C57black/6小鼠全脑缺血模型脑内Bax和Bcl-2的表达

本研究采用C57black/6小鼠制备全脑缺血模型,观察脑缺血后多个脑区Bax和Bcl-2基因的表达。双侧颈总动脉夹闭(bilateral common carotid artery occlusion,BCCAO)15min,造成全脑缺血,24h后取脑组织进行Bax和Bcl-2免疫组织化学染色。结果显示:Bax阳性细胞广泛分布在大脑皮层、丘脑和杏仁核,阳性产物主要位于胞质内。除丘脑外,其他各部位Bax阳性神经元的密度缺血组均显著高于假手术组(P<0.05);缺血组各区域细胞染色灰度值均显著低于假手术组(P<0.01)。Bcl-2阳性细胞在大脑皮层和丘脑均有表达,缺血组大脑皮层内Bcl-2阳性神经元的密度显著高于假手术组(P<0.05);缺血组各区域细胞染色灰度值均显著低于假手术组(P<0.01)。以上结果表明双侧颈总动脉夹闭法致C57black/6小鼠全脑缺血模型可致多脑区Bax和Bcl-2的广泛表达,提示Bax和Bcl-2可能介导了缺血所致的神经元损伤。     

Differential Regulation of Bax, Bcl-2, and Bcl-X Proteins in Focal Cortical Ischemia in the Rat

Focal ischemia in the parietal cortex of the rat results in massive neuronal death in the infarct zone and penumbra between 12 hours and 6 days after photothrombosis. To examine a possible role of Bcl-2 family proteins in this process of cell death, we investigated their expression by immunoblot assays and immunocytochemistry, and correlated expression patterns with TUNEL as well as morphological signs indicative of apoptosis. In the center of the lesion Bax immunostaining was increased in many degenerating neurons between 4 hours and 3 days after the induction of photothrombosis. At all time points examined, Bcl-2 and Bcl-X protein levels were markedly reduced in injured neurons as compared to the unlesioned side. At the border of the ischemic lesion, two areas were distinguished: 1 – 2 days after induction of photothrombosis, pyknotic cells located immediately adjacent to the lesion core displayed nuclear Bcl-X and Bax immunoreactivity. In contrast, large, morphologically intact neurons located more towards the healthy brain parenchyma displayed an increase in cytoplasmic Bcl-2 and Bcl-X proteins. Double staining for each of the Bcl-2 family proteins and TUNEL revealed that DNA strand breaks and nuclear fragmentation seen in cells located in the lesion core were often associated with increased levels of Bax, but not with elevated Bcl-2 or Bcl-X protein levels, suggesting a role for Bax in the induction of apoptotic death in these cells. The upregulation of Bcl-2 and Bcl-X expression in surviving neurons close to the penumbra might reflect an active survival mechanism that protects these neurons from cell death following a sublethal insult.     

Apoptosis-Related Protein Expression in the Hippocampus in Alzheimer’s Disease

Recent research indicates that apoptotic mechanisms may be involved in cell death in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). We studied the expression of three members of the Bcl-2 protein family, Bcl-2, Bcl-x, and Bax, in a selection of senile and DS-related AD patients as well as in controls. These proteins are all associated with apoptotic mechanisms. In contrast to previous reports, neuronal Bcl-2 labeling was not detected in our cases, although there was some weak and inconsistent glial cell labeling. Neuronal Bcl-x expression was virtually absent in controls and the presence of the protein in AD patients was neither consistent nor specific. Some reactive glial cells were strongly labeled with the Bcl-x antibody. In contrast Bax, a protein that is believed to promote apoptosis, was widely expressed by neurones but was mainly present in areas other than CA1 in the hippocampus. Neuritic elements of some senile plaques were clearly and strongly labeled with this antibody, whereas neurofibrillary tangles and neuropil threads were not. Double labeling studies indicated that AT8-positive cells and neurites were never Bax-positive and vice versa. The possible implications of the different expression patterns are discussed in relation to neurone death in AD.     

