Effects of insulin and tyrosine kinase inhibitor on ion transport in the alveolar cell of the fetal lung.

We studied the effect of insulin and lavendustin-A (a tyrosine kinase inhibitor) on the short-circuit current (ISC) of primary cultures of fetal distal rat lung epithelium (FDLE). Insulin (2 microM) on the basolateral side of the monolayer increased ISC from 5.76 +/- 0.83 microA/cm2 (SEM, n = 7) to 7.23 +/- 1.00 microA/cm2 (p less than 0.01) under control conditions, and from 1.00 +/- 0.31 microA/cm1 to 1.53 +/- 0.34 microA/cm2 (p less than 0.05, n = 4) when amiloride (10 microM) was present on the apical side of the monolayer. Thus insulin increased both the amiloride-sensitive and insensitive ISC with the insulin-induced increase in ISC in the absence of amiloride (1.47 +/- 0.22 microA/cm2, n = 7) being significantly larger than that in the presence of 10 microM amiloride (0.53 +/- 0.14 microA/cm2, n = 4; p less than 0.025). Insulin's effect reached steady state in 1 hr. Lavendustin-A (10 microM), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, applied to the apical side of the monolayer attenuated but did not completely block insulin's ability to increase in ISC; i.e., insulin increased ISC in lavendustin-A treated monolayers (0.63 +/- 0.09 microA/cm2, n = 5; p less than 0.0025) but the increase was significantly smaller than that without the pretreatment of lavendustin-A (p less than 0.05). In the presence of amiloride (10 microM) and lavendustin-A (10 microM) insulin was no longer able to increase ISC (change in ISC = 0.04 +/- 0.03 microA/cm2, n = 6), suggesting that lavendustin-A had blocked the insulin's effect on the amiloride-insensitive ISC. Lavendustin-A (10 microM) had no significant effect on the basal ISC in control and amiloride treated monolayers. Our studies demonstrate that insulin increases amiloride-insensitive ISC in FDLE via lavendustin-A sensitive tyrosine kinase and that insulin's action on the amiloride-sensitive ISC of FDLE is mediated through a lavendustin-A insensitive (and presumably tyrosine kinase-independent) pathway.     

cAMP regulation of Cl(-) and HCO(-)(3) secretion across rat fetal distal lung epithelial cells

We isolated and cultured fetal distal lung epithelial (FDLE) cells from 17- to 19-day rat fetuses and assayed for anion secretion in Ussing chambers. With symmetrical Ringer solutions, basal short-circuit currents (I(sc)) and transepithelial resistances were 7.9 +/- 0.5 microA/cm(2) and 1,018 +/- 73 Omega.cm(2), respectively (means +/- SE; n = 12). Apical amiloride (10 microM) inhibited basal I(sc) by approximately 50%. Subsequent addition of forskolin (10 microM) increased I(sc) from 3.9 +/- 0.63 microA/cm(2) to 7.51 +/- 0.2 microA/cm(2) (n = 12). Basolateral bumetanide (100 microM) decreased forskolin-stimulated I(sc) from 7.51 +/- 0.2 microA/cm(2) to 5.62 +/- 0.53, whereas basolateral 4,4'-dinitrostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (5 mM), an inhibitor of HCO secretion, blocked the remaining I(sc). Forskolin addition evoked currents of similar fractional magnitudes in symmetrical Cl(-)- or HCO(-)(3)-free solutions; however, no response was seen using HCO(-)(3)- and Cl(-)-free solutions. The forskolin-stimulated I(sc) was inhibited by glibenclamide but not apical DIDS. Glibenclamide also blocked forskolin-induced I(sc) across monolayers having nystatin-permeablized basolateral membranes. Immunolocalization studies were consistent with the expression of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) protein in FDLE cells. In aggregate, these findings indicate the presence of cAMP-activated Cl(-) and HCO(-)(3) secretion across rat FDLE cells mediated via CFTR.     

