Involvement of caspase-3 and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase in cobalt chloride-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

Our previous study showed that cobalt chloride (CoCl2) could induce PC12 cell apoptosis and that the CoCl2-treated PC12 cells may serve as a simple in vitro model for the study of the mechanism of hypoxia-linked neuronal disorders. The aim of this study is to elucidate the mechanism of CoCl2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells. Caspases are known to be involved in the apoptosis induced by various stimuli in many cell types. To investigate the involvement of caspases in CoCl2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells, we generated PC12 cells that stably express the viral caspases inhibitor gene p35 and analyzed the effect of p35 on the process of apoptosis induced by CoCl2. We also examined the effect of cell-permeable peptide inhibitors of caspases. The results showed that the baculovirus p35 gene and the general caspases inhibitor Z-VAD-FMK significantly block apoptosis induced by CoCl2, confirming that caspase is involved in CoCl2-induced apoptosis. Further investigation showed that in this process the caspase-3-like activity is increased, as indicated by the cells' ability to cleave the fluorogenic peptide substrate Ac-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-7-AMC and to degrade the DNA-repairing enzyme poly-(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP), an endogenous caspase-3 substrate. At the same time, caspase-3-specific inhibitors, namely, the peptide Ac-DEVD-CHO, Ac-DEVD-FMK, partially inhibit CoCl2-induced apoptosis. These findings suggested that caspase-3 or caspase-3-like proteases are involved in the apoptosis induced by CoCl2 in PC12 cells. Additionally, we have observed that another apoptotic marker, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), is significantly activated in this process in a time-dependent manner and that a selective p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, partially inhibits this cell death. The addition of SB203580 also partially suppresses caspase-3-like activity. All these results confirm that the CoCl2-treated PC12 cell is a useful in vitro model with which to study hypoxia-linked neuronal disorders. Furthermore, the results showing that the baculovirus p35 gene and caspase inhibitors possess a remarkable ability to rescue PC12 cells from CoCl2-induced cell death may have implications for future neuroprotective therapeutic approaches for the hypoxia-associated disorders.     

SB239063,新一代p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶抑制剂在缺氧缺糖所致SHSY5Y细胞损伤中的作用

目的 探讨SB239063,新一代p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶(p38MAPK)抑制剂在缺氧缺糖(OGD)所致SHSY5Y细胞损伤中的作用.方法 体外培养SHSY5Y神经母细胞瘤株,以OGD、SB239063(10μmol/L)处理,以MTT检测SHSY5Y细胞活性,以Western blot方法检测p38MAPK活性,应用HEt和fluo-3/AM的荧光强度测定OGD后SHSY5Y细胞超氧化物阴离子和钙离子的浓度.结果 SB239063能提高OGD后SHSY5Y细胞的活性(P<0.01),降低OGD后p38MAPK活性(P<0.05),HEt(P<0.05)和fluo-3/AM荧光强度(P<0.01).结论 SB239063通过抑制p38MAPK的激活,降低细胞内超氧阴离子的浓度,进而抑制细胞内钙超载,从而达到保护SHSY5Y细胞对抗OGD的细胞损害的作用.

Abstract：

Objective To investigate the neuroprotective effect of SB239063,the new p38 mitogen—activated protein kinase (MAPK) inhibitor on SHSY5Y neuronal cells against oxygen-glucose deprivation(OGD),and the mechanisms of the neuroprotective effect.Methods SHSY5Y neuroblastoma cells were exposed to OGD with or without SB239063 (10μmol/L),cell viability was measured by the MTF assay,activity of p38MAPK was measured by western blot,intracellular concentration of superoxide anion and calcium were evaluated via the fluorescence intensity of Het and fluo-3/AM. Resuits Compared with the OGD group.The MTT value was elevated significantly in the SB239063 group(P<0.01),the activitv of p38MAPK decreased significantly in the SB239063 group(P<0.01),the fluorescence intensity of Het(P<0.05)and fluo-3/AM(P<0.01)decreased significantly in the SB239063 group.Conclusion SB239063 protects SHSY5Y neuronal cells against OGD by inhibiting the activity of p38MAPK,then reducing the intracellular concentration of superoxide anion and calcium.     

