大鼠脑创伤后海马CA3区细胞凋亡及相关基因表达研究

目的研究弥漫性脑损伤后不同时间,大鼠海马CA3区细胞凋亡及相关基因Bcl-2、Bax和Caspase-3蛋白的表达情况,探讨脑创伤后神经细胞凋亡的分子生物学机制.方法应用流式细胞仪和免疫组化法,分别检测脑创伤后不同时间海马CA3区细胞凋亡率及Bcl-2,Bax和Caspase-3基因在蛋白质水平的表达情况.结果脑创伤后海马CA3区存在不同程度细胞凋亡,Bcl-2在脑损伤后表达下降,而Bax和Caspase-3在脑创伤后表达升高;Caspase-3表达的峰值时间(72 h)出现在Bax之后(48 h).结论弥漫性脑损伤后,大鼠海马CA3区存在细胞凋亡及Bcl-2,Bax和Caspase-3的表达变化.Bcl-2/Bax表达比值下降早于Caspase-3的上升,Bcl-2/Bax表达比值改变可能与Caspase-3活化有关,进而启动并加重脑损伤后神经细胞凋亡.     

Dynamic changes of apoptosis and expression of Bcl-2 family members in the posthatch hippocampus of Bengalese finches

The hippocampus of songbirds plays an important role in spatial memory, and probably in song learning. Although prolonged neuronal generation and apoptosis are thought to be closely correlated with memory function, natural changes of the number of neurons and in apoptosis in the hippocampus of songbirds have not been fully investigated during development and in the adult. In the current study, we examined developmental changes in the volume and the number of neurons and apoptotic cells in the hippocampus of songbirds (Lonchura striata) from posthatch day (P5) to adulthood. Apoptotic cells were determined by Nissl staining and immunohistochemistry for cleaved caspase-3, a key apoptotic caspase executioner. The expression levels of Bcl-2 family member mRNA and protein, including Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Bax, were also investigated. Our results indicated that: (1) the hippocampus volume significantly increased from P5 to P60, although the number of neurons remained stable in all studied stages; (2) the number of apoptotic cells was highest at P45, based either on the Nissl staining or on the immunohistochemistry for caspase-3; (3) Bcl-2 mRNA expression was high from P5 to adulthood, while Bax mRNA declined abruptly from P5 to adulthood, and Bcl-x mRNA was high after P45. Bcl-2 protein was only detected at P5 and P15, while detection of Bcl-xL and Bax proteins paralleled levels of mRNA expression. Our study provides detailed changes of apoptosis in the posthatch songbird hippocampus, suggesting an important role for caspase-3 and Bcl-2 family members in hippocampus apoptosis.     

Rat retinal ganglion cells upregulate the pro-apoptotic BH3-only protein Bim after optic nerve transection

Increased expression of Bim, a pro-apoptotic member of the Bcl-2 family, has been shown to be critical for neuronal apoptosis. To study the involvement of Bim in injury-induced cell death in retina, Bim expression was studied in normal rat retina and in retina after optic nerve transection using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. As a complement to this, the apoptotic regulators Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3 and phosphorylated c-jun were studied. The relative levels of Bim mRNA in retina were significantly higher 4 days after optic nerve transection and below normal levels at 14 days after transection. A parallel increase in the number of Bim-immunoreactive cells in the retinal ganglion cell layer could be seen. Bim-immunoreactivity localized to retrogradely True Blue-labeled retinal ganglion cells. The relative mRNA levels for both Bax and Bcl-2 were higher at 4 days after transection when compared to normal. Immunoreactivity for Bax, Bcl-2 as well as for caspase-3 and phosphorylated c-jun, indicative of cell death, localized to True Blue-identified retinal ganglion cells 4 days after injury. Bcl-2 immunoreactivity was also seen on other cells, most likely Müller glia cells. In addition, optic nerve transection caused an increase in Bim, Bax, and Bcl-2 mRNA levels in optic nerve and superior colliculus. Our results suggest that Bim is involved in injury-induced retinal ganglion cell death and indicate that the increase in Bim and Bax expression promote cell death of axotomized retinal ganglion cells whereas the elevation in Bcl-2 in retina may contribute to the control of the extent of apoptosis after the optic nerve transection.     

