Cocaine induces apoptosis in fetal rat myocardial cells through the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and mitochondrial/cytochrome c pathways

Cocaine induces apoptosis in fetal rat myocardial cells (FRMCs). However, the mechanisms are not clear. The present study examined the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cytochrome c release in the cocaine-induced apoptosis in primary culture of FRMCs prepared from the fetal heart of gestational age of 21 days. Cocaine induced time-dependent, concurrent increases in cytochrome c release and activities of caspase-9 and caspase-3, which preceded apoptosis. Caspase-8 was not activated. In accordance, cyclosporin A and the inhibitors of caspase-9 and caspase-3 inhibited cocaine-induced caspase activation and apoptosis. Cocaine stimulated a transient increase in the p38 MAPK activity at a time point of 15 min but reduced the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity at 5 and 15 min in FRMCs. The p38alpha MAPK inhibitor SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole] inhibited cocaine-induced activation of caspases and apoptosis. In contrast, the p38beta MAPK and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase/ERK inhibitors SB 202190 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)-1H-imidazole] and PD98059 (2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone), respectively, increased apoptosis in the absence of cocaine and potentiated cocaine-induced apoptosis. Consistent with its inhibition of apoptosis, SB203580 inhibited cocaine-induced cytochrome c release and activation of caspase-9 and caspase-3. In addition, cocaine induced a decrease in Bcl-2 protein levels, with no effect on Bax levels. The cocaine-mediated reduction of Bcl-2 levels was not affected with SB203580 and the caspase inhibitors. The results suggest that in FRMCs, p38alpha MAPK plays an important role in the cocaine-induced apoptosis by promoting cytochrome c release, downstream or independent of Bcl-2 protein-mediated regulation. In contrast, p38beta MAPK and ERK protect fetal myocardial cells against apoptosis.     

Resveratrol-mediated activation of cAMP response element-binding protein through adenosine A3 receptor by Akt-dependent and -independent pathways

A recent study documented a role of adenosine A(3)-Akt-cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) survival signaling in resveratrol preconditioning of the heart. In this study, we demonstrate that resveratrol-mediated CREB activation can also occur through an Akt-independent pathway. Isolated rat hearts were perfused for 15 min with Krebs-Henseleit bicarbonate (KHB) buffer containing resveratrol in the absence or presence of adenosine A(3) receptor blocker MRS-1191 [3-ethyl-5-benzyl-2-methyl-4-phenylethynyl-6-phenyl-1,4-(+/-)-dihydropyridine-3,5-dicar-boxylate], phosphatidylinositol 3 (PI3)-kinase inhibitor LY294002 [2-(4-morpholinyl)-8-phenyl-1(4H)-benzopyran-4-one hydrochloride], mitogen-activated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase inhibitor PD098059 [2-(2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one], or a combination of LY294002 and PD098059. All hearts were subsequently subjected to 30-min ischemia followed by 2-h reperfusion. Cardioprotection was examined by determining infarct size, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and ventricular recovery. Resveratrol phosphorylated both Akt and CREB that was blocked by MRS-1191, which also abolished cardioprotective abilities of resveratrol. LY294002 completely inhibited Akt phosphorylation but partially blocked the phosphorylation of CREB. Inhibition of PI3-kinase also partially blocked resveratrol's ability to precondition the heart. PD098059 partially blocked the phosphorylation of CREB and resveratrol-mediated cardioprotection. Preperfusing the hearts with LY294002 and PD098059 together completely abolished the phosphorylation of CREB, simultaneously inhibiting resveratrol-mediated cardioprotection. The results indicate that resveratrol preconditions the hearts through adenosine A(3) receptor signaling that triggers the phosphorylation of CREB through both Akt-dependent and -independent pathways, leading to cardioprotection.     

