Effects of ginkgolide B on ［Ca2+］i and mitochondrial function of cultured rat retinal neurons in vitro

AIM: To observe the effect of ginkgolide B (GB) on the intracellular calcium ion concentration (［Ca2+］i) and mitochondrial function of cultured rat retinal neurons in vitro.METHODS: in vitro primary culture of rat retinal neurons was used in the experiment. The apoptosis model of glutamate-induced retinal neurons was established and co-cultured with ginkgolide B. The ［Ca2+］i and mitochondrial membrane potential of the retinal neurons were detected by laser scanning confocal microscope.RESULTS: Glutamate decreased the survival rate of retinal neurons, increased the apoptosis and the ［Ca2+］i, lowered the mitochondrial membrane potential. The ［Ca2+］i was clearly diminished and the mitochondrial membrane potential was significantly increased with the GB intervention, and the apoptosis decreased significantly.CONCLUSION: GB protects retinal neurons from glutamate induced neurotoxicity. The effect of GB on retinal neurons might be due to its ability to decrease the ［Ca2+］i and increase mitochondrial membrane potential.     

Effects of ginkgolide B on apoptosis of cultured rat retina neurons in vitro

AIM: To observe the effect of ginkgolide B (GB) on glutamate-induced apoptosis in the cultured neurons of rat retina. METHODS: Neurons of rat retina were cultured and apoptosis was induced by glutamate. The neurons were cultured with different concentration of GB and the survival rate was monitored by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The apoptosis in the cultured neurons and the expression of Bcl-2 and Bax were observed by flow cytometry. RESULTS: After exposed to glutamate, the survival rate and the number of Bcl-2 positive cells obviously decreased. At the same time, the number of Bax positive cells obviously increased, and the number of the apoptotic cells also obviously increased. Such phenomena were relieved by the treatment of ginkgolide B, with raise of survival rate and the expression of Bcl-2. Meanwhile, the expression of Bax and the apoptosis of neurocytes obviously decreased. CONCLUSIONS: Ginkgolide B protects retinal neurons from the virulence induced by glutamate. Such effects of GB might be brought about by increasing the expression of Bcl-2 while decreasing Bax, resulting in increasing the ratio of Bcl-2 to Bax and so reducing the apoptosis in the cultured neurons of rat retina.     

Effects of glucose and Mg2+ in the neurons damaged by glutamate

AIM and METHODS: To observe the effects of glucose-free and Mg²⁺-free in the extracellular fluid on the changes of [Ca ²⁺]_i in the cerebro-cortical neurons damaged by 1mmol/L glutamate using laser confocal scanning microscope. RESULTS: Both frequency and amplitude of neuronal calcium oscillation induced by glutamate were lowered in glucose-free and Mg²⁺-free buffers. The basic [Ca²⁺]_i concentration was lowered in the former case , but it was elevated in the latter case. CONCLUSION: Mg²⁺-free aggravates [Ca²⁺]_i overload induced by 1mmol/L glutamate ,under certain conditions the glucose-free might resist damage role of glutamate and Mg²⁺-free.     

Tert-butyl hydroperoxide damages mitochrondria and induces apoptosis in cortical neurons

AIM: To explore the possible mechanism of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced apoptosis in rat cortical neurons. METHODS: Primary cultured rat cortical neurons were performed in vitro and cell viability was measured by MTT assay. DNA fragmentation was used to evaluate cell apoptosis and mitochondrial transmembrane potential (ΔΨm) was determined by flow cytometric assay. Cellular glutathione (GSH) content was measured by spectrophotometer. Bcl-2 and Bax protein, cytosolic cytochrome c, cleaved caspase-3 and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) were detected by Western blotting. RESULTS: After exposure of cortical neurons to tBHP (25-400 μmol/L), the cell viability was reduced. ΔΨm and cellular GSH content were also decreased significantly. The level of Bcl-2 protein was reduced and Bax was elevated. Meanwhile, tBHP exposure resulted in cytochrome c release, caspase-3 and PARP proteolysis, DNA fragmentation and eventually neuron apoptosis. CONCLUSION: Mitochondrial damage may mediate tBHP- induced apoptosis in cortical neurons.     

