In Search of the Astrocytic Factor(s) Modulating Blood–Brain Barrier Functions in Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells In Vitro

Summary 1. The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is formed by brain capillary endothelial cells (ECs). There are various cell types, in particular astrocytes, but also pericytes and neurons, located in close vicinity to the capillary ECs which may influence formation and function of the BBB. Based on this consideration, this paper discusses various aspects of the influence of the surrounding cells on brain capillary ECs with special focus on the role of astrocytes.2. Based on the morphology of the BBB, important aspects of brain EC functions are summarized, such as transport functions and maintenance of low paracellular permeability. Moreover, various facets are discussed with respect to the influence of astrocytes, pericytes, microglia, and neurons on the BBB. Data on the role of glial cells in the ontogenesis of the BBB are presented subsequently. The knowledge on this subject is far from being complete, however, these data imply that the neural/neuronal environment rather than glial cells may be of importance in the maturation of the barrier.3. The role of glial cells in the induction and maintenance of the BBB is discussed under physiological as well as pathological conditions. Although the literature presents manifold evidence for a great variety of effects induced by astroglia, there are also many controversies, which may result from different cellular models and experimental conditions used in the respective studies. Numerous factors secreted by astrocytes have been shown to induce a BBB phenotype. On the molecular level, increased expression of barrier-relevant proteins (e.g., tight junction proteins) is documented in the presence of astrocyte-derived factors, and many studies demonstrate the improvement of physiological parameters, such as increased transendothelial resistance and decreased paracellular permeability, in different in vitro models of the BBB. Moreover, one has to take into account that the interaction of brain ECs and astrocytes is bi-directional, and that the other cell types surrounding the brain microvasculature also contribute to BBB function or dysfunction, respectively.4. In conclusion, it is expected that the present and future research focused on molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways will produce new and exciting insights into the complex network of BBB regulation: the cornerstone is laid.This revised article was published online in May 2005 with a February 2005 cover date.     

Hypoxia Dramatically Increases the Nonspecific Transport of Blood-Borne Proteins to the Brain

Abstract: Increased cerebrovascular permeability is an important factor for the development of cerebral edema. To investigate the effect of hypoxia on the transport of blood-borne proteins to the brain, we used a cell culture model of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) consisting of a coculture of brain capillary endothelial cells and astrocytes that closely mimics the in vivo situation. The permeability of albumin, a marker of the nonspecific transcellular route, is extremely low in this in vitro model of the BBB. After hypoxia, a huge increase in the permeability of albumin is detected. Despite the opening of the tight junctions already demonstrated after hypoxia, the increase in the permeability of albumin is mainly attributed to an increase of the nonspecific vesicular transport in the cell, attested by the temperature dependence of the phenomenon and the visualization of labeled apotransferrin in the cytoplasm. The increase of this pathway could participate in the development of brain edema during hypoxia.     

Permeability properties of a three-cell type in vitro model of blood-brain barrier

We previously found that RBE4.B brain capillary endothelial cells (BCECs) form a layer with blood-brain barrier (BBB) properties if co-cultured with neurons for at least one week. As astrocytes are known to modulate BBB functions, we further set a culture system that included RBE4.B BCECs, neurons and astrocytes. In order to test formation of BBB, we measured the amount of 3H-sucrose able to cross the BCEC layer in this three-cell type model of BBB. Herein we report that both neurons and astrocytes induce a decrease in the permeability of the BCEC layer to sucrose. These effects are synergic as if BCECs are cultured with both neurons and astrocytes for 5 days, permeability to sucrose decreases even more. By Western analysis, we also found that, in addition to the canonical 60 kDa occludin, anti-occludin antibodies recognize a smaller protein of 48 kDa which accumulates during rat brain development. Interestingly this latter protein is present at higher amounts in endothelial cells cultured in the presence of both astrocytes and neurons, that is in those conditions in which sucrose permeation studies indicate formation of BBB.     