Stimulation of sodium transport by aldosterone and arginine vasotocin in A6 cells

The effects of aldosterone and arginine vasotocin (AVT) on transepithelial Na+ transport of cultured A6 cells were investigated. All experiments were performed with cells grown on Millicell TM culture-plate inserts for a period of 2-4 weeks in defined, serum-free medium. Omitting fetal bovine serum 2 days after seeding the cells on filters did not influence potential difference (PD) development or the hormonal responses tested. The cell layers were placed in an Ussing chamber for short-circuit current (ISC) and transepithelial conductance (G) measurements. Base-line values were (n = 93): PD, 51.0 +/- 0.2 mV (apical side negative); ISC, 14.55 +/- 0.06 microA/cm2; G, 0.306 +/- 0.001 mS/cm2. ISC and G were higher in cells pretreated with 10(-7) M aldosterone for 24 h in the incubator, when compared to controls (ISC, 28 +/- 2 vs. 16 +/- 2 microA/cm2, G, 0.41 +/- 0.04 vs. 0.26 +/- 0.01 mS/cm2, n = 5) and both remained stable for at least 6 h. In cells not treated with aldosterone, 10(-7) M AVT increased ISC within 1 min after addition, producing a maximum ISC within 15 min which then declined to baseline levels over the next 5 h. Addition of AVT to aldosterone-pretreated cells resulted in a significantly greater peak increase in ISC than in non-pretreated cells (change in ISC compared to controls: 8.1 +/- 0.4 vs. 4.9 +/- 0.4 microA/cm2, n = 5, P less than 0.001), indicating a synergistic effect. A dose-response curve for amiloride obtained in the presence of AVT showed that amiloride completely inhibits ISC. Pretreatment of the A6 cells with aldosterone for 24 h shifted the amiloride dose-response curve to the right, as expressed in a doubling of the apparent Ki value (from 0.17 +/- 0.02 to 0.33 +/- 0.04 microM). In conclusion, A6 cells grown in defined, serum-free medium express a greater than additive synergism between aldosterone and AVT in stimulating transepithelial Na+ transport.     

Hypo-osmolar stimulation of transepithelial Cl- secretion in cultured human T84 intestinal epithelial layers.

Intact epithelial monolayers of T84 human colonic adenocarcinoma cells were exposed from the basolateral surfaces to hypo-osmotic media; in responsive tissues this resulted in a transient stimulation of inward short-circuit current (SCC) to a peak of 12.9 +/- 1.5 (S.E., n = 10) microA/cm2 which declined to prestimulation values of SCC (2.1 microA/cm2) within 5 min. Exposure of T84 cells to hypo-osmotic media results in an increase in cytosolic [Ca2+]i, dependent on extracellular Ca2+ influx. The cell-swelling activated SCC is abolished upon medium Cl- replacement and by 100 microM bumetanide applied to the basal-surfaces, consistent with the inward SCC resulting from transepithelial Cl- secretion. 100 microM DIDS (4,4'-diisothiocyanantostilbene-2,2'-disulphonic acid) also abolished the cell-swelling activated increase in SCC; DIDS is without effect upon the VIP-stimulated SCC, suggesting distinct Cl- channels are involved in the two responses.     

Inhibition of SIN-1–Induced Change in Mitochondrial Membrane Permeability in PC12 Cells by Dopamine

Dopamine (50 or 100 microM) attenuated the nuclear damage and cell death due to 500 microM SIN-1, a donor of superoxide and nitric oxide, in differentiated PC12 cells whereas 200 microM dopamine did not depress cell death. Dopamine at 50-100 microM for a 4-h treatment did not show a significant cytotoxic effect on PC12 cells. Dopamine (100 microM) inhibited the decrease in mitochondrial transmembrane potential, cytochrome c release, activation of caspase-3, formation of reactive oxygen species, and depletion of glutathione (GSH) due to 500 microM SIN-1 in PC12 cells. The reaction of dopamine with peroxynitrite reduced an amount of peroxynitrite. The results suggest that dopamine exhibits a biphasic effect against the cytotoxicity of SIN-1 depending on concentrations. Dopamine at 50-100 microM may attenuate the reactive nitrogen species-induced viability loss in PC12 cells by suppressing the mitochondrial membrane permeability change through inhibition of the formation of reactive species, including peroxynitrite.     

