Regulation of Intracellular Calcium in Cerebellar Granule Neurons: Effects of Depolarization and of Glutamatergic and Cholinergic Stimulation

The regulation of the cytosolic free Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) was investigated by microfluorimetry in single cerebellar granule neurons exposed to various treatments (high K+, glutamate, or acetylcholine) and drugs. The responses to the treatments developed asynchronously during cell culture, with high K+ and glutamate reaching their maxima at 6 and 7 days in vitro and acetylcholine at 9 days in vitro. The biphasic [Ca2+]i transients induced by high K+ (an initial peak, followed by a plateau 30-40% of the peak, both sustained by dihydropyridine-sensitive voltage-gated Ca2+ channels) were dissipated by washing with fresh medium or, more rapidly, by addition of excess EGTA (t1/2 = 11 +/- 2 and 3 +/- 0.6 s, respectively). Compared to those induced by high K+, the [Ca2+]i transients induced by glutamate administered in Mg2(+)-free medium were much more variable. An initial peak, sustained by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels, was visible in only approximately 50% of the cells and disappeared when multiple glutamate pulses were administered. In the rest of the population, the transients were monophasic, with persistent plateaus sustained only in part (30-40%) by voltage-gated Ca2+ channels.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Biochemical and Temporal Analysis of Events Associated with Apoptosis Induced by Lowering the Extracellular Potassium Concentration in Mouse Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Abstract: We analyzed biochemically and temporally the molecular events that occur in the programmed cell death of mouse cerebellar granule neurons deprived of high potassium levels. An hour after switching the neurons to a low extracellular K⁺ concentration ([K⁺]_o), a significant part of the genomic DNA was already cleaved to high-molecular-weight fragments. This phenomenon was intensified with the progression of the death process. Addition of cycloheximide to the neurons 4 h after high [K⁺]_o deprivation resulted in no cell loss and complete recovery of the damaged DNA. DNA margination and nuclear fragmentation as assessed by 4,6-diaminodiphenyl-2-phenylindole staining were observable in a few cells beginning ～4 h after the removal of high [K⁺]_o and developed to nuclear condensation 4 h later. Six hours after high [K⁺]_o deprivation, the DNA was fragmented into oligonucleosome-sized fragments. Within 6 h after removal of the extracellular K⁺, 50% of the neurons were committed to die and lost their ability to be rescued by readministration of 25 mM [K⁺]_o. Similar to high [K⁺]_o deprivation, inhibition of RNA or protein synthesis failed to halt neuronal degeneration of a similar percentage of cells 6 h after the onset of the death process. Mitochondrial function steadily decreased after [K⁺]_o removal. An ～40% decrease in RNA and protein synthesis was detected by 6 h of [K⁺]_o removal during the period of cell death commitment; rates continued to decline gradually thereafter. The temporal characteristics of the DNA damage and recovery, DNA cleavage to oligonucleosome-sized fragments, and the reduction in mitochondrial activity—events that occurred within the critical time—may indicate that these processes have an important part in the mechanism that committed the neurons to die.     

Morphological and Biochemical Changes During Programmed Cell Death of Rat Cerebellar Granule Cells

Cultured cerebellar granule cells deprived of depolarizing concentrations of KCl and serum die by programmed cell death. Recently, it was shown that serum removal by itself can lead to oxidative stress and DNA fragmentation in these cells. We have modified the protocol which initiates cell death in such a way that only the effect of KCl withdrawal-induced cell death was observed. We have performed a series of experiments to correlate the structural and biochemical changes in this process of cell death. Significant morphological alterations occur in cell bodies and neurites during a 48-hour period of KCl removal. Cell viability dropped to 53%, 34% or 10% of control levels, respectively, as a result of 1-, 2-, or 3-day KCl removal. A series of experiments was conducted to determine the change of total protein level, protein synthesis rate, RNA synthesis rate, and mitochondrial activity during the first 48 hours of KCl removal. These studies not only provide a picture correlating the morphological and biochemical changes in the process of programmed cell death, but also serve as a reference for future studies of this complex phenomenon.     

