Effects of anesthetic agents on focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) tyrosine phosphorylation in rat hippocampal slices

BACKGROUND: Tyrosine protein kinase proteins exert a prominent control on signaling pathways and may couple rapid events, such as action potential and neurotransmitter release, to long-lasting changes in synaptic strength and survival. Whether anesthetics modulate tyrosine kinase activity remains unknown. The aim of the current study was therefore to examine the effects of intravenous and volatile anesthetics on the phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (ppFAK), a functionally important nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, in the rat hippocampus. METHODS: Phosphorylation of ppFAK was examined in hippocampal slices by immunoblotting with both antiphosphotyrosine and specific anti-ppFAK antibodies. Experiments were performed in the absence (control) or presence of various concentrations of pharmacologic or anesthetic agents or both. RESULTS: Clinically relevant concentrations of thiopental, propofol, etomidate, isoflurane, sevoflurane, and desflurane induced a concentration-related increase in tyrosine phosphorylation. In contrast, ketamine (up to 100 microm) and the nonimmobilizer F6 (1,2-dichlorohexafluorocyclobutane, 25 microm) did not significantly affect ppFAK phosphorylation. The anesthetic-induced increase in ppFAK phosphorylation was blocked by GF 109203X, RO 318220, and chelerythrin (100 microm), three structurally distinct inhibitors of protein kinase C and U 73122 (50 microm), an inhibitor of phospholipase C. The propofol- and isoflurane-induced increase in ppFAK phosphorylation was reversible and showed nonadditivity of effects with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (an activator of protein kinase C, 0.1 microm). In contrast, ketamine (up to 100 microm), MK801 (10 microm, an N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist), bicuculline (10 microm, a gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptor antagonist), and dantrolene (30 microm, an inhibitor of the ryanodine receptor) were ineffective in blocking anesthetic-induced activation of tyrosine phosphorylation. CONCLUSION: Except for ketamine, anesthetic agents markedly increase tyrosine phosphorylation of ppFAK in the rat hippocampus, most likely via the phospholipase C-protein kinase C pathway, whereas the nonimmobilizer F6 does not. These results suggest that ppFAK represents a target for anesthetic action in the brain.     

Effects of Dexmedetomidine on Hippocampal Focal Adhesion Kinase Tyrosine Phosphorylation in Physiologic and Ischemic Conditions

Background: Dexmedetomidine is a potent and selective [alpha]2-adrenoceptor agonist that exhibits a broad pattern of actions, including sedation, analgesia, and neuroprotection. Some of these actions (e.g., neuroprotection) may require targets involved in long-term cellular changes. The authors hypothesized that dexmedetomidine increases the expression of active (autophosphorylated) focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase playing a pivotal role in cellular plasticity and survival. Therefore, we examined the cellular mechanisms involved in this effect and its sensitivity to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in rat hippocampal slices.

Methods: The effects of dexmedetomidine on phospho-tyrosine397 FAK phosphorylation were studied first with or without various pharmacologic agents in normoxic conditions, and second in a model of pharmacologic preconditioning of slices subjected to 30 min of OGD followed by 1 h of reperfusion. FAK phosphorylation and caspase-3 activation were examined by immunoblotting. Neuronal death was assessed by propidium iodide fluorescence.

Results: Dexmedetomidine produced a dose-related increase in FAK phosphorylation (187 +/- 4%, mean +/- SD, from basal level, EC50 = 0.2 [mu]m; 95% confidence interval, 0.09-0.5 [mu]m). This effect was stereoselective and was completely blocked by yohimbine and the combination of the cyclic monophosphate permeant analog 8 bromo cyclic monophosphate and the phosphodiesterase inhibitor 3-isobutyl-1-methylxanthine. It was mimicked by the protein kinase A inhibitor H 89. In contrast, prazosin and the protein kinase C inhibitors chelerythrine and bisindolylmaleimide I were ineffective. OGD induced a significant increase in immunoreactivity of the cleaved caspase-3 17-kd fragment (417 +/- 22; P < 0.001), a decrease in FAK phosphorylation (78 +/- 12% of control; P < 0.05), and production of significant neuronal death. In OGD conditions, a preconditioning application of dexmedetomidine (0.2 [mu]m, 20-min application, 3 h before anoxia) significantly reduced neuronal death and cleaved caspase-3 expression and significantly attenuated the decrease in phosphorylated FAK content. The dexmedetomidine-induced reduction in caspase-3 expression was significantly decreased by the Src tyrosine kinase inhibitor PP2.     