Vasoactive intestinal peptide-stimulated Cl- secretion: activation of cAMP-dependent K+ channels

Vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulates active Cl- secretion by the intestinal epithelium, a process that depends upon the maintenance of a favorable electrical driving force established by a basolateral membrane K+ conductance. To demonstrate the role of this K- conductance, we measured short-circuit current (I(SC)) across monolayers of the human colonic secretory cell line, T84. The serosal application of VIP (50 nM) increased I(SC) from 3 +/- 0.4 microA/cm2 to 75 +/- 11 microA/cm2 (n = 4), which was reduced to a near zero value by serosal applications of Ba2+ (5 mM). The chromanol, 293B (100 microM), reduced I(SC) by 74%, but charybdotoxin (CTX, 50 nM) had no effect. We used the whole-cell voltage-clamp technique to determine whether the K+ conductance is regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation in isolated cells. VIP (300 nM) activated K+ current (131 +/- 26 pA, n = 15) when membrane potential was held at the Cl- equilibrium potential (E(Cl-) = -2 mV), and activated inward current (179 +/- 28 pA, n = 15) when membrane potential was held at the K+ equilibrium potential (E(K+) = -80 mV); however, when the cAMP-dependent kinase (PKA) inhibitor, PKI (100 nM), was added to patch pipettes, VIP failed to stimulate these currents. Barium (Ba2+ , 5 mM), but not 293B, blocked this K+ conductance in single cells. We used the cell-attached membrane patch under conditions that favor K + current flow to demonstrate the channels that underlie this K+ conductance. VIP activated inwardly rectifying channel currents in this configuration. Additionally, we used fura-2AM to show that VIP does not alter the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, [Ca2 +]i. Caffeine (5 mM), a phosphodiesterase inhibitor, also stimulated K+ current (185 +/- 56 pA, n = 8) without altering [Ca2+]i. These results demonstrate that VIP activates a basolateral membrane K+ conductance in T84 cells that is regulated by cAMP-dependent phosphorylation.     

Inhibition of skeletal muscle S1-myosin ATPase by peroxynitrite

Exposure of myosin subfragment 1 (S1) to 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) produced a time-dependent inhibition of the F-actin-stimulated S1 Mg(2+)-ATPase activity, reaching 50% inhibition with 46.7 +/- 8.3 microM SIN-1 for 8.7 microM S1, that is, at a SIN-1/S1 molar ratio of approximately 5.5. The inhibition was due to the peroxynitrite produced by SIN-1 decomposition because (1) decomposed SIN-1 was found to have no effect on S1 ATPase activity, (2) addition of SIN-1 in the presence of superoxide dismutase and catalase fully prevented inhibition by SIN-1, and (3) micromolar pulses of chemically synthesized peroxynitrite produced inhibition of F-actin-stimulated S1 Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. In parallel, SIN-1 produced the inhibition of the nonphysiological Ca(2+)-dependent and K(+)/EDTA-dependent S1 ATPase activity of S1 and, therefore, suggested that the inhibition of F-actin-stimulated S1 Mg(2+)-ATPase activity is produced by the oxidation of highly reactive cysteines of S1 (Cys(707) and Cys(697)), located close to the catalytic center. This point was further confirmed by the titration of S1 cysteines with 5,5'-dithiobis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) and by the parallel decrease of Cys(707) labeling by 5-(iodoacetamido)fluorescein, and it was reinforced by the fact that other common protein modifications produced by peroxynitrite, for example, protein carbonyl and nitrotyrosine formation, were barely detected at the concentrations of SIN-1 that produced more than 50% inhibition of the F-actin-stimulated S1 Mg(2+)-ATPase activity. Differential scanning calorimetry of S1 (untreated and treated with different SIN-1 concentrations) pointed out that SIN-1, at concentrations that generate micromolar peroxynitrite fluxes, impaired the ability of ADP.V(1) to induce the intermediate catalytic transition state and also produced the partial unfolding of S1 that leads to an enhanced susceptibility of S1 to trypsin digestion, which can be fully protected by 2 mM GSH.     