Effects of leptin on hypoxia-induced apoptosis in cultured alveolar typeⅡ cells of fetal rat and its mechanism

AIM: To investigate the effects of leptin (LEP) on the alveolar type Ⅱ cells(AECⅡ) apoptosis induced by Na₂S₂O₄ and explore the molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Primary AECⅡ culture was prepared according to a specific immunosorption procedure with slight modification and the cells were identified by transmission electron microscope and immunocytochemistry. AECⅡ damage was induced by 5 mmol/L Na₂S₂O₄. LEP group cells were treated with LEP at concentrations from 100 μg/L to 1 600 μg/L. The cell survival rate was evaluated by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assays. Cell cycle and apoptosis were analyzed by flow cytometry and the level of caspase-3 was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS: Highly purified AECⅡ, obtained by the method of modified immunosorption, were identified with the positive expression of SP-A and intracellular lamellarbodies were found under electron micrography. The cells, exposed to 5 mmol/L Na₂S₂O₄, showed characteristic changes of apoptosis and activation of caspase 3. These damages were relieved by the treatment of LEP (100-1 600 μg/L), with survival increasing, apoptosis peak decreasing, cell morphology restoring and caspase 3 activation inhibiting.CONCLUSION: Leptin prevents AECⅡ from apoptosis induced by Na₂S₂O₄ or hypoxia. The potential mechanism of its action may be related to promoting cell cycle from G₁ phase to S phase and inhibiting the activating of caspase 3.     

Effects of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin on apoptosis and changes in cytosolic calcium induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in rat cortical neurons

AIM: To study the effect of Tribulus terrestris L. saponin (TTLS) on apoptosis and changes in cytosolic calcium concentration induced by hypoxia/re-oxygenation in rat cortical neurons. METHODS: Rat cortical neurons in primary culture were used, and a apoptosis model was induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation. LDH releasing rate was detected by spectrophotometry. The apoptosis rate of cortical neurons was analyzed quantitatively by flow cytometry with Annexin V-FITC and PI staining. Intracellular free Ca2+(［Ca2+］i) was observed with a confocal laser-scanning microscope and determined by mean fluorescent value with Fluo-3 fluometry. RESULTS: Compared to control group, three hours of hypoxia and twelve hours of reoxygenation group induced cortical neuronal apoptosis and significantly increased the intracellular free Ca2+ concentration（P<0.01). Compared with model group, TTLS decreased the percentage of neuronal apoptosis and reduced neuronal ［Ca2+］i（P<0.01).CONCLUSION: TTLS could obviously reduce hypoxia/reoxygenation-induced apoptosis and alleviate the damage degree of rat cortical neurons.The mechanism might be related to inhibiting the calcium overload induced by hypoxia/reoxygenation in rat cortical neurons.     