活性氧所致超氧化物歧化酶肽链断裂的观察

探究活性氧所致铜锌超氧化物歧化酶（ＳＯＤ）肽链断裂的情况。将过氧化氢或抗坏血酸－Ｆｅ（Ⅲ）分别作用于马来酰亚胺标记的ＳＯＤ,然后用高效液相反相色谱（ＲＰＨＰＬＣ）分析,经１ｍｍｏｌ／ＬＨ２Ｏ２处理后ＳＯＤ用ＲＰ－ＨＰＬＣ分离出二个肽段,用顺磁共振检测显示只有一个肽段具有马来酰亚胺信号,经５ｍｍｏｌ／ＬＨ２Ｏ２处理后ＳＯＤ有四个肽段生成,其中有一个肽段具有马来酰亚胺信号,用５ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ抗坏血酸和０．０１ｍｍｏｌ／ＬＦｅＣｌ３处理后ＳＯＤ有三个肽段生成,用５０ｍｍｏｌ／Ｌ抗坏血酸及１．０ｍｍｏｌ／ＬＦｅＣｌ３处理后ＳＯＤ也产生相同的三个肽段,只是肽段的量多．结果提示Ｈ２Ｏ２所致ＳＯＤ肽链断裂无“定点”现象,而抗坏血酸－Ｆｅ（Ⅲ）所致ＳＯＤ肽链断裂呈“定点”断裂。     

Activation of G Proteins Bidirectionally Affects Apoptosis of Cultured Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Abstract: Cultured cerebellar granule neurons maintained in depolarizing concentrations of K⁺ (25 m M ) and then switched to physiological concentrations of K⁺ (5 m M ) undergo apoptosis. We now report that activation of specific G proteins robustly and bidirectionally affects apoptosis of cultured rat cerebellar granule neurons. Stimulation of G_s with cholera toxin completely blocks apoptosis induced by nondepolarizing concentrations of K⁺, whereas stimulation of G_o/G_i with the wasp venom peptide mastoparan induces apoptosis of cerebellar granule neurons even in high (depolarizing) concentrations of K⁺. Moreover, pretreatment of cerebellar granule neurons with cholera toxin attenuates neuronal death induced by mastoparan. By contrast, pertussis toxin, cell-permeable analogues of cyclic AMP, and activators of protein kinase A do not affect apoptosis of cultured cerebellar granule neurons. These data suggest that G proteins may function as key switches for controlling the programmed death of mammalian neurons, especially in the developing CNS.     

Induction of Ornithine Decarboxylase by N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Activation Is Unrelated to Potentiation of Glutamate Excitotoxicity by Polyamines in Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Abstract: Polyamines positively modulate the activity of the N -methyl- d -aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptors. The concentration of polyamines in the brain increases in certain pathological conditions, such as ischemia and brain trauma, and these compounds have been postulated to play a role in excitotoxic neuronal death. In primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule neurons, exogenous application of the polyamines spermidine and spermine (but not putrescine) potentiated the delayed neurotoxicity elicited by NMDA receptor stimulation with glutamate. Furthermore, both toxic and nontoxic concentrations of glutamate stimulated the activity of ornithine decarboxylase (ODC)—the key regulatory enzyme in polyamine synthesis—and increased the concentration of ODC mRNA in cerebellar granule neurons but not in glial cells. Glutamate-induced ODC activation but not neurotoxicity was blocked by the ODC inhibitor difluoromethylornithine. Thus, high extracellular polyamine concentrations potentiate glutamate-triggered neuronal death, but the glutamate-induced increase in neuronal ODC activity may not play a determinant role in the cascade of intracellular events responsible for delayed excitotoxicity.     

Neuronal Cell Death and Reactive Oxygen Species

1. We have investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cell death induced by ischemia or application of the excitatory amino acid agonist, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) or kainate (KA), in acutely isolated rat cerebellar granule cell neurons, studied by flow cytometry. Various fluorescent dyes were used to monitor intracellular calcium concentration, ROS concentration, membrane potential, and viability in acutely dissociated neurons subjected to ischemia and reoxygenation alone, NMDA or kainate alone, and ischemia and reoxygenation plus NMDA or kainate.2. With ischemia followed by reoxygenation, ROS concentrations rose slightly and there was only a modest increase in cell death after 60 min.3. When NMDA or kainate alone was applied to the cells there was a large increase in ROS and in intracellular calcium concentration but only a small loss of cellular viability. However, when NMDA or kainate was applied during the reoxygenation period there was a large loss of viability, accompanied by membrane depolarization, but the elevations of ROS and intracellular calcium concentration were not greater than seen with the excitatory amino acids alone.4. These observations indicate that other factors beyond ROS and intracellular calcium concentration contribute to cell death in cerebellar granule cell neurons.     

