Characterization of myoglobin toxicity in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats

Rhabdomyolysis is associated with acute renal failure. The following study first characterized myoglobin in vitro toxicity using renal cortical slices isolated from male Fischer 344 rats. This model provided interaction between various cells within the nephron and provides myoglobin access predominantly through the basolateral membrane. Second, this study examined the effect of deferoxamine (DFX) and glutathione on myoglobin toxicity to determine the role of radicals and iron. Renal cortical slices were incubated for 30-120 min with 0, 4, 10 or 12 mg/ml myoglobin. Myoglobin was pretreated with 4 mM ascorbic acid prior to addition to the slices to ensure that myoglobin was in its reduced state. In other experiments tissues were pretreated for 15 min with 0.1 mM of the iron chelator DFX or 30 min with 1 mM glutathione prior to co-incubation with myoglobin. Finally, slices were pretreated with 1 mM glutathione for 30 min, rinsed and incubated only with myoglobin. Early event changes occurred within a 60 min exposure and included a decline in pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis, increased lipid peroxidation levels and decreased glutathione levels. Loss of ATP levels and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release required a 120 min exposure to myoglobin. DFX reduced myoglobin induced effects on LDH leakage but had no effect on gluconeogenesis suggesting that myoglobin toxicity had an iron dependent (LDH) and independent (gluconeogenesis) pathway. Pretreatment with glutathione provided complete protection and was mediated by intracellular events.     

Characterization of myoglobin toxicity in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats

Rhabdomyolysis is associated with acute renal failure. The following study first characterized myoglobin in vitro toxicity using renal cortical slices isolated from male Fischer 344 rats. This model provided interaction between various cells within the nephron and provides myoglobin access predominantly through the basolateral membrane. Second, this study examined the effect of deferoxamine (DFX) and glutathione on myoglobin toxicity to determine the role of radicals and iron. Renal cortical slices were incubated for 30-120 min with 0, 4, 10 or 12 mg/ml myoglobin. Myoglobin was pretreated with 4 mM ascorbic acid prior to addition to the slices to ensure that myoglobin was in its reduced state. In other experiments tissues were pretreated for 15 min with 0.1 mM of the iron chelator DFX or 30 min with 1 mM glutathione prior to co-incubation with myoglobin. Finally, slices were pretreated with 1 mM glutathione for 30 min, rinsed and incubated only with myoglobin. Early event changes occurred within a 60 min exposure and included a decline in pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis, increased lipid peroxidation levels and decreased glutathione levels. Loss of ATP levels and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release required a 120 min exposure to myoglobin. DFX reduced myoglobin induced effects on LDH leakage but had no effect on gluconeogenesis suggesting that myoglobin toxicity had an iron dependent (LDH) and independent (gluconeogenesis) pathway. Pretreatment with glutathione provided complete protection and was mediated by intracellular events.     

Characterization of 2-amino-4,5-dichlorophenol (2A45CP) in vitro toxicity in renal cortical slices from male Fischer 344 rats

2-Amino-4,5-dichlorophenol (2A45CP) is a major, aromatic ring hydroxylated metabolite of the renal toxicant, 3,4-dichloroaniline. 3,4-Dichloroaniline is nephrotoxic with primary damage located to the proximal tubules. The purpose of this study was to first characterize the in vitro toxicity of 2A45CP in renal cortical slices. Second, the effect of antioxidants and sulfhydryl containing agents on the severity of 2A45CP toxicity was explored since part of the mechanism of toxicity for aminophenols may involve redox cycling. Renal tissue was isolated from male Fischer 344 rats (190--220 g). Renal slices were rinsed three times for 3 min each in 5-ml Krebs buffer. Tissues were then incubated for 90--120 min with varying concentrations of 2A45CP between 0 and 0.5 mM. In a separate series of experiments, the slices (50--100 mg) were preincubated for 30 min with 1 mM dithiothreitol (DTT), 1 mM glutathione (GSH) or 2 mM ascorbic acid prior to exposure to 0, 0.05, 0.1 or 0.25 mM 2A45CP. 2A45CP produced a concentration and time dependent increase in LDH leakage from renal cortical slices. Total glutathione levels were diminished by 0.5 mM 2A45CP within 30 min. Renal slices incubated for 60 and 120 min with 0.05 and 0.1 mM 2A45CP had lower malondialdehyde levels than control. Pretreatment with DTT did not alter 2A45CP toxicity. Pretreatment of renal cortical slices with GSH or ascorbic acid reduced 2A45CP toxicity. These findings indicate that 2A45CP is directly toxic to renal cortical slices and that cytotoxicity is at least partially mediated by a reactive intermediate.     

