Effects of calmodulin antagonist and slow calcium channel antagonist on reperfusion injury of isolated rat hearts in calcium paradox

AIM: To observe the protective effect of calmodulin antagonist trifluoperazine(TFP) and slow calcium channel antagonist verapamil (VP) upon calcium overload injury. METHODS: The calcium content of the myocardium, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, protein loss and coronary flow were measured after the isolated rat hearts were perfused by TFP and VP. RESULTS: TFP could significantly reduce the tissue calcium , LDH release and protein loss of the myocardium ( P <0.01) while VP had no such effects.The above indexes were further reduced when TFP and VP were used simutaneously( P <0.01).CONCLUSION:TFP can effectively alleviate the severity of the myocardium injury during calcium paradox while VP has no such effects.The simultanous use of VP and TFP is more effective in preventing tissue damage of the heart than the use of TFP alone.The massive influx of Ca²⁺ in calcium paradox is mainly a calmodulin related process.     

Cardioprotection of ischemic postconditioning against ischemia/reperfusion injury in isolated rat hearts

AIM: To investigate the protective role of postconditioning in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion in rats and its mechanisms. METHODS: Cardiac contractility was analyzed by the Langendorff method. Infarct size was determined by dual staining with triphenyltetrazolium chloride and Even's blue dye, and the cardiac arrhythmia was evaluated. postconditioning was conducted by 3 cycles of 30 s ischemia followed by 30 s of reperfusion at the beginning of subsequent persistent reperfusion. RESULTS: Left ventricular systolic pressure (LVSP) and maximal rise rate of ventricular pressure (+dp/dt_max) were higher during reperfusion in postconditioning group compared with control. postconditioning reduced the infarct size in ischemia/reperfusion rat hearts. The cardiac arrhythmia score was decreased in postconditioning group in the first 10 min of reperfusion followed by ischemia compared to control group. postconditioning had similar cardioprotective effect as preconditioning. 5-HD, a selective mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK_ATP) inhibitor, blocked the amelioration of contract function provided by postconditioning. It also abolished the protective effect of postconditioning on cardiac arrhythmia score and infarct size. CONCLUSION: The results show that postconditioning has cardioprotective effect and attenuates reperfusion injury in ischemic heart. The effect might be partly through the activation of mitoK_ATP channel.     

Effect of cyclosporin A on isolated mitochondria from normal and ischemic rat brain

AIM: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of cyclosporin A on the isolated mitochondria from normal and ischemic rat brains and to observe the possible effect of mitochondrial ATP sensitive potassium channel on mitochondrial permeability transition. METHODS: The swelling of mitochondria isolated from normal and ischemic rat brain was evaluated by pectrophotometry. RESULTS: Cyclosporin A at concentrations of 0.5 μmol/L or 1 μmol/L and diazoxide at concentration of 30 μmol/L significantly decreased the swelling of the normal brain mitochondria induced by 200 μmol/L calcium, which was abolished by atractyloside at 100 μmol/L. However, cyclosporin A at concentration of 5 μmol/L did not affect the mitochondrial swelling. On the mitochondria isolated from ischemic brain, cyclosporin A at 0.5 μmol/L but not 1 μmol/L significantly decreased the mitochondrial swelling, which was cancelled by atractyloside at concentration of 100 μmol/L. Diazoxide at concentration of 30 mol/L had the similar effect with cyclosporin A at 0.5 μmol/L, which was locked by atractyloside at 100 μmol/L or 5-hydroxydecanoate at 100 μmol/L and 200 μmol/L. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the mitochondria isolated from normal brain, mitochondria from ischemic brain are more sensitive to the inhibition of mitochondria permeability transition pore opening. Activation of mitochondrial ATP potassium channel may be one of the mechanisms by which the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore is inhibited.     