大鼠血管性痴呆模型动物中海马神经元凋亡和蛋白表达的研究

目的:观察不同时点分别结扎左、右颈总动脉建立大鼠血管性痴呆模型中海马CA1区神经元凋亡和Bcl-2及Bax蛋白表达的影响,探讨其在血管性痴呆发病过程中的作用。方法:采取间隔3 d分2次结扎双侧颈总动脉建立血管性痴呆模型,术后4周用TUNEL法检测海马CA1区神经元凋亡,用免疫组织化学法检测其Bcl-2及Bax蛋白表达。结果:模型组大鼠海马CA1区可见大量凋亡神经元;模型组Bcl-2及Bax蛋白表达明显增加,与假手术组比较差异均有显著意义(P<0.05)。结论:此血管性痴呆模型大鼠中海马CA1区神经元大量凋亡丢失,可能是导致血管性痴呆的病理基础。     

Bax、Bcl-2在培养新生鼠皮层神经元中的表达及L-NAME的干预作用

目的　探讨Bax与Bcl-2在体外培养的皮层神经元的表达及非选择性一氧化氮合酶抑制剂NG-硝基-L-精氨酸甲酯（L-NAME）的干预作用。 方法　原代培养SD新生大鼠皮层神经元,并采用neuron specific enolase (NSE)免疫荧光方法进行细胞纯度鉴定。神经元随机分为正常组、N-甲基-D-天门冬氨酸（NMDA）组、NG-Nitro-L-arginine Methyl Ester（L-NAME）组,分别采用ELISA检测各组细胞中一氧化氮合酶（nitric oxide synthase, NOS）的表达,采用RT-PCR、Western blot分别检测各组细胞中Bax、Bcl-2 mRNA及蛋白的表达。 结果　NSE免疫荧光大多数细胞为NSE阳性细胞,神经元纯度高达90%;L-NAME组中NOS及Bax的表达均高于正常组而低于NMDA组, Bcl-2的表达低于正常组而高于NMDA组。 结论　L-NAME对NMDA诱导的神经细胞凋亡起明显的保护作用,其可能是通过上调Bcl-2的表达、下调Bax的表达发挥作用。     

急性马尾神经压迫后脊髓前角运动神经元细胞凋亡相关蛋白的表达规律

BACKGROUND: Cauda equina syndrome often induces skin hypoesthesia in the perineal area, poor urine-stool control, and impairs male function. After peripheral nerve fiber injury, apoptosis of neurons appeared. This is associated with the nature of the injury, the types of neurons, the species of animals, the age, and the distance between neurons. OBJECTIVE: To explore the motor neuron apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-associated protein in the anterior horn of the spinal cord after acute cauda equina compression.  METHODS: A total of 27 canines were randomly divided into three groups. In the compression and control groups, models of cauda equina compression were established. In the normal group, no models were established. Compression group received water sac compression for 4, 8, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 168 hours, with three models in each group. In the control group, only water sac was implanted, but water was not injected. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase TdT-mediated biotin dUTP nick end-labeling assay was used to detect the apoptosis of neurons in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 protein expressions were measured by immunohistochemical staining (strept avidin-biotin complex). Gray values of positive cells of Bax, Bcl-2 and Caspase-3 protein expressions were detected using Qwin550Cw image collection and analysis system. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The apoptosis of motor neuron occurred in the compression groups. At 12 hours of compression, positive cells were detected, and the number of positive cells reached a peak at 72 hours. Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression was small in the normal group. Caspase-3 protein expression was not detected in the normal and control groups. Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression was significantly increased at 8 hours, peaked at 72 hours and reduced to a normal level at 168 hours. The increased range of Bax protein expression was bigger than that of Bcl-2. Caspase-3 protein began to express at 12 hours, peaked at 72 hours and reduced to a low level at 168 hours. Bax and Caspase-3 protein expression peaked at 72 hours, and Bcl-2 protein expression was not obviously increased. These findings verified that after acute cauda equina compression, the apoptosis of neurons occurred in the anterior horn of the spinal cord. Bax and Bcl-2 protein expression showed an antagonistic action. In the Bax/Bcl-2 complex, Bax protein in a high expression promoted apoptosis, induced Caspase-3 protein expression, and neuronal apoptosis.      

Bcl-2, Bax and Bcl-x expression following kainic acid administration at convulsant doses in the rat.

