溶解氧水平对青海湖裸鲤体肾组织结构及抗氧化酶活性的影响

为研究溶解氧水平对青海湖裸鲤(Gymnocypris przewalskii)体肾组织结构及抗氧化酶活性的影响, 选择平均体重为(97.68±0.12) g 的青海湖裸鲤, 随机分为三组: 中度低氧组(3.0±0.1) mg/L、重度低氧组(0.7±0.1) mg/L和常氧组(8.4±0.1) mg/L, 于低氧胁迫8h和24h, 观察体肾显微结构和线粒体超微结构并检测线粒体膜电位及抗氧化酶活性。结果显示, 中度和重度低氧胁迫对体肾显微结构和线粒体超微结构未造成损伤, 但中度和重度低氧胁迫24h时体肾杆状线粒体比例增加(P<0.05), 且中度和重度低氧胁迫使体肾线粒体膜电位降低(P<0.05)。中度低氧胁迫对体肾超氧化物歧化酶(SOD)活性和过氧化氢(H₂O₂)含量无影响(P>0.05), 但重度低氧胁迫使SOD活性和H₂O₂含量增加(P<0.05)。中度和重度低氧胁迫使体肾总抗氧化能力(T-AOC)、谷胱甘肽过氧化物酶(GPX)和丙二醛(MDA)含量增加(P<0.05)。推测为适应不同低氧环境, 青海湖裸鲤体肾在线粒体形态和相关抗氧化酶活性方面做出适应性调整。研究结果为揭示青海湖裸鲤低氧适应机制提供了一定的理论依据。     

华蟾素诱导人胃癌MKN-45细胞凋亡

本研究旨在探讨华蟾素诱导人胃癌MKN-45细胞凋亡及其机制.分别用终浓度0、60、70、80μg/L的华蟾素作用于人胃癌MKN-45细胞48 h,采用激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞形态结构,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率、线粒体膜电位,RT-qPCR和Western blot分别检测Bax、Bcl-2、Cy tC、Caspase 9和Caspase 3基因表达水平.结果显示,与对照组相比,0、60、70、80μg/L的华蟾素作用人胃癌MKN-45细胞48h,呈现细胞皱缩、细胞核裂解、染色质凝集等形态学变化,早期凋亡细胞和晚期凋亡细胞所占百分比均显著增加,线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)显著降低.Bax、Cyt C、Caspase 9和Caspase 3基因的mRNA及蛋白表达水平随着药物浓度的升高均显著升高(P＜0.01),Bcl-2基因mRNA及蛋白表达水平随着药物浓度的升高显著降低(P＜0.01),提示华蟾素可通过上调Bax、Cyt C、Caspase 9和Caspase 3基因表达,下调Bcl-2基因表达诱导人胃癌MKN-45细胞凋亡.     

盐碱胁迫对青海湖裸鲤耗氧率、血浆渗透浓度和离子浓度的影响

采用呼吸生理和血液生理的方法,探讨了性成熟青海湖裸鲤(Gymnocypris przewalskii)对盐度、碳酸盐碱度的适应性以及青海湖裸鲤在盐碱胁迫下的渗透调节和离子调节规律。将裸鲤从淡水突变到盐水(盐度14.01±0.01)、碱水(碳酸盐碱度33.03±0.01mmol·L-1)和青海湖水(盐度12.12±0.02、碳酸盐碱度29.07±0.09mmol·L-1)中,测定了在不同水质胁迫下裸鲤耗氧率、血浆渗透压和离子浓度的变化。结果表明:与淡水对照组比较,呼吸耗氧率除了盐度组在3h有显著性升高(P<0.05),其他实验组96h内均未出现显著性变化(P>0.05);裸鲤的窒息点为0.14～0.17mg·L-1,各实验组窒息点均没有显著性差异(P>0.05);碱度组血浆的渗透浓度和Na+、Cl-、Ca2+离子浓度在96h内未出现变化(P>0.05),盐度组和青海湖水组在所测时间段有显著的升高(P<0.05),并且随着胁迫时间的延长,在72h达到峰值。各实验组血浆K+浓度变化没有血浆Na+、Cl-明显,K+浓度有增高的趋势,且都在72h达到了峰值。青海湖裸鲤具有较强的盐碱耐受性,能通过渗透调节和离子调控适应高盐碱环境,而消耗能量较少。     

