Mechanism of chemical-induced toxicity. II. Role of extracellular calcium

Previous studies disagree as to if chemical-induced cell death is caused by the influx and accumulation of extracellular Ca2+. To determine the role of extracellular Ca2+ in toxic cell death, the viability (leakage of intracellular K+ and lactate dehydrogenase) and total Ca2+ content of isolated hepatocytes incubated in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+ were determined during a toxic insult with bromobenzene, ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS), Ca2+ ionophore A23187, and adriamycin (ADR) in combination with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU). The present study utilized the dibutyl phthalate separation technique which enabled the analysis of only viable hepatocytes for changes in intracellular Ca2+ and K+ content during toxic cell injury. The three chemical treatments, bromobenzene, EMS, and ADR-BCNU, each caused an accelerated loss of viability in hepatocytes incubated without extracellular Ca2+ as compared to cells incubated with Ca2+. Furthermore, the total Ca2+ content of viable hepatocytes incubated in the presence of extracellular Ca2+ did not increase during chemically induced cell injury as compared to control cells. In fact, a significant decline in total cellular Ca2+ was observed in viable hepatocytes incubated in Ca2+-free medium during toxic cell injury. Treatment with Ca2+ ionophore A23187 was also toxic to hepatocytes incubated in the presence or absence of extracellular Ca2+. At high concentrations of ionophore (20 microM or 4 micrograms/10(6) cells), cell death was accelerated in hepatocytes incubated with Ca2+ as compared to cells incubated in Ca2+-free medium. In contrast, after treatment with lower concentrations of ionophore (10 microM or 2 micrograms/10(6) cells), the rate of cell death was reversed with hepatocytes incubated without extracellular Ca2+ dying first. Thus, depending on the concentration of A23187 and the time of exposure, the presence of extracellular Ca2+ can be shown either to accelerate or protect against cell death. Surprisingly, reversible and irreversible cell injury were not observed in hepatocytes incubated with extracellular Ca2+ and 2 microM A23187 though this treatment resulted in an 800% increase in total intracellular Ca2+ content. We conclude that chemical-induced hepatic cell death is not caused by an increase in total cellular Ca2+ resulting from the influx of extracellular Ca2+.     

Role of stress in the initial injury stages of cell killing by altered intracellular calcium

A variety of cultured cell types are effectively killed by Ca2+-carrying ionophores (A23187, ionomycin and lasalocid) in the presence of adequate extracellular concentrations of Ca2+ and Na+, although cell killing mechanisms independent of these ions also exist. Previous studies identified 2 injury stages (termed stage I and stage II injury) at which the A23187-induced killing process in 3T3 fibroblasts is interrupted in the presence of low extracellular Ca2+ concentrations and in the absence of extracellular Na+, respectively. The present studies confirm the generality of stage II injury in Ca2+-mediated cell killing, but demonstrate a requirement for concomitant stress conditions (e.g., osmotic or oxidative stress) for expression of stage I injury.     

Independence and additivity of cultured hepatocyte killing by Ca2+ overload and ATP depletion.

In two competing models of toxic cell death, hepatocyte killing by chemical hypoxia (CN/IAA) is attributed to ATP depletion and killing by A23187 is attributed to Ca(2+)-induced damage. The independence of these models can be questioned because CN/IAA elevates Ca2+ before killing 1c1c7 hepatoma cells and because the ATP source fructose prevents hepatocyte killing by Br-A23187. In the present studies, cultured mouse hepatocytes were exposed to CN/IAA, A23187, or treatments in combination. A23187 produced toxicity proportional to Ca(2+)-activated DNA fragmentation. CN/IAA caused comparable toxicity but no fragmentation of DNA. Treatments in combination were more toxic than either treatment alone. Aurintricarboxylic acid, a Ca(2+)-endonuclease inhibitor, decreased DNA fragmentation and the toxicity of A23187 and combination treatment without affecting CN/IAA toxicity. ATP plus oligomycin decreased CN/IAA and combination treatment toxicity but not that of A23187. These findings indicate that cultured mouse hepatocytes are killed through mechanisms that are independent and additive in their toxicities.     