Adenovirus-Mediated Gene Transfer of Inhibitors of Apoptosis Proteins Delays Apoptosis in Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Abstract : The inhibitor of apoptosis (IAP) family of anti-apoptotic genes, originally discovered in baculovirus, exists in animals ranging from insects to humans. Here, we investigated the ability of IAPs to suppress cell death in both a neuronal model of apoptosis and excitotoxicity. Cerebellar granule neurons undergo apoptosis when switched from 25 to 5 m M potassium, and excitotoxic cell death in response to glutamate. We examined the endogenous expression of four members of the IAP family, X chromosome-linked IAP (XIAP), rat IAP1 (RIAP1), RIAP2, and neuronal apoptosis inhibitory protein (NAIP), by semiquantitative reverse PCR and immunoblot analysis in cultured cerebellar granule neurons. Cerebellar granule neurons express significant levels of RIAP2 mRNA and protein, but expression of RIAP1, NAIP, and XIAP was not detected. RIAP2 mRNA content and protein levels did not change when cells were switched from 25 to 5 m M potassium. To determine whether ectopic expression of IAP influenced neuronal survival after potassium withdrawal or glutamate exposure, we used recombinant adenoviral vectors to target XIAP, human IAP1 (HIAP1), HIAP2, and NAIP into cerebellar granule neurons. We demonstrate that forced expression of IAPs efficiently blocked potassium withdrawal-induced N -acetly-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-specific caspase activity and reduced DNA fragmentation. However, neurons were only protected from apoptosis up to 24 h after potassium withdrawal, not at later time points suggesting that IAPS delay but do not block apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurons. In contrast, treatment with 100 μ M or 1 m M glutamate did not induce caspase activity and adenoviral-mediated expression of IAPs had no influence on subsequent excitotoxic cell death.     

NMDA Receptor Activation Produces Concurrent Generation of Nitric Oxide and Reactive Oxygen Species: Implications for Cell Death

Abstract: The ability of glutamate to stimulate generation of intracellular oxidant species was determined by microfluorescence in cerebellar granule cells loaded with the oxidant-sensitive fluorescent dye 2,7-dichlorofluorescin (DCF). Exposure of cells to glutamate (10 µM) produced a rapid generation of oxidants that was blocked ～70% by MK-801 (a noncompetitive NMDA-receptor antagonist). To determine if nitric oxide (NO) or reactive oxygen species (ROS) contributed to the oxidation of DCF, cells were treated with compounds that altered their generation. NO production was inhibited with N^G-nitro-l -arginine methyl ester (l -NAME) (nitric oxide synthase inhibitor) and reduced hemoglobin (NO scavenger). Alternatively, cells were incubated with superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, which selectively metabolize O₂^?· andH₂O₂. Concurrent inhibition of O₂^?· and NO production nearly abolished intracellular oxidant generation. Pretreatment of cells with either chelerythrine (1 µM, protein kinase C inhibitor) or quinacrine (5 µM, phospholipase A₂ inhibitor) before addition of glutamate also blocked oxidation of DCF. Generation of oxidants by glutamate was significantly reduced by incubating the cells in Ca²⁺-free buffer. In cytotoxicity studies, a positive correlation was observed between glutamate-induced death and oxidant generation. Glutamate-induced cytotoxicity was blocked by MK-801 and attenuated by treatment with l -NAME, chelerythrine, SOD, or quinacrine. It is concluded that glutamate induces concurrent generation of NO and ROS by activation of both NMDA receptors and non-NMDA receptors through a Ca²⁺-mediated process. Activation of NO synthase and phospholipaseA₂ contribute significantly to this response. It is proposed that simultaneous generation of NO and ROS results in formation of peroxynitrite, which initiates the cellular damage.     

Effects of Calcium Channel Antagonists on Calcium Entry and Glutamate Release from Cultured Rat Cerebellar Granule Cells

Abstract: Using a range of Ca²⁺ channel blockers we have investigated the Ca²⁺ channel subtypes that mediate the depolarisation-induced elevation of the intracellular free Ca²⁺ concentration ([Ca²⁺]_i) and glutamate release from cultured rat cerebellar granule cells. ω-Conotoxin-GVIA had little effect on either the transient or plateau phase of the depolarisation-induced [Ca²⁺]_i rise or on glutamate release, ruling out a significant role for N-type Ca²⁺ channels. Nifedipine substantially inhibited the initial transient rise in [Ca²⁺]_i and the plateau phase of the [Ca²⁺]_i rise and glutamate release, suggesting the involvement of L-type Ca²⁺ channels. Both ω-agatoxin and ω-conotoxin-MVIIC also inhibited the transient rise in [Ca²⁺]_i and glutamate release but not the plateau phase of the [Ca²⁺]_i rise. The inhibitions by nifedipine were not increased by coaddition of ω-conotoxin-MVIIC, suggesting overlapping sensitivity to these channel blockers. These data show that glutamate release from granule cells in response to depolarisation with a high KCI level involves Ca²⁺ currents that are sensitive to nifedipine, ω-agatoxin-IVA, and also ω-conotoxin-MVIIC. The overlapping sensitivity of the channels to these toxins prevents attribution of any of the phases of the [Ca²⁺]_i rise or glutamate release to distinct P-, Q-, or O-type Ca²⁺ currents.     