Time-dependent effect of p-aminophenol (PAP) toxicity in renal slices and development of oxidative stress

p-Aminophenol (PAP), a metabolite of acetaminophen, is nephrotoxic. This study investigated PAP-mediated changes as a function of time that occur prior to loss of membrane integrity. Experiments further evaluated the development of oxidative stress by PAP. Renal slices from male Fischer 344 (F344) rats (N = 4-6) were exposed to 0.1, 0.25, and 0.5 mM PAP for 15-120 min under oxygen and constant shaking at 37 degrees C. Pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis, adenine nucleotide levels, and total glutathione (GSH) levels were diminished in a concentration- and time-dependent manner prior to detection of a rise in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels were increased by PAP suggesting the induction of oxidative stress. Western blot analysis confirmed a rise in 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-adducted proteins in tissues exposed to 0.1 and 0.25 mM PAP for 90 min. The appearance of 4-HNE-adducted proteins at the 0.1 mM concentration of PAP occurred prior to development of increased LDH leakage. Pretreatment with 1 mM glutathione (GSH) for 30 min only partially reduced PAP toxicity as LDH values were less severely depleted relative to tissues not pretreated with GSH. In contrast, pretreatment for 15 min with 2 mM ascorbic acid completely protected against PAP toxicity. Further studies showed that ascorbic acid pretreatment prevented PAP-mediated depletion of GSH. In summary, PAP rapidly depletes GSH and adenine nucleotides and inhibits gluconeogenesis prior to a rise in LDH leakage. PAP induces oxidative stress as indicated by an increase in GSSG and 4-HNE-adducted proteins. Ascorbic acid pretreatment prevents PAP toxicity by maintaining GSH status.     

Pyruvate attenuates myoglobin in vitro toxicity.

Myoglobinuria is a complication of crush injury as well as substance abuse. This study examined whether pyruvate modified myoglobin in vitro renal toxicity. Renal slices from Fischer-344 rats were incubated for 120 min with 0-12 mg/ml myoglobin. In an initial study, gluconeogenesis was stimulated by the addition of 10 mM pyruvate during the final 30 min. In all other studies, renal slices were incubated with myoglobin in the presence of 0 or 10 mM pyruvate for 120 min. Myoglobin increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and this was not modified by the presence of pyruvate for the last 30 min of the incubation. Myoglobin toxicity was reduced by coincubation of myoglobin with pyruvate for 120 min. LDH leakage was increased 1.2-, 1.7-, and 1.8-fold above control by 4, 10, and 12 mg/ml myoglobin, compared to 1.2, 1.3, and 1.3 fold in slices coincubated with 10 mM pyruvate, respectively. Myoglobin diminished adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels but pyruvate maintained a 5x higher level of ATP within the slices. Glucose (10 mM) provided protection only for the low concentration (4 mg/ml) of myoglobin. Myoglobin induced oxidative stress while pyruvate prevented the rise in lipid peroxidation and glutathione disulfides by myoglobin. Myoglobin diminished total glutathione levels in pyruvate-treated tissue, but glutathione levels remained higher than tissues incubated in the absence of pyruvate. These results indicate that pyruvate reduced toxicity by preventing oxidative stress and via a supply of an energy substrate.     