Differential lymphocyte growth-modifying effects of oxidants: changes in cytosolic Ca+2

An increase in the concentration of cytosolic Ca+2 ([Ca-2]i) is among the earliest changes seen in mitogen-stimulated lymphocytes and is a consequence of signal transduction which usually results in the initiation of cell cycle progression. However, increased [Ca+2]i has also been correlated with cytotoxicity. We have determined whether modulations of [Ca+2]i are involved in the functional inactivation of cells observed with sublethal concentrations of oxidants. Specifically, [Ca+2]i was measured in mouse splenic lymphocytes that were treated with different oxidants in order to determine if oxidative stress interferes with mitogen-stimulated increases in [Ca+2]i, if oxidants themselves modulated [Ca+2]i, and, if so, whether such Ca+2 modulations by oxidants had stimulatory or inhibitory effects on the response of lymphocytes to mitogens. The oxidants employed were copper phenanthroline (CuP; surface thiol oxidizer), N-ethyl maleimide (NEM; permeant thiol alkylator), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2; generates hydroxyl radical within the cell), and radiation (Cs137; generates hydroxyl radical by radiolysis). Growth of all treated cells was equally inhibited upon stimulation with Con A or PMA/A23187, suggesting that all the oxidants inhibited cell functions required distal in activation to the transduction pathway utilized by Con A but bypassed by PMA/A23187. Doses of CuP, NEM, and radiation which fully inhibited Con A-stimulated proliferation had little effect on resting or mitogen-stimulated changes of [Ca+2]i, but H2O2 doses which fully inhibited proliferation increased [Ca+2]i in unstimulated cells and prevented the increase normally caused by Con A. Both intra- and extracellular Ca+2 contributed to the increased [Ca+2]i seen in unstimulated cells. An elevated [Ca+2]i was sufficient to reduce responsiveness, since pharmacologically increasing the [Ca+2]i with the ionophore A23187 rendered lymphocytes less responsive to Con A. Unlike A23187, H2O2 was unable to synergize with PMA, suggesting that the H2O2-induced increase of [Ca+2]i delivered predominantly negative signals to the cell. The results also suggest that [Ca+2]i utilization by Con A versus PMA-activated lymphocytes must be different. When cells were treated with H2O2 under conditions where intracellular and extracellular Ca+2 were chelated with BAPTA and EGTA, respectively, the response to Con A was restored. Under these conditions, higher concentrations of H2O2 were required to inhibit the response to Con A. Our results indicate that signal transduction may be compromised in cells treated with H2O2, but not in cells treated with CuP, NEM, or radiation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Halothane inhibits hyperpolarization and potassium channels in human red blood cells

The effect of halothane on the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel in human erythrocytes has been investigated. The red cells were suspended in buffer-free salt solutions containing Ca2+ or 45Ca2+. The protonophore CCCP was added to bring about a rapid equilibration of protons across the plasma membrane. After addition of the divalent cation ionophore A23187, the cells took up Ca2+ and this caused the K+ channels to open. When the medium contained 1 mM K+, the addition of A23187 induced a transient hyperpolarization of the cells, as monitored by measurement of the pH of the medium. The cellular pH, being buffered by haemoglobin, was virtually constant. Halothane reversibly inhibited hyperpolarization and limited the release of cellular K+ in a dose-dependent way, but did not inhibit the Ca2+-transporting properties of A23187. No stimulatory effects of halothane were observed even at low halothane concentrations. In conclusion, halothane reversibly inhibits the Ca2+-sensitive K+ channel in human erythrocytes with an ED50 of about 0.5 mM.     

