Possible role of mitochondrial dysfunction in central neurodegeneration of ovariectomized rats

In the present study, ovariectomized Sprague-Dawley rats were used to mimic the pathological changes of post-menopausal females with genistein and estradiol benzoate (EB) as substitutes for endogenous estradiol. Measurements of hippocampal ATP content, mitochondrial ATP content and the rate of mitochondrial ATP synthesis in the hippocampus indicated that after ovariectomy, brain energy metabolism of the rats presented a transient change in hippocampal ATP content which was significant from the 6th to the 8th day after ovariectomy. The change on the 6th day was the most noteworthy. Mitochondrial ATP content and the rate of mitochondrial ATP synthesis of the hippocampus were also lowered. However, after using EB or genistein, the three indicators returned to normal. It is suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction may play a key role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) of the post-menopausal female, and may serve as the target for endogenous estrogen and exogenous phytoestrogen. In addition, genistein, which possesses the properties of estrogen but not its side effects such as carcinogenicity, could reverse the bioenergetic defects of ovariectomized rats and perhaps be used as a substitute for estradiol to prevent or treat central neurodegeneration in post-menopausal women.     

Topiramate modulates hippocampus NMDA receptors via brain Ca2+ homeostasis in pentylentetrazol-induced epilepsy of rats

Background: Increase in neuronal Ca²⁺, activation of hippocampus N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and defects in enzymes such as brain cortex microsomal membrane Ca²⁺-ATPase (MMCA) are thought to play a role in epilepsy. Topiramate (TOP) is a novel drug with broad antiepileptic effect, and its effect on brain cortex MMCA is not known. We investigated effects of TOP on pentylentetrazol (PTZ)-induced MMCA activity and NMDAR subunits in rat brain.

Materials and methods: Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four equal groups. The first group and second groups were used for the control and PTZ groups, respectively. 50 and 100?mg TOP were administered to rats constituting the third (TOP50) and fourth (TOP100) groups for 7 days, respectively. At the end of 7 days, all groups except the first received a single dose PTZ. Brain and hippocampus samples were taken at 3?hrs after PTZ administration.

Results: The microsomal MMCA activity was lower in the PTZ group than in control although the MMCA activities were higher in the treatment group than in PTZ group. Brain cortex total calcium levels, the hippocampus NMDAR 2A and 2B subunit concentrations were higher in the PTZ group than in control although their concentrations were decreased by TOP50 and TOP100 administration. Total brain cortex calcium and hippocampus NMDAR 2A and 2B subunit concentrations were higher in TOP100 group than in TOP50 group.

Conclusion: The two doses of TOP modulated MMCA activity, total brain cortex calcium and hippocampus NMDAR 2A and 2B subunit concentrations in the epileptic rats.     

Regional Energy Balance in Rat Brain After Transient Forebrain Ischemia

Abstract: Phosphocreatine, ATP, and glucose were severely depleted, and the lactate levels were increased in the paramedian neocortex, dorsal-lateral striatum, and CA1 zone of hippocampus of rats exposed to 30 min of forebrain ischemia. Upon recirculation of the brain, phosphocreatine, ATP, and lactate concentrations recovered to control values in the paramedian neocortex and CA1 zone of hippocampus and to near-control values in the striatum. The phosphocreatine and ATP concentrations then fell and the lactate levels rose in the striatum after 6–24 h, and in the CA1 zone of hippocampus after 24–72 h. The initial recovery and subsequent delayed changes in the phosphocreatine, ATP, and lactate concentrations in the striatum and hippocampus coincided with the onset and progression of morphological injury in these brain regions. The results suggest that cells in these regions regain normal or near-normal mitochondrial function and are viable, in terms of energy production, for many hours before unknown mechanisms cause irreversible neuronal injury.     