Role of voltage-dependent anion channel in cardiomyocytes subjected to anoxia/reoxygenation

AIM: To investigate the role of voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) in H9c2 cardiomyocytes subjected to anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R).METHODS: The shRNAs targeting VDAC1 mRNA were inserted into pSUPER plasmid.H9c2 cells were randomly divided into 5 groups as follows: control group, A/R group, anoxia preconditioning (APC) group, pSUPER-VDAC1-A/R group and pSUPER-A/R group. The expression of VDAC1 was detected by Western blotting. Cellular injury was evaluated by measuring the cell viability and the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine phosphokinase (CPK). The mitochondria membrane potential was determined by flow cytometry.RESULTS: VDAC1 expression was up-regulated in A/R group and was inhibited in APC group. Similarly, down-regulation of VDAC1 expression by shRNA protected H9c2 cells from A/R injury. Moreover, we found that, with silencing VDAC1 expression, mitochondrial membrane potential was well preserved in H9c2 cells subjected to A/R.CONCLUSION: Down-regulation of VDAC1 protects H9c2 cells against A/R injury and its possible mechanism appears to be related to the regulation of mitochondial permeability transition pore opening.     

Effect of diazoxide postconditioning on cardiac function and mitochondrial cardiolipin in isolated rat heart

AIM: To investigate the effect of diazoxide (D) postconditioning on Cardiac function and mitochondrial cardiolipin in isolated rat heart and to explore the protective effect of ATP sensitive potassium channel on diazo-xide postconditioning myocardium. METHODS: The myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury model in isolated rat hearts was established by Langendorff apparatus. The isolated rat hearts were randomized into 4 groups (n=8): control group (control), myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury group (I/R), diazoxide postconditioning group (I/R+D), 5- hydroxy decanoic acid (5-HD) plus diazoxide postconditioning group (I/R+5-HD+D). The hearts in each group were started with 20 min perfusion for equilibration. The hearts in control group perfused for 70 min; The hearts in I/R group was global ischemia for 40 min after ischemia reperfusion at 4 ℃ ST. Thomas cardioplegia, then reperfusion for 30 min; The hearts in I/R+D group were treated with diazoxide (50 μmol/L) in K-H perfusion for 5 min after global ischemia for 40 min, then reperfusion for 25 min; The hearts in I/R+5-HD+D group were treated with 5-HD (100 μmol/L) in K-H perfusion for 5 min before diazoxide postconditioning, then reperfusion for 20 min. The heart rate, coronary outflow volume, heart function, myocardial enzymes and myocardial mitochondrial cardiolipin at the end of perfusion in each group were determined. RESULTS: Compared with control group and I/R+D group, the heart rate, the concentration of heart phospholipid and the coronary outflow volume were reduced, the heart function was significantly impaired the contents of myocardial enzymes were increased in I/R group. However, no significant difference between I/R group and I/R+5-HD+D group was observed. CONCLUSION: The diazoxide postconditioning protects the myocardium by increasing mitochondrial cardiolipin content, reducing the release of myocardial enzymes, improving heart function and reducing myocardial reperfusion injury. The myocardial protective effect of diazoxide is completely blocked by 5- hydroxy decanoic acid.     

Role of heme oxygenase-1 in the ischemic preconditioning of isolated rat heart

AIM: To investigate the influence of ischemic preconditioning on heart function, the activities of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) after ischemia/reperfusion in isolated rat heart. METHODS: The model of Langendorff was used in isolated rat heart perfusion. Ischemic preconditioning protocol: stopping perfusion for 5 minutes and reperfusion for 5 minutes, repeating three times. Ischemia protocol: stopping perfusion for 40 minutes and reperfusion for 20 minutes. Indexes of heart function were recorded in control M8, ischemia and reperfusion group (IR), and ischemic preconditioning group (IPC). The content of LDH of coronary effluent was measured. Moreover, the content of MDA and activity of HO-1 in myocardium were also measured. RESULTS: The recovery percentage of heart function in IPC group was significantly higher than that in IR group (P<0.01) and the activity of heme oxygenase-1 also increased significantly (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The contents of LDH and MDA significantly decreased in IPC group compared with IR group. The increase in heme oxygenase-1 activity might be involved in the protective effect of ischemic preconditioning on ischemic/reperfused rat heart.     