Elevation of glutathione levels by ammonium ions in primary cultures of rat astrocytes

It is well established that ammonia is detoxified in the brain to form glutamine and that astrocytes play a major role in this process. The synthesis of glutamine requires glutamate and ATP. Since glutamate and ATP are also required for the synthesis of glutathione (GSH), we examined the effect of pathophysiological concentrations of ammonia on levels of GSH in primary cultures of astrocytes. GSH content in the medium increased in a dose- and time-dependent manner in the presence of ammonia. After an initial decrease, cellular GSH content increased in a similar manner. The levels of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) were also increased. A linear relationship was observed between ammonia concentration and the increase in GSH levels. An increase in the efflux of GSH from cells into medium was also observed under these conditions. Buthionine sulfoximine and acivicin, but not methionine sulfoximine, blocked the ammonia induced increase in GSH levels. No, or minor, changes in the activities of enzymes (gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, GSH reductase and GSH-peroxidase) that might influence GSH levels were identified and thus could not account for the ammonia induced increase in GSH levels in astrocytes. These findings indicate that pathophysiological concentrations of ammonium ions result in increased astroglial levels of GSH which may affect the metabolism and function of astrocytes.     

Glutathione pathways in the brain

The antioxidant glutathione (GSH) is essential for the cellular detoxification of reactive oxygen species in brain cells. A compromised GSH system in the brain has been connected with the oxidative stress occuring in neurological diseases. Recent data demonstrate that besides intracellular functions GSH has also important extracellular functions in brain. In this respect astrocytes appear to play a key role in the GSH metabolism of the brain, since astroglial GSH export is essential for providing GSH precursors to neurons. Of the different brain cell types studied in vitro only astrocytes release substantial amounts of GSH. In addition, during oxidative stress astrocytes efficiently export glutathione disulfide (GSSG). The multidrug resistance protein 1 participates in both the export of GSH and GSSG from astrocytes. This review focuses on recent results on the export of GSH and GSSG from brain cells as well as on the functions of extracellular GSH in the brain. In addition, implications of disturbed GSH pathways in brain for neurodegenerative diseases will be discussed.     

Potential Role of Cerebral Glutathione in the Maintenance of Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in Rat

Using the model of glutathione (GSH) depletion, possible role of GSH in the maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity was evaluated in rats. Administration (ip) of GSH depletors, diethyl maleate (DEM, 1–4 mmol/kg), phorone (2–3 mmol/kg) and 2-cyclohexene-1-one (CHX, 1 mmol/kg), to male adults was found to deplete brain and liver GSH and increase the BBB permeability to micromolecular tracers (sodium fluorescein and [¹⁴C]sucrose) in a dose-dependent manner at 2h. However, BBB permeability to macromolecular tracers such as horseradish peroxidase and Evan's blue remained unaltered. It was also shown that observed BBB permeability dysfunction was associated with brain GSH depletion. A lower magnitude of BBB increase in rat neonates, as compared to adults, indicated a possible bigger role of GSH in the BBB function of mature brain. The treatment with N-acetylcysteine, methionine and GSH provided a partial to full protection against DEM-induced brain (microvessel) GSH depletion and BBB dysfunction; however, the treatment with -tocopherol, ascorbic acid and turmeric were not effective. Our studies showed that cerebral GSH plays an important role in maintaining the functional BBB integrity.     

Changes in oxidative balance in rat pericytes exposed to diabetic conditions

Recent data indicate that the oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications such as retinopathy, nephropathy and accelerated atherosclerosis. In diabetic retinopathy, it was demonstrated a selective loss of pericytes accompanied by capillary basement membrane thickening, increased permeability and neovascularization. This study was designed to investigate the role of diabetic conditions such as high glucose, AGE-Lysine, and angiotensin II in the modulation of antioxidant enzymes activities, glutathione level and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in pericytes. The activity of antioxidant enzymes: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and total glutathione (GSH) was measured spectrophotometrically. The production of ROS was detected by spectrofluorimetry and fluorescence microscopy after loading the cells with 2'-7' dichlorofluoresceine diacetate; as positive control H2O2 was used. Intracellular calcium was determined using Fura 2 AM assay. The results showed that the cells cultured in high glucose alone, do not exhibit major changes in the antioxidant enzyme activities. The presence of AGE-Lys or Ang II induced the increase of SOD activity. Their combination decreased significantly GPx activity and GSH level. A three times increase in ROS production and a significant impairment of intracellular calcium homeostasis was detected in cells cultured in the presence of the three pro-diabetic agents used. In conclusion, our data indicate that diabetic conditions induce in pericytes: (i) an increase of ROS and SOD activity, (ii) a decrease in GPx activity and GSH level, (iii) a major perturbation of the intracellular calcium homeostasis. The data may explain the structural and functional abnormalities of pericytes characteristic for diabetic retinopathy.     