Brain changes in BDNF and S100B induced by ketogenic diets in Wistar rats

AimsWe investigated the effects of ketogenic diet (KD) on levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α, a classical pro-inflammatory cytokine), BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor, commonly associated with synaptic plasticity), and S100B, an astrocyte neurotrophic cytokine involved in metabolism regulation.Main methodsYoung Wistar rats were fed during 8 weeks with control diet or two KD, containing different proportions of omega 6 and omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. Contents of TNF-α, BDNF and S100B were measured by ELISA in two brain regions (hippocampus and striatum) as well as blood serum and cerebrospinal fluid.Key findingsOur data suggest that KD was able to reduce the levels of BDNF in the striatum (but not in hippocampus) and S100B in the cerebrospinal fluid of rats. These alterations were not affected by the proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids offered. No changes in S100B content were observed in serum or analyzed brain regions. Basal TNF-α content was not affected by KD.SignificanceThese findings reinforce the importance of this diet as an inductor of alterations in the brain, and such changes might contribute to the understanding of the effects (and side effects) of KD in brain disorders.     

Neonatal rat microglia derived from different brain regions have distinct activation responses

The regional heterogeneity of neuronal phenotypes is a well-known phenomenon. Whether or not glia derived from different brain regions are phenotypically and functionally distinct is less clear. Here, we show that microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, display region-specific responses for activating agents including glutamate (GLU), lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP). Primary microglial cultures were prepared from brainstem (Brs), cortex (Ctx), hippocampus (Hip), striatum (Str) and thalamus (Thl) of 1-day-old rats and were shown to upregulate the release of nitric oxide (NO) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in a region- and activator-specific manner. With respect to ATP specifically, ATP-induced changes in microglial tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) release, GLU uptake and purinergic receptor expression were also regionally different. When co-cultured with hypoxia (Hyp)-injured neurons, ATP-stimulated microglia from different regions induced different levels of neurotoxicity. These region-specific responses could be altered by pre-conditioning the microglia in a different neurochemical milieu, with taurine (TAU) being one of the key molecules involved. Together, our results demonstrate that microglia display a regional heterogeneity when activated, and this heterogeneity likely arises from differences in the environment surrounding the microglia. These findings present an additional mechanism that may help to explain the regional selectiveness of various brain pathologies.     

Changes of adenosine and its A(1) receptor in hypoxic preconditioning.

Effects of hypoxic preconditioning on adenosine (ADO) and its A(1) receptor were studied in Kunming mice. The ADO content and its metabolites in the brain were measured by a specific enzymatic method; a radioligand binding method was used to study the ADO A(1) receptor. The ADO content of the hippocampus in group C (exposure to 4 runs of hypoxia) was markedly higher than that in group A (control, without exposure to hypoxia and B (exposure to 1 run of hypoxia), showing that the ADO content could be cumulatively increased in the hippocampus, which was more sensitive to ischemia and hypoxia, during acute and repeated exposure to hypoxia. A(1) receptor density in group C was significantly lower than in group A and no difference was seen between groups B and C; A(1) receptor affinity in the hippocampus, pons and medula oblongata in group C was significantly higher than in group A, implying that during hypoxic preconditioning there might be some mechanisms preventing A(1) receptor density from decreasing further and making A(1) receptor affinity increase in some brain regions. These results indicate that cumulatively increased ADO in the hippocampus via A(1) receptor may play a neuroprotective role in the CNS as an inhibitory neuromodulator and thus contribute to the formation and development of acute hypoxic adaptation or tolerance.     