电磁场作用下大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞的成骨分化与增殖

目的研究15Hz 1mT的正弦波电磁场对大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞（MSCs）的细胞外信号调节激酶（ERK）和丝裂原激活的蛋白激酶（MAPK）p38的激活规律及相互作用特点,探讨ERK和p38 MAPK信号通路在电磁场促成骨效应中的作用。 方法选取第3代体外分离培养的大鼠骨髓间充质干细胞,分为对照组、曝磁组、曝磁+PD98059组和曝磁+SB202190组四个大组。曝磁组细胞置于带有电磁发生器的培养箱中培养,曝磁+PD98059组和曝磁+SB202190组细胞分别加入ERK信号通路阻断剂PD98059和p38 MAPK信号通路阻断剂SB202190后再置入带有电磁发生器的培养箱中培养,对照组细胞正常培养。用免疫印迹（Western blot）法检测ERK和p38 MAPK的蛋白表达及磷酸化水平变化。按照细胞碱性磷酸酶（ALP）试剂盒说明书操作步骤对各组细胞ALP活性进行检测,其活性变化可间接反映细胞的分化成骨活性;用噻唑蓝比色法检测各组细胞的增殖活性变化。 结果①电磁场作用下,骨髓间充质干细胞内p38 MAPK信号通路可被快速激活,曝磁15min后出现p38磷酸化水平升高（P<0.05）;加用SB202190后,再行电磁场刺激,细胞内p38磷酸化水平仍然维持在较低水平,与曝磁组比较,差异有统计学意义（P<0.05）。②与对照组比较,曝磁5d后细胞内ALP活性显著升高(P<0.05),SB202190可明显阻断该效应(P<0.05)。③与对照组比较,曝磁3d后骨髓间充质干细胞的增殖活性明显升高(P<0.05),SB202190不能阻断该效应(曝磁+SB202190组与曝磁组比较,P>0.05)。④SB202190阻断p38 MAPK信号通路并曝磁5min后,ERK MAPK磷酸化水平明显强化(P<0.05);PD98059阻断ERK MAPK信号通路并曝磁30min后,p38 MAPK磷酸化水平明显强化(P<0.05)。 结论ERK和p38 MAPK信号通路分别参与了电磁场对骨髓间充质干细胞增殖和分化成骨过程的调节,并在电磁场作用下两通路表现出串扰现象。     

Neuronal apoptosis resulting from high doses of the isoflavone genistein: role for calcium and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase

Genistein is a potent plant-derived isoflavone displaying estrogenic activity at low (nanomolar) concentrations and antiproliferative and antiangiogenic properties at higher concentrations (above 10-50 microM). The antiproliferative potential of genistein has made it an interesting candidate for cancer chemotherapy at high concentrations; however, the potential for genistein toxicity in neurons at such concentrations has not been previously addressed. We show that genistein is toxic to rat primary cortical neurons at a concentration of 50 microM, whereas daidzein, a structural analog, shows no toxicity at similar concentrations. The dying cells display an apoptotic morphology that is characterized by fragmented nuclei, appearance of apoptotic bodies, DNA laddering, and caspase-dependent poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase cleavage. This cell death is partially dependent on caspase activity, independent of estrogen receptors, and does not result in a significant loss of Bcl-2 or Bcl-X(L) protein. Genistein exposure induces delayed and prolonged activation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and p38 MAPK but not c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase. The specific p42/44 MAPK kinase inhibitor PD98059 (50 microM) partially blocks genistein-induced apoptosis, whereas the p38 MAPK inhibitor SB202190 (10 microM) has no effect. Genistein elevates intracellular calcium and both 1,2-bis(2-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid-acetoxymethyl ester (1 microM) and dantrolene (10 microM) inhibit genistein-induced apoptosis, suggesting a link between genistein-induced intracellular calcium release and apoptosis. The combination of dantrolene and PD98059 block genistein-induced apoptosis in an additive manner compared with either compound alone. These findings provide evidence for a proapoptotic function of p42/44 MAPK and raise caution about potential side effects in the nervous system with genistein use as a high-dose therapeutic agent.     

Insulin activates p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase via a MAP kinase kinase (MKK) 3/MKK 6 pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells

