Effect of chronic hyperoxic exposure on duroquinone reduction in adult rat lungs

NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) plays a dominant role in the reduction of the quinone compound 2,3,5,6-tetramethyl-1,4-benzoquinone (duroquinone, DQ) to durohydroquinone (DQH2) on passage through the rat lung. Exposure of adult rats to 85% O2 for > or =7 days stimulates adaptation to the otherwise lethal effects of >95% O2. The objective of this study was to examine whether exposure of adult rats to hyperoxia affected lung NQO1 activity as measured by the rate of DQ reduction on passage through the lung. We measured DQH2 appearance in the venous effluent during DQ infusion at different concentrations into the pulmonary artery of isolated perfused lungs from rats exposed to room air or to 85% O2. We also evaluated the effect of hyperoxia on vascular transit time distribution and measured NQO1 activity and protein in lung homogenate. The results demonstrate that exposure to 85% O2 for 21 days increases lung capacity to reduce DQ to DQH2 and that NQO1 is the dominant DQ reductase in normoxic and hyperoxic lungs. Kinetic analysis revealed that 21-day hyperoxia exposure increased the maximum rate of pulmonary DQ reduction, Vmax, and the apparent Michaelis-Menten constant for DQ reduction, Kma. The increase in Vmax suggests a hyperoxia-induced increase in NQO1 activity of lung cells accessible to DQ from the vascular region, consistent qualitatively but not quantitatively with an increase in lung homogenate NQO1 activity in 21-day hyperoxic lungs. The increase in Kma could be accounted for by approximately 40% increase in vascular transit time heterogeneity in 21-day hyperoxic lungs.     

Hyperoxic inhibition of newborn rat lung development: protection by deferoxamine.

Prolonged exposure to hyperoxia markedly inhibits normal lung development (alveolarization and respiratory surface area expansion) in immature animals. Since (a) hyperoxia results in excess hydroxyl radical (OH.) formation, (b) (OH.) is implicated in O2-induced lipid peroxidation and DNA alterations, and (c) both OH. formation and its interaction with DNA are Fe++ dependent; chelation of Fe++ should act to protect against pulmonary O2 toxicity and hyperoxic inhibition of lung development. We therefore treated litters of newborn rats with the iron chelator Deferoxamine mesylate (DES) (150 mg/kg/day) during a 10-day exposure to greater than 95% O2. Morphometric analysis demonstrated that compared to the mean airspace size in air control rat pups (Lm = 44.5 microns), hyperoxic exposure resulted in a 34% larger mean air space diameter in O2-saline rat lungs (59.5 microns) versus only an 11% enlargement in O2-DES lungs (51.1 microns*). Lung internal surface area (cm2) per 100-g body weight were air control = 4480, O2-saline = 3570 (decreases 20.3%), and O2-DES = 4125* (decreases 7.9%) (*p less than 0.05 versus O2-saline group). DES-treated animals also had significantly decreased lung conjugated diene levels during hyperoxic exposure and increased lung elastin content (reflective of preserved lung alveolar formation) compared to O2-saline rats. These results indicate that DES treatment substantially ameliorated the inhibitory effects of neonatal hyperoxic exposure on normal lung development.     

Level and duration of developmental hyperoxia influence impairment of hypoxic phrenic responses in rats.

Developmental hyperoxia (1-4 wk of 60% O2) causes long-lasting impairment of hypoxic phrenic responses in rats. We hypothesized that shorter or less severe hyperoxic exposures would produce similar changes. Hypoxic phrenic responses were measured in 3- to 5-mo-old, urethane-anesthetized rats exposed to 60% O2 for postnatal day 1 or week 1 or to 30% O2 for postnatal week 1. Whereas 1 day of 60% O2 had no lasting effects (P > 0.05 vs. control), both 1 wk of 60% O2 and 1 wk of 30% O2 decreased adult hypoxic phrenic responses (P < 0.05 vs. control), although the effects of 30% O2 were smaller. Hypoxic ventilatory responses (expressed as the ratio of minute ventilation to metabolic CO2 production) were also reduced in unanesthetized rats (5-10 mo old) exposed to 1 wk of 60% O2 during development (P < 0.05). An age-dependent increase toward normal hypoxic phrenic responses was observed in rats exposed to 1 wk of 60% O2 (P < 0.05), suggesting a degree of spontaneous recovery not observed after 1 mo of 60% O2. These data indicate that long-lasting effects of developmental hyperoxia depend on the level and duration of hyperoxic exposure.     

