烧伤血清作用下心肌细胞蛋白激酶B和p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶通路的交叉对话研究

目的 了解在烧伤血清刺激下大鼠心肌细胞内是否存在磷脂酰肌醇3-激酶(PI3K)/蛋白激酶B(Akt)与p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK,以下简称p38)信号通路的交叉对话,探讨此二通路在烧伤后心肌细胞损伤中的作用. 方法建立烧伤血清刺激下的大鼠心肌细胞模型.(1)检测体积分数10%的烧伤血清刺激不同时间后,心肌细胞内磷酸化p38(p-p38)和磷酸化Akt(p-Akt)的表达水平.(2)检测在不同体积分数(5%、10%、20%)的烧伤血清或体积分数10%烧伤血清+胰岛素(1×10-6、1×10-7、1×10-8mol/L)作用下,心肌细胞内p-p38和p-Akt的表达水平,并测定细胞培养上清液中肌酸激酶(CK)的含量.(3)采用p38MAPK通路抑制剂SB203580、PI3K/Akt通路抑制剂LY294002进行阻断实验,测定心肌细胞内p-p38和p-Akt的表达水平及细胞培养上清液中CK的含量. 结果 (1)体积分数10%烧伤血清作用1、3、6、12、24 h时,心肌细胞p-p38水平分别为4.0±0.8、3.6±0.8、5.1±1.6、2.4±0.5、3.0±0.6,较作用0 h时(加入血清后即刻)的水平(1.0)明显增高(P<0.01);而p-Akt表达水平分别为0.15±0.07、0.64±0.10、0.26±0.08、0.38±0.11、0.59±0.13,较作用0 h时水平(1.00)明显降低(P<0.01).(2)不同浓度烧伤血清或烧伤血清+胰岛素作用下,p-p38和p-Akt的表达水平呈相反变化趋势;心肌细胞CK的释放量随烧伤血清浓度升高而增高,胰岛素对此有明显的抑制作用(P<0.05或P<0.01).(3)LY294002能够升高烧伤血清导致的低P-p38水平,抵消胰岛素的保护作用(P<0.01);SB203580能使烧伤血清所致的低p-Akt水平得以回升(P<0.01),抑制烧伤血清引起的CK释放. 结论烧伤血清作用下的心肌细胞存在PI3K/Akt和p38信号通路的交叉对话,并可能对心肌细胞产生调控作用.     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号转导通路在严重烧伤大鼠急性肺损伤中的作用

目的　研究 p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶 (MAPK)信号转导通路在严重烧伤大鼠急性肺损伤中的作用。方法　健康成年的雄性SD大鼠 4 8只 ,随机分为假烫伤组、烧伤对照组和烧伤加 p38MAPK信号转导通路抑制剂 (SB2 0 35 80 )组。采用大鼠 30 %总体表面积Ⅲ度烧伤动物模型 ,观察烧伤 2 4h后肺血管通透性、肺脏含水量、肺脏病理和肺脏 p38活性等指标的改变。 结果　大鼠烧伤后2 4h肺血管通透性明显增高 (4 2 5± 4 7vs .12 1± 1 4 ,P <0 0 1) ,肺脏含水量上升 (P <0 0 5 ) ,组织病理学检查显示 :肺脏出现明显的病理损害 ,同时肺脏 p38MAPK活性明显增强。使用SB2 0 35 80能抑制肺脏 p38MAPK活性的上升 ,同时大鼠肺血管通透性明显降低 (2 4 7± 2 9vs.4 2 5± 4 7,P <0 0 1) ,肺脏含水量下降 ,肺脏的病理损害显著减轻。结论　p38MAPK的活化是严重烧伤大鼠急性肺损伤重要的发病机制之一。     