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid reduces neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide (25-35)

Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid might attenuate learning/memory impairment and neuronal loss in rats induced by amyloid beta-peptide. This study aimed to explore the effects of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid on amyloid beta-peptide-induced neuronal apoptosis and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins in the rat hippocampus. Male Wistar rats were given intragastric administration of Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, 50 or 100 mg/kg, once per day. On day 8 after administration, 10 μg amyloid beta-peptide (25-35) was injected into the bilateral hippocampus of rats to induce neuronal apoptosis. On day 20, hippocampal tissue was harvested and probed with the terminal deoxyribonucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-16-dUTP nick-end labeling assay. Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid at 50 and 100 mg/kg reduced neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide (25-35 in the rat hippocampus. Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay revealed that expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax, cytochrome c and caspase-3 was significantly diminished by 50 and 100 mg/kg Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid, while expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was increased. Moreover, 100 mg/kg Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid had a more dramatic effect than the lower dosage. These experimental findings indicate that Scutellaria baicalensis stem-leaf total flavonoid dose-dependently attenuates neuronal apoptosis induced by amyloid beta-peptide in the hippocampus, and it might mediate this by regulating the expression of Bax, cytochrome c, caspase-3 and Bcl-2.     

钙拮抗剂对大鼠缺血性脑损伤后Bcl-2和Bax基因表达的作用

目的探讨大鼠实验性脑缺血后海马组织Bcl-2和Bax基因的表达及尼莫地平预处理对Bcl-2和Bax基因表达的影响。方法采用线栓法建立大鼠脑缺血模型；尼莫地平预处理；逆转录聚合酶链式反应(RT-PCR)法测定其海马组织中Bcl-2和Bax mRNA。结果大鼠大脑中动脉阻断(MCAO)后，海马组织Bcl-2和Bax基因均被诱导表达，Bcl-2表达量持续升高，而Bax表达量在脑缺血24h达高峰，随后逐渐下降。在脑缺血后6h和24h，经尼莫地平预处理7d的大鼠，海马组织Bcl-2基因的表达水平较未经预处理的大鼠明显上调，而Bax基因表达水平则较未经预处理的大鼠明显下调。结论钙拮抗剂尼莫地平能有效地调控大鼠缺血性脑损伤后海马组织Bcl-2和Bax基因表达的水平，为干预脑卒中后基因表达提供依据。     

大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤后调控基因Bcl-2、Bax的表达及与细胞凋亡的关系

目的:本研究旨在探讨Bcl-2及Bax蛋白在大鼠全脑缺血再灌注损伤中的变化及与细胞凋亡的关系。方法:雄性Wistar大鼠56只,随机分为假手术组、缺血15分钟再灌注1、6、12、24、48、72小时组。采用大鼠四条血管阻断方法制备大鼠全脑缺血再灌注模型。采用TUNEL法观察不同再灌注时间组海马CAl区细胞凋亡的变化。采用免疫组化法观察Bcl-2及Bax蛋白表达水平的变化。结果:脑缺血损伤后随再灌注时间延长凋亡细胞逐渐增多,至再灌注48小时达到高峰,72小时后减少。Bcl-2表达至再灌注12小时达高峰,再灌注24~72小时组逐渐减弱。Bax表达至48小时达高峰,再灌注72小时减少。结论:Bcl-2于再灌注早期表达增强,Bax于再灌注中期表达增强,Bcl-2/Bax比例失衡可能是大鼠全脑缺血再灌注后神经细胞凋亡的机制之一。     