Oxidative neurotoxicity in rat cerebral cortex neurons: synergistic effects of H2O2 and NO on apoptosis involving activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and caspase-3

Oxidative stress in the brain has been increasingly associated with the development of numerous human neurological diseases. Microglia, activated upon neuronal injury or inflammatory stimulation, are known to release superoxide anion (*O(2) (-)), hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)), and nitric oxide (NO), thereby further contributing to oxidative neurotoxicity. The reaction of NO and *O(2) (-), forming the toxic peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)), has been proposed to play a pathogenic role in neuronal injury. However, the interactions between H(2)O(2) and NO during oxidative stress, which may promote or diminish cell death, is less clear. In this study, we explored oxidative neurotoxicity induced by H(2)O(2) plus NO in primary cultures of rat cerebral cortex neurons. As the mechanisms may involve reactions between H(2)O(2) and NO, we monitored the production of ONOO(-)and reactive oxygen species (ROS) throughout the experiments. Results indicated that the NO donor S-nitroso-N-acetyl-D, L-penicillamine (SNAP) and H(2)O(2) by themselves elicited neuronal death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. Sublytic concentrations of H(2)O(2) plus SNAP were sufficient to induce neuronal apoptosis as determined by DNA laddering and fluorescent staining of apoptotic nuclei. Transient ONOO(-)increase was accompanied by rapid H(2)O(2) decay and NO production, whereas ROS slowly decreased following treatment. Furthermore, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation and the cleavage of caspase-3 were observed. Conversely, inhibition of p38 MAPK and caspase-3 significantly reduced apoptotic death induced by H(2)O(2) plus SNAP. These data suggest that H(2)O(2) and NO act synergistically to induce neuronal death through apoptosis in which activation of p38 MAPK and caspase-3 is involved.     

肝星状细胞增殖与p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号传导通路的关系

背景：肝星状细胞的激活、增殖导致肝纤维化,p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶信号通路可参与调控细胞增殖。 目的：探讨SB203580作用于乙醛刺激的大鼠肝星状细胞后p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶活性变化和细胞增殖变化。 方法：体外培养大鼠肝星状细胞株,在乙醛干预的基础上加入不同浓度的p38特异性抑制剂SB203580进行培养,并设置对照。以Western blot检测磷酸化p38 蛋白表达水平变化,MTT比色法检测细胞增殖。 结果与结论：乙醛刺激后大鼠肝星状细胞内磷酸化p38水平增强,细胞增殖明显。使用5,10,20 μmol/L SB203580能明显抑制乙醛刺激的肝星状细胞增殖(P < 0.05),加大浓度至30 μmol/L时,抑制作用更明显(P < 0.01),抑制率为43.9%,而磷酸化p38水平也降低(P < 0.05)。结果证实,抑制p38丝裂原活化蛋白激酶活性可能影响肝星状细胞的增殖。     

A new factor derived from 1321N1 human astrocytoma cells causes differentiation of PC-12 cells mediated through mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade

Glial cells play an important role in maintaining neural function. In the present study, we examined the effects of a factor derived from human astrocytoma cells (1321N1) on differentiation of rat pheochromocytoma cells (PC-12). The conditioned medium which had been used for culture of 1321N1 cells caused the differentiation of PC-12 cells, suggesting that 1321N1 cells release a neurotrophic factor. The factor was apparently distinct from well-known neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), since it was resistant to boiling and trypsin treatment. The molecular size of the factor was assumed to be below 1000 through dialysis and ultrafiltration experiments. Furthermore, PC-12 cells were differentiated synergistically by the combined addition of NGF and the conditioned medium of 1321N1 cells. Partially purified fraction of the factor by Sephadex G-15 gel filtration column caused the prolonged activation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). The differentiation of PC-12 cells induced by the fraction or NGF disappeared after the treatment with PD98059, a specific inhibitor of MAPK kinase (MEK), suggesting the involvement of MAPK in the differentiation. These results suggest that the new low-molecular factor derived from glial cells causes differentiation of PC-12 cells mediated through an activation of MAPK.     