Intravenous Anesthetics Differentially Modulate Ligand-gated Ion Channels

Background: Heteromeric neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are potently inhibited by volatile anesthetics, but it is not known whether they are affected by intravenous anesthetics. Ketamine potentiates [gamma]-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors at high concentrations, but it is unknown whether there is potentiation at clinically relevant concentrations. Information about the effects of intravenous anesthetics with different behavioral profiles on specific ligand-gated ion channels may lead to hypotheses as to which ion channel effect produces a specific anesthetic behavior.

Methods: A heteromeric nAChR composed of [alpha]4 and [beta]4 subunits was expressed heterologously in Xenopus laevis oocytes. Using the two-electrode voltage clamp technique, peak ACh-gated current was measured before and during application of ketamine, etomidate, or thiopental. The response to GABA of [alpha]1[beta]2[gamma]2s GABAA receptors expressed in human embryonic kidney cells and Xenopus oocytes was compared with and without coapplication of ketamine from 1 [mu]m to 10 mm.

Results: Ketamine caused potent, concentration-dependent inhibition of the [alpha]4[beta]4 nAChR current with an IC50 of 0.24 [mu]m. The inhibition by ketamine was use-dependent; the antagonist was more effective when the channel had been opened by agonist. Ketamine did not modulate the [alpha]1[beta]2[gamma]2s GABAA receptor response in the clinically relevant concentration range. Thiopental caused 27% inhibition of ACh response at its clinical EC50. Etomidate did not modulate the [alpha]4[beta]4 nAChR response in the clinically relevant concentration range, although there was inhibition at very high concentrations.     

Integrin and mechanosensitive ion channel-dependent tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion proteins and beta-catenin in human articular chondrocytes after mechanical stimulation.

Mechanical forces influence chondrocyte metabolism and function. We have previously shown that 0.33 Hz cyclical pressure-induced strain (PIS) results in membrane hyperpolarization of normal human articular chondrocytes (HAC) by activation of Ca(2+)-dependent K+ small conductance potassium activated calcium (SK) channels. The mechanotransduction pathway involves alpha 5 beta 1-integrin, stretch-activated ion channels (SAC) actin cytoskeleton and tyrosine protein kinases, with subsequent release of the chondroprotective cytokine interleukin-4 (IL-4). The objective of this study was to examine in detail tyrosine phosphorylation events in the mechanotransduction pathway. The results show tyrosine phosphorylation of three major proteins, p125, p90, and p70 within 1 minute of onset of mechanical stimulation. Immunoblotting and immunoprecipitation show these to be focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK), beta-catenin, and paxillin, respectively. Tyrosine phosphorylation of all three proteins is inhibited by RGD containing oligopeptides and gadolinium, which is known to block SAC. beta-catenin coimmunoprecipitates with FAK and is colocalized with alpha 5-integrin and pp125FAK. These results indicate a previously unrecognized role for an integrin-beta-catenin signaling pathway in human articular chondrocyte (HAC) responses to mechanical stimulation.     

General Anesthetics Do Not Affect Release of the Neuropeptide Cholecystokinin from Isolated Rat Cortical Nerve Terminals

Background: General anesthetics inhibit evoked release of classic neurotransmitters. However, their actions on neuropeptide release in the central nervous system have not been well characterized.

Methods: The effects of representative intravenous and volatile anesthetics were studied on the release of sulfated cholecystokinin 8 (CCK8s), a representative excitatory neuropeptide, from isolated rat cerebrocortical nerve terminals (synaptosomes). Basal, elevated KCl depolarization-evoked and veratridine-evoked release of CCK8s from synaptosomes purified from rat cerebral cortex was evaluated at 35[degrees]C in the absence or presence of extracellular Ca2+. CCK8s released into the incubation medium was determined by enzyme-linked immunoassay after filtration.

Results: Elevation of extracellular KCl concentration (to 15-30 mm) or veratridine (10-20 [mu]m) stimulated Ca2+-dependent CCK8s release. Basal, elevated KCl- or veratridine-evoked CCK8s release was not affected significantly by propofol (12.5-50 [mu]m), pentobarbital (50 and 100 [mu]m), thiopental (20 [mu]m), etomidate (20 [mu]m), ketamine (20 [mu]m), isoflurane (0.6-0.8 mm), or halothane (0.6-0.8 mm).     