Induction of endogenous glutathione by the chemoprotective agent, 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione, in human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells affords protection against peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity

Substantial evidence suggests that peroxynitrite generated from the bi-radical reaction of nitric oxide and superoxide is critically involved in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease. Reaction with sulfhydryl (SH)-containing molecules has been proposed to be a major detoxification pathway of peroxynitrite in biological systems. This study was undertaken to determine if chemically elevated intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH), a major SH-containing biomolecule, affords protection against peroxynitrite-mediated toxicity in cultured neuronal cells. Incubation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells with the unique chemoprotectant, 3H-1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T), led to a significant elevation of cellular GSH in a concentration-dependent fashion. To examine the protective effects of D3T-induced GSH on peroxynitrite-mediated toxicity, SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with D3T and then exposed to either the peroxynitrite generator, 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), or the authentic peroxynitrite. We observed that D3T-pretreated cells showed a markedly increased resistance to SIN-1- or authentic peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity, as assessed by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium reduction assay. Conversely, depletion of cellular GSH by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) caused a marked potentiation of SIN-1- or authentic peroxynitrite-mediated cytotoxicity. To further demonstrate the causal role for GSH induction in D3T-mediated cytoprotection, SH-SY5Y cells were co-treated with BSO to abolish D3T-induced GSH elevation. Co-treatment of the cells with BSO was found to significantly reverse the protective effects of D3T on SIN-1- or authentic peroxynitrite-elicited cytotoxicity. Taken together, this study demonstrates for the first time that D3T can induce GSH in cultured SH-SY5Y cells, and that the D3T-augmented cellular GSH defense affords a marked protection against peroxynitrite-induced toxicity in cultured human neuronal cells.     

Serotonin-induced chloride secretion in hen colon. Possible second messengers

1. Serotonin, 100 microM, induces a peak increase in short circuit current of about 150 microA/cm2 and in cord conductance of about 7 mS/cm2 and a more prolonged increase of 30 microA/cm2 and 1.4 mS/cm2 which lasts more than 30 min in hen colon. 2. The peak increase in short circuit current and cord conductance is due to a concomitant Cl- secretion. 3. The second messenger, which mediates Cl- secretion, increases in short circuit current and cord conductance, is cyclic AMP as theophylline, 0.5 mM, increases the response in short circuit current to 1 microM serotonin from 38 +/- 5 to 78 +/- 8 microA/cm2 and in g from 1.1 +/- 0.4 to 2.0 +/- 0.3 mS/cm2. 4. Theophylline, 0.5 mM, also sensitizes the hen colon to cyclic AMP yielding an EC50 of 0.24 +/- 0.03 mM in the presence of theophylline compared with an EC50 of 2.3 +/- 0.2 mM in the absence of theophylline. 5. Manipulations of other putative second messenger systems, such as the prostaglandins/leucotrienes, the phosphoinositides and external Ca2+ or calmodulin-sensitive enzymes, did not influence the serotonin response in short circuit current and cord conductance, thus ruling out their importance as intracellular mediators.     

Purinergic-induced ion current in monolayers of C7-MDCK cells: role of basolateral and apical ion transporters

This study examines purinergic modulation of short-circuit current (I(SC)) in monolayers of C7- and C11-MDCK cells resembling principal and intercalated cells from collecting ducts. In C7 monolayers, basolateral and apical application of ATP led to similar elevation of I(SC), consisting of a transient phase with maximal I(SC) increment of approximately 10 microA/cm2 terminating in 2-3 min, and a sustained phase with maximal I(SC) less than 2 microA/cm2 and terminating in 10 min. ATP-induced I(SC) was insensitive to the presence of Na+, Cl- and inhibitors of K+ (Ba2+, charibdotoxin (ChTX), clotrimazole (CLT), apamin) and Na + (amiloride) channels in the mucosal solution. Inhibitors of Cl- channels, DIDS and NPPB, added to apical membranes at a concentration of 100 microM, did not affect ATP-induced I(SC), whereas at 500 microM, NPPB inhibited it by 70-80%. Substitution of Cl- with NO3- in serosal medium decreased ATP-induced I(SC) by 2-3-fold and elevation of [K+]o from 6 to 60 mM changed its direction. Basolateral NPPB inhibited I(SC) by 10-fold with ED50 of approximately 30 microM, whereas ChTX (50 nM) and CLT (2 microM) diminished this parameter by 30-50%. Suppression of Na+, K+, Cl- cotransport with bumetanide did not affect the transient phase of ATP-induced I(SC) and slightly diminished its sustained phase. ATP increased ouabainand bumetanide-resistant K+ (86Rb) influx across the basolateral membrane by 7-8-fold, which was partially inhibited with ChTX and CLT. ATP-treated C11 cells exhibited negligible I(SC), and their presence did not affect I(SC) triggered by ATP in C7 cells. Thus, our results show that transcellular ion current in ATP-treated C7 cells is mainly caused by the coupled function of apical and basolateral anion transporters providing transient Cl- secretion. These transporters possess different sensitivities to anion channel blocker NPBB and are under the control of basolateral K+ channels(s) inhibited by ChTX and CLT.     