维生素C诱导人宫颈癌Caski细胞凋亡及其分子机制的研究

为了研究维生素C对人宫颈癌Caski细胞体外抑制、诱导凋亡的作用及其分子机制,使用不同剂量维生素C处理人宫颈癌Caski细胞,采用噻唑蓝(MTT)法检测药物对细胞增殖的抑制作用;流式细胞仪检测Cas-ki细胞周期变化;琼脂糖电泳法观察凋亡细胞DNA Ladder现象;Western blot检测凋亡相关蛋白Bcl-2、Bax和E6的表达以及Caspase 3的激活;荧光染色观察细胞线粒体膜电位的改变.分析发现,维生素C可显著抑制人宫颈癌Caski细胞增殖,呈现明显的时间和剂量依赖性;将细胞阻滞于S期;诱导细胞凋亡,下调Bcl-2和E6、上调Bax蛋白表达,促进Caspase3活化,降低线粒体膜电位.表明维生素C在体外可有效抑制人宫颈癌Caski细胞增殖,诱导细胞凋亡.     

川楝素诱导人肺癌A549细胞凋亡

该研究旨在探讨川楝素诱导人肺癌A549细胞凋亡作用及其作用机制。通过不同浓度的川楝素作用于A549细胞48 h后,采用MTT法检测细胞活性;光学显微镜及荧光显微镜下观察细胞形态结构;流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率、线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)和细胞周期;实时定量RTPCR和Western blot分别检测Bax、Bcl-2、Fas、Cycs(细胞色素C)和Caspase-3基因m RNA和蛋白质水平。结果显示,在一定浓度范围内,川楝素能抑制A549细胞增殖,诱导细胞凋亡,且呈剂量依赖性。川楝素作用48 h的最佳药物浓度是40μmol/L,增殖抑制率为46.73%±1.47%,细胞凋亡率为13.18%±0.41%,线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)显著下降(P0.01),细胞阻滞于G2期和S期;Bcl-2的表达显著降低,Bax、Fas、Cycs和Caspase-3的表达显著增加(P0.01),提示川楝素可能通过上调Bax、Fas、Cycs和Caspase-3基因和下调Bcl-2基因诱导人肺癌A549细胞凋亡。     

华蟾素诱导人胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡

本实验旨在探讨华蟾素诱导人胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡的作用及其作用机制。采用不同浓度的华蟾素作用胃癌SGC-7901细胞48 h后,MTT法检测细胞活性;光学、荧光显微镜、流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡情况。Real Time RT-PCR和Western Blot分别检测Bax、Bcl-2基因m RNA和蛋白表达水平。结果显示,华蟾素对胃癌SGC-7901细胞增殖具有抑制作用且呈剂量依赖性关系,华蟾素处理7901细胞48 h的IC50值为35.67μg/m L,凋亡率为(5.01±1.69)%。显微镜下观察细胞呈明显凋亡现象,线粒体膜电位(ΔΨm)显著下降(p0.05),细胞阻滞于G1期;Bcl-2的表达下调,Bax的表达明显增加(p0.05,p0.01)。提示华蟾素可能通过上调Bax基因,下调Bcl-2基因诱导人胃癌SGC-7901细胞凋亡。     

