Effects of propofol on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor-mediated calcium increase in cultured rat cerebrocortical neurons

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The intravenous anaesthetic propofol has been reported to exert neuroprotective actions by several mechanisms. This study has been designed to investigate the effects of propofol on intracellular calcium increase in cultured cerebrocortical neurons after exposure to pathological concentrations of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) mediated by potential direct interactions of propofol with NMDA receptors. METHODS: The effects of propofol (0.1-100 micromol) on intracellular calcium increase induced by 300 micromol NMDA (180 s) were measured in cultured cerebrocortical neurons using the calcium-sensitive fluorochrome calcium green-5N-acetoxymethylester with confocal laser scanning microscopy. RESULTS: The intraneuronal calcium increase after exposure to 300 micromol NMDA depended on extracellular calcium concentration. Propofol reduced the increase of NMDA receptor-induced intraneuronal calcium concentration dependently with a threshold concentration for a significant effect of 10 micromol. The overall effect was small, since even high concentrations of propofol (100 micromol) diminished intraneuronal calcium rise by only 50%. CONCLUSIONS: The threshold concentration for significant effects of propofol on the NMDA-induced increase of intraneuronal calcium turned out to be in the upper limit of propofol concentrations that are considered to be clinically relevant. However, in the presence of high propofol concentrations, inhibition of NMDA receptor-mediated calcium increase might contribute to neuroprotective effects observed with propofol.     

Volatile anesthetics reduce calcium current in parasympathetic neurons from bullfrog hearts.

Although the autonomic nervous system regulates cardiac function, the cellular mechanism(s) of general anesthetics on the activities of parasympathetic neurons have not been directly assessed. We therefore studied the volatile anesthetic actions on the Ca2+ current of parasympathetic neurons isolated from bullfrog hearts. Neurons were enzymatically isolated from the interatrial septum of bullfrog heart and maintained in a short-term tissue culture. The Ca2+ current was recorded with a whole-cell voltage-clamp method under a Na+, K+ -free condition. Isoflurane (2.5 vol%) and sevoflurane (5.0 vol%) reduced the peak amplitude of the Ca2+ current (to 79% and 72% of control, respectively) without changing the reversal potential. The curve-fit analysis of the inactivation kinetics revealed that isoflurane and sevoflurane accelerated the inactivation of the current and that isoflurane shifted the midpoint of the steady-state inactivation curve of the Ca2+ current toward negative by 13.6 mV. The results indicate that volatile anesthetics reduce the Ca2+ current of parasympathetic neurons and modify the inactivation kinetics. IMPLICATIONS: The anesthetic reduction of the Ca2+ current of parasympathetic neurons can induce a decrease of acetylcholine release from the post-ganglionic endings. These findings, in part, account for the anesthetic attenuation of the vagal efferent activities observed in humans and experimental animals.     

Volatile anesthetics differentially affect immunostimulated expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase: role of intracellular calcium

BACKGROUND: Nitric oxide released by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) plays an important role in immune responses and systemic vasodilation in septic shock. Volatile anesthetics have been reported to interfere with signal transduction and gene expression. We studied the effect of volatile anesthetics on activity and expression of iNOS and potential mechanisms of action. METHODS: Nitrite release and iNOS expression were determined using the Griess reaction and Western and Northern blot techniques, respectively, in J774 murine macrophages stimulated with lipopolysaccharide and gamma-interferon in the absence and presence of various concentrations (0.25-2.0 minimum alveolar concentration [MAC]) of volatile anesthetics (i.e., halothane, enflurane, isoflurane, desflurane). Furthermore, potential interference of volatile anesthetics with specific signal transduction pathways was investigated. RESULTS: All volatile anesthetics, studied in a time- and dose-dependent manner, suppressed nitrite production and iNOS expression in J774 macrophages stimulated by lipopolysaccharide or gamma-interferon at clinically relevant concentrations. The inhibition was completely antagonized by ionomycin but unaffected by diacylglycerol, phorbol myristate acetate, and C2-ceramide. In contrast, in cells costimulated by lipopolysaccharide plus gamma-interferon, volatile anesthetics significantly increased nitrite production and iNOS expression independent of ionomycin and other mediators studied. CONCLUSIONS: Volatile anesthetics strongly reduced the mRNA and protein levels of iNOS and NOS activity after a single stimulation with lipopolysaccharide or gamma-interferon, most likely by attenuating intracellular calcium increase. Costimnulation with lipopolysaccharide plus gamma-interferon, however, results in maximum iNOS expression and activity, which are no longer inhibited but are potentiated by volatile anesthetics by unidentified mechanisms.     