Pyruvate reduces 4-aminophenol in vitro toxicity

Pyruvate has been observed to reduce the nephrotoxicity of some agents by maintaining glutathione status and preventing lipid peroxidation. This study examined the mechanism for pyruvate protection of p-aminophenol (PAP) nephrotoxicity. Renal cortical slices from male Fischer 344 rats were incubated for 30-120 min with 0, 0.1, 0.25 or 0.5 mM PAP in oxygenated Krebs buffer containing 0 or 10 mM pyruvate or glucose (1.28 or 5.5 mM). LDH leakage was increased above control by 0.25 and 0.5 mM PAP beginning at 60 min and by 0.1 mM PAP at 120 min. Pyruvate prevented an increase in LDH leakage at 60- and 120-min exposure to 0.1 and 0.25 mM PAP. Pyruvate also prevented a decline in ATP levels. Glucose (1.28 and 5.5 mM) provided less protection than pyruvate from PAP toxicity. Total glutathione levels were diminished by 0.1 and 0.25 mM PAP within 60 and 30 min, respectively. Pyruvate prevented the decline in glutathione by 0.1 mM PAP at both time periods and at 30 min for 0.25 mM PAP. Pyruvate reduced the magnitude of glutathione depletion by 0.25 mM PAP following a 60-min incubation. Glutathione disulfide (GSSG) levels in renal slices were increased at 60 min by exposure to 0.25 mM PAP, while pyruvate prevented increased GSSG levels by PAP. Pyruvate also reduced the extent of 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-adducted proteins present after a 90-min incubation with PAP. These results indicate that pyruvate provided protection for PAP toxicity by providing an energy substrate and reducing oxidative stress.     

Effects of the calcium channel blocker verapamil and sulphydryl reducing agent dithiothreitol on atractyloside toxicity in precision-cut rat renal cortical and liver slices.

The effects of dithiothreitol (DTT), a sulfhydryl-containing agent and verapamil (VRP), a calcium channel blocker as possible cytoprotectants against the atractyloside-induced toxicity were characterized in rat kidney and liver slices in vitro using multiple markers of toxicity. Precision-cut slices (200 microM thick) were either incubated with atractyloside (2 mM) or initially preincubated with either DTT (5 mM) or VRP (100 microM) for 30 min followed by exposure to atractyloside (2 mM) for 3 h at 37 degrees C on a rocker platform rotated at approximately 3 rpm. All of the toxicity parameters were sensitive to exposure to atractyloside, but treatment with DTT or VRP alone did not provide any indication of damage to the tissues. Preincubation of slices containing either DTT or VRP for 30 min provided total protection against atractyloside-induced increase in LDH leakage in both kidney and liver slices. Increased induction of lipid peroxidation by atractyloside in liver slices was completely abolished by DTT and VRP. Both DTT and VRP provided partial protection against atractyloside-induced inhibition of gluconeogenesis in both kidney and liver slices. Atractyloside-induced ATP depletion in both kidney and liver slices was partially abolished by VRP but not DTT. The significant depletion of GSH in the kidney slices by atractyloside was completely reversed by DTT only, while VRP alone reversed the same process in liver slices. Decreased MTT reductive capacity and significant increase in ALT leakage caused by atractyloside in liver slices was partially reversed. Complete protection was achieved with both DTT and VRP against atractyloside-induced inhibition of PAH uptake in kidney slices. These findings suggest that both DTT and VRP exert cytoprotective effects in atractyloside-induced biochemical perturbation, effects that differ in liver and kidney. The effect of these agents on atractyloside has provided us with a further understanding of the molecular mechanism of its action.     

Adenine nucleotide and calpain inhibitor I protect against atractyloside-induced toxicity in rat renal cortical slices in vitro

Atractyloside is a compound with a documented nephrotoxicity. It induces renal tubular necrosis at high doses and apoptosis at lower doses. This study investigates the potential protective effect of some chemical agents against atractyloside-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro using the precision-cut rat renal cortical slices obtained from kidneys of Wistar rats. For co-incubation experiments, slices were incubated for 3 h at 37 degrees C on a rocker platform with various chemical agents: ADP (5 mM), calpain inhibitor I (CPI, 1 mM), stevioside (STV, 2.5 mM) or probenecid (PRB, 2.5 mM) in the presence or absence of atractyloside (2 mM). For pre-incubation experiments, slices were incubated with the same chemical agents for 1 h before exposure to atractyloside. The nephrotoxic effects of atractyloside (2 mM) alone were manifested in several ways: by a marked increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) leakage, significant inhibition of p-aminohippurate (PAH) accumulation, marked depletion of intracellular ATP and reduced glutathione (GSH), and a significant reduction in pyruvate-stimulated gluconeogenesis. Co-incubation of slices with ADP or CPI and atractyloside completely blocked atractyloside-induced increase in LDH leakage, but not ALP leakage. Atractyloside-induced depletion of ATP and reduced gluconeogenesis was prevented by co-incubation with ADP or CPI. Furthermore, co-incubation of slices with STV and atractyloside, but not PRB, completely abolished atractyloside-induced depletion of ATP and decreased gluconeogenesis in the slices. Pre-incubation of slices with either ADP or CPI protected against atractyloside-induced increase in LDH leakage, reduced ATP and decreased gluconeogenesis. PAH uptake in the slices was inhibited by atractyloside and PRB in a time-dependent manner. While ADP and CPI were found to exert complete protection against atractyloside-induced toxicity irrespective of treatment schedule, STV is effective only under certain conditions, and PRB offer no protection at all. The results of this study demonstrate the usefulness of renal cortical slices as toxicology tool for evaluating and screening compounds for their potential protective effects, and are supportive of a role of adeninine nucleotide (ADP) and protease inhibitor (CPI) in protecting against atractyloside-induced cell injury.     