Neuronal death was produced in the CA1 and CA3 areas of the hippocampus, amygdala, and piriform and entorhinal cortices after intraperitioneal administration of kainic acid at convulsant doses to adult rats. To assess the involvement of members of the Bcl-2 family in cell death or survival, immunohistochemistry, western and northern blotting to Bcl-2, Bcl-x and Bax, and in situ hybridization to Bax were examined at different time-points after kainic acid treatment. Members of the Bcl-2 family were expressed in the cytoplasm of pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus, and in a subset of neurons of the piriform and the entorhinal cortices, amygdala and neocortex in the normal adult brain. Dying neurons in the pyramidal cell layer of CA1 and CA3 areas, entorhinal and piriform cortices, and amygdala also expressed Bcl-2, Bax and Bcl-x following excitotoxicity, although many dying cells did not. In addition, a number of cells in the affected areas showed Bax immunoreactivity in their nuclei at 24-48 h following kainic acid administration, thus indicating Bax nuclear translocation in a subset of dying cells. Western blots disclosed no modifications in the intensity of the bands corresponding to Bcl-2, Bcl-x and Bax, between control and kainic acid-treated rats. No modifications in the intensity of the bcl-2 messenger RNA band on northern blots was observed in kainic acid-treated rats. However, a progressive increase in the intensity of the bax messenger RNA band was found in kainic acid-treated rats at 6 h, 12 h and 24 h following kainic acid administration. Interestingly, a slight increase in Bax immunoreactivity was observed in the cytoplasm of neurons of the dentate gyrus at 24-48 h, a feature which matches the increase of bax messenger RNA in the same area, as shown by in situ hybridization at 12-24 h following kainic acid injection. The present results suggest that cell death or survival does not correlate with modifications of Bcl-2, Bax and Bcl-x protein, and messenger RNA expression, but rather that kainic acid excitotoxicity is associated with Bax translocation to the nucleus in a subset of dying cells.     

阿魏酸钠对SNP诱导的凋亡海马神经元bcl-2、bax基因表达的影响

目的：探讨阿魏酸钠(SF)对一氧化氮（NO）供体硝普钠(SNP)引起的大鼠海马神经元凋亡及bcl-2、bax基因表达的影响。方法:采用SD大鼠海马神经元原代培养，经终浓度分别为10、20、40、80、120、160 μmol/L SF预处理后，用50 μmol/L SNP处理24 h，采用MTT法检测细胞存活率，Hoechst 33258荧光染色及DNA琼脂糖凝胶电泳分析等方法检测凋亡，Western blotting及RT-PCR检测bcl-2、bax基因表达。结果:不同剂量SF (10-160 μmol/L)预处理6 h可显著提高神经元的存活率，减少SNP引起的核固缩、凝聚和碎裂现象；DNA凝胶电泳图谱未见典型的“梯状”改变；增加bcl-2 mRNA及蛋白的表达, 降低bax mRNA及蛋白的表达。结论:SF 抑制NO供体SNP诱导的海马神经元凋亡，其机制可能与其增加Bcl-2蛋白表达，降低Bax蛋白表达，增高Bcl-2/Bax的比值有关。     

远志对糖尿病周围神经病变大鼠坐骨神经相关神经元胞体凋亡的影响

目的:探讨远志对糖尿病周围神经病变(DPN)大鼠坐骨神经相关神经元胞体的保护作用。方法:雄性Wistar大鼠随机分为空白对照组、DPN模型组和远志治疗组,DPN模型组和远志治疗组均建立DPN模型。待建模后,远志治疗组大鼠给予远志灌胃6周。尼氏染色法观察背根节神经元胞体形态,免疫组织化学显色检测背根节神经元胞体Bcl-2、Bax蛋白的表达,TUNEL法检测背根节神经元凋亡指数。结果:与空白对照组比较,DPN模型组大鼠背根节神经元胞体形态异常,Bcl-2表达降低,Bax表达升高,凋亡指数升高;与DPN模型组比较,远志治疗组大鼠背根节神经元胞体形态接近正常,Bcl-2表达升高,Bax表达降低,凋亡指数降低。结论:远志可通过上调DPN大鼠背根节神经元胞体Bcl-2的表达,减少Bax的表达,抑制背根节神经元凋亡,发挥对DPN大鼠背根节神经元胞体的保护作用。     