Volatile anesthetics decrease calcium content of isolated myocytes

The calcium transient of myocytes was measured using a fluorescent dye, Fura-2. Caffeine, halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane increased the resting calcium level and decreased the calcium transient. The amount of caffeine-induced calcium release was suppressed if myocytes were pretreated with halothane. The amount of halothane-induced calcium release was suppressed if myocytes were pretreated with caffeine. Both halothane and caffeine were found to have similar effects on the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR). The effect of 4 mM halothane (equivalent to 13.6% v/v) was approximately equivalent to that of 10 mM caffeine. Caffeine, halothane, enflurane, and isoflurane all decreased the total calcium content of myocytes by 10-70%. These data suggest that volatile anesthetics decrease the calcium content of the cardiac SR by increasing the calcium permeability of the SR, and that the mechanism of action of volatile anesthetics may be similar to certain actions of caffeine.     

Volatile anesthetics depress calcium channel blocker binding to bovine cardiac sarcolemma

Volatile anesthetics produce their negative inotropic effect on the heart mainly by interference with calcium homeostasis in the myocardial cell. In order to elucidate the mechanism of the depression, we have evaluated the effect of the volatile anesthetics on the binding of the calcium channel blocker [3H]nitrendipine to purified bovine cardiac sarcolemma. The radioligand binding studies were carried out at 25 degrees C, with increasing concentrations of [3H]nitrendipine (0.01-1 nM), in the presence or absence of unlabeled nitrendipine to determine specific binding, and with or without 1.9% halothane, 2.3% isoflurane, and 4.8% enflurane. Separately, [3H]nitrendipine was measured in the presence of increasing doses of halothane (0.78, 1.33, 1.90, and 2.57%). Kinetic studies of association and dissociation rate were performed with 1.90% halothane and 1 nM [3H]nitrendipine at different time intervals. All three volatile anesthetics produced depression of [3H]nitrendipine binding to the isolated cardiac sarcolemma. Only halothane produced a significant depression in binding, ranging between 59 and 66% (P less than 0.05), depending on the concentration of [3H]nitrendipine used. Isoflurane produced 29-38% depression, and enflurane produced 5-22% depression. Halothane also produced a significant (P less than 0.01) dose-dependent decrease in [3H]nitrendipine-specific binding. The kinetic binding experiments demonstrated that the time course for halothane's effect on association and dissociation of [3H]nitrendipine was 5 min for the half-maximum effect; the maximal reduction in binding capacity was at 15-30 min (P less than 0.05). Scatchard analysis revealed that all three volatile anesthetics produced reduction in the maximal number of binding sites; however, they varied in their effect on binding affinity. Only halothane produced a homogenous increase in the dissociation constant, signifying reduced affinity of the Ca2+ blocker to the channel. We suggest that the volatile anesthetics produce conformational changes in these channels consistent with their ability to depress channel-mediated Ca2+ influx into myocytes.     

Volatile anesthetics and cardiac function

All volatile anesthetics have been shown to induce a dose-dependent decrease in myocardial contractility and cardiac loading conditions. These depressant effects decrease myocardial oxygen demand and may, therefore, have a beneficial role on the myocardial oxygen balance during myocardial ischemia. Recently, experimental evidence has clearly demonstrated that in addition to these indirect protective effects, volatile anesthetic agents also have direct protective properties against reversible and irreversible ischemic myocardial damage. These properties have not only been related to a direct preconditioning effect but also to an effect on the extent of reperfusion injury. The implementation of these properties during clinical anesthesia can provide an additional tool in the treatment or prevention, or both, of ischemic cardiac dysfunction in the perioperative period. In the clinical practice, these effects should be associated with improved cardiac function, finally resulting in a better outcome in patients with coronary artery disease. The potential application of these protective properties of volatile anesthetic agents in clinical practice is the subject of ongoing research. This review summarizes the current knowledge on this subject.     

异丙酚对N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸诱发大鼠海马神经元内游离钙离子浓度的影响

目的观察异丙酚对N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸（NMDA）诱发大鼠海马神经元内游离钙离子浓度（[Ca^2＋]i）的影响。方法取当天新生的Wistar大鼠海马神经元，培养12d随机分为5组，对照组（C组）、NMDA组、异丙酚10μmol／L＋NMDA组（P1组）、异丙酚100μmol／L＋NMDA组（P2组）、异丙酚400μmol／L＋NMDA组（P3组）。NMDA组培养液中加入NMDA至终浓度20μmol／L，P1组、P2组及P3组加入NMDA前即刻分别加入异丙酚至终浓度为10、100、400μmol／L，加入异丙酚后11min用激光共轭聚焦显微技术测定[Ca^2＋]。结果NMDA可诱发海马神经元[Ca^2＋]．升高，预先加入异丙酚100、400μmol／L可抑制这种改变，异丙酚10μmol／L对NDMA诱发的上述改变无影响。结论高浓度异丙酚可抑制NMDA诱发的大鼠海马神经元细胞[Ca^2＋]．的升高，这可能是其神经保护作用的机制之一。     