Changes in GSH-antioxidant system induced by daunorubicin in human normal and diabetic fibroblasts

We investigated the effect of daunorubicin on glutathione content and activity of GSH-related enzymes in cultured normal and diabetic human fibroblasts. Cells were incubated with 4 microM daunorubicin (DNR) for 2 h followed by culture in drug-free medium for up to 72 h. Treatment of diabetic cells with the drug caused a time-dependent depletion of intracellular GSH and a decrease of the GSH to total glutathione ratio. GSH depletion was accompanied by apoptotic changes in morphology of the nucleus. Analysis of GSH-related enzymes showed a significant increase of the activities of Se-dependent and Se-independent peroxidases and glutathione S-transferase. In contrast, glutathione reductase activity was reduced by 50%. Significant differences between normal and diabetic cells exposed to DNR were observed in the level of GST and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase activities. These findings indicated that daunorubicin efficiently affects the GSH antioxidant defense system both in normal and diabetic fibroblasts leading to disturbances in glutathione content as well as in the activity of GSH-related enzymes.     

Pericytes from Brain Microvessels Strengthen the Barrier Integrity in Primary Cultures of Rat Brain Endothelial Cells

(1) The blood–brain barrier (BBB) characteristics of cerebral endothelial cells are induced by organ-specific local signals. Brain endothelial cells lose their phenotype in cultures without cross-talk with neighboring cells. (2) In contrast to astrocytes, pericytes, another neighboring cell of endothelial cells in brain capillaries, are rarely used in BBB co-culture systems. (3) Seven different types of BBB models, mono-culture, double and triple co-cultures, were constructed from primary rat brain endothelial cells, astrocytes and pericytes on culture inserts. The barrier integrity of the models were compared by measurement of transendothelial electrical resistance and permeability for the small molecular weight marker fluorescein. (4) We could confirm that brain endothelial monolayers in mono-culture do not form tight barrier. Pericytes induced higher electrical resistance and lower permeability for fluorescein than type I astrocytes in co-culture conditions. In triple co-culture models the tightest barrier was observed when endothelial cells and pericytes were positioned on the two sides of the porous filter membrane of the inserts and astrocytes at the bottom of the culture dish. (5) For the first time a rat primary culture based syngeneic triple co-culture BBB model has been constructed using brain pericytes beside brain endothelial cells and astrocytes. This model, mimicking closely the anatomical position of the cells at the BBB in vivo, was superior to the other BBB models tested. (6) The influence of pericytes on the BBB properties of brain endothelial cells may be as important as that of astrocytes and could be exploited in the construction of better BBB models.     

A New Function for the LDL Receptor: Transcytosis of LDL across the Blood–Brain Barrier