Role of mitochondrial dysfunction in genesis of severe shock

The high mortality is a leading element of human health that follows severe shock even after blood transfusion and other anti-shock therapy. Therefore, to find out the mechanism of high mortality in severe shock is very critical. As a hotspot in recent years, mitochondrial function has important value in the genesis of many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes mellitus, Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and so on. Mitochondrial dysfunction often takes place in relation to the opening of mitochondrial permeability transition pore with intracellular low ATP content in severe shock. The consequence of intracellular low ATP content may lead to the dysfunction of various organs with difficult treatment of severe shock. Therefore, protection against mitochondrial damage is a novel approach for treatment of severe shock. This article summarizes the concept, pathogenesis, detection variables and treatment of mitochondrial dysfunction in severe shock.     

Effects of volatile anesthetics on rat heart ischemia-reperfusion injury in vitro

AIM: To investigate the effect of volatile anesthetics on function,metabolism,ATPase activity and free radicals in isolated ischemia /reperfusion (I/R) rat hearts.METHODS: 136 SD rats were anesthetized with pentobarbital and randomly divided into six groups and 17 sub-groups (n=8),according to the given drug.In a normal thermal isolated Langendorff rat heart model,four volatile anesthetics in 1.5 MAC concentration were given before global ischemia 25 min and during reperfusion 30 min.Coronary flow (CF),LVEDP,left ventricular developed pressure (LVDP),±dp/dt were monitored at 15 min of equilibrium,15 min of drug treatment,the end of reperfusion.Myocardial adenosine triphosphate (ATP),malodialdehyde (MDA),activity of Ca2＋-ATPase and Na＋-K＋-ATPase,and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were determined at 15 min of equilibrium,15 min of drug treatment or absence,10 min global ischemia and the end of reperfusion.RESULTS: CF and LVEDP were increased significantly after exposured to volatile anesthetics 15 min,and LVDP,+dp/dtmax were significantly decreased.However,LVDP and +dp/dtmax were increased at the end of reperfusion in the treated groups.HR in halothane and isoflurane groups was decreased before ischemia and after reperfusion.The myocardial ATP content was significantly increased before and after ischemia in the treated groups.At the end of reperfusion,the activity of SOD was significantly higher and myocardial MDA content was significantly lower in the treated groups than those in control group.The activity of Ca2＋-ATPase,compared with the control group,was markedly decreased before ischemia in halothane,enflurane and isoflurane group.Nonetheless,the activity of Ca2＋-ATPase was clearly increased in the treated groups during ischemia and at the end of reperfusion.The activity of Na＋-K＋-ATPase was only enhanced in halothane group at the end of reperfusion among groups.CONCLUSION: The volatile anesthetics depress myocardial systolic function.There are markedly protective effects against myocardial I/R injury.Meanwhile,the volatile anesthetics improve the recovery of function and metabolism,and increase CF and the activity of Ca2＋-ATPase and Na＋-K＋-ATPase in rats.     

Effects of apelin-13 on transient sodium currents in rat ischemic ventricular myocardial cells