Effects of acute hypoxia and hyperoxia on respiratory rate in albino rats chronically exposed to hypoxia

Changes in respiratory frequencies with hypoxic or hyperoxic exposure were studied in: 12 normoxic control rats (N) born and raised in normoxic environment at sea level; 12 rats (A) born and raised in normoxic environment at sea level exposed to normobaric hypoxia (10% O2 in N2) as adults; 12 rats of first generation (G1) raised in the above mentioned hypoxic environment since a few hours after birth; 12 rats of third generation (G3) conceived and born in the hypoxic environment of hypoxic parents of second generation and maintained continuously under hypoxic conditions until their utilization. The response of A rats to 10% O2 and 7% O2 breathing was elevated (57% and 86% over air breathing). The mean respiratory frequency of A rats exposed to 7% O2 rose to a greater extent than did that of N rats. The G1 and G3 rats were less responsive to 7% O2 (64% and 37% over air breathing, respectively) than N and A rats; however, in G1 rats the exposure to 7% O2 produced a greater rise of frequency than in G3 rats. Furthermore A rats, G1 rats and G3 rats were less responsive to 97% O2 breathing (19%, 19% and 11% below air breathing, respectively). Comparing these data with previous findings we suggest that, with chronic exposure to hypoxia, changes in ventilatory response to hypoxia and hyperoxia occur in the following manner: I) loss of response to hypoxia if chronic exposure is begun in the immediate postnatal period; 2) degree of response to hypoxia or hyperoxia influenced by duration of chronic exposure.     

Biochemical adaptation in rat liver in response to marginal oxygen toxicity

1. Hepatic glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity was increased in rats exposed to 5lb/in(2) (equivalent to 27000ft), 100% O(2) when compared with control animals in a 14.7lb/in(2) (sea level), air environment. Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase, isocitrate dehydrogenase, and succinate dehydrogenase were not affected by the 5lb/in(2), 100% O(2) environment. 2. Animals exposed to the hyperoxic environment consumed food, expired CO(2) and gained weight at the same rate as normoxic control animals. Additionally, blood glucose and liver glycogen concentrations were unchanged in the hyperoxic animals. The only readily apparent physiological difference in the hyperoxic animals was a decreased haematocrit. 3. The increase in glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase was eliminated by the injection of actinomycin D or cycloheximide. 4. Expiration of (14)CO(2) from [1-(14)C]glucose was approximately the same in hyperoxic and normoxic rats. However, (14)CO(2) expiration from [6-(14)C]glucose was markedly decreased in the animals exposed to the hyperoxic environment. 5. Calculations of the relative importance of the pentose phosphate pathway versus the tricarboxylic acid cycle plus glycolysis indicated that the livers from animals in the 5lb/in(2), 100% O(2) environment metabolized twice as much carbohydrate by way of the pentose phosphate pathway as did those from the sea-level air control animals. 6. In livers of rats exposed to 5lb/in(2), 100% O(2) the concentrations of pyruvate, citrate and 2-oxoglutarate were increased, that of isocitrate was slightly elevated, whereas the concentrations of succinate, fumarate and malate were decreased. 7. An inactivation of both tricarboxylic acid cycle lipoate-containing dehydrogenases, pyruvate and 2-oxoglutarate, under hyperoxic conditions is proposed. 8. The adaptive significance of the induction of glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and the resultant production of NADPH under hyperoxic conditions is discussed.     

Evaluation of a leukotriene receptor antagonist in prevention of hyperoxic lung injury in newborn rabbits.

Prolonged exposure to hyperoxia can result in significant lung injury and has been associated with the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia. Leukotrienes (LT) recruit polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMN) to the lung, increase vascular permeability, and have therefore been postulated to play a role in the pathogenesis of hyperoxic lung injury. This study investigates ICI 198,615 (ICI), an LTD4 and LTE4 receptor antagonist in preventing hyperoxic lung injury in newborn rabbits. Matched littermates of 7-day-old rabbits received ICI (0.1 or 1.0 microM/kg/h) or vehicle alone, were exposed to greater than 95% O2, and sacrificed after 48, 72, 84 and 96 h of exposure. Bronchoalveolar alveolar lavage fluid (BAL) of the left lung was analyzed for white cell count, differential, absolute number of PMNs, total protein, and cyclooxygenase products 6-keto-PGF1 alpha, and thromboxane B2. Lung water was quantified utilizing the right lung. Results demonstrated no significant differences between the ICI groups or between the ICI groups and controls. In conclusion, the administration of the LTD4 and LTE4 receptor antagonist ICI 198,615 was insufficient to reduce the formation of pulmonary edema, reduce mortality or attenuate hyperoxic lung injury. These experiments suggest that a number of other mediators may be involved in the hyperoxic lung injury process and that the functional inhibition of a portion of the arachidonic acid cascade was not sufficient to either prevent or attenuate hyperoxic lung injury in newborn rabbits.     