Activation of caspase-3 and apoptosis in cerebellar granule cells

Caspase-3 activity increased dramatically in cytosolic extracts of rat cerebellar granule cells exposed to apoptotic conditions (basal medium Eagle (BME) containing 5 mM K⁺ without serum) when assayed with Ac-DEVD-amc,but not with Ac-YVAD-afc, a preferred substrate for caspase-1. This provided a basis to examine relationships between enzyme activity and cell viability for purposes of selecting an optimal time for comparing neuroprotective agents or strategies. Exposure of neurons to an apoptotic medium containing 5 mM K⁺ in absence of serum led to a rapid 5- to 10-fold increase in caspase-3 within 2-4 hr but without significant cell loss, or morphological alterations. Exposure to apoptotic medium followed by replacement with maintenance medium containing 25 mM K⁺and serum led to a rapid fall in caspase-3 and prevention of cell death. This strategy was not effective after 13 hr exposure despite a large fall in enzyme activity. These temporal changes infer systems for rapid enzyme turnover and/or activation of cytoplasmic components linked to later DNA degradation. The effects of cycloheximide point to requirements for protein synthesis, and those of Glu exclude a caspase-3 dependent pathway for necrotic cell damage. Brief treatment with 10 μM LIGA₂₀, an anti-necrotic agent, also attenuated cell loss and caspase-3 activity, indicating a broad spectrum of neuroprotection. Rapid and long-lasting effects, together with its biophysical properties, suggest that this semisynthetic ganglioside acted upstream at or near a membrane site. As such, gangliosides provide useful agents to further probe pathways relevant to neuronal death in culture. J. Neurosci. Res. 52:334–341, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Oxygen-glucose deprivation activates 5-lipoxygenase mediated by oxidative stress through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway in PC12 cells

5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX) is a key enzyme catalyzing arachidonic acid to form leukotrienes. We have reported that ischemic-like injury activates 5-LOX in PC12 cells; however, the mechanisms are unknown. To determine whether ischemic-like injury activates 5-LOX mediated by oxidative stress through the p38 MAPK pathway, we transfected GFP-5-LOX into PC12 cells and induced ischemic-like injury by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). We found that the transfected GFP-5-LOX was localized primarily in the nuclei and translocated to the nuclear envelope after OGD/recovery reaching a maximum 2 hr after a 2-hr exposure to OGD. The nonselective 5-LOX inhibitor caffeic acid, 5-LOX-activating protein inhibitor MK886, and selective 5-LOX inhibitor zileuton attenuated the cell injury and reduced the production of 5-LOX products, cysteinyl leukotrienes, after OGD/recovery. However, only caffeic acid inhibited OGD/recovery-induced 5-LOX translocation. OGD/recovery also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS), which was inhibited by caffeic acid only. Hydrogen peroxide, an exogenous ROS, evoked similar cell injury and 5-LOX translocation, and the inhibitors had effects on the changes after H(2)O(2) similar to those after OGD/recovery. Both OGD/recovery and H(2)O(2) increased the phosphorylated p38 MAPK level, which was inhibited by caffeic acid and the ROS scavenger edaravone, but not by MK886 or zileuton. Moreover, SB203580 (a p38 MAPK inhibitor) and edaravone inhibited the cell injury and 5-LOX translocation induced by OGD/recovery and H(2)O(2). Thus, we conclude that OGD/recovery-induced ischemic-like injury induces 5-LOX activation, which is mediated by oxidative stress through activating the p38 MAPK pathway.     

Need for caspase-2 in apoptosis of growth-factor-deprived PC12 cells

Previous studies have shown that caspases (proteases related to interleukin-1β converting enzyme) are needed for the death of trophic factor-deprived PC12 cells. However, the protease involved in this process has not been identified. The results presented here strongly suggest that caspase-2 (Nedd2/Ich-1) plays a major role in the death of serum-deprived PC12 cells. We show that in PC12 cells overexpression of caspase-2 induces cell death, serum deprivation induces processing (i.e., activation) of the 48-kDa pro-caspase-2, and stable expression of caspase-2 antisense RNA inhibits apoptosis induced by serum deprivation. In addition, overexpression of bcl-2, which prevents this death process, also inhibits the processing of pro-caspase-2, suggesting that bcl-2 acts upstream of pro-caspase-2 activation. J. Neurosci. Res. 52:491–497, 1998. © 1998 Wiley-Liss, Inc.     