热损伤诱导的丝裂原活化蛋白激酶对活化蛋白-1的影响及其意义

目的 观察成纤维细胞热烫伤后丝裂原活化蛋白激酶以及活化蛋白-1的表达。方法 将培养的人成纤维细胞分成4组：(1)单纯热损伤刺激组；(2)热损伤刺激 碱性成纤维细胞生长因子处理组(10μg／L)；(3)预先加入PD98059(10μmoL/L)，再行热损伤 碱性成纤维细胞生长因子(bFGF)刺激；(4)预先加入PD98059 SB203580(各10μmol／L)阻断剂30min，再行热损伤 碱性成纤维细胞生长因子刺激。伤后0、30、60和180min检测细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)和原癌基因c-fos蛋白。结果单纯热刺激的成纤维细胞ERK表达增加，随后消失。碱性成纤维细胞生长因子刺激ERK表达增加显著，时间延长。加入PD98059拮抗剂，ERK的表达受抑制。原癌基因c-fos的表达开始增加，随后减弱。同时阻断ERK和p38MAPK两条通路，c-fos弱阳性表达。结论 碱性成纤维细胞生长因子引起热损伤成纤维细胞ERK表达增加，原癌基因c-fos是MAPK信号通路下游重要的靶蛋白。     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶途径在大鼠严重烧伤后早期心肌膜磷降解中的作用

目的探讨p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）途径在严重烧伤后早期心肌胞质型磷脂酶A2（cPLA2）表达及膜磷脂降解中的作用。方法将Wistar大鼠分为：正常组（8只）、单纯烧伤组（40只）、烧伤＋SB203580组（16只）和烧伤＋等渗盐水组（16只）。后3组大鼠制成40％TBSAⅢ度烧伤模型,后2组按实验设计分别注射p38MAPK抑制剂SB203580或等渗盐水。单纯烧伤组设5个时相点,其余烧伤组设2个时相点,每时相点8只。检测各组大鼠心肌cPLA2 mRNA表达和膜磷脂含量变化。缺氧复合烧伤血清处理体外培养的大鼠心肌细胞,观察SB203580对其cPLA2 mRNA表达的影响。结果单纯烧伤组大鼠伤后各时相点cPLA2 mRNA表达显著高于正常组的0．280±0．020,伤后3h达峰值;单纯烧伤组大鼠心肌膜磷脂含量伤后即降低,6h达最低值[（0．052±0．017）mg磷／mg蛋白]。烧伤后心肌cPLA2 mRNA表达与膜磷脂含量呈显著负相关（r=-0．53,P＜0．05）。与烧伤＋等渗盐水组比较,伤后6、12h烧伤＋SB203580组大鼠心肌磷酸化p38MAPK水平显著降低,cPLA2 mRNA表达仅为该组的72％、51％（P＜0．01）,心肌膜磷脂含量也显著高于该组。此外,SB203580也显著降低了缺氧复合烧伤血清处理的离体大鼠心肌细胞cPLA2 mRNA的表达水平。结论p38MAPK途径在大鼠严重烧伤后早期心肌膜磷脂降解中起重要作用,其机制可能与磷酸化p38MAPK上调心肌cPLA2 mRNA表达水平有关。     

p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶在烧伤大鼠急性肺损伤中的作用机制

目的　研究 p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶 (MAPK)信号转导通路在严重烧伤大鼠肺部促炎细胞因子肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF α)、白细胞介素 1β(IL 1β)产生及肺血管内皮细胞损伤中的作用和相关机制。　方法　健康成年雄性SD大鼠 4 8只 ,随机分为假烫 (A)组、烫伤对照 (B)组和烫伤 p38MAPK抑制剂SB2 0 35 80(C)组 ,每组各 16只。观察烫伤 (以下称烧伤 ) 2 4h后大鼠血清和支气管肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)中TNF α和IL 1β含量、血浆和肺脏微血管vonWillebrand因子 (vWF)含量、肺脏激活蛋白 1(AP 1)活性等指标的改变。　 结果　B组大鼠烧伤后 2 4h血清和BALF中TNF α和IL 1β含量明显增高 ,血浆vWF含量为 (194 .2± 2 8.3) % ,显著高于A组的 (93.2± 14 .3) % (P <0.0 1);肺脏微血管vWF含量的积分值为 1.1± 0 .3,显著低于A组的 3.3± 0 .4 (P <0.0 1);其肺脏AP 1活性上升。C组血清和BALF中TNF α和IL 1β含量、血浆及肺脏微血管vWF含量、肺脏AP 1的活性较B组变化幅度明显偏小。　结论　p38MAPK活化后 ,通过活化转录因子AP 1,介导了严重烧伤后肺脏促炎性细胞因子TNF α和IL 1β的产生和肺血管内皮细胞的损伤     