Cephaloridine in Vitro Toxicity and Accumulation in Renal Slices from Normoglycemic and Diabetic Rats

Previous work has shown a reduction in cephaloridine nephro-toxicityin a diabetic rat model. The following studies examined in vitrocephaloridine toxicity in renal slices from normoglycemic anddiabetic Fischer 344 rats. Diabetes was induced by acute intra-peritonealinjection of 35 mg/kg streptozotocin. Renal cortical sliceswere isolated from normoglycemic and diabetic animals. Tissueswere exposed to 0–5 mM cephaloridine for 15–120min. Pyruvate-directed gluconeogenesis was diminished in allgroups exposed to 2–5 mM cephaloridine for 60–120min. Leakage of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) was apparent onlyin the normoglycemic group in the presence of 4–5 mM cephaloridinefor 120 min. LDH leakage was not increased at any cephaloridineconcentration in the diabetic tissue. Total glutathione levelswere compared in renal cortical slices exposed to cephaloridinefor 30–120 min. Baseline values for glutathione were comparablebetween normoglycemic and diabetic tissue suggesting that themechanism for reduced toxicity was not due to higher glutathionelevels in diabetic tissue. Total glutathione levels were diminishedmore rapidly in normoglycemic than diabetic tissue by incubationwith 5 mM cephaloridine. Comparison of cephaloridine accumulationindicated that diabetic tissue accumulated less cephaloridinethan the normoglycemic group when tissues were incubated with0–2 mM cephaloridine. However, renal slice accumulationwas similar between normoglycemic and diabetic groups followingin vitro incubation with 4–5 mM cephaloridine. These resultssuggest that the mechanism for reduced in vitro cephaloridinetoxicity in diabetic tissue cannot be limited to differencesin accumulation and must include an unidentified cellular component.     

Protection effects of procaine on oxidative stress and toxicities of renal cortical slices from rats caused by cisplatin in vitro

Incubation of rat renal cortical slices with 2 mM cisplatin (CDDP) at 37 C for different periods of time (15–180 min) increased malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, decreased intracellular glutathione (GSH), and inhibited gluconeogenesis in the slices. CDDP-induced MDA formation increased by 53% after 180 min of incubation and GSH decreased by 35% after 60 min of incubation. Both depletion of GSH and inhibition of gluconeogenesis preceded MDA formation. Procaine (2 mM) completely inhibited CDDP-induced lipid peroxidation without affecting depletion of GSH, but even potentiated gluconeogenesis inhibition, while 2 mM dithiothreitol (DTT) largely reversed all of these biochemical indices. After 240 min of incubation, 2 mM CDDP produced marked cytotoxicities, characterized by an increase in leakage of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) (132%), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (115%) and N-acetyl--glucosaminidase (NAG) (157%), decrease in intracellular K+ (64%), and change in total water contents in the slices. Procaine (2 mM) showed protection against CDDP-induced cytotoxicities to a certain extent. These results suggest that depletion of GSH might be a determinant step in the oxidative stress and subsequent cytotoxicity, and that procaine is a powerful antioxidant and would be a promising drug for ameliorating some of the adverse effects of CDDP.     