紫檀芪对人肝癌HepG2细胞增殖及凋亡的影响

为了探讨紫檀芪(PTE)对人肝癌细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及其作用机制,肝癌细胞系Hep G2被选择作为研究对象,并对紫檀芪与其的作用进行了不同角度的研究。MTT法被用来检测不同浓度紫檀芪对Hep G2细胞活力的影响;倒置显微镜和流式细胞术检测紫檀芪处理后Hep G2细胞的凋亡情况;实时定量PCR和Western blot分别检测紫檀芪处理后Bax、Bcl-2、Fas、Cycs(细胞色素C)和Caspase3基因m RNA和蛋白表达情况。结果显示紫檀芪对Hep G2细胞增殖有很强的抑制作用,在最佳条件下,抑制率为(40.85±2.55)%。形态学观察发现紫檀芪作用后的细胞呈明显凋亡状态,凋亡率为(15.61±0.71)%,出现细胞周期阻滞现象。进一步的研究表明,经紫檀芪处理后,Hep G2细胞的线粒体膜电位明显下降(p0.01),Bcl-2的表达增强,Bax、Fas、Cycs和Caspase3的表达明显降低(p0.05)。这些实验事实暗示紫檀芪能够抑制Hep G2细胞增殖并促进其发生凋亡,其机制可能是通过上调Bax、Fas、Cycs和Caspase3基因,下调Bcl-2基因来实现的。     

大蒜素诱导人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡

为寻找毒副作用小并且治疗效果好的抗癌药物,研究大蒜素对人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡的影响,同时探讨了大蒜素引发细胞凋亡的可能机制。通过激光共聚焦显微镜观察细胞形态变化,琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测DNA片段化情况,流式细胞术检测细胞凋亡率和线粒体膜电位变化,qRT-PCR和Western blotting检测细胞凋亡相关基因Bax、Bcl-2的mRNA和蛋白表达水平。结果显示,大蒜素作用人食管癌EC-109细胞48 h后,线粒体膜电位显著降低,并且早期凋亡细胞和晚期凋亡细胞所占百分比均显著增加。同时,与对照组相比,Bax mRNA和蛋白水平均显著升高(p<0.05),Bcl-2 mRNA和蛋白水平均显著降低(p<0.05)。据此,本研究得出大蒜素可诱导人食管癌EC-109细胞凋亡,并呈剂量依赖性,有潜在的药用价值。     

紫草素促进肺癌A549细胞凋亡

目的:探讨紫草素对A549人肺癌细胞凋亡的影响和可能的作用机制。方法:采用不同浓度的紫草素对体外培养的A549人肺癌细胞进行干预,CCK-8法和流式细胞术分别检测紫草素对A549细胞增殖和凋亡的影响,Western blot观察凋亡相关蛋白(Bcl-2和Bax)表达水平的变化,激光共聚焦显微镜检测紫草素处理12 h并用JC-1染色的A549细胞线粒体膜电位改变。结果:CCK-8分析显示,0.5μM、1μM、2μM、4μM和6μM实验组A549细胞相对存活率分别为(83.71±1.02)%、(57.47±2.78)%、(27.39±1.96)%、(16.96±1.47)%和(14.72±1.93)%,与对照组相比实验组A549细胞相对存活率明显降低;流式细胞术结果表明,1μM、2μM、4μM实验组A549细胞的凋亡率分别为(13.80±1.76)%、(40.90±3.48)%和(78.80±2.52)%,与对照组相比紫草素呈剂量依赖型促进A549细胞凋亡;Western blot结果证实,紫草素能降低A549细胞中Bcl-2蛋白的表达量,而升高Bax蛋白的水平;激光共聚焦显微镜扫描结果显示紫草素能降低A549细胞的线粒体膜电位,呈剂量依赖型。结论:紫草素能显著促进A549细胞凋亡,其机制可能与下调抗凋亡蛋白Bcl-2的表达和上调促凋亡蛋白Bax的表达有关。     