Cathepsin B is a differentiation-resistant target for nitroxyl (HNO) in THP-1 monocyte/macrophages

We previously showed that the one-electron reduction product of nitric oxide (NO), nitroxyl (HNO), irreversibly inhibits the proteolytic activity of the model cysteine protease papain. This result led us to investigate the differential effects of the nitrogen oxides, such as nitroxyl (HNO), NO, and in situ-generated peroxynitrite on cysteine modification-sensitive cellular proteolytic enzymes. We used Angeli's salt, diethylaminenonoate (DEA/NO), and 3-morpholinosydnoniminehydrochloride (SIN-1), as donors of HNO, NO, and peroxynitrite, respectively. In this study we evaluated their inhibitory activities on the lysosomal mammalian papain homologue cathepsin B and on the cytosolic 26S proteasome in THP-1 monocyte/macrophages after LPS activation or TPA differentiation. HNO-generating Angeli's salt caused a concentration-dependent (62 +/- 4% at 316 muM) inhibition of the 26S proteasome activity, resulting in accumulation of protein-bound polyubiquitinylated proteins in LPS-activated cells, whereas neither DEA/NO nor SIN-1 showed any effect. Angeli's salt, but not DEA/NO or SIN-1, also caused (94 +/- 2% at 316 muM) inhibition of lysosomal cathepsin B activity in LPS-activated cells. Induction of macrophage differentiation did not significantly alter the inhibitory effect of HNO on lysosomal cathepsin B activity, but protected the proteasome from HNO-induced inhibition. The protection awarded by macrophage differentiation was associated with induction of the GSH synthesis rate-limiting enzyme gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, as well as with increased intracellular GSH. In conclusion, HNO abrogates both lysosomal and cytosolic proteolysis in THP-1 cells. Macrophage differentiation, associated with upregulation of antioxidant defenses such as increased cellular GSH, does not protect the lysosomal cysteine protease cathepsin B from inhibition.     

Peroxynitrite diminishes gap junctional communication: protection by selenite supplementation

Loss of intercellular communication via gap junctions has been correlated with progression of cells to a malignant phenotype. Here, we show that peroxynitrite, a mediator of toxicity in inflammatory processes, diminishes gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells, assayed by the scrapeloading dye-transfer technique as well as by microinjection of a fluorescent dye into single cells. Exposure of cultured cells to a steady-state concentration of peroxynitrite of 1.6 microM for 4 min or to 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) at 0.5 mM strongly diminished GJIC. These concentrations of peroxynitrite or SIN-1 were not cytotoxic. When cells were grown in a medium supplemented with sodium selenite (0.1-1 microM) for 72 h, substantial protection was afforded against the decrease in GJIC by peroxynitrite. Thus, peroxynitrite can disrupt GJIC, and selenium-containing proteins protect.     

Mitogen-activated protein kinases mediate peroxynitrite-induced cell death in human bronchial epithelial cells

Peroxynitrite, formed by the reaction of nitric oxide (NO. ) with superoxide anions (O(2)(-).), may play a role in the pathophysiology of inflammation. The effects of 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1), a peroxynitrite generator, on the human bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS-2B, were examined. SIN-1 exposure resulted in cell death in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Depletion of intracellular glutathione increased the vulnerability of the cells. Pretreatment with Mn(III)tetrakis(N-methyl-4'-pyridyl)porphyrin (MnTMPyP) or hydroxocobalamin (HC), O(2)(-). and NO. scavengers, respectively, reduced significantly SIN-1-induced cell death (18.66 +/- 3.57 vs. 77.01 +/- 14.07 or 82.20 +/- 9.64, % cell viability SIN-1 vs. MnTMPyP or HC). Moreover, the mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) p44/42 (ERK), p38, and p54/46 (JNK) were also activated in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. PD-98059 and SB-239063, specific inhibitors of ERK and p38 MAPK pathways, failed to protect cells against 1 mM SIN-1. However, PD-98059 partially inhibited (60% cell survival) SIN-1 effects at < or =0.25 mM, and this was increased with the inclusion of SB-239063. Therefore, MAPKs may mediate signal transduction pathways induced by peroxynitrite in lung epithelial cells leading to cell death.     