Mechanistic aspects of 4-amino-2,6-dichlorophenol-induced in vitro nephrotoxicity

4-Amino-2,6-dichlorophenol (ADCP) is a potent acute nephrotoxicant in vivo inducing prominent renal corticomedullary necrosis. In vitro, ADCP exposure increases lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release from rat renal cortical slices at 0.05 mM or greater. The purpose of this study was to examine the ability of antioxidants, cytochrome P450 (CYP) and flavin adenine dinucleotide monooxygenase (FMO) activity modulators, indomethacin, glutathione and inhibitors of glutathione conjugate metabolism to attenuate ADCP cytotoxicity in vitro. Renal cortical slices prepared from untreated male Fischer 344 rats (N=4/group) were preincubated at 37 degrees C under a 100% oxygen atmosphere with an inhibitor or vehicle for 5-30 min. ADCP (0.05-0.5mM) or vehicle was added and incubations continued for 120 min. At the end of the incubation period, LDH release was measured as an index of nephrotoxicity. ADCP cytotoxicity was partially attenuated by ascorbate (1.0 or 2.0mM), but not by N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine (DPPD), alpha-tocopherol or deferoxamine. Inhibitors of CYP (metyrapone, piperonyl butoxide and isoniazid) and FMO activity modulators (methimazole, N-octylamine) had no effect on ADCP cytotoxicity. Indomethacin or glutathione 1.0mM completely and partially blocked ADCP 0.1 and 0.5mM cytotoxicity, respectively. N-acetylcysteine, AOAA (an inhibitor of cysteine conjugate beta-lyase) and probenecid (an organic anion transport inhibitor), but not AT-125 (an inhibitor of gamma-glutamyl transferase), partially attenuated ADCP 0.1mM cytotoxicity. Overall, these results suggest that reactive metabolites may be produced from ADCP primarily via a co-oxidation-mediated mechanism. The difference in the ability of ascorbate and glutathione to attenuate ADCP-induced cytotoxicity in vitro in kidney cells could indicate that alkylation via the reactive benzoquinoneimine metabolite might be responsible for cytotoxicity rather than a free radical-mediated mechanism.     

2-AMINOPHENOL AND 4-AMINOPHENOL TOXICITY IN RENAL SLICES FROM SPRAGUE-DAWLEY AND FISCHER 344 RATS

This study examined differences in toxicity between 2- and 4-aminophenol using a renal cortical slice model. Renal cortical slice toxicity for 2- and 4-aminophenol was also monitored in tissue from Sprague-Dawley and Fischer 344 (F344) rats in order to determine potential strain differences for aminophenol toxicity. Renal cortical slices from Sprague-Dawley and F344 rats (age 50-65 d) were isolated and incubated for 15-120 min with 0-1 m M 2- or 4-aminophenol at 37 C under an oxygen atmosphere. Elevations in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage from renal cortical slices occurred at lower concentrations of 4-aminophenol than of 2-aminophenol from both strains of rats. Total glutathione levels were more markedly decreased by 4-aminophenol than by 2-aminophenol in renal slices from both strains. LDH release was elevated by 1 m M 2-aminophenol in renal slices from F344 rats, but values were comparable between control and treated in the renal slices from Sprague-Dawley rats. 4-Aminophenol was slightly more toxic to renal slices from F344 than from Sprague-Dawley rats. LDH release was increased, relative to controls, by 0.1 m M in the F344 rats group compared to 0.25 m M in the Sprague-Dawley group. Strain differences were not apparent when comparisons were made of total glutathione levels or rate-limiting substrates of gluconeogenesis. These results indicated that strain differences in toxicity were detected between SpragueDawley and F344 rat strains. Based on LDH release, renal cortical slices obtained from age-matched F344 rats were slightly more susceptible than Sprague-Dawley rats to toxicity by 2- and 4-aminophenol.     