白藜芦醇诱导肺癌A549细胞凋亡

本实验以人肺腺癌A549细胞为实验对象,白藜芦醇(Res)诱导细胞凋亡的效应及其机制进行了研究。用不同浓度Res处理A549细胞48 h后,癌细胞的形态和生物学反应发生了明显的变化。为了确证这些变化是特征性的细胞凋亡现象,采用MTT法检验了细胞存活率;光学和荧光显微镜观察了细胞形态结构;流式细胞术分别检测了细胞凋亡率、细胞周期和线粒体膜电位(△ψm);Real Time RT-PCR和Western blot测定了Bcl-2/Bax表达水平。结果显示,白藜芦醇能够抑制A549细胞生长,并呈剂量依赖性关系,经Res处理后的A549细胞48 h的最佳药物浓度是30μmol/L,增殖抑制率为(60.85±0.84)%,显微镜下观察细胞呈明显凋亡现象,细胞凋亡率为(17.44±0.28)%,△ψm显著下降(p0.01),使细胞阻滞于G2期和S期;下调Bcl-2,使Bax的表达明显增加,从而导致Bcl-2/Bax比值显著降低(p0.01)。这些结果表明白藜芦醇可能通过调节Bcl-2/Bax基因的途径,诱导人肺腺癌A549细胞凋亡,并抑制癌细胞的进一步增殖。     

银杏叶提取物对新生SD 乳鼠心肌细胞缺氧损伤的影响

目的:研究银杏叶提取物对缺氧状态下新生SD乳鼠心肌细胞的影响及其可能机制。方法:新生1天SD乳鼠心肌细胞原代培养并利用氮气培养箱模拟低氧构建乳鼠心肌缺氧体外模型。分为3组处理:对照组,缺氧组,缺氧+药物拮抗组。缺氧时间为12 h,通过免疫组化等检测方法,观察各组心肌细胞的损伤情况及心肌Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达情况。结果:缺氧可以造成新生SD乳鼠心肌细胞凋亡的发生(hypoxia:75.21%±1.21%,control:1.38%±0.45%,P<0.05,n=20),并导致其表达凋亡抑制因子Bcl-2蛋白水平的显著降低(0.125 fold VS control group,P<0.05),促细胞凋亡因子Bax蛋白水平显著升高(3.011fold VS control group,P<0.05);而银杏叶提取物作用后可明显逆转新生SD乳鼠心肌细胞凋亡的发生(EGb761:23.17%±0.43%,hypoxia:73.13%±1.22%,P<0.05,n=20),并明显逆转Bcl-2(5.716 fold VS hypoxia group,P<0.05)、Bax(0.273fold VS hypoxia group,P<0.05)等蛋白的表达水平。结论:凋亡相关因子Bcl-2和Bax等参与缺氧致心肌损伤过程,导致心肌细胞凋亡,银杏叶提取物能降低心肌Bax表达,提高Bcl-2表达,从而保护心肌细胞,抑制凋亡。     

脂肪酸影响草鱼肝细胞脂质蓄积状态及诱导其凋亡的离体研究

为探究外源脂肪酸对草鱼肝细胞脂质代谢及健康状况的影响及其机理,体外培养草鱼肝细胞,并采用不同浓度（0-1 mmol/L）油酸（Oleic acid）进行细胞孵育,噻唑兰比色法（Methyl thiazolte trazoliu,MTT）和油红O染色提取法检测肝细胞活力及脂质蓄积状况,BODIBY和DAPI染色法观察肝细胞脂滴及细胞核情况,流式细胞术检测肝细胞凋亡率变化,Real-time qPCR检测脂质合成标志基因过氧化物酶体增殖物激活受体γ（Peroxidase proliferation activated receptor,PPARγ）和CCAAT/增强子结合蛋白α（CCAAT/enhancer binding protein alpha,C/EBPα）、凋亡相关基因Caspase家族等的表达情况。结果显示,随着油酸处理浓度的增加,肝细胞活力和细胞内脂质积累呈现先上升后下降的趋势,分别在0.4和0.6 mmol/L时达到最大值（P < 0.05）;肝细胞凋亡率则先下降后上升,在0.4 mmol/L油酸处理时最低,1 mmol/L油酸处理时最高（P < 0.05）;此外,0.4 mmol/L油酸处理抑制了肝细胞Caspase-3b和Caspase-9基因的表达,上调Bcl-2/Bax mRNA比值（P < 0.05）,而0.8 mmol/L油酸处理显著促进Caspase-3b、Caspase-8、Caspase-9及凋亡诱导因子（Apoptosis inducing factor,AIF）基因的表达,下调Bcl-2/Bax的mRNA比值（P < 0.05）。研究表明,一定浓度的脂肪酸可增强草鱼肝细胞活力,促进胞内脂质积累,抑制细胞凋亡,而脂肪酸浓度过高则抑制肝细胞活力并诱导肝细胞凋亡,其作用与脂肪酸影响脂质代谢及凋亡基因的表达有关。     