Hemin induces active chloride secretion in Caco-2 cells

Enterocytes maintain fluid-electrolyte homeostasis by keeping a tight barrier and regulating ion channels. Carbon monoxide (CO), a product of heme degradation, modulates electrolyte transport in kidney and lung epithelium, but its role in regulating intestinal fluid-electrolyte homeostasis has not been studied. The major source of endogenous CO formation comes from the degradation of heme via heme oxygenase. We hypothesized that heme activates electrolyte transport in intestinal epithelial cells. Basolateral hemin treatment increased baseline Caco-2 cell short-circuit currents (I(sc)) twofold (control = 1.96 +/- 0.14 microA/cm(2) vs. hemin = 4.07 +/- 0.16 microA/cm(2), P < 0.01); apical hemin had no effect. Hemin-induced I(sc) was caused by Cl- secretion because it was inhibited in Cl- -free medium, with ouabain, 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino) benzoic acid (NPPB), or DIDS. Apical electrogenic Na+ channel inhibitor benzamil had no effect on hemin-induced I(sc). Hemin did not alter the ability of Caco-2 cells to respond maximally to forskolin, but a soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, [1,2,4]oxadiazolo-[4,3-a]quinoxalin-1-one (ODQ) inhibited the effects of hemin. A CO-releasing molecule, tricarbonyldichlororuthenium II, induced active Cl- secretion that was also inhibited with ODQ. We conclude that hemin induces active Cl- secretion in Caco-2 cells via a cGMP-dependent pathway. These effects are probably the consequence of CO formation. Heme and CO may be important regulators of intestinal fluid-electrolyte homeostasis.     

Mediatorless voltammetric oxidation of NADH and sensing of ethanol

A simple, selective and sensitive method for the detection of NADH and ethanol is presented. Self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of mercaptopyrimidine (MPM) and their derivatives, thiocytosine (TC) and 4,6-diamino-2-mercaptopyrimidine (DMP) on gold (Au) electrode are used for the voltammetric detection of NADH and ethanol in neutral aqueous solution. A decrease of 200-300 mV in the overpotential associated with an observable increase in the peak current was obtained for the oxidation of NADH on MPM and TC monolayer-modified electrodes without any redox mediator. The facilitated electron transfer for the oxidation of NADH at the TC monolayer is ascribed to the existence of stable cationic p-quinonoid form of TC. The electrode modified with DMP monolayer could not exhibit stable response for NADH owing to the fouling of electrode surface. The MPM and TC monolayer-modified electrodes show high selectivity and excellent sensitivity (MPM: 0.633+/-0.005 microA cm(-2) microM(-1); TC: 0.658+/-0.008 microA cm(-2) microM(-1)) towards NADH with detection limit (3sigma) of 2.5 and 0.5 microM, respectively. Presence of large excess of ascorbate (AA) does not interfere the detection of NADH and the monolayer-modified electrode shows individual voltammetric peaks for AA and NADH. Voltammetric sensing of ethanol using alcohol dehydrogenase on MPM and TC monolayer-modified electrode is successfully demonstrated and these electrode can detect as low as 0.5 mM ethanol in neutral pH. The sensitivity of the MPM and TC monolayer-modified electrodes toward ethanol was found to be 3.24+/-0.03 and 3.435+/-0.04 microA cm(-2) mM(-1), respectively.     