丝裂原活化蛋白激酶在一氧化碳抗大鼠肢体缺血再灌注所致肺损伤中的作用

目的 观察丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPKs)在外源性一氧化碳(C0)抗大鼠肢体缺血再灌注(IR)所致肺损伤中的作用。方法 健康SD大鼠，随机分为4组(每组n=8)：对照组(Con-trol)、Control CO、IR和IR CO组。复制大鼠双后肢缺血及再灌注后肺损伤模型。IR CO和Control CO组在再灌注前1h或相应时间点置含CO的空气中，其余两组呼吸空气。观察大鼠肺组织学、肺组织中中性粒细胞(PMN)数目、肺组织湿重和干重之比(W／D)、丙二醛(MDA)含量以及动物生存情况变化。应用Western blotting检测肺组织中三种磷化MAPKs，即细胞外信号调节激酶(ERK)、c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)和p38表达的变化。结果 与Contorl组相比。IR组动物死亡率、肺组织PMN数目、W／D、MDA含量以及磷酸化ERK、JNK和p38表达均显著增高；与IR组相比，IR CO组IR组动物死亡率、肺组织中PMN数目、W／D和MDA含量均显著降低、肺损伤减轻，p38表达显著增高，JNK表达显著降低，ERK表达无显著变化。结论 MAPKs信号通路参与了外源性CO抗大鼠肢体IR所致肺损伤作用的分子机制。     

严重烧伤大鼠肝脏p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶对肿瘤坏死因子α表达的调控及其在肝损伤中的作用

目的观察大鼠严重烧伤后肝脏p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)对肿瘤坏死因子(TNF)α表达的调控及其在肝损伤中的作用。方法将健康成年雄性SD大鼠随机分为假伤组;烧伤 SB203580组:30%TBSAⅢ度烫伤(以下称烧伤)后15min和12h静脉注射p38MAPK的特异性抑制剂SB203580(10mg/kg);烧伤对照组:同前致伤后给予等量等渗盐水,每组8只。测定3组大鼠伤后24h血清天冬氨酸转氨酶(AST)和丙氨酸转氨酶(ALT)活性的变化,并分别采用实时逆转录聚合酶链反应(RT-PCR)法和蛋白印迹(Western blot)法检测肝脏TNF-αmRNA及p38MAPK、磷酸化p38MAPK的表达水平。结果烧伤对照组大鼠血清AST和ALT活性及肝脏TNF-αmRNA的表达水平均显著高于假伤组(P<0.05或0.01);烧伤 SB203580组此3项指标均显著低于烧伤对照组(P<0.05或0.01),但与假伤组比较差异无统计学意义(P>0.05).3组大鼠肝脏p38MAPK表达水平比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05);其磷酸化p38MAPK表达水平之比———假伤组∶烧伤对照组∶烧伤 SB203580组为1.00∶3.90∶1.10,烧伤 SB203580组与假伤组比较,差异无统计学意义(P>0.05),与烧伤对照组比较明显偏低(P<0.01).结论大鼠严重烧伤后,肝脏中活化的p38MAPK促进了TNF-αmRNA的表达,并参与了肝损伤的发生。     

大鼠烫伤后肾脏组织p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶的活化及肿瘤坏死因子α含量的变化

严重烧伤后早期常出现肾脏器质性损伤和功能不全，大量的炎性介质是引起烧伤后。肾脏损伤的主要原因。p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）的激活在介导炎性介质的产生和释放过程中起着十分重要的作用。被活化的p38MAPK引起组织肿瘤坏死因子（TNF）α的大量产生，而TNF-α又是细胞因子网络中心之一，可导致多种细胞因子的释放。本研究观察了严重烫伤大鼠伤后早期。肾脏组织p38MAPK的活化及血浆、肾脏组织TNF-α含量的变化，旨在进一步探讨三之间的关系。     

丝裂原活化蛋白激酶家族在局麻药神经毒性中的作用

背景 局麻药(local anesthetic,LA)广泛用于神经阻滞、镇痛,其可能引起的神经毒性引起了麻醉医生的关注,其中关于此种毒性作用机制的研究取得了较大的进展. 目的 分析总结各种丝裂原活化蛋白激酶家族(mitogen-activated protein kinases,MAPKs)成员在LA神经毒性中的作用. 内容 越来越多的证据证明LA的神经毒性作用可能与细胞凋亡有关.MAPKs是一种广泛存在细胞内的丝氨酸/苏氨酸蛋白激酶,在细胞凋亡过程中发挥重要作用.故MAPK信号通路逐渐成为LA毒性作用研究中的重点,其中关于细胞外信号调节激酶(extracellular signal-regulated kinase,ERK),c-Jun N-末端激酶(c-jun nterminal kinase,JNK)以及p38MAPK信号转导通路的研究较为成熟. 趋向 MAPKs在LA神经毒性的具体机制中发挥重要作用,这为LA的临床应用及毒性作用防治提供依据和理论指导.     