Effects of Intravenous Anesthetics on Ca2+ Sensitivity in Canine Tracheal Smooth Muscle

Background: Halothane and other volatile anesthetics relax airway smooth muscle in part by decreasing the amount of force produced for a particular intracellular calcium concentration (the Ca2+ sensitivity) during muscarinic receptor stimulation. In this study, ketamine, propofol, and midazolam were evaluated to determine whether the inhibitory effect of volatile anesthetics on this signal transduction pathway is a general property of other types of anesthetic drugs.

Methods: A [beta]-escin permeabilized canine tracheal smooth muscle preparation was used. Ketamine, propofol, and midazolam, in concentrations producing near-maximal relaxation in intact airway smooth muscle (200 [mu]M, 270 [mu]M, and 100 [mu]M, respectively), were applied to permeabilized muscles stimulated with calcium in either the absence or the presence of muscarinic receptor stimulation provided by acetylcholine. The effect of halothane also was evaluated.

Results: Confirming previous studies, halothane (0.75 mM) decreased calcium sensitivity during muscarinic receptor stimulation. None of the intravenous anesthetics studied affected Ca2+ sensitivity, either in the absence or the presence of muscarinic receptor stimulation.     

Protein Tyrosine Kinase-Dependent Modulation of Isoflurane Effects on Cardiac Sarcolemmal KATP Channel

Background: Cardiac adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (KATP) channels and protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are mediators of ischemic preconditioning, but the interaction of both and a role in myocardial protection afforded by volatile anesthetics have not been defined.

Methods: Whole cell and single channel patch clamp techniques were used to investigate the effects of isoflurane and the PTK inhibitor genistein on the cardiac sarcolemmal KATP channel in acutely dissociated guinea pig ventricular myocytes.

Results: At 0.5 mm internal ATP, genistein (50 [mu]m) elicited whole cell KATP current (22.5 +/- 7.9 pA/pF). Genistein effects were concentration-dependent, with an EC50 of 32.3 +/- 1.4 [mu]m. Another PTK inhibitor, tyrphostin B42, had a similar effect. The inactive analog of genistein, daidzein (50 [mu]m), did not elicit KATP current. Isoflurane (0.5 mm) increased genistein (35 [mu]m)- activated whole cell KATP current from 14.5 +/- 3.1 to 32.5 +/- 6.6 pA/pF. Stimulation of receptor PTKs with epidermal growth factor, nerve growth factor, or insulin attenuated genistein and isoflurane effects, and the protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor orthovanadate (1 mm) prevented their actions on KATP current. In excised inside-out membrane patches, and at fixed 0.2 mm internal ATP, genistein (50 [mu]m) increased channel open probability from 0.053 +/- 0.016 to 0.183 +/- 0.039, but isoflurane failed to further increase open probability (0.162 +/- 0.051) of genistein-activated channels. However, applied in the presence of genistein and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (1 [mu]g/ml), isoflurane significantly increased open probability to 0.473 +/- 0.114.     

Preconditioning by Isoflurane Induces Lasting Sensitization of the Cardiac Sarcolemmal Adenosine Triphosphate-sensitive Potassium Channel by a Protein Kinase C-δ-mediated Mechanism

Background: Cardioprotective effects of volatile anesthetics in anesthetic-induced preconditioning involve activation of the cardiac sarcolemmal adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium (sarcKATP) channels. This study addressed the memory phase of anesthetic preconditioning by investigating whether brief exposure to isoflurane produces lasting sensitization of the sarcKATP channel and whether protein kinase C mediates this effect.

Methods: Whole cell sarcKATP channel current (IKATP) was monitored from single isolated rat ventricular cardiomyocytes. Pinacidil was used to open the channel, and the magnitude of activated IKATP was an indicator of channel's ability to open. Involvement of protein kinase C was investigated using chelerythrine and isoform-specific peptide inhibitors and activators of protein kinase C-[delta] and protein kinase C-[varepsilon].