Autoprotection against acetaminophen toxicity in cultured rat hepatocytes: the effect of pretreatment and growth factors

To evaluate the effect of acetaminophen pretreatment and growth factors on acetaminophen hepatotoxicity in cultured rat hepatocytes, rat hepatocytes in primary culture were exposed to acetaminophen 8 mM after pretreatment with either acetaminophen 1 mM, treatment with growth factors (EGF and HGF), or no treatment. Growth response was measured by changes in DNA, [3H]thymidine incorporation and mRNA of growth related proteins, cell damage by leakage of LDH to the medium and changes in ATP, and protection against toxicity by changes in glutathione, cytochrome p450 and the expression of glutathione-S-transferase and Cyp1A2. Pretreatment with acetaminophen induced growth response, weaker than that of growth factors, but pretreatment and growth factors reduced cell damage equally effectively. Glutathione and glutathione-S-transferase increased more by growth factors than by pretreatment, but both conditions reduced Cyp1A2 to near zero. Pretreatment and growth factors protect against acetaminophen toxicity by suppressing the expression of Cyp1A2, thereby reducing the production of the intermediate N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). Suppression of Cyp1A2 expression by pretreatment is assumed to be due to a growth-stimulating effect of low concentrations of acetaminophen.     

In vitro nephrotoxicity induced by propanil

Propanil is a postemergence herbicide used primarily in rice and wheat production in the United States. The reported toxicities for propanil exposure include methemoglobinemia, immunotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. A major metabolite of propanil, 3,4-dichloroaniline (3,4-DCA), has been shown to be a nephrotoxicant in vivo and in vitro, but the nephrotoxic potential of propanil has not been examined in detail. The purpose of this study was to determine the nephrotoxic potential of propanil using an in vitro kidney model, determine whether in vitro propanil nephrotoxicity is due to metabolites arising from propanil hydrolysis, and examine mechanistic aspects of propanil nephrotoxicity in vitro. Propanil, 3,4-DCA, propionic acid (0.1-5.0 mM), or vehicle was incubated for 15-120 min with isolated renal cortical cells (IRCC; approximately 4 million cells/mL) obtained from untreated male Fischer 344 rats. Cytotoxicity was determined by measuring lactate dehydrogenase release from IRCC. In 120-min incubations, propanil induced cytotoxicity at concentrations >0.5 mM. At 1.0 mM, propanil induced cytotoxicity following 60- or 120-min exposure. Cytotoxicity was observed with 3,4-DCA (2.0 mM) at 60 and 120 min, while propionic acid (5.0 mM) induced cytotoxicity at 60 min. In IRCC pretreated with an antioxidant, cytochrome P450(CYP) inhibitor, flavin adenine dinucleotide monooxygenase activity modulator, or cyclooxygenase inhibitor before propanil exposure (1.0 mM; 120 min), only piperonyl butoxide (0.1 mM), a CYP inhibitor, pretreatment decreased propanil cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that propanil is an in vitro nephrotoxicant in IRCC. Propanil nephrotoxicity is not primarily due to metabolites resulting from hydrolysis of propanil, but a metabolite resulting from propanil oxidation may contribute to propanil cytotoxicity.     

Inhibition of tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced cell membrane bleb formation by alpha-tocopherol and glutathione.

Multiple bleb formation on cell membrane is common during cell death. The effects of alpha-tocopherol and glutathione (GSH) on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (TBH)-induced membrane changes in rat hepatocytes were studied. Over 60 min of exposure, TBH (0.5-2.0 mM) caused a dose-dependent membrane blebbing. Cells pretreated with buthionine sulfoximine, a GSH synthesis inhibitor, had significantly greater blebbing and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage under 0.5 mM TBH treatment as compared to cells without pretreatment. However, the protective effect of GSH disappeared when the TBH concentration was increased to 2.0 mM. In the presence of alpha-tocopheryl succinate (TS) pretreatment, it was noted that bleb formation, expressed as the percentage of cells bearing blebs, the average bleb size, or the onset of blebbing, was partially suppressed even when TBH concentration was 2.0 mM. TBH-induced thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and LDH leakage were completely abolished by TS pretreatment. Accompanying bleb formation, membrane-insoluble actin was noted to decrease by immunoblot assay. The decrease in actin was also suppressed by TS. These results indicated that intracellular GSH and alpha-tocopherol status are important to the TBH-induced cell membrane abnormality. Furthermore, TS plays a defensive role against blebbing when GSH is exhausted by TBH.     