Mechanisms of gastric mucus secretion from cultured rat gastric epithelial cells induced by carbachol, cholecystokinin octapeptide, secretin, and prostaglandin E2

The effects of carbachol, cholecystokinin octapeptide (CCK-8), secretin, prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and second mediator-like substances (A23187, phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, and dibutyryl cAMP) on mucus secretion from cultured gastric epithelial cells were investigated. Gastric mucus was measured by an enzyme-linked lectin assay with soybean agglutinin and wheat germ agglutinin. Intracellular cAMP and Ca2+ were measured with a cAMP assay kit and an image analysis system using fura-2-loaded cells, respectively. Secreted mucus induced by any combination of receptor agonists was almost equal to the summation of each stimulated mucus secretion. On the other hand, combined stimulation with second mediator-like substances secreted mucus synergistically. These results suggest the existence of interactions among receptors for mucus secretion. Based on these results, the secretagogue induced intracellular cAMP and free calcium ([Ca2+]i) levels were measured in cultured gastric epithelial cells incubated with secretagogues. Secretin and PGE2 induced cAMP accumulation, and carbachol and CCK-8 induced a [Ca2+]i increase. To confirm these results, the effects of protein kinase A and C inhibitors and intracellular calcium chelator on mucus secretion were investigated. An intracellular calcium chelator inhibited the mucus secretion induced not only by carbachol and CCK-8 but also by secretin and PGE2. These results suggest that the [Ca2+]i plays an important role in mucus secretion through cAMP accumulation.     

INDOMETHACIN DAMAGE TO RAT GASTRIC MUCOSA IS MARKEDLY DEPENDENT ON LUMINAL pH

1. There is good evidence that acid is a prerequisite for aspirin induced gastric mucosal damage; however, there is inconsistent information available for non-salicylate NSAID. The present study examines the effect of gastric luminal pH on indomethacin-induced gastric mucosal damage. 2. Macroscopic gastric mucosal damage induced by indomethacin (40 mg/kg) or vehicle, administered intraduodenally to male pylorus-ligated rats (n= 5–10/group), was assessed at four different levels of luminal pH (2,4,5.5 and 7) by means of digital planimetry. 3. There was a marked difference in the extent of damage induced by indomethacin at the different luminal pH levels (P= 0.001). There was no difference between the percentage of haemorrhagic lesions at pH 2 and 4 (P>0.05), nor between pH 5.5 and 7 (P>0.05). However, the damage at the high levels of luminal acidity (pH 2 and 4) was strikingly different from that at pH 5.5 and 7 (P<0.05). 4. Gastric mucosal damage induced by indomethacin, a non-salicylate NSAID, is augmented by the presence of high concentrations of acid in the gastric lumen. The main finding, that indomethacin injury is markedly less above pH 4, may have clinical implications in the prevention of NSAID-induced mucosal injury.     

Mast cells do not contribute to nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced gastric mucosal injury in rodents

Background: By releasing pro-ulcerogenic mediators, mast cells may contribute to the mucosal injury associated with the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
Methods: To study this, rat and mouse models of NSAID-induced gastric damage were used in which administration of indomethacin causes haemorrhagic injury in the corpus region of the stomach, and the "re-feeding" model in which penetrating antral ulcers are induced in the rat by naproxen. Mast cell degranulation was determined histologically and by measurement of tissue and serum levels of rat mast cell protease-II, a mediator specific to mucosal mast cells. The effects of either increasing or decreasing the number of gastric mucosal mast cells on the susceptibility of the stomach to injury induced by indomethacin were also studied.
Results: Gastric injury induced by indomethacin was not accompanied by significant mast cell degranulation. Moreover, neither increasing nor decreasing the number of gastric mucosal mast cells had a significant effect on the susceptibility of the gastric mucosa to damage induced by indomethacin. In the re-feeding model, prior depletion of gastric mucosal mast cells did not significantly affect the severity of antral ulceration induced by naproxen, nor the ability of prostaglandin E₂ to prevent this damage. Finally, indomethacin-induced damage was similar in severity in mice with a genetic defect resulting in the complete absence of mast cells as it was in normal, congenic littermates.
Conclusion: Mast cells do not play a significant role in the development of gastric injury induced by acute NSAID administration in the rat or mouse.     