Lipoprotein transport across the blood–brain barrier (BBB) is of critical importance for the delivery of essential lipids to the brain cells. The occurrence of a low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor on the BBB has recently been demonstrated. To examine further the function of this receptor, we have shown using an in vitro model of the BBB, that in contrast to acetylated LDL, which does not cross the BBB, LDL is specifically transcytosed across the monolayer. The C7 monoclonal antibody, known to interact with the LDL receptor-binding domain, totally blocked the transcytosis of LDL, suggesting that the transcytosis is mediated by the receptor. Furthermore, we have shown that cholesterol-depleted astrocytes upregulate the expression of the LDL receptor at the BBB. Under these conditions, we observed that the LDL transcytosis parallels the increase in the LDL receptor, indicating once more that the LDL is transcytosed by a receptor-mediated mechanism. The nondegradation of the LDL during the transcytosis indicates that the transcytotic pathway in brain capillary endothelial cells is different from the LDL receptor classical pathway. The switch between a recycling receptor to a transcytotic receptor cannot be explained by a modification of the internalization signals of the cytoplasmic domain of the receptor, since we have shown that LDL receptor messengers in growing brain capillary ECs (recycling LDL receptor) or differentiated cells (transcytotic receptor) are 100% identical, but we cannot exclude posttranslational modifications of the cytoplasmic domain, as demonstrated for the polymeric immunoglobulin receptor. Preliminary studies suggest that caveolae are likely to be involved in the potential transport of LDL from the blood to the brain.The maintenance of the homeostasis of brain interstitial fluid, which constitutes the special microenvironment for neurons, is established by the presence of the blood–brain barrier (BBB)¹ at the transition area from endothelial cells (ECs) to brain tissue. Of primary importance in the formation of a permeability barrier by these cells is the presence of continuous tight junctions that seal together the margins of the ECs and restrict the passage of substances from the blood to the brain. Furthermore, in contrast to ECs in many other organs, the brain capillary ECs contain no direct transendothelial passageways such as fenestrations or channels. But obviously, the BBB cannot be absolute. The brain is dependent upon the blood to deliver metabolic substrates and remove metabolic waste, and the BBB therefore facilitates the exchange of selected solutes. Carrier-mediated transport systems that facilitate the uptake of hexoses, amino acids, purine compounds, and mono-carboxylic acids have been revealed in the cerebral endothelium (Betz and Goldstein, 1978), but until now little information has come to light regarding the cerebral uptake of lipids.There is growing evidence that the brain is equipped with a relatively self-sufficient transport system for maintaining cholesterol and lipid homeostasis. The presence of a low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptor has been demonstrated by immunocytochemistry in rat and monkey brains; and apolipoprotein (apo) E and apo AI-containing particles have been detected in human cerebrospinal fluid (Pitas et al., 1987). Furthermore, enzymes involved in lipid metabolism have been located within the brain: LCAT mRNA has been shown to be expressed in rat brains and cholesteryl ester transfer protein, which plays a key role in cholesterol homeostasis, has been detected in human cerebrospinal fluid and seems to be synthesized in the brain (Albers et al., 1992). The distribution of the LDL receptor-related protein, a multifunctional receptor that binds apoE, is highly restricted and limited to the gray matter, primarily associated with neuronal cell population (Wolf et al., 1992). The difference in cellular expression of ligand (apoE) and receptor (LDL receptor-related protein) may provide a pathway for intracellular transport of apoE-containing lipoproteins in the central nervous system. All these data leave little doubt that the brain is equipped with a relatively self-sufficient transport system for cholesterol.Cholesterol could be derived from de novo synthesis within the brain and from plasma via the BBB. Malavolti et al. (1991) indicate the presence of unexpectedly close communications between extracerebral and brain cholesterol. Changes in the extracerebral cholesterol levels are readily sensed by the LDL receptor in the brain and promptly provoke appropriate modifications in its activity. Méresse et al. (1989a) provided direct evidence for the occurrence in vivo of an LDL receptor on the endothelium of brain capillaries. Furthermore, the fact that enzymes involved in the lipoprotein metabolism are present in the brain microvasculature (Brecher and Kuan, 1979) and that the entire fraction of the drug bound to lipoproteins is available for entry into the brain strongly suggest that this cerebral endothelial receptor plays a role in the interaction of plasma lipoproteins with brain capillaries. These results pinpoint the critical importance of the interactions between brain capillary ECs and lipoproteins. Owing to the fact that the neurological abnormalities that result from the inadequate absorption of dietary vitamin E can be improved by the oral administration of pharmacological doses of vitamin E, Traber and Kayden (1984) have suggested that LDL functions as a transport system for tocopherol to the brain. Furthermore, the trace amounts of apolipoprotein B that were detected by Salem et al. (1987) in cerebrospinal fluid from healthy patients using a very sensitive immunoblot technique confirm that, at most, small amounts of apolipoprotein B normally pass through the BBB. However, whether LDL is involved in the exchange is not known.Using an in vitro model of the BBB that imitates an in vivo situation by culturing capillary ECs and astrocytes on opposite sides of a filter (Dehouck et al., 1990a , 1992), we have demonstrated that in culture, like in vivo, in contrast to peripheral endothelium and in spite of the tight apposition of ECs and their contact with physiological concentrations of lipoproteins, brain capillary ECs express an LDL receptor (Méresse et al., 1991; Dehouck et al., 1994). The capacity of ECs to bind LDLs is greater when cocultured with astrocytes than in their absence. Futhermore, we have shown that the lipid requirement of astrocytes increases the expression of the LDL receptor on brain capillary ECs. Taken together, the presence of LDL receptors on brain capillary ECs and the modulation of the expression of these receptors by the lipid composition of astrocytes suggest that cholesterol used by cells in the central nervous system may be derived, at least in part, from the periphery via transport across the BBB.In the present study, we provide direct evidence that after binding to brain capillary ECs, there is a specific mechanism for the transport of LDL across the endothelial monolayer from the apical to the abluminal surface. This mechanism might be best explained by a process of receptor-mediated transcytosis. Preliminary results pinpoint the role of caveolae in the transcellular transport of LDL across the brain endothelium.     