Metabolic response of perfused livers to various oxygenation conditions

Isolated liver perfusion systems have been used to characterize intrinsic metabolic changes in liver as a result of various perturbations, including systemic injury, hepatotoxin exposure, and warm ischemia. Most of these studies were done using hyperoxic conditions (95% O(2)) but without the use of oxygen carriers in the perfusate. Prior literature data do not clearly establish the impact of oxygenation, and in particular that of adding oxygen carriers to the perfusate, on the metabolic functions of the liver. Therefore, herein the effects of oxygen delivery in the perfusion system on liver metabolism were investigated by comparing three modes of oxygenation. Rat livers were perfused via the portal and hepatic veins at a constant flow rate of 3 mL/min/g liver in a recirculating perfusion system. In the first group, the perfusate was equilibrated in a membrane oxygenator with room air (21% O(2)) before entering the liver. In the second group, the perfusate was equilibrated with a 95% O(2)/5% CO(2) gas mixture. In the third group, the perfusate was supplemented with washed bovine red blood cells (RBCs) at 10% hematocrit and also equilibrated with the 95% O(2)/5% CO(2) gas mixture. Oxygen and CO(2) gradients across the liver were measured periodically with a blood gas analyzer. The rate of change in the concentration of major metabolites in the perfusate was measured over time. Net extracellular fluxes were calculated from these measurements and applied to a stoichiometric-based optimization problem to determine the intracellular fluxes and active pathways in the perfused livers. Livers perfused with RBCs consumed oxygen at twice the rate observed using hyperoxic (95% O(2)) perfusate without RBCs, and also produced more urea and ketone bodies. At the flow rate used, the oxygen supply in perfusate without RBCs was just sufficient to meet the average oxygen demand of the liver but would be insufficient if it increased above baseline, as is often the case in response to environmental perturbations. Metabolic pathway analysis suggests that significant anaerobic glycolysis occurred in the absence of RBCs even using hyperoxic perfusate. Conversely, when RBCs were used, glucose production from lactate and glutamate, as well as pathways related to energy metabolism were upregulated. RBCs also reversed an increase in PPP fluxes induced by the use of hyperoxic perfusate alone. In conclusion, the use of oxygen carriers is required to investigate the effect of various perturbations on liver metabolism.     

In vivo inosine protects alveolar epithelial type 2 cells against hyperoxia-induced DNA damage through MAP kinase signaling

Inosine, a naturally occurring purine with anti-inflammatory properties, was assessed as a possible modulator of hyperoxic damage to the pulmonary alveolar epithelium. Rats were treated with inosine, 200 mg/kg ip, twice daily during 48-h exposure to >90% oxygen. The alveolar epithelial type 2 cells (AEC2) were then isolated and cultured. AEC2 isolated from inosine-treated hyperoxic rats had less DNA damage and had increased antioxidant status compared with AEC2 from hyperoxic rats. Inosine treatment during hyperoxia also reduced the proportion of AEC2 in S and G2/M phases of the cell cycle and increased levels of the DNA repair enzyme 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) recovered from hyperoxic, inosine-treated rats contained threefold higher levels of active transforming growth factor-beta than BAL from rats exposed to hyperoxia alone, and Smad2 was activated in AEC2 isolated from these animals. ERK1/2 was activated both in freshly isolated and 24-h-cultured AEC2 by in vivo inosine treatment, whereas blockade of the MAPK pathway in vitro reduced the protective effect of in the vivo inosine treatment. Together, the data suggest that inosine treatment during hyperoxic exposure results in protective signaling mediated through pathways downstream of MEK. Thus inosine may deserve further evaluation for its potential to reduce hyperoxic damage to the pulmonary alveolar epithelium.     

Effects of hyperoxia on the metabolic response to cold of the newborn rat.