Results: The mean density of IKATP elicited by pinacidil (5 [mu]m) in anesthetic-free conditions was 3.8 +/- 3.7 pA/pF (n = 11). After 10 min of exposure to isoflurane (0.56 mm) and 10 or 30 min of anesthetic washout, pinacidil-elicited IKATP was increased to 15.6 +/- 11.3 pA/pF (n = 12; P < 0.05) and 11.8 +/- 3.9 pA/pF (n = 6; P < 0.05), respectively. In the presence of chelerythrine (5 [mu]m), isoflurane did not potentiate channel opening, and IKATP was 6.6 +/- 4.6 pA/pF (n = 11). Application of protein kinase C-[delta] peptide inhibitor also abolished isoflurane-induced sensitization of sarcKATP channel, and IKATP was 7.7 +/- 5.4 pA/pF (n = 12). In contrast, protein kinase C-[varepsilon] peptide inhibitor did not affect channel sensitization, and pinacidil-elicited current was 14.8 +/- 9.6 pA/pF (n = 12). Interestingly, when both protein kinase C-[delta] and protein kinase C-[varepsilon] activators were applied instead of isoflurane, they sensitized the channel to the same extent as isoflurane (18.9 +/- 7.2 pA/pF, n = 11, and 18.6 +/- 11.1 pA/pF, n = 10, respectively).     

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha induces hepatic insulin resistance in obese Zucker (fa/fa) rats via interaction of leukocyte antigen-related tyrosine phosphatase with focal adhesion kinase

The molecular mechanism whereby tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) induces insulin resistance in obesity is not well understood. Previously, we have shown that inhibition of TNF-alpha improved hepatic insulin sensitivity in obese Zucker rats without altering the tyrosine phosphorylation of liver insulin receptors (IRs), which indicates that the TNF-alpha and insulin-signaling cascades interact distally to the IR. To assess the effects of TNF-alpha on signaling molecules downstream from the IR, we analyzed the tyrosine phosphorylation patterns of liver homogenate proteins from TNF-alpha-neutralized fa/fa rats and showed that focal adhesion kinase (FAK) was consistently hyperphosphorylated (4.5-fold). Moreover, intravenous insulin increased hepatic FAK phosphorylation in a time-dependent manner in Sprague-Dawley rats, which suggests that TNF-alpha may induce hepatic insulin resistance by preventing FAK phosphorylation in response to insulin treatment. To explore the cellular mechanism whereby TNF-alpha regulates phosphorylation of FAK in the liver, we measured c-Src kinase activity and the abundance of 3 major protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) (PTP-1B, leukocyte antigen-related tyrosine phosphatase [LAR], and src homology 2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase [SHPTP-2]) in liver homogenates from obese Zucker rats after TNF-alpha blockade. Hepatic c-Src kinase activity was unaltered, but LAR protein was reduced by 75%. In addition, TNF-alpha blockade reduced hepatic PTP activity toward tyrosine phosphorylated FAK by 70%, and this was accounted for by immunodepletion of LAR. Incubation of HepG2 cells with TNF-alpha increased LAR protein levels in a dose-dependent manner. Additionally, pretreatment with TNF-alpha abolished insulin-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK in HepG2 cells but had no effect on IR tyrosine phosphorylation or expression. These data suggest that TNF-alpha promotes LAR expression and thus prevents insulin-mediated tyrosine phosphorylation of FAK. This probably represents the interface between TNF-alpha and insulin signaling in the liver.     

Isoflurane Postconditioning Prevents Opening of the Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore through Inhibition of Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β

Background: Postischemic administration of volatile anesthetics activates reperfusion injury salvage kinases and decreases myocardial damage. However, the mechanisms underlying anesthetic postconditioning are unclear.

Methods: Isolated perfused rat hearts were exposed to 40 min of ischemia followed by 1 h of reperfusion. Anesthetic postconditioning was induced by 15 min of 2.1 vol% isoflurane (1.5 minimum alveolar concentration) administered at the onset of reperfusion. In some experiments, atractyloside (10 [mu]m), a mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opener, and LY294002 (15 [mu]m), a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibitor, were coadministered with isoflurane. Western blot analysis was used to determine phosphorylation of protein kinase B/Akt and its downstream target glycogen synthase kinase 3[beta] after 15 min of reperfusion. Myocardial tissue content of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide served as a marker for mPTP opening. Accumulation of MitoTracker Red 580 (Molecular Probes, Invitrogen, Basel, Switzerland) was used to visualize mitochondrial function.

Results: Anesthetic postconditioning significantly improved functional recovery and decreased infarct size (36 +/- 1% in unprotected hearts vs. 3 +/- 2% in anesthetic postconditioning; P < 0.05). Isoflurane-mediated protection was abolished by atractyloside and LY294002. LY294002 inhibited isoflurane-induced phosphorylation of protein kinase B/Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3[beta] and opened mPTP as determined by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide measurements. Atractyloside, a direct opener of the mPTP, did not inhibit phosphorylation of protein kinase B/Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3[beta] by isoflurane but reversed isoflurane-mediated cytoprotection. Microscopy showed accumulation of the mitochondrial tracker in isoflurane-protected functional mitochondria but no staining in mitochondria of unprotected hearts.     