Minocycline inhibits rat retinal neural cell apoptosis induced by glutamate

AIM: To investigate the anti-apoptotic effect of minocycline on the rat retinal neural cells. METHODS: Primary cultures of retinal neural cells were prepared from neonatal SD rats. The expressions of NSE (neuron), GFAP (glial cells) and lectin (microglia) were detected by immunocytochemistry. Cultured cells were divided into normal control group (group A), minocycline control group (minocyline 20 μmol/L, group B), glutamate control group (glutamate 1 mmol/L, group C) and minocycline-treating group (minocycline 20 μmol/L+glutamate 1 mmol/L, group D). After 1 h intervention, Annexin V/PI flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the apoptotic cells with Annexin V/PI and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) with Rh123. After 20 h intervention, MTT was used to test the cell viability, and culture supernatant was collected to test NOS activity. RESULTS: Annexin V/PI testing revealed that the cell apoptotic rate was 5.1％ in group A, 4.3％ in group B, 15.2％ in group C and 8.3％ in group D. MTT showed that mean absorbance was 0.093 in group A, 0.099 in group B, 0.038 in group C and 0.088 in group D. No significant difference between group A and group D was observed. Significant difference between group C and other three groups was found. MMP in group C was reduced compared with group A, which was reversed by minocycline treatment in group D. If NOS activity in group A was 1, that in group B was 0.987±0.219, in group C was 1.513±0.472 and in group D was 1.176±0.259, a significant difference between group C and other three groups was observed. CONCLUSION: Minocycline significantly decreases retinal apoptosis in neural cells treated with glutamate. The mechanism is related to suppressing NOS activity, and stabilizing the MMP in the cells.     

Effects of glycine on intracellular of free calcium and tumor necrosis factor-α of cardiomyocytes during hypoxia/reoxygenation

AIM: To observe the influence of glycine on intracellular free calcium, the concentration of tumor necrosis factor-α and the survival rate of myocardial cells during hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). METHODS: The simulated model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion with the primary cultured cardiomyocytes of neonatal rats was established, and the cultured cardiomyocytes were divided into seven groups, control group, hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (0.5 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (1.0 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (2.0 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, glycine (4.0 mmol/L) plus hypoxia/reoxygenation group, 4.0 mmol/L glycine group. RESULTS: Within certain concentration (0.5-2.0 mmol/L), the glycine could inhibit the calcium overload resulting from hypoxia/reoxygenation injury in cells in a dose-dependent manner with the optimal inhibitory effect at 2.0 mmol/L. Glycine inhibited the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α from myocardial cells and increased the survival rate of myocardial cells. CONCLUSION: Glycine has a protective effect on hypoxia/reoxygenation myocardial cells, which may be related to inhibiting calcium overload and decreasing the production of tumor necrosis factor-α.     

Glutamate-induced apoptosis is related with the damage of mitochondria that results in cytochrome C release into cytosol in cultured hippocampal neurons

AIM: To set up a glutamate-induced cell damage model in cultured hippocampal neurons, and to determine whether glutamate-induced neuronal apoptosis changes and whether this process is mediated by mitochondrial signal transduction pathways involving the release of cytochrome C. METHODS: Hippocampal neurons, isolated and cultured from new born Wistar rats, were exposed to various concentrations of glutamate. Extent of cell death was assessed by measuring the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the culture media. Based on these data, an appropriate concentration of glutamate was selected, and all subsequent experiments were carried out under the concentration. Kinetics of glutamate-induced both apoptotic and necrotic cell death after exposure to glutamate for various times(3-24 h) were determined by flow cytometry and LDH release. The caspase-3 protein levels and cytochrome C release from mitochondria into cytosol in hippocampal neurons were determined by Western blotting. RESULTS: Glutamate treatment induced hippocampal neurons death in dose-dependent and time-dependent manners. A significant increase in LDH release (18.4%) was induced in the cells treated with 50 μmol/L glutamate, compared to control untreated cells(P<0.05). A significant increases in LDH release and apoptosis were observed at 6 h after glutamate treatment (P<0.05). The significant increase in the level of caspase-3 protein occurred at 3 h after glutamate exposure, which preceded neuronal cell apoptosis, and reached maximum levels at 6 h(62.4%). Treatment with glutamate induced a rapid release of cytochrome C into cytosol. Cytosolic cytochrome C showed a significant increase (P<0.05) as early as 30 min after glutamate treatment, which preceded the increase in caspase-3 level, and after 3 h, the level of cytochrome C was higher in the cytosol compared to the mitochondria. Concomitant with these changes in cytosol, the mitochondrial levels of cytochrome C decreased significantly. CONCLUSION: Exposure to 50 μmol/L glutamate induces apoptosis in cultured hippocampal neurons. The glutamate-induced apoptosis may be via the damage of mitochondria that results in cytochrome C release into cytosol, which activates caspase cascade and induces apoptotic cell death.     