Protein kinase C activity in developing rat brain cells exposed to 2.45 GHz radiation

There is growing concern by the public regarding the potential human health hazard due to exposure to microwave frequencies. 2.45 GHz radiation widespread use in industry, research, and medicine, and leakage into the environment is possible. In order to quantitate this, experiments were performed on developing rat brain. Male Wistar 35-day-old rats (n = 6) were used for this study. Animals were exposed to 2.45 GHz radiation for 2 h/day for a period of 35 days at a power density of 0.344 mW/cm(2) (SAR 0.11 W/kg). The control group was sham irradiated. After 35 days these rats were sacrificed and whole brain tissue was isolated for protein kinase C (PKC) assay. For morphological study the forebrain was isolated from the whole brain and PKC activity was measured using P(32) labeled ATP. Our study reveals a statistically significant (p < 0.05) decrease in PKC activity in hippocampus as compared to the remaining portion of the whole brain and the control group. A similar experiment conducted on hippocampus and the whole brain gave a similar result. Electron microscopic study shows an increase in the glial cell population in the exposed group as compared to the control group. This present study is indicative of a significant change after exposure to the above-mentioned field intensity. This suggests that chronic exposures may affect brain growth and development.     

急性重复缺氧对小鼠脑组织腺苷及其A1受体的影响

分别应用酶鉴别分光光度法和放射性配体结合法测定小鼠脑组织腺苷（ａｄｅｎｏｓｉｎｅ,ＡＤＯ）含量及Ａ１受体在急性重复缺氧过程中的变化。发现经急性重复缺氧处理的动物全脑内ＡＤＯ含量有一定程度的累积增加,尤其在海马、脑桥和延髓处的增加较为显著;各脑区Ａ１受体的数目显著低于正常对照组,但海马、脑桥和延髓处Ａ１受体的亲和力显著高于正常对照组。结果提示,重复缺氧后虽然脑内Ａ１受体数目减少,但由于海马、脑桥和延髓处Ａ１受体的亲和力升高,累积增加的ＡＤＯ和Ａ１受体结合后,抑制神经细胞兴奋性的作用仍可能得到加强,从而使ＡＤＯ仍能更好地发挥抑制性神经调制作用。     

Alterations in NMDA receptor subunit levels in the brain regions of rats chronically administered typical or atypical antipsychotic drugs

It has been hypothesized that glutamatergic neurotransmission is related to the therapeutic effect of antipsychotic drugs. To test this hypothesis, we measured by use of the Western blot technique the polypeptide levels of NMDA receptor subunits, that is, NMDAR1, 2A, 2B, and 2C, in several regions of the rat brain after chronic treatment with haloperidol (HPD) or clozapine (CLZ). Each rat was intraperitoneally injected with HPD or CLZ at 10:00 h daily for 14 days. The brain regions examined were frontal cortex, striatum, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and cerebellum. Decreases in the polypeptide level of NMDAR2B were seen in hippocampus (but not in other brain regions) following the treatment with HPD or CLZ. Altered levels in NMDAR1-, 2A-, and 2C were not detected in any brain regions examined. We infer that an alteration in NMDAR2B in hippocampus is related to therapeutic effects of antipsychotic drugs.     

大鼠脑血管痉挛时NO和ET—1变化及尼莫地平的影响

目的探讨蛛网膜下腔出血(SAH)后脑血管痉挛(CVS)时脑组织一氧化氮(NO)和内皮素-1(ET-1)含量变化及尼莫地平(ND)对其影响。方法将135只Wistar大鼠随机均分为SAH组、ND处理组和假手术组,观察手术前后基底动脉管径,及24h内局部脑血流量(rCBF)、脑组织NO和ET-1含量动态改变,并行海马病理检查。结果SAH后rCBF明显而持续降低,基底动脉管径显著缩小;海马CAl区锥体细胞严重受损;脑组织NO和ET-1含量均在SAH后1～24h显著增加(P＜0．05～0．01)。ND处理后使上述异常变化均减轻。结论SAH后脑组织NO、ET-1增多可能参与了CVS所致脑损害过程,ND通过减轻CVS和拮抗脑组织NO及ET-1的病理性改变而发挥脑保护作用。     

Rapidly Raise Blood Sugar Will Aggravate Brain Damage After Severe Hypoglycemia in Rats