AIM：To investigate the effects of apelin on ventricular arrythmias and cardiac functions in rat Langendorff perfusion-simulated myocardial ischemia model by observing the changes of transient sodium currents (INa) in normal cells and the simulated ischemic cells in rat left ventricle. METHODS：Ventricular cells were enzymatically isolated by the Langendorff perfusion system. INa was recorded by the technique of whole-cell patch-clamp. Some elements in the extracellular fluid were changed to simulate the normal or ischemic status. Forty Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups：normal group, ischemic group, normal with apelin group and ischemic with apelin group. The effect of apelin-13 on INa was observed. The method of rat Langendorff perfusion was used to simulate the ischemic heart model. The ventricular arrhythmia scores and heart functional parameters were compared. The expression level of sodium channel protein,type V,alpha subunit (SCN5A) in ventricular ischemic cells was measured by Western blotting. RESULTS： Apelin-13 increased INa amplitude in both normal myocardial cells ［(-86±13） pA/pF］ and ischemic myocardial cells ［(-52±15） pA/pF］. The results of current-voltage curve analysis indicated that apelin-13 did not change the conduction velocity of INa in the 4 groups ［(3.2±0.2） pS/pF, （3.1±0.3） pS/pF,（2.9±0.1）pS/pF and （2.8±0.4） pS/pF,respectively, P>0.05］. The membrane potentials at 50% maximal activation in the 4 groups were （-21.9±0.6） mV, （-28.7±0.3） mV, （-30.5±0.7） mV and （-36.8±0.2） mV, respectively, and the slope of activation curves was 5.6±0.3, 5.1±0.4, 4.3±0.3 and 4.9±0.6 (P>0.05), respectively. No difference of ventricular arrhythmia scores between normal group and normal with apelin group, as well as between ischemic group and ischemic with apelin group was observed. LVEDP in normal with apelin group was lower than that in normal group.The dp/dtmax and dp/dtmin in normal with apelin group were higher than those in normal group. Apelin improved cardiac function parameters in the ischemic hearts. The expression of SCN5A was not affected by apelin (28.8±3.6, 29.4±4.1, 30.1±2.9 and 31.3±3.8,respectively,P>0.05). CONCLUSION：Apelin-13 changes the gating properties of sodium channel, enhances the peak INa and facilitates the opening of sodium channel without inducing ventricular arrhythmias. Apelin-13 has a positive inotropic effect on both normal and ischemic hearts.     

Role of apelin in rat myocardial ischemic preconditioning and ischemia/ reperfusion injury

AIM: To study the alteration and role of apelin in myocardial ischemic preconditioning and ischemia/reperfusion injury of rats.METHODS: Forty-five SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: ischemia/reperfusion group (IR),ischemia pre-conditioning group (IP) and sham operation group.ECG was continuously used to evaluate the score of arrhythmias.The protein levels of apelin-36 in myocardium and plasma were detected by radioimmunoassay.The expression of apelin was observed by immunohistochemistry.RESULTS: (1) The scores of arrhythmias in IP group (2.1±0.5) was only 58.3% of IR group (3.6±0.8) ( P<0.01).(2) The apelin-36 protein level of plasma and myocardium in IR group were respectively lower by 36.1% and 45.6% than those in SH group (P<0.01),and those in IP group were lower by 23.8% and 24.7% than those in SH group (P<0.01),but higher than those in IR group (18.9% and 38.5%,respectively,P<0.05).(3) The staining absorbance of apelin in IR,SH and IP group was (7.87±2.41),(22.53±2.54) and (14.23±2.15),respectively.There were significant differences between IR and SH (P<0.01) and between IP group and SH group (P<0.05).(4) The scores of arrhythmias in IP and IR were negatively correlated with the protein level of apelin-36 in myocardium (r= 0.847,P <0.01).CONCLUSION: The down-regulation of apelin-36 in the plasma and myocardium of rats indicates that apelin has an important role in myocardial ischemic preconditioning and ischemia/reperfusion injury.     