Calcitonin induces dephosphorylation of Pyk2 and phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase in osteoclasts

Calcitonin induces the association and tyrosine phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), paxillin, and HEF1 in HEK-293 cells that overexpress the calcitonin receptor (C1a-HEK), but the hormone's effect on these adhesion-related proteins in osteoclasts is not known. We therefore studied the effect of calcitonin on the tyrosine phosphorylation and subcellular distribution of paxillin, HEF1, FAK, and Pyk2, a FAK-related tyrosine kinase, in osteoclasts. Osteoclasts expressed both Pyk2 and FAK, with Pyk2 much more highly expressed. The two tyrosine kinases and paxillin were prominently associated with small punctate structures that were most densely clustered in the region of the peripheral F-actin-rich ring. Some of the punctate structures stained either for Pyk2 alone or FAK alone. Treatment with calcitonin disrupted the actin ring and induced the loss of the peripheral staining of paxillin, Pyk2, and FAK. In calcitonin-treated osteoclast-like cells, the tyrosine phosphorylation of paxillin and FAK increased, whereas the tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 decreased. Calcitonin also induced increased phosphorylation of Erk1 and Erk2 in osteoclasts, as it did in the C1a-HEK cells. The unexpected dephosphorylation of Pyk2 correlated with decreased phosphorylation of Tyr(402), the autophosphorylation site of Pyk2. The calcitonin-induced dephosphorylation of Pyk2 was not observed in C1a-HEK cells transfected with Pyk2, suggesting that the reduced phosphorylation seen in osteoclasts may be specific to these cells. Treatment of osteoclast-like cells with 12-phorbol 13-myristate acetate increased the tyrosine phosphorylation of both Pyk2 and FAK, and calphostin C, an inhibitor of protein kinase C, blocked calcitonin-stimulated FAK phosphorylation. Increasing intracellular calcium with ionomycin caused a decrease in the tyrosine phosphorylation of Pyk2 and the loss of the actin ring in a manner similar to the effect of calcitonin. Ionomycin had no effect on FAK tyrosine phosphorylation. Calcitonin (CT)-induced changes in Pyk2, FAK, and Erk1/2 phosphorylation were independent of c-Src.     

Effects of Volatile Anesthetics on Glutamate Transporter, Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter Type 3: The Role of Protein Kinase C

Background: Glutamate transporters play an important role in maintaining extracellular glutamate homeostasis. The authors studied the effects of volatile anesthetics on one type of glutamate transporters, excitatory amino acid transporter type 3 (EAAT3), and the role of protein kinase C in mediating these effects.

Methods: Excitatory amino acid transporter type 3 was expressed in Xenopus oocytes by injection of EAAT3 mRNA. Using two-electrode voltage clamp, membrane currents were recorded before, during, and after application of l-glutamate. Responses were quantified by integrating the current trace and are reported as microcoulombs. Data are mean +/- SEM.

Results: l-Glutamate-induced responses were increased gradually with the increased concentrations of isoflurane, a volatile anesthetic. At 0.52 and 0.70 mm isoflurane, the inward current was significantly increased compared with control. Isoflurane (0.70 mm) significantly increased Vmax (maximum velocity) (3.6 +/- 0.4 to 5.1 +/- 0.4 [mu]C;P < 0.05) but not Km (Michoelis-Menten Constant) (55.4 +/- 17.0 vs. 61.7 +/- 13.6 [mu]m;P > 0.05) of EAAT3 for glutamate compared with control. Treatment of the oocytes with phorbol-12-myrisate-13-acetate, a protein kinase C activator, caused a significant increase in transporter current (1.7 +/- 0.2 to 2.5 +/- 0.2 [mu]C;P < 0.05). Responses in the presence of the combination of phorbol-12-myrisate-13-acetate and volatile anesthetics (isoflurane, halothane, or sevoflurane) were not greater than those when volatile anesthetic was present alone. Oocytes pretreated with any of the three protein kinase C inhibitors alone (chelerythrine, staurosporine, or calphostin C) did not affect basal transporter current. Although chelerythrine did not change the anesthetic effects on the activity of EAAT3, staurosporine or calphostin C abolished the anesthetic-induced increase of EAAT3 activity.     