Glutathione-Mediated Regulation of ATP Sulfurylase Activity,SO42- Uptake,and Oxidative Stress Response in Intact Canola Roots

The dual role of glutathione as a transducer of S status (A.G. Lappartient and B. Touraine [1996] Plant Physiol 111: 147-157) and as an antioxidant was examined by comparing the effects of S deprivation, glutathione feeding, and H2O2 (oxidative stress) on SO42- uptake and ATP sulfurylase activity in roots of intact canola (Brassica napus L.). ATP sulfurylase activity increased and SO42- uptake rate severely decreased in roots exposed to 10 mM H2O2, whereas both increased in S-starved plants. In split-root experiments, an oxidative stress response was induced in roots remote from H2O2 exposure, as revealed by changes in the reduced glutathione (GSH) level and the GSH/oxidized glutathione (GSSG) ratio, but there was only a small decrease in SO42- uptake rate and no effect on ATP sulfurylase activity. Feeding plants with GSH increased GSH, but did not affect the GSH/GSSG ratio, and both ATP sulfurylase activity and SO42- uptake were inhibited. The responses of the H2O2-scavenging enzymes ascorbate peroxidase and glutathione reductase to S starvation, GSH treatment, and H2O2 treatment were not to glutathione-mediated S demand regulatory process. We conclude that the regulation of ATP sulfurylase activity and SO42- uptake by S demand is related to GSH rather than to the GSH/GSSG ratio, and is distinct from the oxidative stress response.     

超氧化物歧化酶对内皮细胞缺氧复氧损伤的防护作用

体外培养扔兔胸主动脉内皮细胞缺氧３０ｍｉｎ后复氧１０ｍｉｎ,可以发现缺氧后复氧可引起细胞乳酸脱氢酶释放量,细胞悬液丙二醛含量增加,谷胱甘肽过氧化酶活性降低,细胞合成释放一氧化氮减少,细胞内钙离子浓度明显升高;ＥＣ的这些损伤在缺氧期间即有表现,复氧后更为加剧。而在缺氧前预先加入终浓度为２００Ｕ／ｍｌ的超氧化物歧化酶可改善细胞的抗氧化能力,减轻缺氧复氧对ＥＣ的损伤。     

Vitamin E, Ascorbate, Glutathione, Glutathicne Disulfide, and Enzymes of Glutathione Metabolism in Cultures of Chick Astrocytes and Neurons: Evidence that Astrocytes Play an Important Role in Antioxidative Processes in the Brain

Abstract: GSH, GSSG, vitamin E, and ascorbate were measured in 14-day cultures of chick astrocytes and neurons and compared with levels in the forebrains of chick embryos of comparable age. Activities of enzymes involved in GSH metabolism were also measured. These included -γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase, GSH synthetase, γ-glutamyl cyclotransferase, γ-glutamyltranspeptidase, glutathione transferase (GST), GSH peroxidase, and GSSG reductase. The concentration of lipid-soluble vitamin E in the cultured neurons was found to be comparable with that in the forebrain. On the other hand, the concentration of vitamin E in the astrocytes was significantly greater in the cultured astrocytes than in the neurons, suggesting that the astrocytes are able to accumulate exogenous vitamin E more extensively than neurons. The concentrations of major fatty acids were higher in the cell membranes of cultured neurons than those in the astrocytes. Ascorbate was not detected in cultured cells although the chick forebrains contained appreciable levels of this antioxidant. GSH, total glutathione (i.e., GSH and GSSG), and GST activity were much higher in cultured astrocytes than in neurons. γ-Glutamylcysteine synthetase activity was higher in the cultured astrocytes than in the cultured neurons. GSH reductase and GSH peroxidase activities were roughly comparable in cultured astrocytes and neurons. The high levels of GSH and GST in cultured astrocytes appears to reflect the situation in vivo. The data suggest that astrocytes are resistant to reactive oxygen species (and potentially toxic xenobiotics) and may play a protective role in the brain. Because enzymes of GSH metabolism are generally well represented in cultured astrocytes and neurons these cells may be ideally suited as probes for manipulating GSH levels in neural tissues in vitro. Cultured astrocytes and neurons should be amenable to the study of the effects of various metabolic insults on the GSH system. Such studies may provide insights into the design of therapeutic strategies to combat oxidative and xenobiotic stresses.     