Proteomic study of myocardial mitochondria with ischemia/reperfusion injury and pinacidil postconditioning in isolated rat hearts

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of pinacidil postconditioning on rat myocardium suffering ischemia/reperfusion injury by mitochondrial proteomics. METHODS: Langendorff apparatus was used to establish the model of myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: pinacidil postconditioning group (Pina group) and ischemia/reperfusion injury group (I/R group). After 20 min of perfusion with K-H solution, the perfusion was suspended for 40-min (global ischemia) follow by 60 min of reperfusion in I/R group. In Pina group at the end of 40 min global ischemia, the isolated hearts were perfused with K-H solution containing pinacidil (50 μmol/L) for 2 min followed 58-min perfusion with regular K-H solution. Total proteins extracted from the mitochondria were applied to the two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE). The differentially expressed protein spots over 2 times were evaluated by a software. Then they were subjected to in-gel digestion, and analyzed by spectrometry. RESULTS: The expression levels of NDUFA10, NDUFS2 and NDUFV2 were elevated but those of IDHA and ECH1 were decreased in Pina group compared with I/R group. Interestingly, 2 spots in the 2-DE map were identified as ATPase subunit δ. The expression levels of one spot was elevated, while the other was decreased. CONCLUSION: Pinacidil postconditioning may decrease the degree of increased expression levels of NDUFA10, NDUFS2 and NDUFV2, promote the expression of IDHA and ECH1, and induce the phosphorylation of ATPase subunit δ, which may be related to the protective mechanism of pinacidil postconditioning.     

Effect of ischemic post-conditioning on myocardial mitochondrial function in isolated rat heart

AIM: To investigate the protective effect of ischemic post-conditioning on isolated rat myocardial mitochondrial function during ischemia/reperfusion, and to study the role of mitochondrial ATP-sensitive potassium channel (mitoK_ATP) in myocardial protection. METHODS: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomized into 4 groups (n=8 in each group): control group (C), model group (M), ischemic post-conditioning group (IPO) and 5-hydroxydecanoate plus IPO group (5-HD+IPO). The hearts isolated from the SD rats were mounted on a Langendorff apparatus and started with a 20-minute perfusion for equilibration. In C group, the hearts went on perfusion for another 70 min after equilibration. In M group, 4 ℃ St. Thomas cardioplegic solution was administered prior to ischemia, followed by ischemia for 40-minute, and reperfusion for another 30 min. In IPO group, the hearts underwent 40-minute global ischemia after equilibration, then perfusion for 10 s and ischemia for another 10 s. The procedure was repeated 6 times before 28-minute reperfusion. In 5-HD+IPO group, the hearts were perfused with 5-HD (100 μmol/L in K-H solution) and treated as that in IPO group, then reperfusion for 23 min. The reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and respiratory function of myocardial mitochondria were measured at the ends of equilibration and reperfusion. RESULTS: (1) Compared with the data collected at the end of equilibrium, the MMP was obviously decreased at the end of reperfusion in all groups, The highest in C group. MMP in 5-HD+IPO group was markedly higher than that in IPO group and M group. MMP in IPO group was higher than that in M group. (2) In contrast to that at the end of equilibrium, ROS was obviously increased at the end of reperfusion in all groups. However, ROS was observably higher in M group than that in the other 3 groups, and ROS in 5-HD+IPO group was markedly higher than that in IPO group and C group. ROS in IPO group was higher than that in C group. (3) The respiratory function of mitochondria was obviously injured at the end of reperfusion in all groups. The arrangement of the mitochondrial respiratory function from the best to the worse was C group > IPO group > 5-HD+IPO group > M group. CONCLUSION: Ischemic post-conditioning attenuates myocardial reperfusion injury by maintaining the stability of MMP, decreasing the generation of ROS and preserving the respiratory chain function of mitochondria. The mitoK_ATP antagonist 5-HD can not completely block the myocardial protective effect of ischemic post-conditioning. Myocardial protective effect of ischemic post-conditioning may achieve by activating mitoK_ATP, meanwhile the other factors may also take part in the myocardial protective processes.     