Hypoglycemia can cause rapid and severe brain damage. We studied the impact of hypoglycemic brain damage in the insulin-induced hypoglycemic rats. Thirty male rats were divided into normal blood sugar control group (group A), the blank group (group B), and the experimental group which was further divided into four groups according to the level of blood glucose reperfusion i.e., blood glucose ≤3 mmol/L (Group C), ≤6 mmol/L (Group D), ≤9 mmol/L (Group E), and >9 mmol/L (Group F). Each groups had five rats. TUNEL and FJB staining were used to observe the apoptosis and necrosis in the rat hippocampus CA1 and DG regions and transmission electron microscopy for ultra-structures. We observed that neuronal apoptosis and necrosis of group A and B were not obvious. The apoptotic and necrotic neuron cell densities in the hippocampus CA1 and DG regions were moderately detected in group C, D, and E, while we found it maximum in group F. No significant difference was found in apoptotic and necrotic neuron cell density in the hippocampus CA1 and DG regions in group A and B. Apoptotic and necrotic cell density was significantly increased in all experimental groups as compared to the control group. Moreover, the apoptotic and necrotic cell density was significantly higher in group F than other experimental groups (group C, D, and E). However, apoptosis and necrosis in hippocampus CA1 and DG regions was not differed significantly among groups C, D, and E. All results were well supported by transmission electron microscopy. In conclusion, under the condition of the same blood glucose level, the degree of brain damage related to the blood glucose level with hypoglycemia and rapid blood glucose increased after hypoglycemia could cause more significant brain damage.     

Specificity of Neurotensin Metabolism by Regional Rat Brain Slices

Regional differences in neurotensin metabolism and the peptidases involved were studied using intact, viable rat brain microslices and specific peptidase inhibitors. Regional brain slices (2 mm x 230 microns) prepared from nucleus accumbens, caudate-putamen, and hippocampus were incubated for 2 h in the absence and presence of phosphoramidon, captopril, N-[1(R,S)-carboxy-3-phenylpropyl]-Ala-Ala-Phe-p-aminobenzoate, and o-Phenanthroline, which are inhibitors of neutral endopeptidase 24.11, angiotensin-converting enzyme, metalloendopeptidase 24.15, and nonspecific metallopeptidases, respectively. Neurotensin-degrading proteolytic activity varied by brain region. Significantly less (35.0 +/- 1.6%) neurotensin was lost from hippocampus than from caudate-putamen (45.4 +/- 1.0%) or nucleus accumbens (47.8 +/- 1.1%) in the absence of inhibitors. Peptidases responsible for neurotensin metabolism on brain slices were found to be predominantly metallopeptidases. Metalloendopeptidase 24.15 is of major importance in neurotensin metabolism in each brain region studied. The relative contribution of specific peptidases to neurotensin metabolism also varied by brain region; angiotensin-converting enzyme and neutral endopeptidase 24.11 activities were markedly elevated in the caudate-putamen as compared with the nucleus accumbens or hippocampus. Interregional variation in the activity of specific peptidases leads to altered neurotensin fragment formation. The brain microslice technique makes feasible regional peptide metabolism studies in the CNS, which are impractical with synaptosomes, and provides evidence for regional specificity of neurotensin degradation.     

亚低温减少沙土鼠脑缺血后延迟性神经元死亡机制的研究

目的：研究亚低温对脑缺血后延迟性神经元死亡的影响及其与海马羟自由基产生以及纹状体多巴胺和ＡＴＰ含量变化的关系。方法：沙土鼠前脑缺血再灌注模型,缺血１０ｍｉｎ,应用病理检查方法判断海马ＣＡｌ锥体细胞死亡的数目。动物随机分为假手术组、缺血组、缺血再灌注组和亚低温缺血再灌注组。高效液相加电化学检测器方法测定海马羟自由基和纹状体多巴胺的含量,高效液相紫外检测器法测定纹状体ＡＴＰ含量。结果：亚低温条件下沙土     