Activation of ion channels by lysylbradykinin in the HCA-7 colony 29 human adenocarcinoma cell line.

1. The patch-clamp technique, both cell attached and inside-out patches, was used to examine the effects of lysylbradykinin (LBK) and A23187 on ion channels in cultured Colony 29 epithelial cells derived from a human adenocarcinoma. 2. LBK and A23187 applied directly to the intact cell stimulated the opening of a number of types of ion channel including Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels. 3. By use of inside-out patches, anion channels could be stimulated to open by application of protein kinase A and ATP to the cytosolic surface. Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels were also identified in isolated membrane patches. 4. The results suggest that the anion secretion which is stimulated by LBK is a complex event, involving the activation of a number of different types of ion channel, and that part of the response is the result of hyperpolarization of the cell by activation of Ca(2+)-activated K+ channels. From the data presented in this and the accompanying papers it appears that the Ca(2+)-sensitive K+ channels would be equally effective in either the apical or basolateral membranes.     

BAPTA-AM对MDCK细胞的保护作用及其机制

目的观察BAPTA-AM抗D-氨基半乳糖(D-GalN)诱导MDCK细胞损伤作用,探讨其作用机制。方法采用MTT法,Annexin V-EGFP/PI与Hoechst33342/PI荧光染色,罗丹明123(Rhodamine 123)荧光染色,Caspase-8、Caspase-9活性测定及钙离子载体A23187诱导细胞内高钙等方法,分别测定D-GalN攻击下MDCK细胞活性,细胞凋亡状况,线粒体膜电位(△Ψm)、Caspase-8、Caspase-9活性和细胞内游离钙浓度([Ca2+]i)变化等。结果 BAPTA-AM能明显抑制D-GalN所致的细胞活力下降、减少细胞凋亡、维持△Ψm,抑制Caspase-8、Caspase-9的激活,减轻A23187所致细胞损伤,降低[Ca2+]i。结论 BAPTA-AM通过减轻钙超载,保护线粒体、抑制外源及内源性凋亡通路的激活,发挥抗肾细胞凋亡作用。     

Is the bradykinin-induced Ca2+ influx and the formation of endothelium-derived relaxing factor mediated by a G protein?

In cultured porcine aortic endothelial cells bradykinin produced a long-lasting Ca2+ influx. In contrast to the G protein-independent Ca2+ entry evoked by ionomycin or digitonin, bradykinin-induced Ca2+ influx was antagonized by Ni2+ with an IC50 value of about 50 microM. Since identical IC50 values for Ni2+ were found when Ca2+ entry was induced by sodium fluoride or GTP gamma S, we suggest that stimulation of G protein(s) results in the activation of the same Ca2+ channels as stimulation by bradykinin. This conclusion is supported by our findings that inhibition of GTPase by mepacrine amplified bradykinin-stimulated Ca2+ influx, but did not interfere with the effect of the Ca2+ ionophore A23187. Similar to its effect on Ca2+ influx, mepacrine also potentiated endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF) formation by bradykinin and sodium fluoride, but did not affect A23187-induced EDRF biosynthesis. We therefore suggest that in endothelial cells the bradykinin-induced Ca2+ influx and the resulting formation of EDRF are regulated by a G protein.     

Hypotonic shock stimulates ascorbate release from coronary artery endothelial cells by a Ca2+ -independent pathway