烟雾吸入性损伤大鼠肺组织丝裂原活化蛋白激酶通路的变化

目的 了解烟雾吸入性损伤大鼠肺组织丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(MAPK)通路及炎性细胞因子含量的变化,探讨其损伤机制. 方法建立密闭舱内烟雾吸入性损伤模型,将30只SD大鼠分为烟雾吸入性损伤后1、6、24、72 h及7 d组,另设正常对照组(6只).取各组大鼠肺组织行病理学观察,检测肺组织匀浆液中肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、巨噬细胞炎性蛋白2(MIP-2)和白细胞介素1β(IL-1β)含量,用蛋白质印迹法检测肺组织p38MAPK、c-Jun氨基末端激酶(JNK)、细胞外信号调节激酶1/2(ERK1/2)及各酶磷酸化水平.收集大鼠支气管肺泡灌洗液(BALF),检测TNF-α、MIP-2、IL-1β含量并行粒细胞分类、计数. 结果烟雾吸入使大鼠产生急性肺损伤样病理改变.伤后1 h组大鼠肺组织及BALF中TNF-α和IL-1β含量均高于正常对照组(P<0.01).各组肺组织MIP-2水平与正常对照组接近(P>0.05),伤后1 h组BALF中MIP-2水平高于正常对照组(P<0.01).各致伤组p38MAPK、ERK1/2、JNK水平接近正常对照组,但此3种酶的磷酸化水平在伤后不同时相组有高表达.伤后1 h组大鼠BALF粒细胞总数为(0.36±0.08)×106个/L,较正常对照组(0.61±0.09)×106个/L明显减少(P<0.05),伤后7 d组粒细胞总数[(1.71±0.67)×106个/L]却高于正常对照组(P<0.05).伤后6 h～7 d组中性粒细胞数多于正常对照组(P<0.05).伤后1 h组巨噬细胞数少于正常对照组(P<0.05),但6 h～7 d组逐渐增多.各组大鼠淋巴细胞数量接近(P>0.05).结论 密闭舱室内非金属材料燃烧释放的毒性气体能诱导肺组织产生明显的炎性反应,激活细胞MAPK通路中重要激酶的表达,这可能是毒性混合气体导致肺损伤的重要机制之一.     

Influence of Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide on the Activation of Mitogen Activated Protein Kinases Following Small Bowel Cold Preservation

Cold preservation prior to small bowel transplantation can moderate tissue oxidative injury. This stress triggers several intracellular pathways via mitogen activated protein (MAP) kinases. MAP kinases include the extracellular signal related kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 MAP kinase. Pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) plays a central role in intestinal physiology. We sought to investigate the effect of PACAP on the activation of MAP kinases during cold preservation of the small bowel. Total orthotopic intestinal autotransplantation was performed on 40 Wistar rats. Perfused grafts were stored in University of Wisconsin (UW) solution for 1 (GI), 2 (GII), 3 (GIII), or 6 hours (GIV) without or with 30 PACAP, namely 1 (GV), 2 (GVI), 3 (GVII), or 6 hours (GVIII). After 3 hours of reperfusion in all groups, the activation of MAP kinases were measured using immunocytochemistry of small bowel tissue. Among the UW preserved grafts (GI-GIV), phosphorylated ERK1/2 level were decreased, while phosphorylated JNK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase activation were elevated compared with control levels. In GV-GVIII PACAP we observed enhanced phospho-ERK1/2 appearance with decreased JNK and p38 MAP kinase activity at the end of the reperfusion periods. We concluded that cold preservation decreased phosphorylated ERK1/2 levels and increased JNK1/2 and p38 MAP kinase activities, which meant that cold storage triggered apoptotic cell death. In contrast, PACAP treatment induced signalling pathways protective against oxidative injury by MAP kinases in bowel tissue.     