高剂量灵芝孢子粉干预戊四氮致痫模型大鼠海马及皮质区神经细胞Bcl-2、Bax的表达

采用中药灵芝孢子粉低、中、高剂量（150, 300, 450 mg/kg）干预戊四氮致癫痫模型28 d，并设空白对照组。经免疫组织化学染色和TUNEL检测后发现，与模型相比，灵芝孢子粉高剂量组大鼠海马和皮质区神经细胞TUNEL阳性细胞数及Bax阳性细胞数均减少，而Bcl-2阳性表达细胞数增加。Morris水迷宫实验检测结果显示，灵芝孢子粉高剂量组大鼠逃避潜伏期缩短，跨过原平台次数增加。说明高剂量灵芝孢子粉上调癫痫模型大鼠海马和皮质区神经细胞Bcl-2蛋白的表达，抑制Bax免疫反应及癫痫所致的神经细胞凋亡，明显改善其学习记忆功能。     

Reciprocal changes in the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in hypoglossal nucleus after axotomy in adult rats: possible involvement in the induction of neuronal cell death.

Numerous studies of neonatal neuronal development in mammals have revealed that neuronal cell death following axotomy is apoptotic in nature. In adult animals, however, neuronal cell death following axonal injury may or may not exhibit features of apoptosis. Bcl-2 and Bax have been identified as inhibitor and promoter proteins, respectively, of apoptosis. To investigate the relationship between these proteins and neuronal cell death following axotomy in adult animals, we performed axotomy of the right hypoglossal nerve in adult male Wistar rats, and sacrificed the rats at various intervals after axotomy. We analyzed the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax immunohistochemically in the hypoglossal nuclei of the adult rats following axotomy. Our analysis showed an increase in the percentage of Bax-positive motoneurons relative to the total number of motoneurons in the hypoglossal nucleus on the axotomy side at three days after axotomy. In contrast, a low percentage of Bcl-2-positive motoneurons to the total number of motoneurons was noted at the same time interval after axotomy. Quantitative analysis of the signal intensity for Bcl-2 and Bax in individual neurons showed that Bax immunostaining significantly increased 7 days after axotomy, while the intensity of Bcl-2 immunostaining decreased in most of Bcl-2-positive neurons. Our results confirmed the occurrence of motoneuron cell death in adult rats after axotomy, and that a close temporal relationship exists between the reciprocal changes in Bcl-2/Bax expression and the loss of motoneurons. These results indicate the possible involvement of the Bcl-2/Bax system in the induction of neuronal cell apoptosis after axotomy in adult rats.     

Roles of p53, c-Myc, Bcl-2, Bax and caspases in glutamate-induced neuronal apoptosis and the possible neuroprotective mechanism of basic fibroblast growth factor.

By using flow-cytometric analysis, we examined the involvement of p53, c-Myc, Bcl-2 and Bax in the glutamate-induced cell death in cultured cortical neurons. The activities of caspase-1-like and caspase-3-like proteases were also measured after the glutamate treatment. The apoptosis rate of the cells increased after 12 h and 24 h treatment with glutamate. The temporal profile of p53, c-Myc, Bcl-2, Bax expression and caspases activation after glutamate treatment suggest that Bcl-2, c-Myc and caspase-3 play important roles in the excitotoxic neuronal cell death. The down-regulation of Bcl-2 may be an important early stage event, which may cause the activation of caspase-3. c-Myc is also involved in the process of apoptosis though its precise role remains elusive. bFGF exhibited the capability to antagonize the neuronal apoptosis caused by glutamate. The antiapoptotic potential of bFGF may result from its attenuating effect on the down-regulation of Bcl-2 induced by glutamate and, subsequently, blockade of apoptosis cascade. This may provide a possible explanation for its neuroprotective effect against ischemic cell death.     

Acupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui reduces brain cell apoptosis in heroin readdicts简

Acupuncture at Baihui （GV20） and Dazhui （GV14） reduces neuronal loss and attenuates ultra- structural damage in cerebral ischemic rats. However, whether acupuncture can treat addiction and prevent readdiction through changes to brain cell ultrastructure remains unknown. In this study, cell apoptosis was observed in the hippocampus and frontal lobe of heroin readdicted rats by electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical staining displayed a reduction in Bcl-2 ex- pression and an increase in Bax expression in the hippocampus and frontal lobe. After rats were given acupuncture at Baihui and Dazhui, the pathological damage in the hippocampus and frontal lobe was significantly reduced, Bcl-2 expression was upregulated and Bax expression was downregulated. Acupuncture exerted a similar effect with methadone, a commonly used drug for clinical treatment of drug addiction. Experimental findings suggest that acupuncture at Dazhui and Baihui can prevent brain cell apoptosis in heroin readdicted rats.     

普瑞巴林对慢性颞叶癫癎大鼠海马凋亡调控基因的影响

目的通过观察普瑞巴林对匹罗卡品慢性癫癎大鼠海马区Bcl-2和Bax表达的影响,探讨普瑞巴林治疗癫癎的药理学机制及对大鼠海马神经元的抗凋亡作用。方法采用氯化锂-匹罗卡品化学诱导方法建立慢性颞叶癫癎模型。经腹腔注射普瑞巴林40mg(/kg·d)连续治疗3周,免疫组织化学染色和Western blotting法检测不同处理组大鼠海马区Bcl-2和Bax表达变化。结果与生理盐水对照组比较,模型组大鼠海马区Bcl-2和Bax表达水平显著升高(均P=0.000);与模型组比较,普瑞巴林治疗组大鼠海马区Bcl-2表达水平升高、Bax表达水平降低,组间差异具有统计学意义(均P=0.000)。结论新型抗癫癎药物普瑞巴林可通过降低慢性颞叶癫癎大鼠海马区Bax表达、上调Bcl-2表达而抑制细胞凋亡,发挥神经元保护作用。     

大鼠癫(癎)持续状态后海马内X-连锁凋亡抑制蛋白及其负性调控因子的表达

目的 研究大鼠癫(癎)持续状态(SE)后海马组织中X-连锁凋亡抑制蛋白(XIAP)及其负性调控因子Smac、HtrA2、XAF1的表达变化.方法 建立氯化锂-匹罗卡品致(癎)大鼠SE模型,应用免疫组织化学染色和Western blot方法检测大鼠SE后各时点海马CA3区XIAP、Smac、HtrA2、XAF1及半胱氨酸蛋白酶(caspase)-3蛋白的表达.结果 SE后大鼠海马CA3区XIAP蛋白呈弥散性分布于整个神经元内,SE后2 h(0.5503±0.0172)起逐渐增高(t=115.87),8 h(0.6221±0.0238)达高峰(t=136.69).与对照组(0.1507±0.0165)比较,差异有统计学意义(P<0.01).Same、HtrA2及XAF1蛋白在对照组弱表达,在SE后呈弥散性分布于整个神经元内.2～72 h增高.海马CA3区caspase-3活性蛋白在对照组呈阴性,在SE后4～72 h明显增高.Western blot发现,SE组各时间点XIAP蛋白表达量与对照组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),Smac、HtrA2及caspese-3蛋白在对照组很少表达,在SE后2～72 h增高(P<0.01).结论 XIAP及其负性调控因子Smac、HtrA2、XAF1涉及了SE后神经元凋亡的调节,参与了SE后神经元损伤.     

经鼻给予TGFβ1对癫痫持续状态大鼠海马神经元的保护作用

目的探讨经鼻腔给予TGFβ1(transforming growth factor beta1,TGFβ1)对氯化锂-匹罗卡品所致癫痫持续状态(status epilepticus,SE)大鼠海马神经元的保护作用及其潜在的机制。方法健康雄性SD大鼠60只,随机分为转化生长因子(TGF)组、匹罗卡品(Pilo)组和正常对照组(control)。建立氯化锂-匹罗卡品癫痫持续状态模型。应用TUNEL染色、Fluoro-Jade B(FJB)荧光染色法分别观察各组大鼠海马神经元的原位凋亡及变性死亡情况。采用免疫组化方法检测凋亡相关基因caspase-3的蛋白表达。结果 SE后24h、48h、72h,TGF组大鼠海马FJB、TUNEL、caspase-3阳性细胞均较Pilo组显著减少(P<0.05);72h最为明显(P<0.01)。结论经鼻(IN)给予TGFβ1可以显著抑制或减轻癫痫持续状态大鼠海马神经元的变性与凋亡,从而发挥神经保护作用。其潜在的神经保护机制可能涉及下调caspase-3蛋白表达。     