Inhibition of caspase-3 activation and apoptosis is involved in 3-nitropropionic acid-induced ischemic tolerance to transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats

Our aim was to investigate the involvement of caspase-3 activation and apoptotic cell death in mitochondrial toxin 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NPA)-induced ischemic tolerance to transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Rats were administrated either vehicle control or 3-NPA ip doses of 20 mg/kg. Three days later, rats were exposed to 2 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion, followed by 24 h of reperfusion. Infarct volumes were assessed by 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining 24 h after reperfusion. We measured neural cell apoptosis in the cerebral ischemic penumbra by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin in situ nick end labeling (TUNEL) and flow cytometry (FCM). Cleavage of the fluorogenic substrate zDEVD-afc was used to assay caspase-3 activity. Compared with the vehicle-injected group, pretreatment with 3-NPA reduced the infarct volume by 22.3% and decreased the number of TUNEL-positive neural cells and apoptotic percentages by 47% (p < 0.05) and 43.9% (p < 0.01), respectively. In terms of caspase-3 activity in ischemic penumbral tissues, the 3-NPA-pretreated group showed 13.9% (p < 0.05) less caspase-3 activity than the control group. The development of 3-NPA-induced ischemic tolerance in brain may be related to decreases in caspase-3 activation, which leads to decreased neural cell apoptosis.     

3aicalin inhibits colistin sulfate-induced apoptosis of PC12 cells

Baicalin, a type of flavonoid extracted from the dried root of Scutellaria baicalensis georgi, has been shown to effectively inhibit cell apoptosis. Therefore, we assumed that baicalin would suppress colistin sulfate-induced neuronal apoptosis. PC12 cells exposed to colistin sulfate （62.5-500 μg/mL） for 24 hours resulted in PCl2 cell apoptosis. In addition, caspase-3 activity, lactate dehydrogenase level and free radical content increased in a dose-dependent manner. Subsequently, PC12 cells were pretreated with baicalin （25, 50 and 100 pg/mL）, and exposed to 125 pg/mL colistin sulfate. Cell morphology markedly changed, and cell viability increased. Moreover, caspase-3 activity, lac- tate dehydrogenase level and free radical content decreased. Results indicated that baicalin inhib- ited colistin sulfate-induced PC12 cell apoptosis by suppressing free radical injury, and reducing caspase-3 activity and lactate dehydrogenase activity.     

高血糖对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后神经细胞凋亡及caspase-9、caspase-3表达的影响

目的探讨高血糖对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注后神经细胞凋亡及半胱氨酸天冬氨酸蛋白酶-9(caspase-9)、caspase-3表达的影响,进一步探讨其加重脑缺血损伤的作用机制。方法将30只雄性Sprague-Dawley(SD)大鼠随机分为3组:高血糖组、正常血糖组和假手术组。按体质量4g/kg给予大鼠尾静脉注射25%(质量浓度)的葡萄糖,造成大鼠高血糖状态;继而制作大脑中动脉阻塞脑缺血再灌注模型。于缺血2h再灌注24h进行神经功能评分,采用脱氧核糖核苷酸末端转移酶介导的dUTP缺口末端标记法(terminal-deoxy-nucleotidyl transferase mediated dUTP nick end labeling,TUNEL)检测大鼠脑组织细胞凋亡数,采用免疫组化染色检测大鼠脑组织caspase-9和caspase-3表达。结果 (1)高血糖组神经功能评分为(4.20±0.63)分,正常血糖组为(3.50±0.70)分,假手术组为0分。高血糖组及正常血糖组的神经功能评分较假手术组均显著增加(P<0.05),且高血糖组神经功能评分较正常血糖组增加(P<0.05)。(2)高血糖组凋亡细胞数为(16.30±3.30)个,正常血糖组为(14.60±3.27)个,假手术组为(0.50±0.53)个。高血糖组及正常血糖组的凋亡细胞数较假手术组增多(P<0.05),且高血糖组细胞凋亡数较正常血糖组增多(P<0.05)。(3)高血糖组caspase-9和caspase-3灰度值分别为114.30±3.83、111.50±3.17,正常血糖组分别为117.20±4.34、117.40±3.24,假手术组分别为146.20±1.98、146.80±0.74。高血糖组及正常血糖组的caspase-9和caspase-3表达水平较假手术组均增强(P<0.05),且高血糖组caspase-9和caspase-3表达水平较正常血糖组增强(P<0.05)。结论高血糖可增加缺血再灌注后脑神经细胞凋亡;caspase-9、caspase-3的激活及表达增强可能是高血糖加重脑缺血再灌注损伤的机制之一。     