BACKGROUND: Induction of stress-activated mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases such as p38 could be important for the development of cardiovascular diseases since p38 MAP kinase activation stimulates apoptosis, cell growth, prostanoid formation and other cellular dysfunctions when induced by oxidants, hyperosmolarity, or pro-inflammatory cytokines. On the other hand, insulin resistance is one of the most important factors promoting atherogenesis, including cardiovascular diseases, but it is not clear how these different factors transmit their signals intracellularly at the cytosolic and nuclear levels. In this study, we investigated the effect of insulin on p38 mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activation in cultured rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). MATERIALS AND METHODS: VSMC were obtained from the aortas of male Wistar rats by the media explant technique. After being stimulated by insulin with SB-203580, PD-98059, or GF109203X, the cells were solubilized and the expressions of MAP kinases, MAP kinase kinases and p70 S6 kinase were examined by immunoblot analysis. The amount of DNA synthesis was measured by [3H]thymidine incorporation. RESULTS: Insulin activated p38 MAP kinase phosphorylation in a dose-dependent manner, and the phosphorylation was specifically inhibited by SB-203580, a p38 MAP kinase-specific inhibitor, but not by PD-98059, a specific inhibitor of upstream kinase (MEK), of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), or GF209203X, a protein kinase C-specific inhibitor. Insulin also activated MAP kinase kinase (MKK) 3/MKK 6 phosphorylation, the upstream kinase of p38 MAP kinase, but neither stress-activated protein kinase (SAPK)/ERK kinase (SEK1/MKK4) nor SAPK/c-jun NH2-terminal protein kinase. Surprisingly, phosphorylation of p70 S6 kinase and an increase of DNA synthesis by insulin were suppressed dose dependently by SB-203580. CONCLUSION: These results have established that insulin activates the p38 MAP kinase cascade via an MKK 3/6 pathway in rat VSMC, independently of a MEK-ERK cascade, and partly regulates cell growth.     

AMP N(1)-oxide, a unique compound of royal jelly, induces neurite outgrowth from PC12 cells via signaling by protein kinase A independent of that by mitogen-activated protein kinase

Earlier we identified adenosine monophosphate (AMP) N(1)-oxide as a unique compound of royal jelly (RJ) that induces neurite outgrowth (neuritegenesis) from cultured rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells via the adenosine A(2A) receptor. Now, we found that AMP N(1)-oxide stimulated the phosphorylation of not only mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) but also that of cAMP/calcium-response element-binding protein (CREB) in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibition of MAPK activation by a MEK inhibitor, PD98059, did not influence the AMP N(1)-oxide-induced neuritegenesis, whereas that of protein kinase A (PKA) by a selective inhibitor, KT5720, significantly reduced neurite outgrowth. AMP N(1)-oxide also had the activity of suppressing the growth of PC12 cells, which correlated well with the neurite outgrowth-promoting activity. KT5720 restored the growth of AMP N(1)-oxide-treated PC12 cells. It is well known that nerve growth factor suppresses proliferation of PC12 cells before causing stimulation of neuronal differentiation. Thus, AMP N(1)-oxide elicited neuronal differentiation of PC12 cells, as evidenced by generation of neurites, and inhibited cell growth through adenosine A(2A) receptor-mediated PKA signaling, which may be responsible for characteristic actions of RJ.     

Evidence for the role of mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in the development of spinal cord injury

Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways involve two closely related MAPKs, known as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1 and ERK2. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the contribution of MAPK3/MAPK1 in the secondary damage in experimental spinal cord injury (SCI) in mice. To this purpose, we used 2-(2-amino-3-methoxyphenyl)-4H-1-benzopyran-4-one (PD98059), which is an inhibitor of MAPK3/MAPK1. Spinal cord trauma was induced by the application of vascular clips (force of 24 g) to the dura via a four-level T5-T8 laminectomy. SCI in mice resulted in severe trauma characterized by edema, neutrophil infiltration, and production of inflammatory mediators, tissue damage, and apoptosis. PD98059 treatment (10 mg/kg i.p.) at 1 and 6 h after the SCI significantly reduced 1) the degree of spinal cord inflammation and tissue injury (histological score), 2) neutrophil infiltration (myeloperoxidase activity), 3) nitrotyrosine formation, 4) proinflammatory cytokines expression, 5) nuclear factor-kappaB activation, 6) phospho-ERK1/2 expression, and 6) apoptosis (terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining, Fas ligand, Bax, and Bcl-2 expression). Moreover, PD98059 significantly ameliorated the recovery of limb function (evaluated by motor recovery score) in a dose-dependent manner. Taken together, our results clearly demonstrate that PD98059 treatment reduces the development of inflammation and tissue injury associated with spinal cord trauma.     

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 activation by the p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 in rabbit aortic smooth muscle cells.