ROS Produced by NOX2 Controls In Vitro Development of Cerebellar Granule Neurons Development

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) act as signaling molecules that regulate nervous system physiology. ROS have been related to neural differentiation, neuritogenesis, and programmed cell death. Nevertheless, little is known about the mechanisms involved in the regulation of ROS during neuronal development. In this study, we evaluated the mechanisms by which ROS are regulated during neuronal development and the implications of these molecules in this process. Primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) were used to address these issues. Our results show that during the first 3 days of CGN development in vitro (days in vitro; DIV), the levels of ROS increased, reaching a peak at 2 and 3 DIV under depolarizing (25 mM KCl) and nondepolarizing (5 mM KCl) conditions. Subsequently, under depolarizing conditions, the ROS levels markedly decreased, but in nondepolarizing conditions, the ROS levels increased gradually. This correlated with the extent of CGN maturation. Also, antioxidants and NADPH-oxidases (NOX) inhibitors reduced the expression of Tau and MAP2. On the other hand, the levels of glutathione markedly increased at 1 DIV. We inferred that the ROS increase at this time is critical for cell survival because glutathione depletion leads to axonal degeneration and CGN death only at 2 DIV. During the first 3 DIV, NOX2 was upregulated and expressed in filopodia and growth cones, which correlated with the hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) distribution in the cell. Finally, NOX2 KO CGN showed shorter neurites than wild-type CGN. Taken together, these results suggest that the regulation of ROS is critical during the early stages of CGN development.     

Involvement of a Caspase-3-Like Cysteine Protease in 1-Methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium-Mediated Apoptosis of Cultured Cerebellar Granule Neurons

Abstract: Exposure of various neuronal cells or cell lines to high concentrations of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP⁺), the active metabolite of 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP), results in cell death. Recently, it has been reported that low concentrations of MPP⁺ induce apoptosis in susceptible neurons. We have further characterized MPP⁺-mediated toxicity of cultured cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) and found that exposure of CGNs to relatively low concentrations of MPP⁺ results in apoptosis, whereas higher concentrations result in necrosis. Cotreatment of CGNs with MPP⁺ and the tetrapeptide inhibitor of caspase-3-like proteases, acetyl-DEVD-CHO, markedly attenuates apoptotic but not necrotic death of these neurons. The more specific inhibitor of caspase-1-like proteases, acetyl-YVAD-CHO, however, was ineffective against MPP⁺ neurotoxicity. Moreover, cytoplasmic extracts prepared from MPP⁺-treated CGNs contain markedly increased protease activity that cleaves the caspase-3 substrate acetyl-DEVD- p -nitroaniline. Finally, the cytoplasmic concentration of the apoptogenic protein cytochrome c was increased in a time-dependent fashion in MPP⁺-treated CGNs before the onset of apoptosis. Our data confirm that the neurotoxicity of MPP⁺ is due to both necrosis and apoptosis and suggest that the latter is mediated by activation of a caspase-3-like protease.     

The Contribution of Mitochondrial Respiratory Complexes to the Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

This work was focused on distinguishing the contribution of mitochondrial redox complexesto the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) during cellular respiration. We were ableto accurately measure, for the first time, the basal production of ROS under uncoupled conditionsby using a very sensitive method, based on the fluorescent probe dichlorodihydrofluoresceindiacetate. The method also enabled the detection of the ROS generated by the oxidation ofthe endogenous substrates in the mitochondrial preparations and could be applied to bothmitochondria and live cells. Contrary to the commonly accepted view that complex III(ubiquinol:cytochrome c reductase) is the major contributor to mitochondrial ROS production, wefound that complex I (NADH-ubiquinone reductase) and complex II (succinate-ubiquinonereductase) are the predominant generators of ROS during prolonged respiration under uncoupledconditions. Complex II, in particular, appears to contribute to the basal production of ROSin cells.     