Inhibitory effect of ischemic postconditioning on autophagy induced by focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion in rats

AIM: To investigate the effect of ischemic postconditioning (IPC) on autophagy induced by focal cerebral ischemia reperfusion (I/R) in rats. METHODS: Healthy male SD rats were assigned randomly into sham-operation (sham) group, I/R group and IPC group with 10 rats in each group. The rats in sham group were only exposed the right common, internal and external carotid artery surgically. The rats in I/R group were subjected to right middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by the modified Longa suture method for 2 h followed by 24 h of reperfusion. The rats in IPC group were subjected to MCAO for 2 h followed by reperfusion of the ipsilateral common carotid artery occlusion for 10 s for 5 episodes, and then reperfusion for 24 h. Autophagy was obeserved by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The protein levels of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR and microtubule associated protein light chain 3 (LC3)-II in brain tissue of the rats were determined by Western blot. Pathological changes of brain tissue were observed by HE staining. RESULTS: The protein levels of mTOR and p-mTOR in IPC group were significantly higher than those in I/R group (P<0.05). The expression of LC3-II in IPC group was significantly lower than that in I/R group (P<0.01). The cerebral infarction area and brain water content in IPC group were significantly lower than those in I/R group (P<0.01). HE staining showed that neurons degeneration and necrosis in IPC group were significantly alleviated compared with I/R group. TEM observation showed that IPC revealed fewer autophagosomes, with much less severe cell damage than that in I/R group. CONCLUSION: IPC reduces brain ischemia reperfusion damage by decreasing autophagy of brain cells, which might be related to the activation of mTOR.     

Role of prostaglandins,nitric oxide and potassium channel in the blunting of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in the high altitude adaptive animal

AIM: To investigate the possible role of prostaglandin, NO and potassium channel in the adaptive blunting of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) in high altitude animal (pika). METHODS: The effect of L-NAME, indomethacin and 4-AP on the response of isolated lung strips of pika and Wistar rats instead of pulmonary artery to acute hypoxia were studied. RESULTS: (1) After inhibition of prostaglandins by indomethacin, the percentage increase in hypoxic constriction in lung tissue strip of pikas was greater than that in Wistar rats , P＜0.05; (2) After inhibition of NO synthesis by L-NAME, the percentage increase in hypoxic constriction in lung tissue strip of pikas was greater than that in Wistar rats , P＜0.05; (3) After administration of 4-AP, there was no significant difference in the percentage decrease in hypoxic constriction of lung tissue strip between pika and Wistar rat. CONCLUSIONS: (1) Prostaglandins and NO might modulate HPV in either rat of pika; the closure of Voltage-gated K⁺ channels might mediate HPV in either rat or pika. (2) Prostaglandins and NO might play an important role in the blunting of HPV in pika, Voltage-gated K⁺ channels may play a minor role in the blunting of hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction in pika.     

Role of microRNA-126-5p in myocardial injury induced by doxorubicin

AIM: To observe the expression of microRNA-126-5p during myocardial injury and its role in myocardial cell injury induced by adriamycin (also called doxorubicin, DOX). METHODS: The BALB/c mouse model of DOX-induced acute and chronic myocardial injury was established via intraperitoneal injection of DOX. HE staining was applied to observe the morphological changes of myocardial tissues. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in serum was detected and PowerLab system was used to detect the influence of DOX on the changes of ±dp/dt_max. The expression of microRNA-126-5p in injured myocardial tissues and the H9c2 cells exposed to DOX was detected by real-time PCR. Gain-and loss-of-function experiments were conducted to detect the role of microRNA-126-5p in H9c2 cells treated with DOX on LDH release and caspase-3 activation. RESULTS: In acute and chronic DOX myocardial damage models in mice, HE staining showed disarranged myocardial fibers, dissolved myofibril and inflammatory cell infiltration. Higher serum LDH level and lower ±dp/dt_max in DOX-treated mice than those in normal mice were found. Compared with the normal mice, the expression level of microRNA-126-5p was significant increased in the myocardium with DOX-induced injury. Similarly, the expression level of microRNA-126-5p was significant increased in the H9c2 cells treated with DOX. In addition, over-expression of microRNA-126-5p decreased cell viability and promoted apoptosis, while microRNA-126-5p ablation promoted the viability and inhibited the apoptosis of H9c2 cells. CONCLUSION: The microRNA-126-5p expression is up-regulated in myocardial injury induced by DOX, and microRNA-126-5p inhibits cell viability and promotes apoptosis induced by DOX.     