Adverse Effect of Cyclosporin A on Barrier Functions of Cerebral Microvascular Endothelial Cells After Hypoxia-reoxygenation Damage In Vitro

Hypoxia and post-hypoxic reoxygenation induces disruption of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Alterations of the BBB function after hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) injury remain unclear. Cyclosporin A (CsA), a potent immunosuppressant, induces neurotoxic effects by entering the brain, although the transport of CsA across the BBB is restricted by P-glycoprotein (P-gp), a multidrug efflux pump, and tight junctions of the brain capillary endothelial cells. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the BBB after H/R damage is vulnerable to CsA-induced BBB dysfunction. We attempted to establish a pathophysiological BBB model with immortalized mouse brain capillary endothelial (MBEC4) cells. The effects of CsA on permeability and P-gp activity of the MBEC4 cells were then examined. Exposure to hypoxia for 4 h and reoxygenation for 1 h (H/R (4 h/1 h)) produced a significant decrease in P-gp function of MBEC4 cells, without changing cell viability and permeability for sodium fluorescein and Evan’s blue-albumin at 7 days after H/R (4 h/1 h). CsA-induced hyperpermeability and P-gp dysfunction in MBEC4 monolayers at 7 days after H/R (4 h/1 h) were exacerbated. The possibility that CsA penetrates the BBB with incomplete functions in the vicinity of cerebral infarcts to induce neurotoxicity has to be considered.     

Hypobaric hypoxia induces oxidative stress in rat brain

High altitude exposure results in decreased partial pressure of oxygen and an increased formation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), which causes oxidative damage to lipids, proteins and DNA. Exposure to high altitude appears to decrease the activity and effectiveness of antioxidant enzyme system. The antioxidant system is very less in brain tissue and is very much susceptible to hypoxic stress. The aim of the present study was to investigate the time dependent and region specific changes in cortex, hippocampus and striatum on oxidative stress markers on chronic exposure to hypobaric hypoxia. The rats were exposed to simulated high altitude equivalent to 6100 m in animal decompression chamber for 3 and 7 days. Results indicate an increase in oxidative stress as seen by increase in free radical production, nitric oxide level, lipid peroxidation and lactate dehydrogenase levels. The magnitude of increase in oxidative stress was more in 7 days exposure group as compared to 3 days exposure group. The antioxidant defence system such as reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) levels were significantly decreased in all the three regions. The observation suggests that the hippocampus is more susceptible to hypoxia than the cortex and striatum. It may be concluded that hypoxia differentially affects the antioxidant status in the cortex, hippocampus and striatum.     

Time-dependent enhancement in mitochondrial glutathione status and ATP generation capacity by schisandrin B treatment decreases the susceptibility of rat hearts to ischemia-reperfusion injury

In the present study, we examined the time-dependent changes in the mitochondrial glutathione status and ATP generation capacity in the myocardium as well as the susceptibility of the myocardium to ischemia-reperfusion (IR) injury in female Sprague Dawley rats treated with a single pharmacological dose (1.2 mmol/kg) of schisandrin B (Sch B). Sch B treatment produced a time-dependent enhancement in myocardial mitochondrial glutathione status, as evidenced by increases in myocardial mitochondrial reduced glutathione (GSH) level and activities of glutathione reductase, Se-glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and glutathione S-transferases, with the response reaching maximum at 48 h post-dosing and then declining gradually to the control level at 96 h post-dosing. The enhancement of mitochondrial glutathione status was associated with an increase in myocardial ATP generation capacity, with the value peaking at 72 h post-dosing. These beneficial effects of Sch B on the myocardium was paralleled by a time-dependent decrease in the susceptibility to IR injury, with the maximum protection demonstrable at 48 h post-dosing. The cardioprotection was associated with increases in myocardial GSH level and activities of glutathione antioxidant enzymes (except for GPX whose activity was suppressed) as well as tissue ATP level/ATP generation capacity. The results suggest that Sch B treatment can precondition the myocardium by enhancing the mitochondrial glutathione status and ATP generation capacity, thereby protecting against IR injury.     