The Comparison of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases That Become Activated Within the Left Ventricular and Right Atrial Tissues Following Heart Transplantation in Canine Model

The activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays an important role in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Some reports have documented MAPKs activation of the myocardium in human models, using right atrial (RA) tissue for samples. This study compared the activation of MAPKs in left ventricle (LV) and RA tissues in canine heart transplantation. Four dogs were used as baseline data at two points, before and 20 min after warm ischemia (baseline model), and eight dogs (four pairs of donor and recipient) were used at other points: 4 h after cold ischemia, and at 10, 60, and 180 min after reperfusion (transplantation model). In the transplantation model, donor hearts were left in situ for 20 min after cardiac arrest, and were immersed in Celsior solution for 4 h after coronary flushing. Orthotopic heart transplantation was then performed. Two groups were created: the LV and RA groups (n = 4 in each group). Heart tissue was harvested from the left ventricular wall in the LV group and from the right atrial appendage in the RA group. The activation of MAPKs, including p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), was evaluated at each point. The activation patterns of p38 MAPK and ERK were similar in the RA and LV groups, but JNK activation was different in the two groups, after ischemia and reperfusion. Thus, RA tissue may be deliberately used as a substitute for LV tissue when investigating the activation of MAPKs in a human model.     

The comparison of mitogen-activated protein kinases that become activated within the left ventricular and right atrial tissues following heart transplantation in canine model.

The activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) plays an important role in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Some reports have documented MAPKs activation of the myocardium in human models, using right atrial (RA) tissue for samples. This study compared the activation of MAPKs in left ventricle (LV) and RA tissues in canine heart transplantation. Four dogs were used as baseline data at two points, before and 20 min after warm ischemia (baseline model), and eight dogs (four pairs of donor and recipient) were used at other points: 4 h after cold ischemia, and at 10, 60, and 180 min after reperfusion (transplantation model). In the transplantation model, donor hearts were left in situ for 20 min after cardiac arrest, and were immersed in Celsior solution for 4 h after coronary flushing. Orthotopic heart transplantation was then performed. Two groups were created: the LV and RA groups (n = 4 in each group). Heart tissue was harvested from the left ventricular wall in the LV group and from the right atrial appendage in the RA group. The activation of MAPKs, including p38 MAPK, c-Jun N-terminal protein kinase (JNK), and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK), was evaluated at each point. The activation patterns of p38 MAPK and ERK were similar in the RA and LV groups, but JNK activation was different in the two groups, after ischemia and reperfusion. Thus, RA tissue may be deliberately used as a substitute for LV tissue when investigating the activation of MAPKs in a human model.     

Evidence for JNK-dependent up-regulation of proteoglycan synthesis and for activation of JNK1 following cyclical mechanical stimulation in a human chondrocyte culture model

OBJECTIVE: To examine the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in human chondrocytes, to investigate whether selective activation of MAPKs is involved in up-regulation of proteoglycan (PG) synthesis following cyclical mechanical stimulation (MS), and to examine whether MS is associated with integrin-dependent or independent activation of MAPKs. METHODS: The C-28/I2 and C-20/A4 human chondrocyte cell lines were mechanically stimulated in monolayer cell culture. PG synthesis was assessed by [(35)S]-sulphate incorporation in the presence and absence of the p38 inhibitor SB203580, and the extracellular-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) inhibitor PD98059. Kinase expression and activation were assessed by Western blotting using phosphorylation status-dependent and independent antibodies, and by kinase assays. The Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitor SP600125 and the anti-beta(1) integrin (CD29) function-blocking antibody were used to assess JNK activation and integrin dependence, respectively. RESULTS: Increased PG synthesis following 3 h of cyclic MS was abolished by pretreatment with 10 microM SB203580, but was not affected by 50 microM PD98059. The kinases p38, ERK1/ERK2 and JNKs were expressed in both stimulated and unstimulated cells. Phosphorylated p38 was detected at various time points following 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 h MS in C-28/I2, but not detected in C-20/A4 cell lines. Phosphorylation of ERK1 and ERK2 was not significantly affected by MS. Phosphorylation of the 54 and 46 kDa JNKs increased following 0.5, 1, 2 and 3 h of MS, and following CO(2) deprivation. MS-induced JNK phosphorylation was inhibited by SB203580 at concentrations > or =5 microM and activation of JNK1 following MS was blocked by SP600125 and partially inhibited by anti-CD29. CONCLUSIONS: The data suggest JNK, rather than p38 or ERK dependent increases in PG synthesis, and selective, partially integrin-dependent, activation of JNK kinases in human chondrocyte cell lines following cyclical MS. JNK activation is also very sensitive to changes in CO(2)/pH in this chondrocyte culture model.     

