Stress-mediated dysregulation of the Rap1 small GTPase impairs hippocampal structure and function

Increased regional activity of a pro-autophagy pathway in schizophrenia as a contributor to sex differences in the disease pathology

“…To this end, we infused the mPFC of young adult female and male mice with either HSV-GFP or HSV-beclin-1 S91/94D-GFP. Dendrites from the apical tree of layer 2/3 mPFC pyramidal neurons were specifically imaged, and, using our established methods, 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 spines were semi-automatically classified into three subtypes—thin, stubby, and mushroom.…”

“…NeuronStudio software was used to semi-automatically classify spines using methods also detailed in our previous work. 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 An approximate 50 μm length of secondary dendrite from the apical tree was analyzed for each neuron. A hollow ellipse is placed by the program of the head of each dendritic spine.…”

“…Spines were also classified into the discrete categories of thin, mushroom, or stubby using our established procedures. 73 , 74 , 75 , 76 Notably, spines lacking a clear neck in which the spine head is flush with the dendrite were classified as stubby. Spines with a clear neck and with a head diameter greater than 0.4 μm were classified as mushroom, and spines with a clear neck containing a head diameter below this value classified as thin.…”

“…Testing was done using methods from our previous work. 73 , 75 , 76 A gray open field box purchased from Maze Engineers was used for habituation and for both trials. The box was 40 cm wide, 40 cm long, and 30 cm tall.…”