Polarized increase of calcium and nucleokinesis in tangentially migrating neurons

Cortical interneurons originate from the ganglionic eminences and reach their final position in the cortex via tangential migratory routes. The mechanisms of this migration are poorly understood. Here we have performed confocal time-lapse analysis of cell movement in the intermediate zone of embryonic mouse cortical slices in order to directly visualize their mode of migration. Tangentially migrating neurons moved by nucleokinesis, characterized by active phases of discontinuous advances of the nucleus followed by periods of quiescence. Dissociated cells from the ganglionic eminences also showed nucleokinesis associated with an increase of intracellular calcium, [Ca(2+)](i) Calcium elevation was greatest in the proximal region of the leading process, a zone with a wide distribution of gamma-tubulin. General increases in [Ca(2+)](i) elicited by microperfussion with neurotransmitters did not elicit nucleokinesis. These results show that tangential migration uses nucleokinesis, a cell-intrinsic process in which calcium signalling is local, directional and highly regulated.     

异丙酚对大鼠海马神经元高电压激活钙电流的影响

目的 探讨异丙酚对大鼠海马神经元高电压激活钙电流[Ica(HVA)]的影响.方法 原代培养Wistar大鼠海马神经元,采用全细胞膜片钳技术测定Ica(HVA).记录不同浓度(3、10、30、100、300 μmol/L)异丙酚下Ica(HVA)的峰电流密度,计算Ica(HVA)抑制率,并绘制异丙酚的浓度-效应曲线,计算半数抑制浓度(IC50)和Hill系数.并记录20 μmol/L异丙酚对Ica(HVA)激活和失活动力学的影响.结果 异丙酚3 μmol/L给药前、后Ica(HVA)峰电流密度差异无统计学意义(P＞0.05);10、30、100、300 μmol/L异丙酚对Ica(HVA)峰电流密度抑制率分别为(24±6)%、(33±5)%、(36±7)%、(38±3)%.与给药前相比,异丙酚呈浓度依赖性地抑制Ica(HVA)峰电流密度(P＜0.05).IC50为3.8 μmol/L,Hill系数为0.35.给药前、后最大激活膜电位为(4.0±2.0)mV和(3.8±1.6)mV,半数失活电压为(-32±5)mV和(-35±4)mV,斜率因子为31±5和35±6,给药前、后比较差异均无统计学意义(P＞0.05).结论 异丙酚可显著抑制大鼠海马神经元Ica(HVA),异丙酚对中枢神经系统的作用可能与抑制Ica(HVA)有关.     

Volatile anesthetics and succinylcholine in cardiac ryanodine receptor defects

Familial polymorphic (catecholaminergic) ventricular tachycardia is an arrhythmogenic cardiac disorder caused by mutations of the myocardial isoform of the ryanodine receptor gene (RyR2). Mutations of the corresponding gene in the skeletal muscle (RyR1) predispose its carriers to malignant hyperthermia upon use of volatile anesthetics or succinylcholine, which further deteriorate the inherited intracellular calcium release disorder. We report a series of patients with cardiac RyR defects who underwent general anesthesia without complications. Succinylcholine and volatile anesthetics did not have a clinically significant effect on RyR2 defects.     

利多卡因对大鼠海马锥体神经元NMDA介导钙电流的影响

目的 观察不同浓度利多卡因对中枢海马锥体神经元N-甲基-D天冬氨酸(NMDA)介导钙电流的影响。方法 将已培养12-14 d的Wistar大鼠海马神经元按利多卡因浓度(10-5-10-1mol/L)分成5组,以不含利多卡因组做对照,共6组(n=6)。应用全细胞膜片钳方法,采用无间隙模式,采集记录各组大鼠海马神经元NMDA介导钙电流及各组静息电位的变化。结果 10-3、10-2、10-1组的电流密度较对照组降低(P<0.05或0.01);利多卡因浓度与电流密度呈直线负相关(r=0.76,P<0.01)。各组静息电位差异无显著性。结论 利多卡因可浓度依赖性抑制NMDA介导钙电流,低浓度利多卡因的神经保护作用可能与此有关。     