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Attenuate Mitochondria Damage Induced by Hypoxia in Mouse Trophoblasts

ObjectiveWe aimed to observe the change of mitochondrial function and structure as well as the cell function induced by hypoxia in mouse trophoblasts, and moreover, to validate the restoration of these changes after co-culture with bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hereinafter referred to as “MSCs”). Further, we explored the mechanism of MSCs attenuating the functional damage of trophoblasts caused by hypoxia.MethodsCells were divided into two groups, trophoblasts and MSCs+trophoblasts respectively, and the two groups of cells were incubated with normoxia or hypoxia. Chemiluminescence was used to assay the β-HCG and progesterone in cell culture supernatants quantitatively. Western blotting and PCR were applied to detect the expression of Mfn2, MMP-2, MMP-9 and integrin β1 in the two groups. The mitochondrial membrane potential of each group of cells was detected with JC-1 dye and the ATP content was measured by the phosphomolybdic acid colorimetric method. We utilized transmission electron microscopy for observing the ultrastructure of mitochondria in trophoblasts. Finally, we assessed the cell apoptosis with flow cytometry (FCM) and analyzed the expression of the apoptosis related genes—Bcl-2, Bax, Caspase3 and Caspase9 by western blotting.ResultsThe results showed that the Mfn2 expression was reduced after 4 h in hypoxia compared with that in normoxia, but increased in the co-culture group when compared with that in the separated-culture group (p<0.05). In addition, compared with the separated-culture group, theβ-HCG and progesterone levels in the co-culture group were significantly enhanced (p<0.05), and so were the expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9 and integrin β1 (p<0.05). Moreover, it exhibited significantly higher in ATP levels and intensified about the mitochondrial membrane potential in the co-culture group. TEM revealed disorders of the mitochondrial cristae and presented short rod-like structure and spheroids in hypoxia, however, in the co-culture group, the mitochondrial cristae had a relatively regular arrangement and the mitochondrial ultrastructure showed hyperfusion. The expression of Bax, Caspase3 and Caspase9 was decreased in the co-culture group when compared with that in trophoblast cells cultured alone (p<0.05), while the Bcl-2 levels and the Apoptosis Index (AI) were markedly increased in the co-culture group (p<0.05).ConclusionBone marrow mesenchymal stem cells can attenuate mitochondria damage and cell apoptosis induced by hypoxia; the mechanism could be upregulating the expression of Mfn2 in mouse trophoblasts and changing mitochondrial structure.     

The Effect of Hypoxic Preconditioning on Induced Schwann Cells under Hypoxic Conditions

Object

Our objective was to explore the protective effects of hypoxic preconditioning on induced Schwann cells exposed to an environment with low concentrations of oxygen. It has been observed that hypoxic preconditioning of induced Schwann cells can promote axonal regeneration under low oxygen conditions.

Method

Rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) were differentiated into Schwann cells and divided into a normal oxygen control group, a hypoxia-preconditioning group and a hypoxia group. The ultrastructure of each of these groups of cells was observed by electron microscopy. In addition, flow cytometry was used to measure changes in mitochondrial membrane potential. Annexin V-FITC/PI staining was used to detect apoptosis, and Western blots were used to detect the expression of Bcl-2/Bax. Fluorescence microscopic observations of axonal growth in NG-108 cells under hypoxic conditions were also performed.