Atractyloside nephrotoxicity: in vitro studies with suspensions of rat renal fragments and precision-cut cortical slices

The consumption of plants containing atractyloside, a diterpenoid glycoside, causes selective proximal tubule injury leading to renal failure and death in humans. The underlying mechanisms responsible for its toxicity are still not well understood. The present study was therefore carried out to determine the mechanism and the exact sequence of events that lead to molecular toxic injury. A comparative study using renal cortical slices, suspension of freshly isolated renal proximal tubular fragments and glomeruli of male Wistar rat was made. These in vitro systems were exposed to 100-1000 mM atractyloside for 2-3 h at 37 degrees C. Atractyloside caused a significant alteration in various toxicity parameters in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in renal cortical slices and proximal tubular fragments, but not in glomeruli. The earliest change following exposure to atractyloside (1000 microM) was a significant reduction of intracellular adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP) content occurring within 1 h in the tubules and 2 h in slices. The significant depletion of reduced glutathione (GSH) inhibitor of p-aminohippuric (acid) (PAH) uptake and gluconeogenesis occurred simultaneously following loss of cellular energy. These events were only limited to the renal cortical slices and proximal tubular fragments. Increased severity of cellular injury resulted in cytotoxicity with the significant increase in the leakage of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in proximal tubular fragments (occurring at 2 h) and renal cortical slices (occurring at 3 h). There were, however, no alterations in oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels or in the ratio of GSH/GSSG. Only limited lipid peroxidation in proximal tubular fragments and glomeruli was observed at atractyloside concentrations of 500 microM and above. In all cases of toxicity, the glomeruli were unaffected. Pretreatment of slices or fragments with probenecid (1.0 mM) failed to completely abolish atractyloside toxicity. These data demonstrate dose- and time-dependent toxicity of atractyloside and clearly confirmed the proximal tubular fragments as the target tissue. Atractyloside exhibits a toxicity profile that indicates early alteration in mitochondrial function and consequently loss of cellular energy, followed by reduced metabolic function and transport processes and ultimately cell death. This appears to be the most likely mechanism by which atractyloside exerted its acute cytotoxicity. Renal cortical slices, which maintain proximal tubule and glomeruli in their anatomic relationship, responded similarly to atractyloside toxicity as the proximal tubular fragments, and might be suggested as the most suitable in vitro model system for studying the mechanisms of atractyloside toxicity as they are more likely to mirror changes seen in the whole organ.     

Haloaniline-induced in vitro nephrotoxicity: effects of 4-haloanilines and 3,5-dihaloanilines

Haloanilines are widely used as chemical intermediates in the manufacture of pesticides, dyes and drugs. The purpose of this study was to examine the in vitro nephrotoxic effects of the four 4-haloaniline and four 3,5-dihaloaniline isomers using renal cortical slices obtained from the kidneys of untreated, male Fischer 344 rats. Renal cortical slices were incubated with a haloaniline hydrochloride (0.1, 0.5, 1.0 or 2.0 mM, final concentration) or vehicle for 2 h, and toxicity determined by monitoring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and changes in tissue gluconeogenesis capacity. At the concentrations tested, none of the 4-haloanilines increased LDH release. 4-Bromoaniline reduced gluconeogenesis at the lowest concentration (0.1 mM), but 4-iodoaniline 2.0 mM induced the largest decrease in gluconeogenesis (92% downward arrow). Among the 3,5-dihaloanilines, 3,5-dibromoaniline proved to be the most potent nephrotoxicant and 3,5-difluoroaniline the least potent nephrotoxicant. LDH release was increased by the dibromo (1.0 and 2. 0 mM), dichloro (2.0 mM) and diiodo (2.0 mM) derivatives, but not by 3,5-difluoroaniline. These results demonstrate that 3, 5-dihaloanilines are generally more potent nephrotoxicants in vitro than the 4-haloaniline isomers, and that bromo and iodo substitutions enhanced the nephrotoxic potential of aniline to the greatest degree.     

Inhibition of diquat-induced lipid peroxidation and toxicity in precision-cut rat liver slices by novel antioxidants