前炎症细胞因子对不同年龄小鼠脑室周带神经元存活的影响

探讨前炎症细胞因子(PIC)丙种干扰素(IFN-γ)和肿瘤坏死因子(TNF-α)的混合物对不同年龄小鼠脑神经元存活的影响及神经元和神经胶质细胞在对抗炎症反应时的相互关系。采用抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2免疫组织化学染色以及GFAP/Bcl-2免疫荧光双重标记技术,观察了小鼠单次注射联合细胞因子入侧脑室后,Bcl-2阳性神经元在脑内的分布、神经元Bcl-2的表达和时程变化以及GFAP阳性星形胶质细胞与Bcl-2阳性神经元之间的关系。结果表明,Bcl-2阳性神经元主要分布在第一、二运动皮质第ⅴ层、躯体感觉皮质、隔核、斜角带核、海马和中脑红核等结构。Bcl-2阳性产物位于胞质及突起内,呈棕色,胞核不显色。对照组中Bcl-2阳性神经元在PBS注射2d后,老龄动物脑皮质及海马内Bcl-2表达上调,与青年动物相比有显著性差异(P<0.01)。实验组中细胞因子注射2d后,每个年龄组动物皮质及海马内Bcl-2表达均上调,胞质及突起内Bcl-2阳性产物着色加深,持续到注射后4d,与对照组比较存在显著性差异。与青年组动物比较,老龄动物脑皮质和海马内Bcl-2阳性细胞数目和光密度在PIC注射两天后明显增加,存在显著性差异(P<0.01)。此外,GFAP/Bcl-2染色结果显示皮质、海马和胼胝体内激活的星形胶质细胞表达Bcl-2,部分Bcl-2阳性神经元周围被星形胶质细胞的突起包绕或接触。以上结果提示老龄动物脑的神经元对于炎症刺激的易感性增强。表达Bcl-2的星形胶质细胞可能参与了自身保护机制的调节,且神经元和星形胶质细胞在参与脑内的免疫调节和保护性反应中存在相互作用。     

Expression of human apolipoprotein E4 in neurons causes hyperphosphorylation of protein tau in the brains of transgenic mice

Epidemiological studies have established that the epsilon 4 allele of the ApoE gene (ApoE4) constitutes an important risk factor for Alzheimer's disease and might influence the outcome of central nervous system injury. The mechanism by which ApoE4 contributes to the development of neurodegeneration remains unknown. To test one hypothesis or mode of action of ApoE, we generated transgenic mice that overexpressed human ApoE4 in different cell types in the brain, using four distinct gene promoter constructs. Many transgenic mice expressing ApoE4 in neurons developed motor problems accompanied by muscle wasting, loss of body weight, and premature death. Overexpression of human ApoE4 in neurons resulted in hyperphosphorylation of the microtubule-associated protein tau. In three independent transgenic lines from two different promoter constructs, increased phosphorylation of protein tau was correlated with ApoE4 expression levels. Hyperphosphorylation of protein tau increased with age. In the hippocampus, astrogliosis and ubiquitin-positive inclusions were demonstrated. These findings demonstrate that expression of ApoE in neurons results in hyperphosphorylation of protein tau and suggests a role for ApoE in neuronal cytoskeletal stability and metabolism.     

App17肽防治去卵巢大鼠海马神经细胞的凋亡

目的:观察去卵巢大鼠几种神经元凋亡相关蛋白的表达,并用TUNEL试剂盒检测,研究缺乏雌激素是否引起神经元凋亡;评估App17肽是否能改善去卵巢大鼠的神经细胞凋亡,初步探讨App17肽的神经保护作用机制。方法:雌性Wistar大鼠随机分3组:假手术组(shamcontrol组),卵巢去势对照组(OVX组),App17肽实验组(17P+OVX组)。Sham组做假手术,OVX组和17P+OVX组做双侧卵巢切除术。17P+OVX组从卵巢去势第7周开始用App17肽治疗6周,用免疫组化和Westernblot方法观察AIF、Bax、Bcl-2的表达,用TUNEL法检测凋亡情况。结果:免疫组织化学和Westernblot结果表明App17肽实验组AIF、Bax表达明显少于去卵巢组;Bcl-2在App17肽实验组的表达明显高于去卵巢组。TUNEL结果表明App17肽实验组凋亡细胞明显少于去卵巢组。结论:雌激素缺乏引起去卵巢大鼠海马和皮层神经细胞凋亡相关蛋白改变和出现凋亡细胞,App17肽具有明显的防治作用。     

脑室注射链脲佐菌素对大鼠海马神经元凋亡相关蛋白表达的影响

目的 观察App17肽对脑室注射链脲佐菌素的大鼠海马神经元凋亡相关蛋白表达的影响,探讨胰岛素信号转导通路障碍对神经元存活的作用.方法脑室注射链脲佐菌素(STZ)制作大鼠痴呆模型.3周后,皮下注射App17肽.4周后取脑组织做Bcl-2、Bax、CytoC免疫组织化学染色及Western blotting半定量分析.结果 模型组大鼠海马内Bax、CytoC阳性反应神经元细胞数目多,胞质深染,细胞计数与正常组及治疗组有显著性差异(P＜0.01);模型组大鼠海马内Bcl-2阳性细胞数目少,胞质染色淡,细胞计数与正常组及治疗组有显著性差异(P＜0.01).Western blotting半定量分析可见、Bcl-2、Bax、CytoC出现清晰的条带,组间可见较明显的差异(P＜0.01).结论 脑室注射STZ的大鼠海马内促进凋亡的Bax、CytoC表达增加;抑制凋亡的Bcl-2表达降低.App17肽可影响上述蛋白的表达,使之接近正常.胰岛素信号转导通路对神经元存活有一定作用.     