Comparison of 2 methods for inducing iPSC to differentiate into neural stem cells

AIM: To select an efficient way of promoting induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) to differentiate into neural stem cells (NSC) by comparing 2 methods. METHODS: The culture system in method A contained SB431542 (5 mmol/L) and drosomophorin (5 mmol/L) with 100% initial cell density, while that in method B contained SB431542 (5 mmol/L) and drosomophorin (1 mmol/L) with 30%~50% initial cell density. For comparison and identification of the 2 methods, the growth state was observed under microscope, and the expression of Pax6, nestin, Sox1 and Sox2 was quantitatively detected by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. The related protein expression and the ability of spontaneous differentiation were determined by immunofluorescence analysis. RESULTS: The cells derived from method A with 5 mmol/L of SB431542 and drosomophorin and 100% initial cell density achieved the higher expression of Pax6, nestin, Sox1 and Sox2. The growth state was better and the cells differentiated into neurons and astrocytes normally. CONCLUSION: The method A was superior to method B, and we recommend the method A with 5 mmol/L of SB431542 and drosomophorin and 100% initial cell density as the method for differentiating NSC.     

钙及其拮抗剂对苹果果肉质膜透性的调节作用

采用培养果肉圆片的方法,研究了Ca2+及其拮抗剂对苹果果肉质膜透性的调节作用。结果表明,CaCl2(1、10mmol/L)降低果肉膜透性和溶质外渗速率(Js);细胞膜Ca2+通道阻塞剂Verapamil(100μmol/L)的影响不显著;细胞外Ca2+螯合剂EGTA(5mmol/L)、CaM的拮抗剂CPZ、TFP(100μmol/L)明显提高果肉膜透性和细胞溶质外渗速率。培养24h时,CaCl2能明显维持较高的SOD活性和ACC向乙烯的转化能力,EGTA、Verapamail、CPZ和TFP的作用相反。这些说明Ca2+对果肉细胞膜具有保护作用,而减少细胞外Ca2+和抑制细胞内Ca2+-CaM功能对果肉细胞膜具有伤害作用。     

Effect of heat treatment on striatum neurons

AIM: To determine the effect of heat treatment on rat primary cultured neurons, and give fundamental research for candidate molecule to protect the neurons from heat injury. METHODS: Neurons from rat striatum were primary cultivated in D-MEM with 15% horse serum, and when got mature, cells were identified by immuno-cytochemical staining with neurofilament protein (NF), tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and neuron specific enolase (NSE) antibodies. Cells in heat treatment groups were put in an 43 ℃ CO₂ incubator for 1 h, and the control groups at 37 ℃ as normal. Striatum neurons were stained with trypan blue and dual fluorscence dye (PI/H33258) immediately followed heat treatment, and necrosis rate of neurons was estimated. At the same time, activated caspase-3 immuno-cytochemical and TdT TUNEL^ methods were applied to determine apoptosis rate, and cell volume was also identified with micro-photography. RESULTS: During day 7 to day 9, the cultured striatum neurons got mature, and many neuronal fibers starched out and formed neuron network, NF, TH, and NSE staining positive. Treatment at 43 ℃ for 1 h, cell number decreased greatly, while NF⁺ percentage kept unchanged, and the heat treatment survived neurons were processing cell necrosis and apoptosis, but necrosis percentage was much greater than that of apoptosis. While cell volume kept unchanged after heat treatment. CONCLUSION: Heat treatment greatly affects the growth and survival of the cultured striatum neurons, and the injury effect is most due to cell necrosis process.     