Cyclic AMP and cyclic GMP independent stimulation of ventricular calcium current by peroxynitrite donors in guinea pig myocytes

We investigated the potential involvement of peroxynitrite (ONOO(-)) in the modulation of calcium current (I(Ca)) in guinea pig ventricular myocytes with the whole-cell patch clamp technique and with cyclic AMP (cAMP) measurements. Because of the short half-life of ONOO(-) at physiological pH, we induced an increase in its intracellular levels by using donors of the precursors, nitric oxide (NO) and superoxide anion (O(2) (-)). High concentrations of NO donors, SpermineNONOate (sp/NO, 300 microM) or SNAP (300 microM) increased basal I(Ca) (50.3 +/- 4.6%, n = 7 and 46.2 +/- 5.0%, n = 13). The superoxide anion donor Pyrogallol (100 microM) also stimulated basal I(Ca) (44.6 +/- 2.8%, n = 11). At lower concentration sp/NO (10 nM) and Pyrogallol (1 microM), although separately ineffective on I(Ca), enhanced the current if applied together (33.5 +/- 0.7%, n = 7). The simultaneous donor of O(2) (-) and NO, SIN-1 (500 microM), also stimulated basal I(Ca) (22.8 +/- 2.1%, n = 13). In the presence of saturating cyclic GMP (cGMP, 50 microM) in the patch pipette or of extracellular dibutyryl cGMP (dbcGMP, 100 microM), I(Ca) was still increased by SIN-1 (32.0 +/- 6.1%, n = 4 and 30.0 +/- 5.4%, n = 8). Both Manganese(III)tetrakis(4-benzoic acid) porphyrin chloride (MnTBAP, 100 microM) a ONOO(-) scavenger, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (150 U/ml) reversed the stimulatory effect of SIN-1 on I(Ca) (respectively -0.6 +/- 4.1%, n = 4 and 3.6 +/- 4.3%, n = 4). Intracellular cAMP level was unaltered by SIN-1, while it was enhanced by blocking the NO-cGMP pathway with the NO synthase inhibitor L-NMMA. These results suggest that peroxynitrite donors increase cardiac calcium current without the involvement of cAMP and cGMP.     

Procyanidins from grape seeds protect endothelial cells from peroxynitrite damage and enhance endothelium-dependent relaxation in human artery: new evidences for cardio-protection

The peroxynitrite scavenging ability of Procyanidins from Vitis vinifera L. seeds was studied in homogeneous solution and in human umbilical endothelial cells (EA.hy926 cell line) using 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1) as peroxynitrite generator. In homogeneous phase procyanidins dose-dependently inhibited 2',7'-dichloro-dihydrofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation induced by SIN-1 with an IC50 value of 0.28 microM. When endothelial cells (EC) were exposed to 5 mM SIN-1, marked morphological alterations indicating a necrotic cell death (cell viability reduced to 16 +/- 2.5%) were observed. Cell damage was suppressed by procyanidins, with a minimal effective concentration of 1 microM (cell morphology and integrity completely recovered at 20 microM). Cellular localization of procyanidins in EC was confirmed using a new staining procedure and site-specific peroxyl radical inducers: AAPH and cumene hydroperoxide (CuOOH). Endothelial cells (EC) pre-incubated with procyanidins (20 microM) and exposed to FeCl3/K3Fe(CN)6 showed a characteristic blue staining, index of a site-specific binding of procyanidins to EC. Procyanidins dose-dependently inhibit the AAPH induced lipid oxidation and reverse the consequent loss of cell viability, but were ineffective when oxidation was driven at intracellular level (CuOOH). This demonstrates that the protective effect is due to their specific binding to the outer surface of EC thus to quench exogenous harmful radicals. Procyanidins dose-dependently relaxed human internal mammary aortic (IMA) rings (with intact endothelium) pre-contracted with norepinephrine (NE), showing a maximal vasorelaxant effect (85 +/- 9%) at 50 microM (catechin: 18 +/- 2% relaxation at 50 microM). This effect was completely abolished when IMA-rings were de-endothelized and when IMA-rings with intact endothelium were pretreated with L-NMMA or with the soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor, ODQ. Pre-incubation with indomethacin reduces (by almost 50%) the vasodilating effect of procyanidins, indicating the involvement also of a COX-dependent mechanism. This was confirmed in another set of experiments, where procyanidins dose-dependently stimulate the prostacyclin (PGI2) release, reaching a plateau between 25 and 50 microM. Finally, pre-incubation of IMA-rings with procyanidins (from 6.25 to 25 microM) resulted in a dose-dependent prevention of the endothelin-1 (ET-1) vasoconstriction. The ability of procyanidins to prevent peroxynitrite attack to vascular cells, by layering on the surface of coronary EC, and to enhance endothelial NO-synthase-mediated relaxation in IMA rings provide further insight into the molecular mechanisms through which they exert cardioprotective activity in ischemia/reperfusion injury in vivo.     