MAPK信号通路在骨关节炎发病机制中的研究进展

丝裂原活化蛋白激酶（mitogen—activated proteinkinase,MAPK）真核细胞信号传递的重要途径之一,在调节控制细胞结构和功能活动中发挥关键作用。在真核生物中MAPK信号通路包括p38、ERK、JNK、ERK5等多个亚家族。随着研究的不断深入,发现p38、ERK、JNK信号转导途径的活化与骨关节炎（osteoarthritis,OA）软骨损伤密切相关,诱导软骨细胞产生基质金属蛋白酶,加速关节软骨病理性降解,并参与软骨细胞增殖、凋亡与分化等一系列反应,明确MAPK信号通路在OA中的发生发展机制已成为研究的新热点。     

Cardiac hypertrophy in the Prague-hypertensive rat is associated with enhanced JNK2 but not ERK tissue activity

Mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases are important intracellular mediators for proliferation and hypertrophy and therefore may also regulate cardiomyoblast growth in hypertensive heart disease. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine the activities of MAP kinases, namely extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1,2, c-Jun NH2-terminal kinases (JNK)1,2 and p38 MAP kinase, in myocardial tissue of 12-week-old Prague normotensive (PNR) and hypertensive rats (PHR), a model of genetic hypertension with marked cardiac hypertrophy. Systolic blood pressure was 121 +/- 5 in PNR and 208 +/- 15 mm Hg in PHR (p < 0.01). Total heart weight was 247 +/- 4 in PNR vs. 316 +/- 4 mg/100 g body weight in PHR (p < 0.01). Left and right ventricular weights were 121 +/- 5 and 53 +/- 3 in PNR vs. 168 +/- 4 (p < 0.01) and 57 +/- 2 mg/100 g body weight (n.s.) in PHR. Using anti-ERK2 Western blot analysis as well as immunocomplex ERK activity assay, we found no activation of ERK2 in left or right ventricular tissue of PHR and PNR. Similary, p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation and activity were not detectable. In contrast, Western blot analysis using antiphospho-JNK antibodies revealed in myocardial tissue of right and left ventricles significantly greater phosphorylation of JNK2 in PHR than in PNR. This finding was confirmed by immunocomplex JNK activity assay using ATF-2 as substrate, which demonstrated a significant increase in JNK activity in the left ventricle of PHR as compared to PNR (6.4 +/- 1.5 vs. 2.5 +/- 0.5 OD; each n = 5; p < 0.05). In conclusion, cardiac JNK2 seems to be regulated differently from ERK2 in this rat model. In PHR, as compared to PNR, we found enhanced activity of JNK2 in the left and right ventricles suggesting that JNK2 is involved in hypertensive cardiac disease. The rise in JNK in both ventricles may result indirectly from humoral stimuli, e.g., endothelin-1 and/or angiotensin II, and may contribute to ventricular hypertrophy in this model of spontaneous hypertension.     

Expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases in human renal dysplasia

BACKGROUND: We previously reported that the expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) is developmentally regulated. Dysregulation of MAPKs may lead to kidney malformation. Thus, we investigated the expression of MAPKs in human renal dysplasia, one of the most common kidney malformations. METHODS: Prenatal (gestational ages 20 to 36 weeks, N = 6) and postnatal (2 years old, N = 1) dysplastic kidneys, and normal kidneys (gestational ages 19 to 34 weeks, N = 4) were examined. Immunohistochemical studies were performed using antibodies against extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), p38 MAPK (p38), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), phospho-MAPKs (P-MAPKs), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Apoptosis was detected by the TUNEL method. RESULTS: In dysplastic kidneys, proliferation was prominent in dysplastic tubules and also found in cyst epithelia. TUNEL staining was detected in dysplastic tubules and cysts, and occasionally in undifferentiated cells. p38 and anti-phospho-p38 (P-p38) were strongly expressed in dysplastic epithelia, but not detected in normal kidneys at any stage examined. On the other hand, JNK and P-JNK were positive in tubular epithelia of normal kidneys, whereas their expression was barely detectable in dysplastic tubules and cysts. ERK was expressed in all tubular segments, and P-ERK was detected in distal tubules and collecting ducts of normal kidneys. Dysplastic kidney epithelia stained exclusively positive for ERK and P-ERK. CONCLUSIONS: p38 is ectopically expressed, and JNK is down-regulated in dysplastic kidney epithelia. Furthermore, dysplastic epithelia are exclusively positive for ERK and P-ERK. Activated p38 and ERK may mediate hyperproliferation of dysplastic tubules resulting in cyst formation, whereas down-regulated JNK expression may be the cause or the result of an undifferentiated state of dysplastic epithelia.     

In vitro evidence for role of ERK, p38, and JNK in exocrine pancreatic cytokine production

Elucidation of mechanisms of acinar cell cytokine production is essential for a better understanding of acute pancreatitis pathogenesis. We hypothesize that the stress kinases ERK, p38, and JNK play an important role in acinar cell cytokine production. Rat pancreatic fragments were incubated with 100 nM concentration of the cholecystokinin analog caerulein or 100 nM caerulein and specific ERK inhibitor (100 μM PD98059), specific p38 inhibitor (10 μM SB203580), or specific JNK inhibitor (20 μM SP600125). After 3 hours of caerulein treatment, pancreatic fragments were homogenized and assayed for total and phosphorylated ERK, p38, and JNK, and for tumor necrosis factor-α or interleukin-1β concentrations (ELISA). Pancreatic fragments stimulated with caerulein showed activation of ERK, p38, and JNK and increased cytokine concentrations (ANOVA, P<0.05). Specific stress kinase inhibitors significantly attenuated caerulein-induced activation of the corresponding stress kinase and cytokine production; however, the effect of the JNK inhibitor was comparatively less convincing. Increased activation of ERK, p38, and JNK in pancreatic fragments was not associated with significant increases in total ERK, total p38, or total JNK concentrations. The stress kinases ERK and p38 play an important role in caerulein-stimulated exocrine pancreatic overproduction of cytokines. The role of JNK needs further evaluation in this experimental model. This work was presented at the Forty-Seventh Annual Meeting of The Society for Surgery of the Alimentary Tract, Los Angeles, CA, May 22, 2006. Dr. Samuel was supported for this research by an American College of Surgeons Faculty Research Fellowship (2003–2005) and a National Institutes of Health NIDDK Career Development Award (grant K08-DK062805).     

Mitogen-activated protein kinases signal inhibition of apoptosis in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated neutrophils.

BACKGROUND: Neutrophil (PMN) apoptosis is critical to the resolution of infection and the limitation of inflammation. Bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide [LPS]) inhibits PMN apoptosis and activates the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal cascade. The role of p38 and other MAPKs (ERK and SAPK/JNK) in regulating PMN apoptosis after LPS stimulation is unknown. We hypothesize that MAPK activation by LPS signals inhibition of PMN apoptosis. METHODS: PMNs were isolated from the blood of healthy human volunteers and incubated with PD98059 (ERK inhibitor), SB203580 (p38 inhibitor), or 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (vehicle) for 1 hour before treatment with LPS (0, 10, or 1000 ng/mL). Neutrophil MAPK activation was determined by Western blot analysis for phosphorylated p38, ERK, and SAPK/JNK. Apoptosis was quantified by flow cytometry with use of propidium iodide and annexin V. RESULTS: LPS inhibited PMN apoptosis and activated p38 and ERK in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. SAPK/JNK was not activated by LPS. Treatment of cells with ERK inhibitor before LPS stimulation abrogated LPS signaled inhibition of PMN apoptosis. Conversely, p38 inhibition with SB203580 augmented inhibition of apoptosis by LPS. CONCLUSIONS: These data demonstrate opposing roles of MAPKs in mediating PMN apoptosis after LPS stimulation. We conclude that LPS signal transduction by ERK inhibits PMN apoptosis while activation of p38 promotes apoptosis.