Initial Contact of Glioblastoma Cells with Existing Normal Brain Endothelial Cells Strengthen the Barrier Function via Fibroblast Growth Factor 2 Secretion: A New In Vitro Blood–Brain Barrier Model

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells invade along the existing normal capillaries in brain. Normal capillary endothelial cells function as the blood–brain barrier (BBB) that limits permeability of chemicals into the brain. To investigate whether GBM cells modulate the BBB function of normal endothelial cells, we developed a new in vitro BBB model with primary cultures of rat brain endothelial cells (RBECs), pericytes, and astrocytes. Cells were plated on a membrane with 8 μm pores, either as a monolayer or as a BBB model with triple layer culture. The BBB model consisted of RBEC on the luminal side as a bottom, and pericytes and astrocytes on the abluminal side as a top of the chamber. Human GBM cell line, LN-18 cells, or lung cancer cell line, NCI-H1299 cells, placed on either the RBEC monolayer or the BBB model increased the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values against the model, which peaked within 72 h after the tumor cell application. The TEER value gradually returned to baseline with LN-18 cells, whereas the value quickly dropped to the baseline in 24 h with NCI-H1299 cells. NCI-H1299 cells invaded into the RBEC layer through the membrane, but LN-18 cells did not. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) strengthens the endothelial cell BBB function by increased occludin and ZO-1 expression. In our model, LN-18 and NCI-H1299 cells secreted FGF-2, and a neutralization antibody to FGF-2 inhibited LN-18 cells enhanced BBB function. These results suggest that FGF-2 would be a novel therapeutic target for GBM in the perivascular invasive front.     

Glutathione-Mediated Alleviation of Chromium Toxicity in Rice Plants

A hydroponic experiment was conducted to determine the possible effect of exogenous glutathione (GSH) in alleviating chromium (Cr) stress through examining plant growth, chlorophyll contents, antioxidant enzyme activity, and lipid peroxidation in rice seedlings exposed to Cr toxicity. The results showed that plant growth and chlorophyll content were dramatically reduced when rice plants were exposed to 100 μM Cr. Addition of GSH in the culture solution obviously alleviated the reduction of plant growth and chlorophyll content. The activities of some antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase in leaves, and CAT and glutathione peroxidase in roots showed obvious increase under Cr stress. Addition of GSH reduced malondialdehyde accumulation and increased the activities of these antioxidant enzymes in both leaves and roots, suggesting that GSH may enhance antioxidant capacity in Cr-stressed plants. Furthermore, exogenous GSH caused significant decrease of Cr uptake and root-to-shoot transport in the Cr-stressed rice plants. It can be assumed that GSH is involved in Cr compartmentalization in root cells.     

Comparison between the effects of normoxia and hypoxia on antioxidant enzymes and glutathione redox state in ex vivo culture of CD34(+) cells

Hypoxia maintained biological characteristics of CD34(+) cells through keeping lower intracellular reactive oxygen specials (ROS) levels. The effects of normoxia and hypoxia on antioxidant enzymes and glutathione redox state were compared in this study. Hypoxia decreased the mRNA expression of both catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX), but not affected mRNAs expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD). While the cellular GPX activities under hypoxia were apparently less than those under normoxia, neither SOD activities nor CAT activities were affected by hypoxia. The analysis of glutathione redox status and ROS products showed the lower oxidized glutathione (GSSG) levels, the higher reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, the higher GSH/GSSG ratios, and the less O(2)- and H(2)O(2) generation under hypoxia (versus normoxia). Meanwhile more primary CD34(+)CD38(-) cells were obtained when cultivation was performed under hypoxia or with N-acetyl cysteine (the precursor of GSH) under normoxia. These results demonstrated the different responses of anti-oxidative mechanism between normoxia and hypoxia. Additionally, the present study suggested that the GSH-GPX antioxidant system played an important role in HSPCs preservation by reducing peroxidation.     

Influence of changes in glutathione concentration on body temperature and tolerance to cerebral ischemia

Two compounds that deplete glutathione (buthionine sulfoximine and diethyl maleate) with different mechanisms of action decrease body temperature and increase tolerance to complete global cerebral ischemia, both correlating closely with the glutathione concentration decrease. Glutathione apparently participates in the regulations of these functional parameters. GSH diethyl ester does not influence the latter, though it increases moderately the GSH concentration. Injection of GSH ester into the cerebral ventricles or subcutaneously selectively increases the GSH level in the brain and liver. An influence of the brain on the glutathione system in the liver was revealed. Diethyl maleate and GSH ester increase the activity of glutathione metabolizing enzymes under certain conditions.