Injection of okadaic acid into the meynert nucleus basalis of rat brain induces decreased acetylcholine level and spatial memory deficit

Abnormal hyperphosphorylation of tau and cholinergic deficit occur in the early stage of Alzheimer's disease (AD) and relate to the dementia symptom. Hyperphosphorylation of tau, neurofilament (NF) and other proteins in AD brain appears to be caused by a down-regulation of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), but the mechanism leading to cholinergic deficit is still unknown. In this study, we selectively inhibited PP2A by injection of okadaic acid (OA) into the Meynert nucleus basalis of rats. We found that injection of OA induced hyperphosphorylation of tau and NF and decreased acetylcholine (ACh) level in the nucleus basalis of Meynert. These alterations were accompanied by spatial memory deficit in OA-injected rats. We also demonstrated that the OA-induced ACh reduction may be due to a failure of intraneuronal transport of choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) from cell body to the neuronal terminals rather than an alteration of activity of ChAT or acetylcholinesterase. This study suggests that a down-regulation of PP2A may underlie both abnormal hyperphosphorylation of cytoskeletal proteins leading to neurofibrillary degeneration and cholinergic deficiency in AD.     

Immunohistochemical localization of Bcl-2 and Bax proteins in in situ and invasive duct breast carcinomas

Bcl-2 and Bax proteins are coded by a family of genes that take part in the manteinance of the balance between cell proliferation rate and programmed cell death in multicellular organisms. TheBax gene acts as promoter of cell death by opposing the death protector effect of theBcl-2 gene. Expression of the Bcl-2 and Bax proteins has been investigated in 58 cases of duct carcinoma in situ (DCIS) and duct invasive and invasive lobular carcinomas (IC) of the breast. While both proteins were expressed at the same time in normal and benign epithelium, different staining patterns were observed according to the degree of differentiation of the neoplastic epithelium. In well-differentiated DCIS and grade I IC there was a predominance of Bcl-2 protein staining. Grade II lesions co-expressed both proteins. Poorly differentiated DCIS displayed a predominantly Bax protein staining pattern. Therefore, it appears that Bax protein expression, especially in DCIS, relates to more aggressive neoplasms while Bcl-2 protein expression is associated with less aggressive malignant lesions.     

CART肽抑制NMDA诱导海马神经元凋亡的机制

目的：探讨可卡因－苯丙胺调节转录肽（CART）对兴奋性氨基酸N-甲基-D-天冬氨酸（NMDA）诱导海马神经元凋亡的作用和机制。方法：18 d SD大鼠胚胎（E18）海马神经元原代培养8 d,用MTT吸光度值、DNA ladder、Hoechst染色、Western blotting方法观察NMDA引起的神经元凋亡,以及CART肽对NMDA诱导的细胞凋亡的影响,分析CART肽的作用机制。结果：CART肽预处理组海马神经元存活率明显高于NMDA组（P<0.05）;DNA ladder和核形态Hoechst染色证明,CART肽明显抑制NMDA诱导的海马神经元凋亡（P<0.01）。CART肽预处理明显促进NMDA组海马神经元中Bcl-2表达（P<0.01）,增加Bcl-2/Bax比值,抑制caspase-9及caspase-3活化（P<0.01）;但CART肽对Bax的表达及caspase-8活化无显著影响。结论： CART肽抑制NMDA诱导的海马神经元凋亡,呈明显的神经保护作用,其神经保护机制主要是提高抗凋亡分子Bcl-2表达,抑制线粒体凋亡途径启动分子caspase-9和执行分子caspase-3的活化。     