CFTR activation in human bronchial epithelial cells by novel benzoflavone and benzimidazolone compounds

Activators of the CFTR Cl- channel may be useful for therapy of cystic fibrosis. Short-circuit current (Isc) measurements were done on human bronchial epithelial cells to characterize the best flavone and benzimidazolone CFTR activators identified by lead-based combinatorial synthesis and high-throughput screening. The 7,8-benzoflavone UCcf-029 was a potent activator of Cl- transport, with activating potency (<1 microM) being much better than other flavones, such as apigenin. The benzimidazolone UCcf-853 gave similar Isc but with lower potency (5-20 microM). In combination, the effect induced by maximal UCcf-029 and UCcf-029, UCcf-853, and apigenin increased strongly with increasing basal CFTR activity: for example, Kd for activation by UCcf-029 decreased from >5 to <0.4 microM with increasing basal Isc from approximately 4 microA/cm2 to approximately 12 microA/cm2. This dependence was confirmed in permeabilized Fischer rat thyroid cells stably expressing CFTR. Our results demonstrate efficacy of novel CFTR activators in bronchial epithelia and provide evidence that activating potency depends on basal CFTR activity.     

Synergistic depletion of astrocytic glutathione by glucose deprivation and peroxynitrite: correlation with mitochondrial dysfunction and subsequent cell death

Previously we reported that immunostimulated astrocytes were highly vulnerable to glucose deprivation. The augmented death was mimicked by the peroxynitrite (ONOO )-producing reagent 3-morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1). Here we show that glucose deprivation and ONOO- synergistically deplete intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) and augment the death of astrocytes via formation of cyclosporin A-sensitive mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) pore. Astrocytic GSH levels were only slightly decreased by glucose deprivation or SIN-1 (200 microM) alone. In contrast, a rapid and large depletion of GSH was observed in glucose-deprived/ SIN-1-treated astrocytes. The depletion of GSH occurred before a significant release of lactate dehydrogenase (a marker of cell death). Superoxide dismutase and ONOO-scavengers completely blocked the augmented death, indicating that the reaction of nitric oxide with superoxide to form ONOO was implicated. Furthermore, nitrotyrosine immunoreactivity (a marker of ONOO-) was markedly enhanced in glucose-deprived/SIN-1 -treated astrocytes. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential (MTP) was synergistically decreased in glucose-deprived/SIN-1-treated astrocytes. The glutathione synthase inhibitor L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine markedly decreased the MTP and increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) releases in SIN-1-treated astrocytes. Cyclosporin A, an MPT pore blocker, completely prevented the MTP depolarization as well as the enhanced LDH releases in glucose-deprived/SIN-1-treated astrocytes.     

15-Deoxy-Delta12,14-prostaglandin J(2) protects against nitrosative PC12 cell death through up-regulation of intracellular glutathione synthesis

Nitrosative stress with subsequent inflammatory cell death has been associated with many neurodegenerative disorders. Expression of inducible nitric-oxide synthase and production of nitric oxide (NO) have been frequently elevated in many inflammatory disorders. NO can rapidly react with superoxide anion, producing more reactive peroxynitrite. In the present study, exposure of rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells to the peroxynitrite donor 3-morpholinosydnonimine hydrochloride (SIN-1) induced apoptosis, which accompanied depletion of intracellular glutathione (GSH), c-Jun N-terminal kinase activation, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, the cleavage of poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase, and DNA fragmentation. During SIN-1-induced apoptotic cell death, expression of inducible cyclooxygenase (COX-2), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARgamma) was elevated. SIN-1 treatment resulted in elevated production of 15-deoxy-Delta(12,14)-prostaglandin J(2) (15d-PGJ(2)), an endogenous PPARgamma activator. Preincubation with 15d-PGJ(2) rendered PC12 cells resistant to nitrosative stress induced by SIN-1. 15d-PGJ(2) fortified an intracellular GSH pool through up-regulation of glutamylcysteine ligase, thereby preventing cells from SIN-1-induced GSH depletion. The above findings suggest that 15d-PGJ(2) may act as a survival mediator capable of augmenting cellular thiol antioxidant capacity through up-regulation of the intracellular GSH synthesis in response to the nitrosative insult.