绪和认知功能产生不利影响,目前临床治疗面临挑战[22-23]。Slc1a2是主要表达于星形胶质细胞质膜上的Glu转运体,主要发挥维持细胞外Glu浓度的作用,可缩短突触处的Glu瞬时现象,从而抑制突触和突触外Glu受体的激活并将兴奋性传递到睡眠和觉醒促进神经元,最终控制睡眠-觉醒行为[24]。研究[14]表明,Slc1a2在SD大鼠PFC中表达下调,且增强其表达可改善SD诱导的大鼠躁狂样行为。本研究使用基于螺旋杆的自动化系统建立小鼠SD模型,发现SD小鼠NREM和REM睡眠时间减少,觉醒时间增加,表明SD小鼠模型建立成功。本研究结果显示,SD模型小鼠PFC中Slc1a2+GFAP+细胞比例降低,且小鼠PFC中Slc1a2蛋白表达下调,与既往研究[14]结果一致。此外,本研究发现在SD小鼠PFC中过表达Slc1a2可增加NREM和REM睡眠时间,减少觉醒时间,表明PFC中异位过表达Slc1a2可改善SD小鼠睡眠障碍。

研究[25-26]表明,SD影响大脑内的神经活动,特别是改变PFC区域抑制控制和激活之间的平衡。Slc1a2在Glu转运和神经信号转导中发挥关键作用,而且由于Glu和GABA分别是主要的兴奋性和抑制性神经递质,Glu代谢和GABA合成之间的平衡对大脑功能至关重要[27]。Glul是氮代谢途径中的关键中心酶之一,其通过ATP依赖性反应催化Glu和铵转化为谷氨酰胺[28]Slc6a1编码位于突触前神经元和神经胶质上的GABA转运体1,该转运体通过钠氯依赖的再摄取机制高效清除突触间释放的GABA[29]。GABA转氨酶Abat是参与GABA分解代谢的关键酶,位于线粒体基质内并催化GABA的氨基转移到α-酮戊二酸,形成琥珀酸半醛并随后转化为三羧酸循环中的关键中间体琥珀酸[30]。Glul、Slc6a1和Abat表达可间接反应Glu代谢和GABA合成之间的平衡。本研究发现SD小鼠PFC中GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达下调,而在PFC中过表达Slc1a2可部分逆转SD小鼠PFC中GlulSlc6a1Abat mRNA表达,表明过表达Slc1a2可改善SD小鼠PFC中Glu/GABA代谢失衡。

GABA是神经系统中主要的抑制性神经递质,其活性导致神经元超极化,抑制放电并在神经网络中发挥抑制作用[31]。mEPSC对应于由单个Glu囊泡的突触前释放引起的反应,mEPSC振幅增加反映了突触后传递的加强,而频率增加反映了功能性突触数量或突触前释放概率的增加[32]。本研究发现SD小鼠PFC中mEPSC频率和振幅降低,而过表达Slc1a2可恢复SD小鼠PFC中mEPSC频率和振幅,表明过表达Slc1a2能改善SD小鼠PFC中的兴奋性神经信号传递。GABA能神经元对睡眠产生及其调节至关重要[33]。本研究发现SD小鼠PFC中GABA阳性细胞率降低,而过表达Slc1a2增加SD小鼠PFC中GABA阳性细胞率,表明过表达Slc1a2可能改善SD小鼠PFC中的GABA能神经元功能。铁死亡是铁和脂质氧化产物依赖性调节的一种细胞死亡形式,以脂质过氧化、抗氧化酶失活和铁稳态失衡为特征,并与多种脑部疾病有关[34]。谷胱甘肽消耗导致脂质过氧化物积累从而诱导铁死亡[35]。Glu过度积累会导致谷胱甘肽耗竭,进而诱导铁死亡[36]。本研究发现SD小鼠PFC中脂质ROS、Fe2+和MDA水平升高,而过表达Slc1a2降低SD小鼠PFC中脂质ROS、Fe2+和MDA水平,表明过表达Slc1a2可能改善SD小鼠PFC中的铁死亡。

研究[37]表明,SD影响大脑神经网络的结构和功能,动态降低信号处理速度,导致患者反应时间延长和精神状态降低,从而损害注意力、工作记忆、记忆巩固、警觉性、判断力、决策力等认知能力。本研究采用行为测试研究Slc1a2在SD诱导的认知障碍中的作用。旷场实验结果显示,过表达Slc1a2不影响SD小鼠的运动功能,但增加SD小鼠在中心区域的停留时间。此外,新物体识别测试结果显示,过表达Slc1a2增加SD小鼠的识别指数。这些结果表明过表达Slc1a2可能改善SD小鼠焦虑行为和认知能力。Y迷宫结果显示,PFC中过表达Slc1a2增加SD小鼠新臂选择指数,而对小鼠的平均速度无影响,表明过表达Slc1a2改善SD小鼠空间记忆损伤。

综上所述,在PFC中异位过表达Slc1a2能明显改善SD小鼠睡眠障碍,减轻SD对PFC中的兴奋性神经信号传递和GABA能神经元功能的破坏,并改善SD小鼠认知障碍和焦虑行为,其作用机制可能与改善PFC中Glu/GABA代谢失衡并抑制铁死亡有关。然而,Slc1a2不同亚型的作用、参与调节SD的Slc1a2相关的分子通路对神经递质的调节以及对SD诱导的认知和情绪问题的影响仍需进一步研究。

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