Cell death signaling in the cerebellum in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease

Examination of the expression of proteins linked with signaling pathways commanding cell death and cell survival has been carried out to increase understanding on the mechanisms leading to cell death in the cerebellum in Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD). Expression of Fas, Fas ligand (Fas-L), ERK, MEK, Bcl-2, Bax, N-myc, c-myc, pro-caspase-2 and active caspase-3 was examined by immunohistochemistry in the cerebellum of six patients with sporadic CJD, three patients with olivopontocerebellar atrophy (OPCA) and six age-matched controls. No modifications in the expression of these proteins were observed in granule cells in CJD and OPCA when compared with controls, except in a few cells in the molecular and granular layers in CJD that displayed dense homogeneous active caspase-3 immunostaining. This suggests selective activation of caspase-3 in association with increased cellular vulnerability in CJD. No modifications in pro-caspase-2 and c-myc immunoreactivity were observed in Purkinje cells in diseased brains when compared with controls. However, increased diffuse Fas, Fas-L, MEK, ERK and Bax expression, and enhanced granular active caspase-3 immunoreactivity was found in the cytoplasm of Purkinje cells in CJD. Increase in Bcl-2 and N-myc occurred in Purkinje cells in CJD and OPCA. These results indicate that enhanced Fas, Fas-L, MERK, ERK, Bax and granular active caspase-3 expression is not lethal to Purkinje cells in CJD, whereas increased Bcl-2 and N-myc does not preclude per se cell death or death survival in CJD and OPCA. These findings point to the likelihood that expression of these cell death proteins in neurodegeneration has functional roles differing from those related with apoptosis.     

新生大鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤时Bcl-2和P53蛋白的表达

目的研究Bcl-2的P53蛋白在新生儿缺氧缺血性脑损伤(HIBD)中的表达及与细胞凋亡的关系。方法将新生7日龄Wistar大鼠制成HlBD模型，应用免疫组织化学-SP法及原位缺口末端标记(TUNEL)研究Bcl-2和P53蛋白在新生大鼠及缺氧缺血(HI)后脑中表达及与凋亡的关系。结果新生大鼠HIBD时凋亡与坏死并存，以凋亡为主。Bcl-2免疫蛋白在正常新生大鼠脑内广泛表达(+～++++)；Hl后脑病变处Bcl-2免疫强度明显下降(-～+)；P53蛋白在正常新生大鼠脑内基本无表达；HI后病变部位散在分布阳性凋亡细胞。结论Hl后Bcl-2免疫表达减弱，P53的免疫表达增强，提示Bcl-2可抑制凋亡，P53可能促进凋亡。     

大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后海马Bcl-2、Bax蛋白的表达

目的 探讨大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后Bcl-2、Bax蛋白在海马表达的变化.方法 线栓法制作大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型,应用免疫组化染色检测Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达,应用TUNEL法检测海马区细胞凋亡.结果 缺血再灌注2h后海马神经元Bcl-2、Bax蛋白开始表达,Bcl-2蛋白12h达高峰,Bax蛋白12h～24h达高峰,之后开始下降.再灌注2h后海马凋亡细胞开始表达,随着再灌注时间的延长,其表达不断增加.Bcl-2/ Bax的比率在再灌注开始时升高,再灌注12h达高峰,随后开始下降.结论 凋亡是脑缺血再灌注损伤的重要形式之一,Bcl-2/ Bax的改变与缺血再灌注后海马的神经元存亡有关,缺血再灌注可导致海马神经元凋亡.     