吗啡对大鼠海马锥体神经元L-型Ca2+通道电流的影响

目的观察吗啡对大鼠海马锥体神经元L-型Ca^2＋通道电流的影响。方法成年SD大鼠,体重230～270 g,麻醉后快速断头取脑,急性分离海马锥体神经元,12个海马（椎体神经元）随机分为2组（n=6）,吗啡组应用细胞贴附式膜片钳技术记录依次加入不同浓度吗啡[0（未加吗啡）、10^-8、10^-7、10^-6、10^-5mol/L]后海马锥体神经元L-型Ca^2＋通道电流及电导;纳洛酮组加入10^-5mol/L纳洛酮后30min,再依次加入上述不同浓度吗啡,记录此通道电流及电导。结果与未加吗啡比较,吗啡组10^-6、10^-5mol/L吗啡可抑制海马神经元L-型Ca^2＋通道电流,10^-5 mol/L的抑制作用更明显（P＜0．01）;预先加入纳洛酮可阻断吗啡对该通道电流的抑制作用（P＜0．01）;但L-型Ca^2＋通道电导无变化。结论通过作用于μ片受体,10^-6、10^-5 mol/L吗啡可抑制大鼠海马锥体神经元L-型Ca^2＋通道电流,10^-5mol/L的抑制作用更强。     

Volatile anesthetics and synaptic transmission in the central nervous system

Long-lasting changes in the synaptic efficacy of signaling between neurons in the central nervous system are thought to be involved in memory consolidation and recall. Such long-lasting changes were first demonstrated by Bliss et al. in 1973. They found that high frequency stimulation to the hippocampus produced an increase in the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials, which lasted at least for hours. This phenomenon is known as long-term potentiation (LTP). LTP occurs in many synaptic pathways, and some forms of LTP appear to be triggered by the influx of calcium through NMDA receptors. General anesthetics are thought to affect LTP, since clinically relevant concentrations of volatile anesthetics seem to modify ligand-gated ion channels such as glutamate receptors and GABA(A) receptors. Previous studies have shown that volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane and sevoflurane enhance GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibition, suggesting that general anesthesia is produced, at least in part, by enhancing neural inhibition mediated by GABA(A) receptors. This review focuses on recent research concerning the effects of volatile anesthetics on synaptic transmission, synaptic plasticity, and clinically important diseases imparing synaptic transmission in the central nervous system.     

Differential hippocampal protection when blocking intracellular sodium and calcium entry during traumatic brain injury in rats

This study investigated the contributions of the reverse mode of the sodium-calcium exchanger (NCX) and the type 1 sodium-proton antiporter (NHE-1) to acute astrocyte and neuronal pathology in the hippocampus following fluid percussion traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the rat. KB-R7943, EIPA, or amiloride, which respectively inhibit NCX, NHE-1, or NCX, NHE-1, and ASIC1a (acid-sensing ion channel type 1a), was infused intraventricularly over a 60-min period immediately prior to TBI. Astrocytes were immunostained for glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and degenerating neurons were identified by Fluoro-Jade staining at 24 h after injury. Stereological analysis of the CA2/3 sub-regions of the hippocampus demonstrated that higher doses of KB-R7943 (2 and 20 nmoles) significantly reduced astrocyte GFAP immunoreactivity compared to vehicle-treated animals. EIPA (2-200 nmoles) did not alter astrocyte GFAP immunoreactivity. Amiloride (100 nmoles) significantly attenuated the TBI-induced acute reduction in astrocyte GFAP immunoreactivity. Of the three compounds examined, only amiloride (100 nmoles) reduced hippocampal neuronal degeneration assessed with Fluoro-Jade. The results provide additional evidence of acute astrocyte pathology in the hippocampus following TBI, while suggesting that activation of NHE-1 and the reverse mode of NCX contribute to both astrocyte and neuronal pathology following experimental TBI.     

异丙酚舒张血管平滑肌的作用机制

目的:检测异丙酚(Propofol)影响大鼠主动脉平滑肌细胞(ASMC)内游离钙离子浓度([Ca~(2 )]i)作用与影响三磷酸肌醇(inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate,IP_3)合成作用,探讨异丙酚舒张血管平滑肌的作用机制。方法:应用荧光分光光度法,通过荧光剂Fura-2/AM负荷,检测原代培养的ASMC内[Ca~(2 )]i的水平;应用[~3H]肌醇三磷酸测试系统,通过同位素竞争蛋白结合实验,检测ASMC合成IP_3水平。结果:(1)异丙酚与ASMC共同培养72小时后,检测到ASMC的[Ca~(2 )]i基线水平较对照组轻度降低,异丙酚可剂量依赖性抑制去甲肾上腺素(NE)、5-羟色胺(5-HT)引起的[Ca~(2 )]i升高作用;(2)当细胞外液无钙时或钙通道阻滞剂维拉帕米(Virapamil)存在时,异丙酚抑制[Ca~(2 )]i升高作用被部分减弱,但不被取消;(3)异丙酚可剂量依赖性地抑制NE、5-HT的促进IP_3合成作用。结论:异丙酚舒张血管平滑肌作用与抑制IP_3介导的细胞内钙释放作用(IICR)机制密切相关。