SB203580 [4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfinylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole] is widely used as a specific inhibitor of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). Here we report that SB203580, which blocked p38 kinase activation elicited by anisomycin, increased the phosphorylation and activity of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) and arachidonic acid (AA) release in quiescent vascular smooth muscle cells from rabbit aortae. SB203580 also increased the activity of calcium (Ca2+)/camodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII) and ERK1/2 MAPK. The increase in CaMKII activity and cPLA2 phosphorylation caused by SB203580 was attenuated by CaMKII inhibitor KN-93, indicating involvement of CaMKII in cPLA2 phosphorylation by this compound. Since KN-93 also inhibited SB203580-induced ERK1/2 activation, it appears that ERK1/2 activation is also mediated by CaMKII. SB203580-induced cPLA2 phosphorylation was inhibited by depletion of Ca2+ from the medium, by the voltage-operated Ca2+ channel blocker nifedipine, and by the calmodulin inhibitor W-7. cPLA2 translocation from cytoplasm to the nuclear envelope caused by SB203580 was also inhibited in the absence of extracellular Ca2+. Other p38 kinase inhibitors, SB202190 and PD169316, failed to alter CaMKII, ERK1/2, and cPLA2 activity or cPLA2 translocation to the nuclear envelope. These data suggest that SB203580 not only inhibits p38 kinase activity but also increases Ca2+ influx through voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels, which promotes cPLA2 translocation to the nuclear envelope, and by interacting with calmodulin, activates CaMKII and cPLA2 and releases AA.     

The signal transduction of endothelin-1-induced circular smooth muscle cell contraction in cat esophagus

It has been known that endothelin-1 (ET-1) exerts important actions in gastrointestinal smooth muscle motility, but its precise mechanism remains unsolved. We investigated the intracellular mechanism of ET-1-induced circular smooth muscle cell contraction in cat esophagus. ET-1 produced contraction of smooth muscle cells isolated by enzymatic digestion. The contraction in response to ET-1 was concentration-dependent. Pertussis toxin (PTX) blocked contraction induced by ET-1 in intact cells. To identify the specific G protein involved in the contraction, muscle cells were permeabilized with saponin. The G(i3) or G(beta) protein antibody inhibited the contraction. Neomycin phospholipase C (PLC) inhibitor inhibited the contraction, but 7,7-dimethyleicosadienoic acid (phospholipase A(2) inhibitor) and p-chloromercuribenzoic acid (phospholipase D inhibitor) had no effects. Incubation of permeabilized cells with PLC-beta(3) isozyme antibody inhibited the contraction. 1-(5-Isoquinolinesulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine, chelerythrine [protein kinase C (PKC) inhibitor], or genistein (protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor) inhibited the contraction, but not by diacylglycerol (DAG) kinase inhibitor, R59949. To test whether the contraction may be PKC isozyme-specific, we examined the effect of PKC isozymes antibodies on the contraction. PKC-epsilon antibody inhibited the contraction. To characterize further the specific PKC isozymes that mediate the contraction, we used, as an inhibitor, N-myristoylated peptides (myr-PKC) derived from the pseudosubstrate sequences of PKC-alphabetagamma, -alpha, -delta, or -epsilon. myr-PKC-epsilon inhibited the contraction, confirming that PKC-epsilon isozyme is involved in the contraction. To examine whether mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) mediate the contraction, specific MAPK inhibitors [MAPK kinase inhibitor, PD98059, (2'-amino-3'-methoxy-flavone), and p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB202190 (4-4-fluorophenyl) 2-(4-hydroxyphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)1H-imidazole)] were used. PD98059 or SB202190 blocked the contraction. ET-1 increased the intensity of the detection bands identified by immunological methods as MAPK monoclonal p44/p42 peptides. PD98059 decreased the intensity of the detection bands compared with ET-1. In conclusion, ET-1-induced contraction in cat esophageal circular muscle cells depends on PTX-sensitive G(i3) protein and PLC-beta(3) isozyme, resulting in the activation of PKC-epsilon- or protein-tyrosine kinase-dependent pathway, subsequently mediating the activation of p44/p42 MAPK or p38 MAPK pathway.     