Model of primary cultured neuron injury induced by D-galactose

AIM:To establish a model of primary cultured neuron injury induced by D-galactose for the research in Alzheimer's disease. METHODS:Primary rat neurons cultured for 6 days were exposed to 50 mmol D-galactose for 72 h. The neural growth and neurite density were observed with HE stain and microscope, the neural metabolism rate and apoptosis rate were examined with MTT, immuno-enzyme assay and flow cytometry, respectively, and the aldose reductase mRNA expression was also detected with RT-PCR. RESULTS:The neural growth and development in neurons treated with D-galactose was retarded, the neural metabolism rate decreased from 0.762±0.030(n=33) to 0.543±0.064(n=11)(P<0.01 ), and the neural apoptosis rate in injured neurons increased from 0.060±0.029 (n=19) to 0.356±0.215(n=19), P<0.01. In addition, the neurite density in neurons treated with D-galactose decreased from 0.557±0.0422(n=10) to 0.468±0.0330(n=10)(P<0.01), the significant neural degeneration and necrosis were found. There is no aldose reductase mRNA expression in the neurons. CONCLUSION:A stable neuron injury model was established with 50 mmol/L D-galactose for 72 h, and it may be an useful tool for Alzheimer's disease research.     

Study on apoptotic and nonapoptotic injuries induced by hydrogen peroxide in cardiac myocytes

AIM: To study apoptotic injury induced by reactive oxygen species-hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) on cardiac myocytes.METHODS:Cultured rat neonatal cardiac myocytes were treated with H₂O₂ of various concentration to observe apoptotic injury of cardiomyocytes by agarose gel electrophoresis, Giemsa-stained smears of cell, and flow cytometry, meanwhile lactate dehydrogenas (LDH) and malondialdehyde(MDA) were determined to assess the effect of H₂O₂ on lipid peroxidation and permeability of the plasma membrane. RESULTS: 5 mmol/L H₂O₂ caused cultured cardiomyocytes apoptotic morphological characteristics, including nucleosomal DNA fragmentation in myocytes by agarose gel electrophoresis (DNA ladder), cell shrinkage, nuclear condensation, and chromatin margin by Giemsa-stained cell smears, and aneuploid peak(AP)-apoptotic bodies occurrence by flow cytometry.CONCLUSIONS: H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in myocytes was a time-and concentration-dependent process. Treatment with low concentration of H₂O₂(＜1 mmol/L) only caused cardiomyocyted early biochemical changes, such as increase of free radicals level and membrane permeability ,which were pro-apoptotic injurious features. High concentration of H₂O₂ (＞10 mmol/L) rapidly induced a necrotic form of death characterized by smeared patterns of DNA digestion on agarose gel electrophoresis and lethal membrane disruption (as measured by LDH release). Exposure of 5~10 mmol/L H₂O₂ induced cardiomyocytes apoptosis concurrently with biochemical changes of LDH and MDA increase in the medium.     

Selenium dioxide induces leukemia cell apoptosis and changes of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ levels

AIM: The effects of selenium dioxide (SeO2) on proliferation, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Ca2+ levels in three leukemia cell lines NB4, K562 and HL-60 were investigated. METHODS: Three leukemia cell lines were treated with 3-30 μmol/L SeO2. Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis rate, and analyze the changes of ROS and Ca2+ level within cells. RESULTS: SeO2 at 10 and 30 μmol/L inhibited proliferation in three leukemia cell lines. Treatment with 30 μmol/L SeO2 for 48 h induced 54.0%, 46.5%, 49.6% apoptosis in NB4, K562, and HL-60 cells, respectively, and also markedly decreased ROS and Ca2+ levels among three cell lines. The rate of ROS positive cells in NB4 and HL-60 decreased with the increase in SeO2 concentrations. ROS was clearly reduced with 30 μmol/L SeO2 in K562. Ca2+ levels were tardily declined with 10, 30 μmol/L SeO2 in NB4 and HL-60 cells. Ca2+ levels were clearly reduced with 30 μmol/L SeO2 in K562. CONCLUSION: SeO2 induces apoptosis in three leukemia cells. The declines of intracellular ROS and Ca2+ levels are involved in apoptosis induced by SeO2.     