In endothelial cells, anion channels open upon osmotic swelling during shear stress and hypotonic shock. Therefore, we examined the effects of hypotonic shock on release of the antioxidant anion ascorbate from pig coronary artery endothelial cells. Hypotonic shock potentiated ascorbate release from freshly isolated or cultured pig coronary artery endothelial cells; subsequently cultured endothelial cells were used. The hypotonic shock-induced increase in Asc release was rapid, depended on the degree of hypotonic shock, and not due to membrane leakiness. Stimulating P2Y2 like receptors in endothelial cells with ATP causes ascorbate release via a Ca2+ -mediated pathway. Hypotonic shock-induced release differed from the Ca2+-mediated Asc release because: (a) the increase in release with hypotonic shock was additive to that with ATP or A23187 (Ca2+ -ionophore), (b) apyrase, suramin or removing extracellular Ca2+ did not affect the hypotonic shock-stimulated release, (c) anion channel blockers inhibited the release by the two pathways differently, and (d) hypotonic shock increased the ascorbate release from endothelial cells and cultured smooth muscle cells whereas the Ca2+ -mediated ascorbate release occurred only in endothelial cells. Accumulation of ascorbate by endothelial cells was examined at extracellular ascorbate concentrations of 10 (Na+ -ascorbate symporter not saturated) and 5000 microM (Na+ -ascorbate symporter saturated). Hypotonic shock and A23187 decreased ascorbate accumulation at 10 microM ascorbate but increased it at 5000 microM. The effects of the two treatments were additive and also differed from each other with substitution of gluconate for extracellular chloride. Thus, ascorbate release from endothelial cells can be potentiated by two distinct pathways - hypotonic shock mediated and ATP/Ca2+ stimulated.     

芸香甙对应激性胃粘膜损伤保护作用的机制研究

目的初步研究芸香甙（Ｒｕ）对应激性胃粘膜损伤保护作用的机制。方法采用大鼠冷冻－束缚应激模型，评价胃粘膜损伤指数的变化。ＭＤＡ和ＧＳＨ含量测定分别应用ＴＢＡ和ＤＴＮＢ法，胃粘膜局部血流量（ＧＭＢＦ）测定应用氢气清除法。结果给予Ｒｕ抗溃疡剂量（５，２０ｍｇｋｇ－１，ｉｇ）ｂｉｄ，连续５ｄ，使血清和胃粘膜中因应激而升高的ＭＤＡ含量明显降低，并可升高应激后降低的胃粘膜ＧＳＨ含量。高Ｃａ２＋／低Ｃａ２＋分别可拮抗／增强Ｒｕ的胃粘膜保护作用。Ｒｕ尚可提高应激后降低的ＧＭＢＦ。Ｒｕ的构效关系研究显示，３个剂量（８．２，１６．４，３２．８μｍｏｌｋｇ－１）的Ｒｕ和槲皮素（ｑｕｅｒｃｅｔｉｎ，Ｑｕｅ）均可减轻应激所致的胃粘膜损伤，但Ｒｕ和Ｑｕｅ相同剂量组之间的胃粘膜损伤指数差异无显著性。结论Ｒｕ对应激性胃粘膜损伤保护作用的机制可能与其抗氧化作用、Ｃａ２＋拮抗和改善ＧＭＢＦ有关。Ｒｕ结构中的甙元部分在保护胃粘膜中起主要作用。     

Effects of altered calcium homeostasis on the expression of glutathione S-transferase isozymes in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.

The effects of altered Ca2+ homeostasis on glutathione S-transferase (GST) isozyme expression in cultured primary rat hepatocytes were examined. Isolated hepatocytes were cultured on Vitrogen substratum in serum-free modified Chee's essential medium and treated with Ca2+ ionophore A23187 at 120 hr post-plating. GST activity increased slightly, albeit significantly, in a concentration-dependent manner in A23187-treated hepatocytes relative to untreated controls. Western blot analysis using GST class alpha and mu specific antibodies showed an approximately 1.6- and 1.5-fold increase in the class alpha, Ya and Yc subunits, respectively, whereas no significant increase (approximately 1.2-fold) in class mu GST expression was observed following A23187 treatment. Northern blot analysis revealed an approximately 5-fold increase in GST class alpha and an approximately 7-fold increase in class mu GST mRNA levels in ionophore-treated hepatocytes compared to untreated cells. Results of the Western and Northern blot analyses of the ionophore-treated hepatocytes were compared with those obtained for tert-butyl hydroperoxide-treated cells. Immunoblot analysis showed a significant increase in the expression of GST class alpha, Ya and Yc subunits, approximately 1.8- and 1.7-fold, respectively, for tert-butyl hydroperoxide-treated hepatocytes as compared to controls, with little or no increase in class mu GSTs. Northern blot analysis showed approximately 3- and 2-fold increases, respectively, in class alpha and mu GST mRNA levels, following the tert-butyl hydroperoxide treatment. The results of the present investigation show that alterations in Ca2+ homeostasis produced by either Ca2+ ionophore A23187 or tert-butyl hydroperoxide treatment of hepatocytes enhanced the expression of GST isozymes in primary cultured rat hepatocytes.     