氨基羟乙酸对慢性酒精中毒大鼠学习记忆的影响及可能的机制

目的：探究氨基羟乙酸（AOAA）对慢性酒精中毒大鼠学习记忆能力及可能机制的影响。方法：将60只SD雄性大鼠随机均分为3组（n=20）：空白对照组、模型组和治疗组。模型组和治疗组饮含6%（v/v）酒精水溶液28 d。14 d后,治疗组连续14 d腹腔注射AOAA（5 mg/kg·d）注射液,其余两组注射等量生理盐水。实验结束前5 d连续进行5 d的水迷宫实验,实验结束取大鼠海马组织检测H₂S含量、线粒体ATP酶活性及5-HT受体蛋白的表达。结果：与空白对照组比较,模型组大鼠水迷宫实验的第2~4日潜伏期、第2~4日游泳距离、H₂S含量均升高,ATP酶活性和海马CA1、CA3区5-HT受体阳性表达明显下降（P<0.01）;与模型组比较,治疗组大鼠第2~4日潜伏期、第2~4日游泳距离、H₂S含量均下降,ATP酶活性和海马CA1、CA3区5-HT受体阳性表达显著升高（P< 0.01）。结论：AOAA能够减轻慢性酒精中毒大鼠的症状,可能与AOAA影响H₂S的含量、线粒体酶活性、5-HT受体的含量有关。     

Effect of propofol on mitochondrial ATP content and ATPase activity in hippocampus of rats with cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury

ObjectiveStudy on the influence of the cerebral Ischemia-reperfusion Injury (IRI) on mitochondrial adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and ATPase activity in hippocampus of rats, as well as the protective effect of propofol on IRI in rats.MethodsA total of 40 male SD rats were randomly divided into 5 groups: sham operation group (Group A), ischemia reperfusion control group (Group B) and ischemic reperfusion with propofol pretreatment group (C group). Group C was further divided into three sub groups according to the different doses of propofol: Group C1 (50 mg/kg), Group C2 (100 mg/kg) and Group C3 (150 mg/kg). The rats from Groups B and C were applied for the IRI model preparation by blockage of the blood flow in arteria carotis communis. For the Groups A, arteria carotis communis were separated without blockage of the blood flow. Before preparation of IRI model for rats in Group C, different doses of propofol were intraperitoneally injected into the rats. For rats in Groups A and B, only saline solution with same volume was intraperitoneally injected at the same time. The ultra-structures of mitochondria in hippocampus of rats were observed under transmission electron microscope, and the mitochondrial degeneration rate was counted. The contents of ATP were determined by HPLC and the ATPase activity was characterized by ATPase activity assay kit.Results(1) Mitochondria in the hippocampus from Groups B and C showed different degrees of ultrastructural damage and more significant mitochondrial degeneration than those from Group A. The degree of damage and the rate of degeneration were in the order of B > C1 > C2 > C3 and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.01). (2) The contents of ATP and the ATPase activity in hippocampus from Groups B and C were significantly lower than those of Group A, while these indices from Group C were significantly higher than those in the B group, and the sequence was C3 > C2 > C1, indicating that the ATP content and ATPase activity were significantly correlated with the dose of propofol, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05).ConclusionIn summary, the contents of ATP and ATPase activity in hippocampus of rats can be decreased by cerebral IRI. The structure and function of the impaired mitochondria in IRI rats could be significantly improved by propofol, and the improvement effect is related to the dose of propofol.     