Kinetics of mitogen-activated protein kinase family in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated mouse Kupffer cells and their role in cytokine production

This study was designed to systemically investigate the kinetics of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p54 c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated Kupffer cells (KC) simultaneously at the levels of protein expression, phosphorylation, and kinase activity, respectively, and their role in mediating pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. The protein expression, phosphorylation, and activities of these MAPKs in LPS-stimulated primary mouse KCs were determined with SDS-PAGE and western blotting using nonphosphorylated or phosphospecific antibodies or their corresponding substrates. The levels of TNF-alpha and IL-10 in culture supernatants were measured with ELISA kits. The results revealed that LPS stimulation, although not up- or downregulating the protein expression of ERK1/2, p54JNK, and p38 MAPKs in KCs, could induce rapid and significant activation of these kinases, with parallel profiles of changes in both phosphorylation and kinase activities. Although ERK1/2, p54JNK, and p38 kinases in LPS-stimulated KCs have similar kinetics of activation, the activation of ERK1/2 and p38 kinases was the most prominent. Inhibition of p38 MAPK with SB203580 inhibited the production of TNF-alpha and IL-10 by LPS-stimulated KCs, whereas blockade of ERK1/2 with PD98059 could reduce TNF-alpha production, but did not affect IL-10 production. Furthermore, PD98059 and SB203580 had an additive effect on TNF-alpha production, but PD98059 did not augment the SB203580-induced inhibition of IL-10 production. These data indicate that LPS stimulation, although not inducing any change in protein expression, results in rapid activation of ERK1/2, p54JNK, and p38 kinases in KCs, and that they may have different importance in the regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory responses by LPS-stimulated KCs.     

Differential Roles of Peripheral Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Signal Transduction Pathways in Bee Venom–Induced Nociception and Inflammation in Conscious Rats

Intraplantar injection of bee venom (BV) produces persistent spontaneous nociception (PSN) and hyperalgesia, as well as obvious inflammatory swelling, in the paws of injected rats. The present study was designed to determine the peripheral roles of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signal transduction pathways in BV-induced nociception and inflammation. We examined the effect of intraplantar injection of an ERK1/2 inhibitor, PD98059, and a p38 inhibitor, SB202190, on BV-induced PSN, mechanical hyperalgesia, and inflammatory swelling. We found that (1) pretreatment with SB202190 (0.1 to 10 μg) had no effect on BV-induced PSN, whereas pretreatment with PD98059 (0.1 to 100 μg) produced a significant and dose-dependent inhibition of BV-induced PSN; (2) pretreatment with PD98059 (0.1 to 100 μg) had no effect on BV-induced decreases in paw withdrawal mechanical threshold (PWMT), while pretreatment with SB202190 (0.1 to 10 μg) produced an obvious prevention of the BV-induced decrease in PWMT; and (3) pretreatment with PD98059 (0.1 to 100 μg) had no effect on BV-induced increase in paw volume (PV), whereas pretreatment with SB202190 (0.1 to 10 μg) produced a dose-related inhibition of BV-induced increases in PV. No contralateral drug treatments, even at the highest dose, had any effect on BV-induced PSN, PWMT or PV, ruling out the systemic effect of these drugs. These results suggest that peripheral MAPK signal transduction pathways may play differential roles in bee venom-induced nociception and inflammation. Targeting specific peripheral MAPKs might prove effective in the treatment of persistent pain and inflammation.PerspectiveThe present article showed that intraplantar injection of different MAPK inhibitors produced differential effects on bee venom-induced nociception and inflammation, suggesting that the peripheral MAPK signal transduction pathways have differential roles. Targeting specific peripheral MAPKs might prove effective in the treatment of persistent pain and inflammation.     

Regulation of fluoroquinolone uptake by human neutrophils: involvement of mitogen-activated protein kinase

Although human neutrophils actively internalize fluoroquinolones, the precise uptake mechanism is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the role of protein kinase C (PKC) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) in fluoroquinolone uptake in neutrophils. Spontaneous grepafloxacin uptake was significantly enhanced by SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor, in a dose-dependent manner, but not by PD98059, a specific inhibitor of the upstream kinase that activates p44/42 MAPK. Neither inhibitor affected spontaneous ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin uptake. Phorbol myristate acetate (PMA) treatment enhanced ciprofloxacin uptake, whereas it reduced grepafloxacin uptake. These effects by PMA were significantly inhibited by the pretreatment of neutrophils with GF109203X, a specific inhibitor of PKC. PMA had no effect on ofloxacin uptake. The PMA-induced enhancement of ciprofloxacin uptake was inhibited by PD98059, but not by SB203580. On the other hand, the PMA-induced reduction of grepafloxacin uptake was not inhibited by either MAPK inhibitor. Grepafloxacin, but not ciprofloxacin or ofloxacin, strongly phosphorylated p38 MAPK. This phosphorylation of p38 MAPK was not inhibited by GF109203X pretreatment. None of these three fluoroquinolones phosphorylated p44/42 MAPK. PMA phosphorylated both p38 and p44/42 MAPK. These findings indicate that grepafloxacin negatively regulates its uptake in neutrophils, and p38 MAPK activation is involved in this down-regulation of grepafloxacin uptake. Ciprofloxacin uptake is positively regulated by the activation of PKC, and p44/42 MAPK activation is involved in this up-regulation. Neither PKC, p38 nor p44/42 MAPK is involved in the regulation of ofloxacin uptake.     