Thiopental and isoflurane attenuate the decrease in hippocampal phosphorylated Focal Adhesion Kinase (pp125FAK) content induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation

Background. Thiopental and isoflurane exhibit neuroprotectiveeffects against cerebral ischaemia. Here, we hypothesized thatoxygen–glucose deprivation decreases the ATP-dependentphosphorylation process of Focal Adhesion Kinase (pp¹²⁵FAK,a functionally important non-receptor tyrosine kinase), andthat this phenomenon is attenuated by thiopental and isoflurane. Methods. Rathippocampal slices were subjected to an anoxic-aglycaemic(or physiologic, control) challenge followed by 3-h reperfusion,and treated with various concentrations of thiopental and isoflurane.PP¹²⁵FAK phosphorylation was measured by immunoblotting. Neuronaldeath was assessed by immunostaining with bis-benzimide. Results. Significant neuronal death was detected after 30 min(but not 10) of anoxia-aglycaemia (40 (4) vs 14 (5)% of control,P<0.05). At 30 min, phosphorylated pp¹²⁵FAK content was significantlydecreased by anoxic glucose-free conditions (55 (27)% of control,P<0.05). This effect was markedly attenuated by thiopental(10 and 100 µM) and isoflurane (1 and 2%). Under controlconditions, thiopental (1, 10, and 100 µM) and isoflurane(0.5, 1, and 2%) increased pp¹²⁵FAK phosphorylation in a concentration-relatedfashion. This effect was blocked by chelerythrin and bisindolylmaleimideI and IX (10 µM, three structurally distinct inhibitorsof protein kinase C, PKC) but not the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)receptor antagonist MK801 (10 µM). Conclusion. Phosphorylated pp¹²⁵FAK content was markedly decreasedin hippocampal slices subjected to oxygen–glucose deprivation.Thiopental and isoflurane significantly attenuated this phenomenon,possibly via PKC activation.     

Dibucaine and Tetracaine Inhibit the Activation of Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Mediated by L-type Calcium Channels in PC12 Cells

Background: An elevation of the intracellular calcium level, which is mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors and L-type Ca2+ channels both, activates the mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway involved in synaptic modification. It has recently been suggested that MAP kinase plays a role in coupling the synaptic excitation to gene expression in the nucleus of postsynaptic neurons. Because the effects of local anesthetics on cellular signal transduction in neuronal cells are not well-known, the authors investigated whether they affect the MAP kinase signaling pathway using PC12 cells.

Methods: The cells were stimulated with either 50 mM KCl or 1 [mu]M ionomycin, and activated MAP kinase was thus immunoprecipitated. The immunocomplexes were then subjected to an Elk1 phosphorylation assay. Both the phosphorylation of MAP kinase and the induction of c-Fos were detected by immunoblotting.

Results: Pretreatment of the cells with 1 mM (ethylenedioxy)diethyl-enedinitrilotetraacetic acid or 5 [mu] nifedipine blocked the MAP kinase activation induced by 50 mM KCl, whereas pretreatment with 2 [mu]M [omega]-conotoxin GIVA did not. The expression of c-Fos induced by potassium chloride was also suppressed by dibucaine, tetracaine (concentrations that inhibited 50% of the activity of positive control [IC50s] were 16.2 +/- 0.2 and 73.2 +/- 0.7 [mu]M, respectively), and PD 98059, a mitogen-activated/extracellular receptor-regulated kinase inhibitor. Higher concentrations of dibucaine and tetracaine were needed to suppress the activation of MAP kinase induced by ionomycin (the IC50 values of dibucaine and tetracaine were 62.5 +/- 2.2 and 330.5 +/- 32.8 [mu]M, respectively) compared with potassium chloride (the IC50 values of dibucaine and tetracaine were 17.7 +/- 1.0 and 70.2 +/- 1.2 [mu]M, respectively). Although probable targets of these local anesthetics might be L-type Ca2+ channels or components between Ca2+ and Ras in MAP kinase pathway, the possibility that they directly affect MAP kinase still remains.     

Mitigation of Direct Neurotoxic Effects of Lidocaine and Amitriptyline by Inhibition of p38 Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase In Vitro and In Vivo

Background: Local anesthetic-induced direct neurotoxicity (paresthesia, failure to regain normal sensory and motor function) is a potentially devastating complication of regional anesthesia. Local anesthetics activate the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) system, which is involved in apoptotic cell death. The authors therefore investigated in vitro (cultured primary sensory neurons) and in vivo (sciatic nerve block model) the potential neuroprotective effect of the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 administered together with a clinical (lidocaine) or investigational (amitriptyline) local anesthetic.