Regional distribution and in vivo release of tachykinin-like immunoreactivities in rat brain: evidence for regional differences in relative proportions of tachykinins

The regional distribution of various forms of tachykinin-like immunoreactivity (TKLI) was studied in rat brain using radioimmunoassay. TKLI was measured with two different tachykinin-antisera (K12 and E7), which react with neurokinin A (NKA) and neurokinin B (NKB) but not with substance P (SP) and with a specific SP-antiserum. TKLI-K12 and TKLI-E7 were found to have similar regional distributions which were, however, significantly different from that of the substance P-like immunoreactivity (SPLI). Thus, the ratio of the tissue concentrations of TKLI-K12 or TKLI-E7 to that of SPLI was higher in frontal cortex and hippocampus and lower in pons/medulla oblongata than in the other regions studied. Cation-exchange chromatography of neutral water extracts of brain tissue revealed two major immunoreactive components of TKLI-K12 and TKLI-E7, one of which co-eluted with synthetic NKB while the other appeared in the same region as synthetic NKA. The relative quantities of these components varied depending on the brain region studied. No TKLI-K12 or TKLI-E7 co-eluted with synthetic SP. Almost all of the SPLI in acetic acid or water extracts of brain tissue eluted as a single chromatographic component in the same position as synthetic SP. Potassium-stimulated in vivo release of TKLI-K12, TKLI-E7 and SPLI in striatum of rat brain could be demonstrated using intracerebral dialysis. The present results imply that tachykinins, which may serve as neurotransmitters or neuromodulators, are present in different proportions in different regions of rat brain.     

新生小鼠缺氧缺血性脑损伤模型的制作研究

目的：通过对动物模型的制作模拟新生儿围产期缺氧缺血性脑损伤,研究其脑组织病理变化,为新生儿缺氧缺血性脑损伤的病理生理的研究以及进一步有效的治疗提供实验基础。方法：将40只7d新生昆明小鼠分四组,分别为正常组（A组）、单侧颈总动脉结扎组（B组）、单侧颈总动脉结扎＋缺氧组（C组）和双侧颈总动脉结扎组（D组）。单侧颈总动脉结扎组（B组）行右侧颈总动脉结扎;单侧颈总动脉结扎＋缺氧组（C组）行右侧颈总动脉结扎后将其置于20℃的恒温50mL密闭容器中,分不同的时间将其取出;双侧颈总动脉结扎组（D组）行双侧颈总动脉结扎,各组术后均送回母鼠身边继续母乳喂养,三天后再作病理检测。结果：行单侧颈总动脉结扎加缺氧60min时,小鼠结扎侧皮质及海马区出现病理改变,随着缺氧时间延长（90rain、100min、120min）病变范围逐渐扩大,病理改变越明显。结论：本实验显示单侧颈总动脉结扎同时缺氧一定时间可以导致小鼠脑组织损伤,脑细胞发生病理改变,且皮层及海马区域的神经细胞对缺氧缺血最为敏感,从而为进一步研究新生儿缺氧缺血性脑损伤提供了较为可靠的模型。     

大鼠局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤中iNOS在大脑皮层和海马的表达

目的研究局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤中iNOS在不同脑区的表达.方法用改良的血管内栓线技术制造大鼠局灶性脑缺血与再灌注模型,应用免疫组织化学技术检测脑组织中的iNOS的表达.结果 (1)脑缺血再灌注损伤24h后,缺血组缺血侧大脑皮层、海马CA1区、CA3区神经元iNOS的表达显著增强,与正常对照组比较有显著性差异(P<0.05);(2)脑缺血再灌注损伤24h后,缺血组对照侧大脑皮层、海马CA1区、CA3区神经元iNOS的表达也明显增强,与正常对照组比较有显著性差异(P<0.05);(3) 与对照侧比较,脑缺血再灌注大鼠缺血侧皮质的iNOS表达显著增强(P<0.05),而海马CA1区、CA3区缺血侧的iNOS表达与对照侧相比无显著性差异(P>0.05).结论局灶性脑缺血再灌注损伤后,缺血侧皮层和海马iNOS表达显著升高,未缺血脑区(对照侧)iNOS反应性也较对照组者升高.     