Effect of lipopolysaccharide on L-type voltage-gated calcium channel currents in primarily cultured rat caudate nucleus neurons and its modulation by 2-arachidonoylglycerol

AIM: To explore whether L-type voltage-gated calcium channel (L-VGCC) currents are involved in neurotoxicity of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the neuroprotective mechanism of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) in caudate nucleus (CN) neurons. METHODS: On the 7th day, the primarily cultured CN neurons were treated with 2-AG, LPS, SR141716A (a CB1 receptor inverse agonist) and AM630 (a CB2 receptor inverse agonist) for 12 h. The L-VGCC currents in the CN neurons were recorded using the whole-cell patch-clamp technique. Hoechst staining was used to detect the effect of 2-AG on neurotoxicity of LPS. Caspase-3 assay kit was used to determine the activity of caspase-3 induced by LPS alone or with 2-AG. RESULTS: LPS enhanced the current density of L-VGCC, but did not influence the activation and deactivation of L-VGCC. 2-AG inhibited the enhancement of L-VGCC currents induced by LPS. The effect of 2-AG on the suppression of L-VGCC currents induced by LPS was not mediated through CB1 or CB2 receptor. 2-AG alone did not affect the L-VGCC currents, activation and deactivation in the CN neurons. 2-AG inhibited LPS-induced elevated activity of caspase-3 in the CN neurons. This effect was inhibited by SR141716A. 2-AG inhibited the cell apoptosis induced by LPS, and this effect was mediated via CB1 receptor. CONCLUSION: Endocannabinoid 2-AG may exert the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects through the modulation of L-VGCC currents in primarily cultured rat CN neurons.     

Role of p38 MAPK-HSP27 signaling pathway in rat acute lung injury induced by lipopolysaccharide

AIM: To observe the role of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)-heat-shock protein 27 (HSP27) signaling pathway in lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in rats. METHODS: Wistar rats were randomly divided into control group, ALI group and ALI+SB203580 group. After the experimental model was established, the rats were sacrificed. The pathological changes of the lung and the changes of F-actin and G-actin in the endothelial cells were observed. The ratio of wet weight to dry weight (W/D) of the lung tissues was measured. The protein levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were detected. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and BALF were tested. The concentrations of p-p38 and p-HSP27 in the lung were determined. RESULTS: In ALI group, the protein levels in BALF and W/D ratio of the lung increased significantly at 2 h. The levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in serum and BALF began to increase at 2 h, which had significant difference as compared with control group. Aleolar epithelial swelling, alveolar walls widening, alveolar interstitial and cavity edema, and the exudation of alveolar inflammation cells, red blood cells and protein were observed in ALI group. The protein levels in BALF and W/D ratio of the lung in ALI+SB203580 group were much less than those in ALI group. The exudation of alveolar inflammation cells, red blood cells and protein, and the interstitial and alveolar edema in ALI+SB203580 group alleviated as compared with ALI group. The expression of p-p38 MAPK and p-HSP27 in the lung at 2 h in ALI group was higher than that in control group. F-actin expression in ALI group obviously increased than that in control group at time points of 0 h and 8 h. Compared with ALI group, the expression of p-HSP27 and F-actin in ALI+SB203580 group was reduced. CONCLUSION: Lipopolysaccharide activates p38 MAPK-HSP27 signaling pathway and induces lung injury. Blockage of p38 MAPK-HSP27 signaling pathway may reduce lung injury.