Methods: Cell survival and mitochondrial depolarization as marker of apoptotic cell death was assessed in rat dorsal root ganglia incubated with lidocaine or amitriptyline either with or without the addition of SB203580. Similarly, in a sciatic nerve block model, the authors assessed wallerian degeneration by light microscopy to detect a potential mitigating effect of MAPK inhibition.

Results: Lidocaine at 40 mm/approximately 1% and amitriptyline at 100 [mu]m reduce neuron count, but coincubation with the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 at 10 [mu]m significantly reduces cytotoxicity and the number of neurons exhibiting mitochondrial depolarization. Also, wallerian degeneration and demyelination induced by lidocaine (600 mm/approximately 15%) and amitriptyline (10 mm/approximately 0.3%) seem to be mitigated by SB203580.     

Thalamic Microinjection of Nicotine Reverses Sevoflurane-induced Loss of Righting Reflex in the Rat

Background: Neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are both potently inhibited by anesthetics and densely expressed in the thalamus. Brain imaging shows that thalamic activity suppression accompanies anesthetic-induced unconsciousness. Therefore, anesthetic-induced unconsciousness may involve direct antagonism of thalamic nicotinic receptors. The authors test this by separately attempting to block or enhance anesthetic-induced loss of righting in rats using intrathalamic microinjections of nicotine or its antagonist.

Methods: Rats were implanted with a cannula aimed at the thalamus or control locations. A week later, loss of righting was induced using sevoflurane (1.4 +/- 0.2%). A dose-parameter study (n = 35) first identified an optimal intrathalamic nicotine dose associated with arousal. Subsequently, this dose was used to pinpoint the thalamic site mediating the arousal response (n = 107). Finally, sevoflurane righting dose and response specificity were assessed after blocking nicotinic channels with intrathalamic mecamylamine pretreatment (n = 8) before nicotine challenge.

Results: Nicotine (150 [mu]g/0.5 [mu]l over 1 min) was the optimal arousal dose, because lower doses (75 [mu]g) were ineffective and higher doses (300 [mu]g) often caused seizures. Nicotine temporarily restored righting and mobility in animals when microinjections involved the central medial thalamus (P < 0.0001, chi-square). Righting occurred despite continued sevoflurane administration. Intrathalamic mecamylamine pretreatment did not lower the sevoflurane dose associated with loss of righting, but prevented the nicotine arousal response.     

Leupaxin is a critical adaptor protein in the adhesion zone of the osteoclast.

Leupaxin is a cytoskeleton adaptor protein that was first identified in human macrophages and was found to share homology with the focal adhesion protein, paxillin. Leupaxin possesses several protein-binding domains that have been implicated in targeting proteins such as focal adhesion kinase (pp125FAK) to focal adhesions. Leupaxin can be detected in monocytes and osteoclasts, both cells of hematopoietic origin. We have identified leupaxin to be a component of the osteoclast podosomal signaling complex. We have found that leupaxin in murine osteoclasts is associated with both PYK2 and pp125FAK in the osteoclast. Treatment of osteoclasts with TNF-alpha and soluble osteopontin were found to stimulate tyrosine phosphorylation of both leupaxin and leupaxin-associated PYK2. Leupaxin was found to co-immunoprecipitate with the protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP-PEST. The cellular distribution of leupaxin, PYK2, and protein tyrosine phosphorylation-PEST co-localized at or near the osteoclast podosomal complex. Leupaxin was also found to associate with the ARF-GTPase-activating protein, paxillin kinase linker p95PKL, thereby providing a link to regulators of cytoskeletal dynamics in the osteoclast. Overexpression of leupaxin by transduction into osteoclasts evoked numerous cytoplasmic projections at the leading edge of the cell, resembling a motile phenotype. Finally, in vitro inhibition of leupaxin expression in the osteoclast led to a decrease in resorptive capacity. Our data suggest that leupaxin may be a critical nucleating component of the osteoclast podosomal signaling complex.     

Mechanisms Involved in the Antiplatelet Activity of Midazolam in Human Platelets

Background: Midazolam is widely used as a sedative and anesthetic induction agent. The aim of this study was to systematically examine the inhibitory mechanisms of midazolam in platelet aggregation.

Methods: The inhibitory mechanisms of midazolam in platelet aggregation were explored by means of analysis of the platelet glycoprotein IIb-IIIa complex, phosphoinositide breakdown, intracellular Ca+2 mobilization, measurement of membrane fluidity, thromboxane B2 formation, and protein kinase C activity.