p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶与细胞外调节蛋白激酶在重症胰腺炎炎症反应和免疫抑制中的作用

目的探讨p38丝裂素活化蛋白激酶（p38 mitogen—activated protein kinase,p38MAPK）与细胞外调节蛋白激酶（extracellular regulated protein kinases,ERK）在重症急性胰腺炎（severe acute pancreatitis,SAP）炎症反应和免疫抑制中的作用。方法75只Wistar大鼠随机分为对照组、SAP组、ERK抑制组（PD组）、p38MAPK抑制组（SB组）、ERK＋P38MAPK联合抑制组（PD＋SB组）各15只。对照组仅作开腹缝合处理,其余4组大鼠建立大鼠SAP模型,其中PD组大鼠术前30min尾静脉注射PD98059,SB组大鼠尾静脉注射SB203580,PD＋SB组大鼠尾静脉注射PD98059与SB203580。术后6、12h观察5组腹腔积液量变化情况。检测5组血清肿瘤坏死因子-α水平,并计算大鼠肺组织湿／干比值。结果对照组腹腔积液量、肺组织湿／干比值及血清肿瘤坏死因子-α水平明显低于其他4组（P〈i0．05）,PD＋SB组低于SAP组、PD组和SB组（P〈0．05）,PD组和SB组低于SAP组（P〈0．05）。结论ERK、p38MAPK在SAP炎症反应和免疫抑制中发挥重要作用,抑制其活性可抑制SAP过度活化的炎症反应,改善细胞免疫功能低下状态。     

The role of p38 map kinase in tumor necrosis factor-induced redistribution of vascular endothelial cadherin and increased endothelial permeability

The mechanism by which tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) increases endothelial permeability is unclear. Vascular endothelial (VE) cadherin (cadherin 5) is an important contributor to endothelial monolayer integrity. The purpose of our study was to determine the effect of TNFalpha on VE-cadherin cell-surface expression and to identify the signaling pathways involved in TNF-induced changes in cadherin expression. Human umbilical vein endothelial cell monolayer permeability was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for biotin-labeled albumin. Immunofluorescence, laser confocal microscopy, and Western immunobloting were used to assess VE cadherin distribution. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity was determined using functional kinase assays and was inhibited with the compounds SB202190 and PD98059. TNFalpha significantly increased permeability and induced p38 and ERK MAPK activation compared with controls (P < 0.05). These changes were associated with a loss of membrane-associated VE cadherin. Inhibition of p38 but not ERK MAPK significantly reduced the effect of TNFalpha on endothelial permeability and cell-surface VE cadherin expression. p38 MAP kinase activation appears to be an important upstream signaling event associated with increased endothelial permeability and vascular endothelial cadherin redistribution.     

Rat parathyroid hormone 1-34 signals through the MEK/ERK pathway to induce cardiac hypertrophy

This study aimed to characterize the role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) kinase (MEK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in cardiac hypertrophy induced by parathyroid hormone (PTH). Various concentrations of rat PTH1-34 were used to induce hypertrophy in neonatal rat ventricular cardiomyocytes, and the effects were compared with control cells and those treated with PD98059, a selective inhibitor of MEK1. Hypertrophy was assessed in terms of cell diameter, atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) mRNA expression and protein synthesis; the MEK/ERK pathway was assessed by measuring levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2. Treatment with PTH1-34 at 100 nM for 24 h effectively induced cardiac hypertrophy (increased cell diameter, protein synthesis and ANP mRNA expression) and also increased levels of phosphorylated ERK1/2 compared with normal control cells. Treatment with PTH1-34 plus PD98059 significantly attenuated these changes. These results demonstrate that inhibition of the MEK/ERK pathway blocks PTH1-34-induced cardiac hypertrophy, suggesting that PTH1-34 might signal through the MAPK pathway to induce hypertrophy in cardiomyocytes.     