3,4-Dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC) modulates the toxicity induced by nitric oxide in PC-12 cells via mitochondrial dysfunctioning

It has been postulated that dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC), a major dopamine metabolite, and nitric oxide (NO) induce mitochondrial dysfunction in a synergistic manner. We examined the combined effects of NO and DOPAC on PC-12 cells in terms of cell viability, nuclear morphology, mitochondrial parameters and cell death mechanisms. The apoptotic cell death induced by the NO-donor, S-nitroso-N-acetylpenicillamine (SNAP), was differently modulated by DOPAC as a function of DOPAC/cell ratios. Whereas below 200 nmol/10⁶ cells, DOPAC inhibited a typical apoptotic pathway induced by exposure the cells to the NO donor, above 200 nmol DOPAC/10⁶ cells, the cell death was not only enhanced but encompassed a distinct mechanism. Loading the cells with dopamine mimicked the effects of DOPAC. Specifically, the combination of DOPAC and NO induced an early mitochondrial membrane potential dissipation and ATP depletion followed by loss of cellular membrane integrity. Mitochondrial dysfunction was accompanied by the release of cytochrome c in both cases, NO individually and in combination with DOPAC, but caspase-3 and caspase-9 activation were only observed in the absence of DOPAC. DOPAC alone was ineffective. Thus, our results suggest a role for DOPAC as a modulator of cell fate and point to a pathway of cell death involving DOPAC and NO, via mechanisms that include mitochondrial dysfunction but do not involve the activation of the typical apoptotic caspase cascade. The significance of these results is discussed in connection with the mechanisms of cell death underlying Parkinson's disease.     

Long-term potentiation inhibition by low-level N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor activation involves calcineurin, nitric oxide, and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Low-level activation of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) results in a decrease in the ability of tetanic stimulation to induce long-term potentiation (LTP). This NMDAR-mediated LTP inhibition is observed with low micromolar concentrations of NMDA or chelation of ambient extracellular zinc. In rat hippocampal slices, we examined whether LTP inhibition by 1 muM NMDA and zinc chelation share common mechanisms. We found that both forms of LTP inhibition involve nitric oxide (NO) synthase (NOS) and calcineurin. Furthermore, both forms of LTP inhibition are overcome by block of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), but not by inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 or c-Jun-N-terminal kinase. A p38 antagonist also overcame the block of LTP by sodium nitroprusside, an agent that releases NO, suggesting that NO release occurs upstream of MAPK activation. Despite the involvement of p38 MAPK in NMDAR-mediated LTP inhibition, p38 antagonism did not enhance LTP induction in response to weak tetanic stimulation under baseline conditions. These results indicate that p38 MAPK is part of a complex NMDAR-driven signaling pathway involving calcineurin and NO that helps to regulate synaptic plasticity in the CA1 region.     

Heat shock induces neurite outgrowth in PC12m3 cells via the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

We investigated the role of the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway in heat-shock-induced neurite outgrowth of PC12 mutant cells in which nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth is impaired. When cultures of the PC12 mutant (PC12m3) cells were exposed to heat stress at 44 degrees C for 10 min, activity of p38 MAPK increased and neurite outgrowth was greatly enhanced. The neurite extension was inhibited by the p38 MAPK inhibitor BS203580. Longer heat treatment of PC12m3 cells provoked cell death, which was enhanced by SB203580. These findings suggest that heat-induced activation of p38 MAPK is responsible for the neurite outgrowth and survival of PC12m3 cells.     

Calmodulin-dependent activation of p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases contributes to c-fos expression by calcium in PC12 cells: modulation by nitric oxide

Calcium and nitric oxide (NO) are important messengers for the activity-dependent immediate-early gene (IEG) expressions in neuronal cells. In the present study, we have investigated the roles of two mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) and p38 MAP kinase (p38 kinase) in calcium- and NO-induced c-fos expression in PC12 cells. Membrane depolarization-induced calcium increases activated both ERK and p38 kinase within 5 min. The activation of both ERK and p38 kinase by calcium was a calmodulin-dependent process since the pretreatment of W13 or calmidazolium, specific calmodulin antagonists, blocked calcium-induced activation of both MAP kinases. Calcium-induced c-fos expression was significantly reduced by the pretreatment of either MEK inhibitor (PD98059) or p38 kinase inhibitor (SB203580). This finding indicates that the calmodulin-dependent activation of ERK and p38 kinase is involved in calcium-induced c-fos expression. However, sodium nitroprusside and SIN-1, known to release NO, dose-dependently activated only ERK. NO-induced c-fos expression was partially inhibited by the PD98059. We also observed that NO dose-dependently potentiates not only calcium-induced c-fos expression but also calcium-induced ERK activation. In the presence of PD98059, the amplification of calcium-induced c-fos expression by NO was not observed. This result suggests that calcium- and NO-signals converge into the MEK/ERK pathway, thereby enhance IEG expressions in neuronal cells.     