Death of Cerebellar Granule Neurons Induced by Piperine Is Distinct from that Induced by Low Potassium Medium

We compared neurotoxicity of piperine and low K⁺on cultured cerebellar granule neurons. As considered from lactate dehydrogenase release and 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide reduction, both piperine and shifting from high K⁺(25 mM) to low K⁺(5.4 mM) were cytotoxic to cerebellar granule neurons. Protein synthesis inhibitors, cycloheximide and anisomycin, and an endonuclease inhibitor, aurintricarboxylic acid, were protective against low K⁺-induced neuronal death whereas they were ineffective against that induced by piperine. D--tocopherol, trolox, and a spin trap 3,3,5,5-tetramethyl-l-pyrroline-l-oxide were protective against piperine neurotoxicity whereas they had no effect on that induced by low K⁺. These results suggest that piperine and low K⁺may exert neurotoxic effects on cerebellar granule neurons through different mechanisms. Death of cerebellar granule neurons induced by piperine may be mediated by non-apoptotic mechanisms and may involve membrane lipid peroxidation and/or free radical generation.     

Kainate-Induced Apoptosis in Cultured Murine Cerebellar Granule Cells Elevates Expression of the Cell Cycle Gene Cyclin D1

Abstract: Recent evidence suggests that neuronal apoptosis is the consequence of an inappropriate reentry into the cell cycle. Expression of the cell cycle gene cyclin D1, a G1-phase cell cycle regulator, was examined in primary cultures of murine cerebellar granule cells (CGCs) during kainate (KA)-mediated apoptosis. Using cultures of CGCs, we found that a 24-h exposure to KA (1–3,000 µ M ) induced a concentration-dependent cell death with neurons exhibiting characteristic apoptotic morphology and extensive labeling using the terminal transferase-mediated nick end-DNA labeling (TUNEL) method. KA induced a time- and concentration-dependent increase in expression of cyclin D1 as determined by immunocytochemistry and western blot analysis. KA-induced apoptosis and cyclin D1 expression exhibited a similar concentration dependence and were significantly attenuated by the non-NMDA receptor antagonist 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (50 µ M ), indicating a KA receptor-mediated effect. Here we present evidence for the first time that KA-induced apoptosis in cultured CGCs involves the induction of cyclin D1, suggesting its involvement in excitotoxic receptor-mediated apoptosis.     

Modulation of Ion Gradients and Glutamate Release in Cultured Cerebellar Granule Cells by Ouabain

Abstract: Upon addition of the cardiac glycoside ouabain to cultured cerebellar granule cells, an immediate increase in intracellular free sodium is evoked mediated by two pathways, a voltage-sensitive channel blocked by tetrodotoxin and a channel sensitive to flunarizine. Ouabain induces a steady plasma membrane depolarization in low Ca²⁺ medium; whereas in the presence of Ca²⁺, a distinct discontinuity is observed always preceded by a large increase in intracellular free Ca²⁺ ([Ca²⁺]_c). The plateau component of the increase can be inhibited additively by the L-type Ca²⁺ channel antagonist nifedipine, the spider toxin Aga-Gl, and the NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801. Single-cell imaging reveals that the [Ca²⁺]_c increase occurs asynchronously in the cell population and is not dependent on a critical level of extracellular glutamate or synaptic transmission between the cells. A prolonged release of glutamate is also observed that is predominantly Ca²⁺ dependent for the first 6–10 min after the evoked increase in [Ca²⁺]_c. This release is four times as large as that observed with 50 m M KCl and is predominantly exocytotic because release was inhibited by tetanus toxin, the V-type ATPase inhibitor bafilomycin, and Aga-Gl. It is proposed, therefore, that ouabain induces a period of membrane excitability culminating in a sustained exocytosis above that observed upon permanent depolarization with KCl.     

活性氧参与一氧化氮诱导的神经细胞凋亡

采用激光共聚焦成像技术，用氧化还原敏感的特异性荧光探针(DCFH-DA和DHR123)直接研究了一氧化氮供体S-亚硝基-N-乙酰基青霉胺(SNAP)诱导未成熟大鼠小脑颗粒神经元凋亡过程中的细胞胞浆、线粒体中活性氧水平的变化，发现神经细胞经0.5 mmol/L SNAP处理1 h后，细胞胞浆及线粒体中活性氧水平大大增加.一氧化氮清除剂血红蛋白能够有效抑制细胞胞浆、线粒体中活性氧的产生，防止细胞凋亡.外源性谷胱甘肽对细胞也具有良好的保护作用，而当细胞中谷胱甘肽的合成被抑制后，一氧化氮的神经毒性大大增强.实验结果表明一氧化氮通过促进神经细胞产生内源性活性氧而启动细胞凋亡程序，而谷胱甘肽可能是重要的防止一氧化氮引发神经损伤的内源性抗氧化剂.