The ability of the novel antioxidants U-74,006F and U-78,517G and a known antioxidant (N,N'-diphenyl-p-phenylenediamine, (DPPD)) to inhibit chemically induced (diquat dibromide) oxidative stress was examined in precision-cut liver slices. Previous studies in rat liver microsomes demonstrated the ability of these antioxidants to inhibit lipid peroxidation without preventing redox cycling of diquat. Diquat (1 mM) initiated lipid peroxidation in liver slices prepared from F344 rats. A 30-min preincubation with antioxidants inhibited formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances to control levels; ethane evolution, when elevated, was also inhibited by antioxidants. The toxicity of diquat (100 microM-3 mM) was evaluated in liver slices; 1 and 3 mM diquat caused decreases in intracellular K+ and intracellular LDH. Preincubation with antioxidants substantially decreased the toxicity of diquat as indicated by K+ and LDH. Diquat significantly decreased total glutathione levels in the slices; the antioxidants did not significantly inhibit this diquat-dependent effect. In summary, diquat, a compound which undergoes redox cycling and produces oxidative stress, was shown to produce lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, and toxicity in liver slices. Two experimental antioxidants, a 21-aminosteroid (U-74,006F) and a trolox-amine (U-78,517G) as well as a known antioxidant (DPPD) were shown to be effective in preventing lipid peroxidation and reducing the subsequent toxicity.     

Relationships between ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol during diquat-induced redox cycling in isolated rat hepatocytes

The effects of diquat-induced redox cycling on the levels of cellular ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol were investigated in isolated rat hepatocytes. In untreated hepatocytes, the metabolism of 1 or 2 mM diquat resulted in the depletion of cellular ascorbic acid and glutathione, but not of alpha-tocopherol, in association with the induction of cell death during the experimental period. In 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) pretreated cells, 1 mM diquat induced cell death accompanied by glutathione was rapid (to 9% of controls by 15 min) and cell ascorbate was completely consumed by 2 hr of incubation. In contrast, cellular alpha-tocopherol levels were stable for the first 30 min, but were depleted in association with the onset of lipid peroxidation. Supplementation of 0.1 or 1.0 mM ascorbic acid in the incubation medium delayed the onset of diquat-induced alpha-tocopherol loss, lipid peroxidation and cytotoxicity. When the concentration of exogenous cellular ascorbic acid was consumed to below that of endogenous ascorbic acid, alpha-tocopherol loss and lipid peroxidation were initiated. The results indicate that untreated hepatocytes have an effective multicomponent antioxidant system against diquat-induced oxidative stress. However, when glutathione is depleted from hepatocytes by treatment with BCNU and diquat, ascorbic acid plays a vital role in maintaining cellular alpha-tocopherol levels and survival of the cell.     

Depletion in vitro of mitochondrial glutathione in rat hepatocytes and enhancement of lipid peroxidation by adriamycin and 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU)

Treatment of isolated rat hepatocytes with 1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea (BCNU) and adriamycin (ADR) produced a complete depletion of cellular glutathione accompanied by a significant increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. Separation of the mitochondrial and cytoplasmic pools of glutathione by digitonin disruption showed that, although BCNU, a specific inhibitor of glutathione, completely depleted the cytoplasmic pool of glutathione, the mitochondrial supply was not entirely expended and LDH leakage was only moderately stimulated. Only after depletion of the mitochondrial supply of glutathione by ADR and BCNU did LDH leakage increase markedly. Measurement of lipid peroxidation, by monitoring malondialdehyde through the thiobarbituric acid procedure, showed that malondialdehyde accumulated more extensively and at a rate mirroring release of LDH from ADR/BCNU treated cells. The time of increase in LDH leakage and malondialdehyde production corresponded to the time of depletion of mitochondrial glutathione to less than 10% of the initial pool size. No such increase in LDH leakage was observed with BCNU or ADU treatment alone or when aminopyrine, an inhibitor of lipid peroxidation, was included. Aminopyrine was found to prevent, in a dose-dependent manner, both LDH leakage and malondialdehyde production stimulated by ADR/BCNU treatment. The protective effect peaked at 5 mM aminopyrine, and higher concentrations produced significant LDH leakage exhibiting LDH release kinetics different than those observed with ADR/BCNU. Although aminopyrine had no effect on the rate or extent of cytoplasmic glutathione depletion by ADR/BCNU treatment, the mitochondrial pool was conserved significantly in those cells protected by aminopyrine. These data suggest that enhanced hepatocyte damage observed after treatment with a combination of ADR and BCNU versus BCNU or ADR alone is due to the extensive depletion of mitochondrial glutathione supported by ADR after glutathione reductase inhibition. Further, enhancement of lipid peroxidation is strongly implicated in the mechanism of adriamycin toxicity.