氯碘羟喹对癫痫小鼠海马神经元凋亡和学习记忆功能的保护作用

目的 研究氯碘羟喹对癫痫小鼠海马神经元凋亡和学习记忆功能的保护作用。 方法 采用匹罗卡品癫痫小鼠模型。实验动物根据给药方式分3组：对照组（生理盐水）、癫痫组（匹罗卡品+生理盐水）、氯碘羟喹组（匹罗卡品+氯碘羟喹）。金属自显影技术观察海马锌的分布;尼氏染色观察海马神经元形态和数量;免疫印迹检测海马Bcl-2和Bax表达;ELISA检测海马Caspases-9和Caspases-3表达;动物行为学观察自发性癫痫发作次数、发作级别和发作持续时间;T迷宫和Y迷宫检测学习记忆能力。 结果 氯碘羟喹组小鼠海马锌显著减少;神经元损伤减轻,细胞数量增多;Bcl-2表达增多,Bax、Caspases-9和Caspases-3表达减少,Bcl-2/Bax值增大;癫痫发作次数减少,发作级别降低,发作持续时间缩短,学习记记能力增强（P<0.01）。 结论 氯碘羟喹能保护小鼠海马神经元,改善学习记忆功能。     

CB1 receptor selective activation inhibits beta-amyloid-induced iNOS protein expression in C6 cells and subsequently blunts tau protein hyperphosphorylation in co-cultured neurons

Among the wide range of neuro-inflammatory signalling molecules released by beta-amyloid-stimulated astroglial cells, nitric oxide (NO) plays a fundamental role in AD aethiopathogenesis since it directly promotes neuronal tau protein hyperphosphorylation leading to neurofibrillary tangle formation. Synthetic cannabinoids (CBs), via a selective CB1 receptor activation, negatively modulates both iNOS protein expression and NO production induced by pro-inflammatory stimuli. In this study we investigated the role of both the non-selective WIN 55,212-2 and the selective CB1 receptor agonist, ACEA, on: (i) NO production, (ii) iNOS protein expression in (1-42) beta-amyloid peptide (Abeta)-stimulated C6 rat glioma cells and (iii) tau protein hyperphosphorylation in co-cultured differentiated PC12 neurons. Our results demonstrated that synthetic CBs, by a selective CB1 effect, down-regulate iNOS protein expression and NO production in Abeta-stimulated C6 cells. This effect leads, in turn, to a significant and concentration-dependent inhibition of NO-dependent tau protein hyperphosphorylation in co-cultured PC12 neurons. The results of the present study extend our knowledge about the neuroprotective actions of synthetic CBs on Abeta-dependent neurotoxicity in vitro. Furthermore, our study allows us to identify, in the CB1-mediated inhibition of astroglial-derived NO, a new potential target to blunt tau hyperphosphorylation and the consequent related tauopathy in AD.     

Okadaic acid induces JNK activation, bim overexpression and mitochondrial dysfunction in cultured rat cortical neurons

Apoptosis via tau phosphorylation has been implicated in the selective neuronal losses seen in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Previous studies in vivo and in cultured neurons have shown that okadaic acid (OA) evokes tau phosphorylation to initiate a neurodegeneration that resembles the pathogenesis of AD. In an effort to identify additional key molecules in this neurodegeneration, we treated cultured rat neurons with OA and examined the apoptosis-related effects, such as changes in mitochondrial activity and expression levels of JNK, Bim, Bad, Bax and caspase-3. Western blotting revealed that phosphorylation of JNK and c-jun occurred first, followed by increased expression of Bim and subsequent caspase-3 activation in OA-treated neurons. In contrast, Bad levels decreased as early as 4 h after OA treatment. Immunocytochemistry showed that the increased phospho-JNK immunoreactivity was localized in the cytosol of degenerating neurons, while increased phospho-c-jun was localized in the nucleus. The mitochondria showed decreased membrane potential and increased swelling after OA treatment. Collectively, these data suggest that JNK- and Bim-related mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in OA-induced neurodegeneration.     

Differential activation of caspase-3 at two maturational stages during okadaic acid-induced rat neuronal death

Okadaic acid (OA), a protein phosphatase inhibitor, is used as a research model of Alzheimer's disease to induce tau phosphorylation and neuronal death. We reported previously that OA induces neuronal apoptosis of immature neurons (in vitro days (IVD) 3-5), which is inhibited by cycloheximide (CHX). In this study, we demonstrate that CHX fails to prevent OA-induced neuronal death in mature neurons (IVD 14-15). Upon comparison of both types of dying cells, the immature neurons displayed characteristic features of apoptosis, such as nuclear fragmentation, phosphatidylserine externalization and prominent caspase-3 activation, while the mature neurons showed few characteristic features of apoptosis. Lack of the beneficial effects of CHX and the lesser activation of caspase-3 in the mature neurons argue against typical apoptotic neuronal death in the OA-induced neurodegeneration model.