Topical and intravenous administration of trefoil factors protect the gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced injury in the rat

BACKGROUND: hTFF2 and pTFF2 (formerly PSP and hSP, respectively) are members of the trefoil factor family (TFF) and are distributed throughout the gastrointestinal tract in both normal and diseased tissue. Trefoil factors have been shown to exert a mucosal protectant and/or healing role in a number of animal models but controversy exists surrounding this property in relation to their dose and route of administration. AIM: To investigate the effects of topically applied and intravenously infused trefoil factors (hTFF2 and pTFF2) and prostaglandin E2 on ethanol-induced gastric mucosal damage in rats. METHOD: A gastric chamber preparation in the anaesthetized rat was used. Injury was caused by exposing the gastric mucosa to absolute ethanol for 1 min. Trefoil factors or prostaglandin E2 were administered either intravenously or topically before and after the introduction of absolute ethanol onto the gastric mucosa. Damage was assessed by measurement of gastric mucosal Na+ leakage and area of macroscopic injury. RESULTS: Like prostaglandin E2, intravenous administration of hTFF2 and pTFF2 reduced both the gastric mucosal Na+ leakage and the mean area of damage caused by ethanol. Similarly, treatment of the gastric mucosa with topical application of hTFF2 at doses of 120 microg/kg and above reduced the Na+ leakage and the area of damage. pTFF2 at 120 microg/kg and 1.2 mg/kg applied topically produced a marked reduction in total area of damage. CONCLUSION: Intravenously infused hTFF2 and pTFF2 protect the gastric mucosa from ethanol-induced damage in the anaesthetized rat. In addition, topical application of trefoil factors also was effective at protecting the gastric mucosa from injury at doses lower than previously reported.     

Inhibition of allergic and non-allergic histamine secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells by calcium antagonists.

Bepridil, TMB-8 (8-(diethylamino)octyl 3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride), diltiazem, verapamil and nifedipine exerted concentration-dependent inhibition of antigen and calcium ionophore A23187-induced histamine release from rat peritoneal mast cells. The inhibitory effects of verapamil and bepridil against calcium ionophore A23187-induced histamine secretion were antagonized by increased Ca2+ concentrations in the extracellular medium. These observations suggest that both agents act by interfering with the influx of Ca2+ into the mast cells. The inhibitory activities of five different Ca2+ channel blockers on allergic and non-allergic histamine secretion from rat peritoneal mast cells varied considerably depending upon the nature of the secretagogue as well as concentration and type of Ca2+-antagonist examined.     

Use of scavenging oxygen-derived free radicals to protect the rat against aspirin- and ethanol-induced erosive gastritis.

