Vazquez, A. (Alfonso)

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    A sequential protocol combining dual neuroanatomical tract-tracing with the visualization of local circuit neurons within the striatum
    (Elsevier, 2001) Gonzalo, N. (Nancy); Lanciego, J.L. (José Luis); Castle, M. (M.); Vazquez, A. (Alfonso); Moreno, A. (Ainhoa); Erdozain, M. (M. A.); Garcia, P. (Pedro)
    We describe here an experimental approach designed to aid in the identification of complex brain circuits within the rat corpus striatum. Our aim was to characterize in a single section (i) striatal thalamic afferents, (ii) striatopallidal projection neurons and (iii) striatal local circuit interneurons. To this end, we have combined anterograde tracing using biotinylated dextran amine and retrograde neuroanatomical tracing with Fluoro-Gold. This dual tracing protocol was further implemented with the visualization of different subpopulations of striatal interneurons. The subsequent use of three different peroxidase substrates enabled us to unequivocally detect structures that were labeled within a three-color paradigm.
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    The basal ganglia and thalamus of the long-tailed macaque in stereotaxic coordinates. A template atlas based on coronal, sagittal and horizontal brain sections
    (Springer Heidelberg, 2011-12-18) Lanciego, J.L. (José Luis); Vazquez, A. (Alfonso)
    Abstract A stereotaxic brain atlas of the basal ganglia and thalamus of Macaca fascicularis presented here is designed with a surgical perspective. In this regard, all coordinates have been referenced to a line linking the anterior and posterior commissures (ac–pc line) and considering the center of the ac at the midline as the origin of the bicommissural space. The atlas comprises of 43 different plates (19 coronal levels, 10 sagittal levels and 14 horizontal levels). In addition to ‘classical’ cyto- and chemoarchitectural techniques such as the Nissl method and the acetylcholinesterase stain, several immunohistochemical stains have been performed in adjacent sections, including the detection of tyrosine hydroxylase, enkephalin, neurofilaments, parvalbumin and calbindin. In comparison to other existing stereotaxic atlases for M. fasicularis, this atlas has two main advantages: firstly, brain cartography is based on a wide variety of cyto- and chemoarchitectural stains carried out on adjacent sections, therefore enabling accurate segmentation. Secondly and most importantly, sagittal and horizontal planes are included. Sagittal planes are very useful for calculating oblique trajectories, whereas, clinical researchers engaged in neuroimaging studies will be more familiar with horizontal sections, as they use horizontal (also called ‘‘axial’’) brain images in their daily routine of their clinical practices.
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    Detection of cannabinoid receptors CB1 and CB2 within basal ganglia output neurons in macaques: changes following experimental parkinsonism
    (Springer, 2014) Sierra, S. (Salvador); Lanciego, J.L. (José Luis); Rico, A.J. (Alberto J.); Vazquez, A. (Alfonso); Roda, E. (Elvira); Franco, R. (Rafael); Dopeso-Reyes, I.G. (Iria G.); Luquin, N. (Natasha); Martinez-Pinilla, E. (Eva); Labandeira-Garcia, J.L. (José L.); Gomez-Bautista, V. (V.)
    Abstract Although type 1 cannabinoid receptors (CB1- Rs) are expressed abundantly throughout the brain, the presence of type 2 cannabinoid receptors (CB2Rs) in neurons is still somewhat controversial. Taking advantage of newly designed CB1R and CB2R mRNA riboprobes, we demonstrate by PCR and in situ hybridization that transcripts for both cannabinoid receptors are present within labeled pallidothalamic-projecting neurons of control and MPTP-treated macaques, whereas the expression is markedly reduced in dyskinetic animals. Moreover, an in situ proximity ligation assay was used to qualitatively assess the presence of CB1Rs and CB2Rs, as well as CB1R–CB2R heteromers within basal ganglia output neurons in all animal groups (control, parkinsonian and dyskinetic macaques). A marked reduction in the number of CB1Rs, CB2Rs and CB1R–CB2R heteromers was found in dyskinetic animals, mimicking the observed reduction in CB1R and CB2R mRNA expression levels. The fact that chronic levodopa treatment disrupted CB1R–CB2R heteromeric complexes should be taken into consideration when designing new drugs acting on cannabinoid receptor heteromers.