Cerebral Polyamine Metabolism in Reversible Hypoglycemia of Rat: Relationship to Energy Metabolites and Calcium

Thirty minutes of insulin-induced reversible hypoglycemic coma (defined in terms of cessation of EEG activity) was produced in anesthetized rats. At the end of the hypoglycemic coma or after recovery for 3, 24, or 72 h induced by glucose infusion, the animals were reanesthetized and their brains frozen in situ. Two control groups were used: untreated controls without prior manipulations, and insulin controls, which received injections of insulin followed by glucose infusion to maintain blood glucose within the physiological range. The brains of these latter animals were frozen 3, 24, or 72 h after glucose infusion. Tissue samples from the cortex, striatum, hippocampus, and thalamus were taken to measure ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, and putrescine and spermidine levels, as well as phosphocreatine (PCr), ATP, glucose, and lactate content. In addition, 20-microns thick coronal sections taken from the striatum and dorsal hippocampus were used for histological evaluation of cell damage and also stained for calcium. Insulin in the absence of hypoglycemia produced a significant increase in ODC activity and putrescine level but had no effect on the profiles of energy metabolites or spermidine. During hypoglycemic coma, brain PCr, ATP, glucose, and lactate levels were sharply reduced, as expected. Energy metabolites normalized after 3 h of recovery. In the striatum, significant secondary decreases in PCr and ATP contents and rises in glucose and lactate levels were observed after 24 h of recovery. ODC activity, and putrescine and spermidine levels were unchanged during hypoglycemic coma. After 3 h of recovery, ODC activity increased markedly throughout the brain, except in the striatum. After 24 h of recovery, ODC activity decreased and approached control values 2 days later. Putrescine levels increased significantly throughout the brain after reversible hypoglycemic coma, the highest values observed after 24 h of recovery (p less than or equal to 0.001, compared with controls). After 72 h of recovery, putrescine levels decreased, but still significantly exceeded control values. Reversible hypoglycemic coma did not produce significant changes in regional spermidine levels except in the striatum, where an approximately 30% increase was observed after 3 and 72 h of recovery (p less than or equal to 0.01 and p less than or equal to 0.05, respectively). Twenty-four hours after hypoglycemic coma, intense calcium staining was apparent in layer III of the cerebral cortex, the lateral striatum, and the crest of the dentate gyrus. After 72 h of recovery, the intense calcium staining included also cortical layer II, the septal nuclei, the subiculum, and the hippocampal CA1-subfield.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)     

Proteomic profiling of proteins associated with methamphetamine-induced neurotoxicity in different regions of rat brain

It is well documented that methamphetamine (MA) can cause obvious damage to the brain, but the exact mechanism is still unknown. In the present study, proteomic methods of two-dimensional gel electrophoresis in combination with mass spectrometry analysis were used to identify global protein profiles associated with MA-induced neurotoxicity. For the first time, 30 protein spots have been found differentially expressed in different regions of rat brain, including 14 in striatum, 12 in hippocampus and 4 in frontal cortex. The proteins identified by tandem mass spectrometry were Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase, dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1, alpha synuclein, ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2N, stathmin 1, calcineurin B, cystatin B, subunit of mitochondrial H-ATP synthase, ATP synthase D chain, mitochondrial, NADH dehydrogenase(ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 8, glia maturation factor, beta, Ash-m, neurocalcin delta, myotrophin, profiling IIa, D-dopachrome tautomerase, and brain lipid binding protein. The known functions of these proteins were related to the pathogenesis of MA-induced neurotoxicity, including oxidative stress, degeneration/apoptosis, mitochontrial/energy metabolism and others. Of these proteins, alpha-synuclein was up-regulated, and ATP synthase D chain, mitochondrial was down-regulated in all brain regions. Two proteins, Cu, Zn superoxide dismutase, subunit of mitochondrial H-ATPsynthase were down-regulated and Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2N, NADH dehydrogenase (ubiquinone) Fe-S protein 8 were up-regulated simultaneously in striatum and hippocaltum. The expression of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase 1 (DDAH 1) increased both in striatum and frontal cortex. The parallel expression patterns of these proteins suggest that the pathogenesis of MA neurotoxicity in different brain regions may share some same pathways.