Oxygen-derived free radicals are cytotoxic and produce tissue damage. The effect of the radical scavengers allopurinol and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) on aspirin- and ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury was studied in the rat. Orogastric instillation of aspirin at 200 mg/kg produced, after 4 h, gastric mucosal injury in 30% of rats without pyloric ligation [score, 3.1 +/- 0.8 mm2, mean +/- standard error of the mean (SEM); n = 10] and in 80% of rats with this ligation (score, 10.4 +/- 1.2 mm2, mean +/- SEM; n = 10). Gavage with 1 mL of 2 or 5% allopurinol or DMSO at 24 h before and again just before aspirin administration completely protected rats with or without pyloric ligation against injury. Orogastric instillation of ethanol (1 mL of a 40% solution) produced, after 1 h, gastric mucosal injury in all rats with or without pyloric ligation (24.1 +/- 1.7 and 14.1 +/- 1.3 mm2, respectively, mean +/- SEM; n = 10). Gavage with 1 mL of 5% allopurinol or DMSO at 24 h before and again just before ethanol administration completely protected rats with or without pyloric ligation against injury. Protection against the aspirin- and ethanol-induced injury was not associated with any significant effect on the H+ output. The results suggest that oxygen-derived free radicals are directly implicated in the mechanism of aspirin- and ethanol-induced acute gastric mucosal injury and that scavenging these free radicals protects against injury by maintaining the integrity of the gastric mucosa.     

Cytosolic calcium increase in coronary endothelial cells after H2O2 exposure and the inhibitory effect of U78517F.

1. Cytosolic calcium concentrations ([Ca2+]i) were determined with fura-2 on both resting (unstimulated) and A23187-stimulated coronary endothelial cells following injury by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). 2. Treatment of cells with H2O2 (10(-4) M) caused an increase in the resting [Ca2+]i, which reached a maximum of five fold after 3 h. 3. The increase in resting [Ca2+]i was significantly attenuated by treatment with U78517F, a potent inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, at a concentration of 10(-6) M or greater. Catalase (50 u ml-1) also markedly inhibited the H2O2-induced rise in [Ca2+]i. Pretreatment with verapamil (10(-5) M), nifedipine (10(-6) M) or diltiazem (10(-5) M) had no effect on the increase in [Ca2+]i following addition of H2O2. 4. A23187 produced a transient increase in [Ca2+]i followed by a sustained plateau. The initial peak and plateau phase responses to A23187 were augmented by H2O2. This augmentation of [Ca2+]i was suppressed by U78517F or catalase but not by Ca-entry blockers. 5. Thus, it is likely that lipid peroxidation plays a critical role in the sustained increase in [Ca2+]i that occurs following treatment with H2O2 and that this continues in the presence of agonists which stimulate the endothelium. Voltage-gated Ca2+ channels do not seem to be involved in the genesis of cellular damage associated with sustained large increases in [Ca2+]i.     

Delayed apoptosis and its regulation in astrocytes

Astrocytes, the most abundant glial cell type in the brain, are considered to have physiological and pathological roles in neuronal activities. We found that reperfusion of cultured astrocytes after Ca2+ depletion causes Ca2+ overload followed by delayed cell death and the Na(+)-Ca2+ exchanger in the reverse mode is responsible for this Ca(2+)-mediated cell injury (Ca2+ paradox injury). The Ca2+ paradox injury of cultured astrocytes is considered to be an in vitro model of ischemia/reperfusion injury, since a similar paradoxical change in extracellular Ca2+ concentration is reported in ischemic brain tissue. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying the Ca(2+)-mediated injury of astrocytes and the protective effects of drugs against Ca2+ reperfusion injury. This study shows that Ca2+ reperfusion injury of astrocytes is accompanied by apoptosis as evidenced by DNA fragmentation and nuclear condensation. Calpain, reactive oxygen species, calcineurin, caspase-3, and NF-kappa B are involved in Ca2+ reperfusion-induced delayed apoptosis of astrocytes. Several drugs including CV-2619, T-588 and ibudilast protect astrocytes against the delayed apoptosis. CV-2619 prevents astrocytes from the delayed apoptosis by production of nerve growth factor, resulting in an activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3 (PI3) kinase signal pathways. The protective effect of T-588 is mainly mediated by an activation of MAP/ERK signal cascade. Moreover, ibudilast prevents the Ca2+ reperfusion-induced delayed apoptosis of astrocytes via cyclic GMP signaling pathway. Further studies in this system will contribute to the development of new drugs that attenuate ischemia/reperfusion injury via modulation of astrocytes.