Effects of L-carnosine on NIT-1 islet cells

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of L-carnosine on insulin secretion, proliferation and apoptosis of β-cells impaired by high glucose. METHODS: NIT-1 cells were pre-treated with glucose at concentrations of 11.1 mmol/L (control level) and 33.3 mmol/L (high level) for 72 h, and then the cells were stimulated with various concentrations of glucose (0, 5 and 25 mmol/L) and/or L-carnosine (0, 1 and 20 mmol/L). The level of insulin in the medium was measured by radioimmunoassay. To detect the effect of L-carnosine on proliferation and apoptosis, NIT-1 cells were divided into 4 groups according to different culture conditions for 72 h: group C (with 11.1 mmol/L glucose), group H (with 33.3 mmol/L glucose), group H+A (with 33.3 mmol/L glucose+ 1 mmol/L L-carnosine) and group H+B (with 33.3 mmol/L glucose +20 mmol/L L-carnosine). Proliferous or apoptotic cells were identified by BrdU labeling and flow cytometry (labeling with annexin V-FITC/PI),respectively. Total RNA was extracted and the mRNA expression of caspase-3 and bcl-2 was measured by RT-PCR. The caspase-3 activity was also checked by fluorometric assay kit. RESULTS: The insulin in high-level glucose group was lower than that in control-level glucose group. L-carnosine at concentration of 20 mmol/L notably increased the insulin secretion of the cells pre-treated with glucose at control level or high level. The proliferation and apoptosis were both increased in group H compared with group C, but the total cell counts declined because the apoptotic rate was higher than the proliferation rate. L-carnosine at concentration of 1 mmol/L significantly increased the proliferation rate and decreased the apoptotic rate. The mRNA level of caspase-3 was decreased and the mRNA level of bcl-2 was increased after the cells were treated with L-carnosine at concentration of 1 mmol/L. L-carnosine at concentrations of both 1 mmol/L and 20 mmol/L significantly decreased the caspase-3 activity. CONCLUSION: L-carnosine at high level directly stimulates insulin secretion in NIT-1 cells, and L-carnosine at normal level promotes the cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis induced by high concentration of glucose. Caspsase-3 and Bcl-2 may be partly involved in this process.     

Effect of low molecular weight heparin on hypoxia-induced apoptosis in primary cultured neonate rat cerebral cortical neurons

AIM:To investigate the mechanism by which low molecular weight heparin (LMWH) inhibits apoptosis of primary cultured cerebral cortical neurons caused by hypoxia. METHODS:The anti-apoptosis effect of LMWH on primary cultured neurons was observed by methods of the primary culture of cerebral neurons of postnatal rats in free-serum with neurobasal medium supplied with 2% B27 supplement, hypoxic culture of neurons, Hoechst 33342 staining and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS:At concentrations of 250-500 U/L, LMWH reduced apoptosis rate of cerebral cortical neurons induced by hypoxia (P<0.05) and apoptosis rate was lower in LMWH groups than that in BDNF (50 μg/L) group (P<0.05). LMWH (500 U/L) increased Bcl-2 protein expression (P<0.05) and decreased Bax protein expression (P<0.01) in the cerebral cortical neurons induced by hypoxia, the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax was improved (P<0.01). The ratio of Bcl-2/Bax in LMWH (500 U/L) group was higher than that in normal control group, BDNF group and apoptosis positive group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION:LMWH at concentrations of 250-500 U/L is able to prevent cerebral cortical neurons from apoptosis in primary culture under hypoxia. The effect of anti-apoptosis may be related to up-regulation of Bcl-2 protein expression, down-regulation of Bax-2 protein expression, and increase in the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax.