Opioids Affect Intrinsic Ca2+ Spiking Behavior  in Individual Cultured Nodose Ganglion Sensory Neurons
Author(s)
Abstract
Introduction: Opioid overdose with synthetic opiates such as fentanyl are known to result in opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). The effect of opioids has been shown well in the Central nervous system but, it’s effects on the Peripheral nervous system have not been well characterized. Sensory neurons within the Nodose Ganglion (NG) are important for regulating respiratory and cardiac behavior. NG neurons use changes in intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) to regulate neuronal communication important for regulating and modulating ventilatory dynamics. Objective: To examine the effect of fentanyl on the intrinsic Ca2+ spiking behavior in individually cultured rat NG sensory neurons. Methods: NG neurons were isolated from rat pups. “Real-time” Ca2+ imaging was used to assess intrinsic Ca2+ spiking behavior in the presence or absence of fentanyl. Results: Intrinsic Ca2+ spiking behavior varied amongst the population of NG neurons. Exposure to fentanyl decreased intrinsic firing frequency and amplitude of NG neurons that were exhibiting excitatory behavior. In contrast, exposure to fentanyl stimulated intrinsic firing of neurons that were initially quiescent. Also, removal of Ca2+ from the perfusate completely eliminated intrinsic Ca2+ spiking behavior in the presence or absence of fentanyl. Conclusion: This new approach to use intrinsically firing neurons as a model to test the effect of opioids has opened new avenues and our data provides evidence that fentanyl differentially modulates intrinsic activity of the NG sensory neurons and may be important in OIRD at the cellular level.
Format
Conference Proceeding
Contributor(s)
Faculty Mentor
Derek Damron
Modified Abstract

Introduction: Opioid overdose with synthetic opiates such as fentanyl are known to result in opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). Sensory neurons within the nodose ganglion (NG) are important for regulating respiratory drive. Ca2+ signaling in NG neurons is important for controlling ventilatory dynamics. Objective: To examine the effect of fentanyl on the intrinsic Ca2+ spiking behavior in cultured NG neurons. Methods: “Real-time” Ca2+ imaging was used to assess intrinsic Ca2+ spiking behavior. Results: Some neurons exhibit intrinsic Ca2+ spiking behavior whereas others did not. Fentanyl slowed intrinsic firing frequency of spontaneously active NG neurons yet stimulated intrinsic firing of neurons that were initially quiescent. Conclusion: NG neuronal cell cultures establish connectivity and circuits that can be used to study potential cellular and molecular mechanisms of OIRD.
Permalink https://oaks.kent.edu/ugresearch/2020/biologyecology/opioids-affect-intrinsic-ca2-spiking-behavior-individual-cultured
Teli, A. (n.d.). Opioids Affect Intrinsic Ca2+ Spiking Behavior  in Individual Cultured Nodose Ganglion Sensory Neurons (1–). https://oaks.kent.edu/node/10307
Teli, Aadarsh. n.d. “Opioids Affect Intrinsic Ca2+ Spiking Behavior  in Individual Cultured Nodose Ganglion Sensory Neurons”. https://oaks.kent.edu/node/10307.
Teli, Aadarsh. Opioids Affect Intrinsic Ca2+ Spiking Behavior  in Individual Cultured Nodose Ganglion Sensory Neurons. https://oaks.kent.edu/node/10307.