ZD1839 induces p15INK4b and causes G1 arrest by inhibiting the mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase pathway

Inactivation of the retinoblastoma protein pathway is the most common abnormality in malignant tumors. We therefore tried to detect agents that induce the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p15(INK4b) and found that ZD1839 (gefitinib, Iressa) could up-regulate p15(INK4b) expression. ZD1839 has been shown to inhibit cell cycle progression through inhibition of signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase-Akt and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) cascades. However, the mechanism responsible for the differential sensitivity of the signaling pathways to ZD1839 remains unclear. We here showed that ZD1839 up-regulated p15(INK4b), resulting in retinoblastoma hypophosphorylation and G(1) arrest in human immortalized keratinocyte HaCaT cells. p15(INK4b) induction was caused by MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor (PD98059), but not by Akt inhibitor (SH-6, Akt-III). Moreover, mouse embryo fibroblasts lacking p15(INK4b) were resistant to the growth inhibitory effects of ZD1839 compared with wild-type mouse embryo fibroblasts. Additionally, the status of ERK phosphorylation was related to the antiproliferative activity of ZD1839 in human colon cancer HT-29 and Colo320DM cell lines. Our results suggest that induction of p15(INK4b) by inhibition of the MAPK/ERK pathway is associated with the antiproliferative effects of ZD1839.     

alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-Adrenergic receptors exhibit different requirements for agonist and mitogen-activated protein kinase activation to regulate growth responses in rat 1 fibroblasts.

We compared DNA replication, protein biosynthesis, and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activity in Rat 1 fibroblasts stably expressing either the alpha(1B)-adrenergic receptor (AR) or alpha(1D)-AR subtypes. Activation of both the alpha(1B)-AR and alpha(1D)-AR inhibited DNA synthesis (as assessed by [(3)H]thymidine incorporation). In contrast, both receptors stimulated protein biosynthesis (as measured by [(35)S]methionine incorporation) and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2. Importantly, these responses were agonist-dependent for the alpha(1B)-AR, but were agonist-independent for the alpha(1D)-AR. Agonist activation of the alpha(1B)-AR resulted in increased p38 kinase activity, but not c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) activity, whereas the alpha(1D)-AR activated JNK but not p38 kinase. Unlike ERK1/2, JNK activity was increased by agonist treatment in the alpha(1D)-AR cells. An ERK1/2-pathway inhibitor PD98059 had no effect on phenylephrine-mediated inhibition of DNA synthesis in either cell line but blocked protein biosynthesis mediated by both receptors. The p38 kinase inhibitor SB203580 blocked alpha(1B)-AR effects on [(3)H]thymidine and [(35)S]methionine incorporation in alpha(1B)-AR-expressing cells, but had no effect on alpha(1D)-AR-mediated growth responses, consistent with the inability of the alpha(1D)-AR to activate p38 kinase. Therefore, alpha(1B)- and alpha(1D)-ARs mediated similar growth responses but differ with respect to the MAPK family member involved and the requirement for agonist.     

酸性成纤维细胞生长因子对大鼠缺血/再灌注损伤肠上皮细胞丝裂素活化蛋白激酶的影响

目的 观察外源性酸性成纤维细胞生长因子（aFGF）对大鼠缺血／再灌注（I／R）损伤后肠上皮细胞丝裂素活化蛋白激酶（MAPK）活性的影响，并探讨其与肠上皮细胞增殖能力变化的关系。方法 采用大鼠肠系膜上动脉夹闭法制备缺血45min后再灌注动物模型。132只Wistar大鼠随机分为假手术组、I／R组、aFGF处理组（再灌注即刻颈静脉注射aFGF 4μg）及细胞外信号调节蛋白激酶（ERK1／2）阻断剂PD98059预处理组（缺血前尾静脉注射PD98059 7．5μg，再灌注即刻静脉注射aFGF 4μg）。检测缺血前，I／R15、30min及1、2、6、12和24h时肠上皮细胞增殖能力和MAPK活性。结果 aFGF处理后肠上皮细胞增殖明显增加，同时MAPK活性显著增高。用p44／p42MAPK（ERK1／2）阻断剂PD98059可抑制ERK1／2的活性，使肠上皮细胞增殖减少。结论 aFGF可促进I／R损伤后肠上皮细胞增殖，并可能与其激活肠上皮MAPK有关。