Results

The hypoxia-preconditioning group maintained mitochondrial cell membrane and crista integrity, and these cells exhibited less edema than the hypoxia group. In addition, the cells in the hypoxia-preconditioning group were found to be in early stages of apoptosis, whereas cells from the hypoxia group were in the later stages of apoptosis. The hypoxia-preconditioning group also had higher levels of Bcl-2/Bax expression and longer NG-108 cell axons than were observed in the hypoxia group.

Conclusion

Hypoxic preconditioning can improve the physiological state of Schwann cells in a severe hypoxia environment and improve the ability to promote neurite outgrowth.     

TanshinoneIIA and Cryptotanshinone Protect against Hypoxia-Induced Mitochondrial Apoptosis in H9c2 Cells

Mitochondrial apoptosis pathway is an important target of cardioprotective signalling. Tanshinones, a group of major bioactive compounds isolated from Salvia miltiorrhiza, have been reported with actions against inflammation, oxidative stress, and myocardial ischemia reperfusion injury. However, the actions of these compounds on the chronic hypoxia-related mitochondrial apoptosis pathway have not been investigated. In this study, we examined the effects and molecular mechanisms of two major tanshonones, tanshinone IIA (TIIA) and cryptotanshinone (CT) on hypoxia induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells. Cultured H9c2 cells were treated with TIIA and CT (0.3 and 3 μΜ) 2 hr before and during an 8 hr hypoxic period. Chronic hypoxia caused a significant increase in hypoxia inducible factor 1α expression and the cell late apoptosis rate, which was accompanied with an increase in caspase 3 activity, cytochrome c release, mitochondria membrane potential and expression of pro-apoptosis proteins (Bax and Bak). TIIA and CT (0.3 and 3 μΜ), in concentrations without affecting the cell viability, significantly inhibited the late apoptosis and the changes of caspase 3 activity, cytochrome c release, and mitochondria membrane potential induced by chronic hypoxia. These compounds also suppressed the overexpression of Bax and reduced the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2. The results indicate that TIIA and CT protect against chronic hypoxia induced cell apoptosis by regulating the mitochondrial apoptosis signaling pathway, involving inhibitions of mitochondria hyperpolarization, cytochrome c release and caspase 3 activity, and balancing anti- and pro-apoptotic proteins in Bcl-2 family proteins.     

慢性间歇性缺氧对大鼠肺组织凋亡相关基因Bcl-2、Bax表达的影响

目的探讨凋亡(apoptosis)相关基因Bcl-2、Bax在慢性间歇性缺氧(chronic intermittent hypoxia,CIH)大鼠肺组织中的表达,明确其与阻塞性睡眠呼吸暂停低通气综合征(obstructive sleep apnea hypopnea syndrome,OSAHS)肺部病变的关系.方法取健康雄性Sprague-Dawley(S-D)大鼠20只,随机分为正常对照组(A组)和CIH组(B组),每组10只,根据实验要求,将B组大鼠暴露于CIH的环境中,8h/d(上午9时至下午5时),共5w,以模拟OSAHS患者CIH的特征.A组大鼠常规饲养,不予以任何处理.采用免疫组织化学方法(SP法)检测大鼠肺组织中Bcl-2、Bax蛋白的表达.结果大鼠肺组织中阳性细胞表达部位主要集中于支气管上皮细胞和肺泡上皮细胞.正常大鼠Bcl-2、Bax蛋白均有基础低表达,经CIH处理后可见大鼠支气管上皮细胞和肺泡上皮细胞Bcl-2、Bax蛋白表达的上调和Bax/bcl-2比值的升高.结论 CIH可导致大鼠肺组织细胞凋亡的增加,凋亡参与了CIH大鼠肺部病变的病理生理过程;Bcl-2和Bax这一对凋亡抑制和促进基因参与了CIH过程中大鼠肺组织细胞凋亡的调控.     