We asked what effects hyperoxia may have on the metabolic response to cold of the newborn rat. Whole body gaseous metabolism (VO2 and VCO2) was measured in 2-day old rats by open flow respirometry at ambient temperatures (Tamb) between 40 and 20 degrees C, changed at a rate of 0.5 degrees C/min during normoxia and hyperoxia (100% O2 breathing). In normoxia, the thermoneutral range was very narrow, at Tamb = 33-35 degrees C. A decrease in Tamb at first stimulated VO2; a further drop in Tamb below 28 degrees C reduced metabolic rate. The metabolic response to cold was not sufficient to maintain body temperature (Tb). In hyperoxia average values of VO2 were above the normoxic values at all Tamb, but the difference was mostly apparent at low Tamb; at 20 degrees C, hyperoxic VO2 averaged 73% more than in normoxia. This metabolic increase determined a significant but small rise of Tb. We conclude that in the 2-days-old rat hyperoxia has a stimulatory effect on metabolism which is Tamb-dependent, being much more apparent in the cold. This supports the concept that the normoxic VO2 of the newborn is limited by the supply of O2. However, the fact that in the cold, even in hyperoxia, VO2 did not reach very high values, and Tb was not maintained, suggests that not only O2 availability, but also the rate of O2 utilization limits the aerobic metabolic response of the newborn.     

Prenatal blockade of estradiol synthesis impairs respiratory and metabolic responses to hypoxia in newborn and adult rats

We tested the hypothesis that estradiol modifies respiratory control in pregnant rats and participates in the development of respiratory chemoreflexes in fetuses. Pregnant rats (n = 12) received daily subcutaneous injections of vehicle (Veh, n = 6) or 4-androsten-4-ol-3,17-dione acetate (ATD; inhibitor of estradiol synthesis; n = 6; 5 mg/day in vehicle) from gestational day 16 (G16) to delivery. Baseline ventilation (whole body plethysmography) and metabolic rate [oxygen consumption (Vo(2))] were determined at G14 and G20, in pups [on postnatal day 3 (P3) and P20] and in adult rats (on P70) born to Veh- or ATD-treated mothers. Hypoxic chemoreflex was assessed in P3 rats by acute exposure to 60% O(2) and in P20 or P70 rats by moderate hypoxia (12% O(2), 30 min). ATD treatment reduced circulating estradiol in pregnant dams at G20 without producing changes in the circulating level of estradiol precursors (testosterone and androstenedione). ATD-treated dams showed impaired respiratory adjustment to late gestation. Pups born to ATD mothers had higher resting Vo(2) (+23% at P3, +21% at P20), respiratory frequency (+15% at P3, +12% at P20), and minute ventilation (+11% at P3, +18% at P20) than pups from Veh mothers. Respiratory decrease during acute hyperoxic exposure at P3 was -9.7% in Veh (P < 0.05 vs. room air) and only -2.6% (P = not significant) in ATD pups. In P20 ATD rats, hypoxic ventilatory response was attenuated compared with Veh. In P20 and P70 rats, the drop of Vo(2) in hypoxia (-31% in P70, P < 0.0001) was not observed in ATD rats. We conclude that estradiol secreted during late gestation is necessary for respiratory adjustment to pregnancy and is required for adequate development of respiratory and metabolic control in the offspring.     

Hyperoxia decreases lung size of amphibian tadpoles without changing GSH-peroxidases or tissue peroxidation

1. During the development of D. pictus larvae (Amphibia) in normoxia, selenium (Se) GSH-Px increased whereas non-Se GSH-Px did not change. 2. Acclimation to 60 or 100% O2 did not change Se GSH-Px or non-Se GSH-Px. 3. Hyperoxia did not change tissue peroxidation (TBA-RS) confirming the good capacity of D. pictus tadpoles for O2-adaptation. 4. Since hyperoxic induction of catalase (CAT) has been previously described in D. pictus tadpoles, it is concluded that CAT is more important than both GSH-Px for the establishment of O2-adaptation. 5. Increases of Se GSH-Px, SOD and CAT, are probably important for adaptation to the change from aquatic to aerial environment during metamorphosis in normoxia. 6. Chronic exposure to 100% O2 enormously reduced the lung size of D. pictus larvae.     

Xanthine oxidase mediates elastase-induced injury to isolated lungs and endothelium

Xanthine oxidase (XO)-generated toxic O2 metabolites appear to contribute to reperfusion injury, but the possibility that XO is involved in hyperoxic or neutrophil elastase-mediated injury has not been investigated. We found that lungs isolated from rats fed a tungsten-rich diet had negligible XO activities and after exposure to hyperoxia developed less acute edematous injury during perfusion with buffer or purified neutrophil elastase than XO-replete lungs from control rats which had been exposed to hyperoxia. In parallel, tungsten-treated XO-depleted cultured bovine pulmonary arterial endothelial cells made less superoxide anion and as monolayers leaked less 125I-labeled albumin after exposure to neutrophil elastase than XO-replete endothelial cell monolayers. Our findings suggest that XO-derived O2 metabolites contribute to acute edematous lung injury from hyperoxia directly and by enhancing susceptibility to neutrophil elastase.     