Neurotoxicity of pneumolysin,a major pneumococcal virulence factor,involves calcium influx and depends on activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Neuronal injury in bacterial meningitis is caused by the interplay of host inflammatory responses and direct bacterial toxicity. We investigated the mechanisms by which pneumolysin, a cytosolic pneumococcal protein, induces damage to neurons. The toxicity after exposure of human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and hippocampal organotypic cultures to pneumolysin was time- and dose-dependent. Pneumolysin led to a strong calcium influx apparently mediated by pores on the cell membrane formed by the toxin itself and not by voltage-gated calcium channels. Buffering of intracellular calcium with BAPTA-AM [1, 2-bis (o-aminophenoxy) ethane N, N, N', N'-tetraacetic acid tetra(acetomethoxyl) ester] improved survival of neuronal cells following challenge with pneumolysin. Western blotting revealed increased phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) as early as 30 min after challenge with pneumolysin. SB 203580, a potent and selective inhibitor of p38 MAPK, rescued human neuronal cells from pneumolysin-induced death. Inhibition of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore using bongkrekate and caspase inhibition also improved survival following challenge with the toxin. Modulation of cell death pathways activated by pneumolysin may influence the outcome of pneumococcal meningitis.     

H2O2预处理通过ERK1/2和p38 MAPK信号通路上调14-3-3蛋白在PC12

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of hydrogen peroxide preconditioning (HPP) on the pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells treated with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP(+)) and to explore the potential mechanisms. METHODS: The viability and apoptosis of PC12 cells were determined by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and 4',6'-diamidino-2-phenylindole (DAPI) staining, respectively. The expressions of 14-3-3 protein and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) were determined by Western blot. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure the activity of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). RESULTS: The cell viability decreased and the number of apoptotic cells increased dramatically in MPP(+) group compared with that in Control group. HPP induced a significant increase in cell viability and a marked decrease in population of apoptotic cells of the MPP(+)-treated PC12 cells, accompanied with up-regulation of 14-3-3 protein and increase of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK activities. The 14-3-3 protein expression was positively correlated with the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Furthermore, inhibition of the ERK1/2 with PD98059 abolished the 14-3-3 protein up-regulation in PC12 cells induced by HPP. CONCLUSION: HPP protects PC12 cells against MPP(+) toxicity by up-regulating 14-3-3 protein expression through the ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.     

炎性介质阻断剂对大鼠脑缺血再灌注损伤后神经功能缺损、细胞凋亡及半胱氨酸蛋白酶-3表达的影响

目的探讨炎性介质阻断剂AG490对大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤后神经功能缺损、细胞凋亡及半胱氨酸蛋白酶-3(caspase-3)表达的影响。方法雄性SD大鼠被随机分为假手术组、缺血再灌注组、生理盐水组、AG490组;采用大脑中动脉线栓法制作大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注模型;AG490组于脑缺血即刻及再灌注后12 h分别腹腔注射AG490 1 mg/kg。再灌注24 h后对各组大鼠进行神经功能缺损评分;利用原位缺口末端标记法(TUNEL法)检测神经细胞凋亡数;应用Western Blot法检测各组脑组织磷酸化酪氨酸蛋白激酶(P-JAK2)、磷酸化信号转导和转录激活因子(P-STAT3)、caspase-3表达。结果与缺血再灌注组及生理盐水组比较,AG490组大鼠神经功能缺损评分明显减低(均P<0.05);凋亡细胞数及P-JAK2、P-STAT3、caspase-3表达明显减少(均P<0.01)。结论AG490可阻断JAK2/STAT3细胞因子信号转导通路,有效抑制caspase-3表达,减轻缺血灌注损伤后神经细胞凋亡,改善神经功能缺损症状。