肝细胞线粒体凋亡途径及保护机制研究进展

线粒体在能量代谢、自由基产生、衰老、细胞凋亡中起重要作用。线粒体的基因突变,呼吸链缺陷,线粒体膜的改变等因素均会影响整个细胞的正常功能,从而导致病变。凋亡发生时,线粒体通透性转换孔开放,使得线粒体膜电位降低,呼吸链电子传递障碍,细胞ATP合成障碍,生成大量活性氧簇,线粒体发生水肿,线粒体外膜破裂,膜间隙释放大量促凋亡因子如细胞色素C。Bcl-2家族对线粒体的功能有调控作用,介导细胞色素C的释放,Caspase酶原的激活等。病毒性肝炎、酒精性肝病,梗阻性黄疸、肝癌、毒素和药物介导的肝损伤等疾病中都伴随着肝细胞凋亡的发生,目前保肝药物对肝细胞线粒体功能的保护机制主要体现在稳定线粒体膜功能,减轻氧化损伤等方面,针对临床疾病的治疗有很好的指导作用。     

Early events in Bcl-2-enhanced apoptosis

Transfection of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells with bcl-2 potentiates apoptosis induced by the antimitotic agent, neocarzinostatin (NCS). The mechanism of potentiation involves caspase 3-dependent cleavage of Bcl-2 to its pro-apoptotic counterpart, but the cellular events proximal to caspase 3 activation in this system are not known. Two min after initiation of NCS treatment, Bax begins to translocate from cytosol to the mitochondria; the mitochondrial localization of Bax persists for 30 min after NCS treatment. At the same time, cytochrome C is released from the mitochondria to cytosol. The mitochondrial membrane potential exhibits differential change in mock- and bcl-2-transfected PC12 cells. In mock-transfected PC12 cells, the mitochondrial membrane potential increases immediately, peaks at 15 min following initiation of NCS treatment, and drops thereafter. In contrast, in bcl-2-transfected PC12 cells, the membrane potential drops immediately following NCS treatment. Caspase 9 is activated and peaks at 10 min in both mock- and bcl-2 transfected PC12 cells, however, the peak activity of caspase 9 is higher and caspase 9 activation lasts longer (30 min) after the treatment in bcl-2 transfectants. Not until 30 min after initiation of a 1 h treatment with NCS is Bcl-2 protein cleaved in bcl-2-transfected cells. Thus, in bcl-2-transfected cells, the mitochondrial membrane potential drops and cytochrome C is released from the mitochondria despite the presence of large amounts of intact mitochondrial Bcl-2. This makes it unlikely that cleavage of Bcl-2 is the only factor involved in potentiation of NCS-induced apoptosis by Bcl-2.     

Early Regional Response of Apoptotic Activity in Newborn Piglet Brain Following Hypoxia and Ischemia

Responses of selected neuroregulatory proteins that promote (Caspase 3 and Bax) or inhibit (Bcl-2, high Bcl-2/Bax ratio) apoptotic cell death were measured in the brain of piglets subjected to precisely controlled hypoxic and ischemic insults: 1 h hypoxia (decreasing FiO₂ from 21 to 6%) or ischemia (ligation of carotid arteries and hemorrhage), followed by 0, 2 and 4 h recovery with 21% FiO₂. Protein expression was measured in cortex, hippocampus and striatum by Western blot. There were no significant differences in expression of Caspase-3 between sham operated, hypoxic and ischemic groups. There were significant regional differences in expression of Bcl-2 and Bax in response to hypoxia and ischemia. The changes in Bcl-2/Bax ratio were similar for hypoxia and ischemia except for striatum at zero time recovery, with ischemia giving lower ratios than hypoxia. The Bcl-2/Bax ratio was also lower for the striatum than for the other regions of the brain, suggesting this region is the more susceptible to apoptotic injury.