Antioxidants preserve macrophage phagocytosis of Pseudomonas aeruginosa during hyperoxia

Pseudomonas. aeruginosa (PA) is a leading cause of nosocomial pneumonia in patients receiving mechanical ventilation with hyperoxia. Exposure to supraphysiological concentrations of reactive oxygen species during hyperoxia may result in macrophage damage that reduces their ability to phagocytose PA. We tested this hypothesis in cultured macrophage-like RAW 264.7 cells and alveolar macrophages from mice exposed to hyperoxia. Exposure to hyperoxia induced a similarly impaired phagocytosis of both the mucoid and the nonmucoid forms of PA in alveolar macrophages and RAW cells. Compromised PA phagocytosis was associated with cytoskeleton disorganization and actin oxidation in hyperoxic macrophages. To test whether moderate concentrations of O(2) limit the loss of phagocytic function induced by > or =95% O(2), mice and RAW cells were exposed to 65% O(2). Interestingly, although the resulting lung injury/cell proliferation was not significant, exposure to 65% O(2) resulted in a marked reduction in PA phagocytosis that was comparable to that of > or =95% O(2). Treatment with antioxidants, even post hyperoxic exposure, preserved actin cytoskeleton organization and phagocytosis of PA. These data suggest that hyperoxia reduces macrophage phagocytosis through effects on actin functions which can be preserved by antioxidant treatment. In addition, administration of moderate rather than higher concentrations of O2 does not improve macrophage phagocytosis of PA.     

Hyperoxic exposure affects the ventilatory response to hypoxia in awake rats

We tested whether hyperbaric O2 (HBO) has an adverse effect on the hypoxic ventilatory drive. Four groups of rats were exposed for 550 min to O2 at 1.67, 1.90, and 2.15 ATA and to air at 1.90 ATA, respectively. Ventilatory parameters (frequency, tidal volume, and minute ventilation) were measured using whole-body plethysmography, before the hyperbaric exposure, immediately after the exposure, and up to 20 days after the exposure. Resting ventilation was not affected after exposure at 1.90 ATA to air or at 1.67 ATA to O2. HBO at 1.90 and 2.15 ATA caused a reduction of frequency and an elevation of tidal volume at different inspired gases: air, 5% CO2 balance O2, 80% O2, and 4.5% O2. However, minute ventilation on the day after the hyperoxic exposure was not different from the control at either air, 5% CO2, or 80% O2 but was markedly attenuated on the first three breaths at 4.5% O2. The hypoxic ventilation decreased to 48 +/- 13 (SD) and 32 + 11% after 1.90 and 2.15 ATA, respectively. The ventilatory parameters recovered in the days after HBO. We conclude that HBO reversibly depresses the hypoxic ventilatory drive, most probably by a direct effect on the carotid O2 chemoreceptors.     

Effects of hyperoxic gas mixtures on energy metabolism during prolonged work.

These experiments were designed to study selected respiratory and metabolic responses to exercise in hyperoxia. Four subjects were examined during 30-min bicycle ergometer rides at both 40% and 80% of their aerobic maximum. The VO2 was significantly increased at both work levels breathing 60% O2 versus 21% O2, while VCO2 showed no significant change during the 40% exercise tests but was significantly decreased during the 80% intensity rides. The average increase in the volume of O2 taken up during 30 min of hyperoxic exercise, compared with normoxia, was 3.3 liters at the 40% exercise level and 5.6 liters at the 80% level. Neither the magnitude of the O2 nor the CO2 storage calculated for the exercise bouts could explain these increases. Steady-state criteria for the gas stores were established by the stable values of PETCO2, VO2, VCO2, and VI from minute 6 through 30 at both work levels. R values decreased during the hyperoxic tests suggesting the possibility of a shift toward increased fatty acid metabolism.     