Results: In this study, midazolam dose-dependently (6-26 [mu]m) inhibited platelet aggregation in human platelets stimulated by agonists. Midazolam also dose-dependently inhibited phosphoinositide breakdown and intracellular Ca+2 mobilization in human platelets stimulated by collagen. Midazolam (6-26 [mu]m) significantly inhibited thromboxane A2 formation stimulated by collagen in human platelets. Moreover, midazolam (15 and 26 [mu]m) dose-dependently decreased the fluorescence of platelet membranes tagged with diphenylhexatriene. Rapid phosphorylation of a platelet protein of Mr 47,000 (P47), a marker of protein kinase C activation, was triggered by collagen (2 [mu]g/ml). This phosphorylation was markedly inhibited by midazolam (26 [mu]m).     

Bupivacaine Inhibits Activation of Neuronal Spinal Extracellular Receptor-activated Kinase through Selective Effects on Ionotropic Receptors

Background: Central terminals of primary nociceptors release neurotransmitters glutamate and substance P, which bind to ionotropic or metabotropic receptors on spinal neurons to induce cellular responses. Extracellular signal-regulated kinases are activated by these receptors and are important modulators of pain at the dorsal horn. The authors investigated these pathways as potential targets for antinociceptive actions of local anesthetics.

Methods: The effects of bupivacaine on the activation of extracellular receptor-activated kinase (phosphorylation to pERK) in rat spinal cord slices, induced by presynaptic release (capsaicin), by presynaptic or postsynaptic ionotropic or metabotropic receptor activation, or by activation of intracellular protein kinase C or protein kinase A and also by a receptor-independent Ca2+ ionophore, were quantitated by immunohistochemistry, counting pERK-positive neurons in the superficial dorsal horn.

Results: Capsaicin (3 [mu]m, 10 min)-stimulated pERK was reduced by bupivacaine (IC50 approximately 2 mm, approximately 0.05%), which similarly suppressed pERK induced by the ionotropic glutamate receptors for N-methyl-d-aspartate and (S)-[alpha]-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyle-4-isoxazole propionic acid but not that induced by the metabotropic receptors for glutamate, bradykinin, or substance P. Extracellular receptor-activated kinase activation by the Ca+2 ionophore ionomycin was also sensitive to bupivacaine, but direct activation by protein kinase A or protein kinase C was not.     

Ketamine Suppresses Platelet Aggregation Possibly by Suppressed Inositol Triphosphate Formation and Subsequent Suppression of Cytosolic Calcium Increase

Background: Ketamine has been shown to suppress platelet aggregation, but its mechanisms of action have not been defined. The purpose of the current study is to clarify the effects of ketamine on human platelet aggregation and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of its action.

Methods: Platelet aggregation was measured using an eight-channel aggregometer, and cytosolic free calcium concentration was measured in Fura-2/AM-loaded platelets using a fluorometer. Inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) was measured with use of a commercially available IP3 assay kit. To estimate thromboxane A2 (TXA2) receptor binding affinity and expression, Scatchard analysis was performed using [3H]S145, a specific TXA2 receptor antagonist. TXA2 agonist binding assay was also performed. The membrane-bound guanosine 5'-triphosphatase activity was determined using [[gamma]-32P]guanosine triphosphate by liquid scintillation analyzer.

Results: Ketamine (500 [mu]m) suppressed aggregation induced by adenosine diphosphate (0.5 [mu]m), epinephrine (1 [mu]m), (+)-9,11-epithia-11,12-methano-TXA2 (STA2) (0.5 [mu]m), and thrombin (0.02 U/ml) to 39.1 +/- 30.9, 46.3 +/- 4.3, -2.0 +/- 16.8, and 86.6 +/- 1.4% of zero-control, respectively. Ketamine (250 [mu]m-1 mm) also suppressed thrombin- and STA2-induced cytosolic free calcium concentration increase dose dependently. Although ketamine (2 mm) had no effect on TXA2 receptor expression and its binding affinity, it (1 mm) suppressed intracellular peak IP3 concentrations induced by thrombin and STA2 from 6.60 +/- 1.82 and 4.39 +/- 2.41 to 2.41 +/- 0.98 and 1.90 +/- 0.86 pmol/109 platelets, respectively, and it suppressed guanosine triphosphate hydrolysis induced by thrombin (0.02 units/ml) and STA2 (0.5 [mu]m) to 50.3 +/- 3.2 and 67.5 +/- 5.5%versus zero-control, respectively.