Is the Cell Death in Mesial Temporal Sclerosis Apoptotic?

PURPOSE: Mesial temporal sclerosis (MTS) is characterized by neuronal loss in the hippocampus. Studies on experimental models and patients with intractable epilepsy suggest that apoptosis may be involved in neuronal death induced by recurrent seizures. METHODS: We searched evidence for apoptotic cell death in temporal lobes resected from drug-resistant epilepsy patients with MTS by using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) and digoxigenin-11-dUTP (TUNEL) method and immunohistochemistry for Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase-cleaved actin fragment, fractin. The temporal lobe specimens were obtained from 15 patients (six women and nine men; mean age, 29 +/- 8 years). RESULTS: Unlike that in normal adult brain, we observed Bcl-2 immunoreactivity in some of the remaining neurons dispersed throughout the hippocampus proper as well as in most of the reactive astroglia. Bax immunopositivity was increased in almost all neurons. Fractin immunostaining, an indicator of caspase activity, was detected in approximately 10% of these neurons. Despite increased Bax expression and activation of caspases, we could not find evidence for DNA fragmentation by TUNEL staining. We also could not detect typical apoptotic changes in nuclear morphology by Hoechst-33258 or hematoxylin counterstaining. CONCLUSIONS: These data suggest that either apoptosis is not involved in cell loss in MTS, or a very slow rate of cell demise may have precluded detecting TUNEL-positive neurons dying through apoptosis. Increased Bax expression and activation of caspases support the latter possibility.     

凋亡基因在缺氧缺血新生大鼠脑组织中的动态变化及银杏叶提取物的保护效应

目的 探讨银杏叶提取物(EGb)对新生大鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤(HIBD)的保护作用。方法 夹闭妊娠大鼠子宫血管，制成HIBD新生鼠模型，治疗组给予腹腔注射EGb，在生后不同时间比较两组仔鼠脑组织凋亡基因Bcl-2、Bax的变化及神经细胞的凋亡情况。结果缺氧缺血后随再灌注时间的延长，脑组织中Bcl-2与Pax的比例下降，同时凋亡细胞数增加，表明Bcl-2、Bax两者比值的降低促进凋亡的发生。EGb治疗后Bcl-2表达增加显著，同时观察到治疗组的凋亡细胞数量减少。结论 EGb对HIBD有保护作用。     

The Ts65Dn mouse model of Down syndrome shows reduced expression of the Bcl-XL antiapoptotic protein in the hippocampus not accompanied by changes in molecular or cellular markers of cell death

The Ts65Dn (TS) mouse, the most widely used model of Down syndrome (DS), has a partial trisomy of a segment of chromosome 16 that is homologous to the distal part of human chromosome 21. This mouse shares many phenotypic characteristics with people with DS including neuromorphological, neurochemical, and cognitive disturbances. Both TS and DS brains show earlier aging and neurodegeneration. Since fibroblast cultures from TS mice and human DS hippocampal regions show increased apoptotic cell death it has been suggested that alterations in cerebral apoptosis might be implicated in the cognitive deficits found in TS mice and in people with DS. In the present study we have evaluated brain expression levels of several proapoptotic and antiapoptotic proteins from the mitochondrial (Bcl-2, Bcl-X_L, Bax and Bad) and the extrinsic (Fas-R and Fas-L) apoptotic pathways as well as the final executioner caspase-3, in the cortex and hippocampus of TS mice. No significant alterations in the expression levels of the proapoptotic Bad and Bax or the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 proteins in the cortex or hippocampus were found in TS mice. However, TS mice showed downregulation of Bcl-X_L in the hippocampus. In the extrinsic pathway we found unchanged levels of Fas-L in both structures and also in the expression levels of Fas-R in the hippocampus. Although Bcl-X_L downregulation suggests that the hippocampus of TS mice is less protected against programmed cell death, we did not find any evidence for increased apoptosis in TS mice since neither TUNEL-positive cells nor active caspase-3 expression were found in cortex or hippocampus of TS or CO mice.