Rat lung antioxidant enzyme activities and their specific proteins during hyperoxia

The hyperoxia-induced increases in the activity of lung glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-P) and glutathione reductase (GR) after exposure of rats to greater than 97% O2 for 6 days were accompanied by equivalent increases in the amount of the respective immunoreactive proteins. Hyperoxia also increased lung glutathione (GSH) + oxidized glutathione (GSSG) content and the magnitude of this hyperoxic response of increased GSH + GSSG, G-6-P, and GR (maximal 1.3- to 1.8-fold) declined as a function of age during the first 3 wk of life. Fetal rat lung explants cultured 4 days in 95% O2 showed increased G-6-P and GR activity and increased levels of the specific proteins 1.5-fold those of explants at 2 days of culture. We conclude that the hyperoxic response of increased rat lung G-6-P and GR activity in vivo and in vitro involves not just alteration of enzyme activity but also specific increases in the proteins catalyzing the reactions.     

Interleukin 1 protects rats against oxygen toxicity

We studied the effect of interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1) in the protection against O2 toxicity. Tracheal insufflation of IL-1 resulted in a dose-dependent protection against O2 toxicity. All control rats died within 3 days of O2 exposure. In contrast, 84, 71, and 20% of rats insufflated with 5, 1, and 0.2 microgram(s) IL-1 (150, 30, and 6 x 10(4) U), respectively, survived 100% O2 exposure for greater than 11 days. At 2.3 days after O2 exposure, control rats showed severe pulmonary injury, which insufflation of 5 microgram(s) IL-1 markedly attenuated. The protection against O2 toxicity was associated with a selective enhancement of pulmonary Mn-superoxide dismutase (Mn-SOD) activity in IL-1-insufflated rats. In rats insufflated with IL-1 that survived exposure to 100% O2 for 7 days, the activities of pulmonary Mn-SOD, Cu,Zn-SOD, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were all increased. The increased pulmonary Mn-SOD activity demonstrated in IL-1-insufflated rats at 2.3 days after O2 exposure may contribute to the protection against acute O2 toxicity, and the markedly increased activities of all pulmonary antioxidant enzymes shown in rats insufflated with IL-1 that survived O2 exposure for 7 days may in part be responsible for the chronic adaptation of these rats to a 100% O2 environment.     

Adenovirus-mediated transfer of the 1-cys peroxiredoxin gene to mouse lung protects against hyperoxic injury

1-Cys peroxiredoxin (1-cysPrx) is a novel antioxidant enzyme that has been shown to reduce a broad spectrum of peroxides including phospholipid hydroperoxides. We tested the hypothesis that adenovirus-mediated transfer of the 1-cysPrx gene can protect lungs of mice from oxidant injury. Mice infected with AdLacZ/AdNull were used as a control (AdCon). X-galactosidase staining revealed widespread expression of the LacZ gene in airways and lung alveoli. Compared with AdCon, 1-cysPrx expression was increased about twofold at 3 days after adenovirus infection. Mice with increased Prx expression showed less loss of body weight and longer survival during exposure to 100% O(2) or to 85% O(2) for 4 days followed by 100% O(2). At 72 h of 100% O(2) exposure, AdPrx infection protected mouse lungs from injury as indicated by less pleural effusion, lower lung wet/dry weight, less protein and fewer nucleated cells in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, and lower content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances and protein carbonyls in lung homogenate. These findings show that increased expression of 1-cysPrx through adenovirus-mediated gene transfer protects mouse lungs from hyperoxic injury and delays death.     

Effects of anoxia, hyperoxia, and salinity on neurons in the leech Nephelopsis obscura (Erpobdellidae): RNA redistribution by fluorescence histochemistry

The histochemical distribution of cytoplasmic RNA in ganglion cells of the freshwater leech Nephelopsis obscura has been studied using the fluorochrome acridine orange as a marker of nucleic acids. Two series of experiments, employing 50 adult animals, involved changes in oxygen tension in the water and changes in salinity. Normal leech neurons exhibit finely granular orange fluorescence uniformly distributed throughout the cytoplasm, with a perinuclear ring of especially strong fluorescence. After exposure to anoxic (0% O2), hypoxic (20% O2), or hyperoxic (200% O2) conditions at 20 degrees C for 1-15 days, the orange cytoplasmic fluorescence is no longer uniformly distributed; the redistribution is generally toward the periphery, leaving the perinuclear zone without RNA fluorescence, but irregular zones of cytoplasm devoid of RNA also occur not as a gradient. Leeches exposed to salinity of, or greater than, 2.5 ppt for 15 days exhibit similar changes. These alterations are confirmed by electron microscopy. Seasonal fluctuations in oxygen tension and salinity of lake water affect the distribution and abundance of organisms. The acridine orange method provides one measure of stress to the nervous system in freshwater invertebrates that might be applicable to ecological studies as well as to metabolic studies of individual animals.