The Protective Effects of Riluzole on Manganese-Induced Disruption of Glutamate Transporters and Glutamine Synthetase in the Cultured Astrocytes

Chronic exposure to excessive manganese (Mn) can lead to manganism, a type of neurotoxicity accomplished with extracellular glutamate (Glu) accumulation. To investigate this accumulation, this study focused on the role of astrocyte glutamate transporters (GluTs) and glutamine synthetase (GS), which have roles in Glu transport and metabolism, respectively. And the possible protective effects of riluzole (a glutamatergic modulator) were studied in relation to Mn exposure. At first, the astrocytes were exposed to 0, 125, 250, and 500 μM MnCl(2) for 24 h, and 100 μM riluzole was pretreated to astrocytes for 6 h before 500 μM MnCl(2) exposure. Then, [(3)H]-glutamate uptake was measured by liquid scintillation counting; Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and GS activities were determined by a colorimetric method; glutamate/aspartate transporter (GLAST), glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1), and GS mRNA expression were determined by RT-PCR and protein levels were measured by western blotting. The results showed that Mn inhibited Glu uptake, Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and GS activities, GLAST, GLT-1, and GS mRNA, and protein in a concentration-dependent manner. And they were significantly higher for astrocytes pretreated with 100 μM riluzole than the group exposed to 500 μM MnCl(2). The results suggested that Mn disrupted Glu transport and metabolism by inhibiting GluTs and GS. Riluzole activated protective effects on enhancing GluTs and GS to reverse Glu accumulation. In conclusion, Mn exposure results in the disruption of GLAST, GLT-1, and GS expression and function. Furthermore, riluzole attenuates this Mn toxicity.     

Regulation by divalent cations of 3H-baclofen binding to GABAB sites in rat cerebellar membranes

When investigating the effects of divalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+) on 3H-baclofen binding to rat cerebellar synaptic membranes, we found that the specific binding of 3H-baclofen was not only dependent on divalent cations, but was increased dose-dependently in the presence of these cations. The effects were in the following order of potency: Mn2+ congruent to Ni2+ greater than Mg2+ greater than Ca2+ greater than Sr2+ greater than Ba2+. Scatchard analysis of the binding data revealed a single component of the binding sites in the presence of 2.5 mM MgCl2, 2.5 mM CaCl2 or 0.3 mM MnCl2 whereas two components appeared in the presence of 2.5 mM MnCl2 or 1 mM NiCl2. In the former, divalent cations altered the apparent affinity (Kd) without affecting density of the binding sites (Bmax). In the latter, the high-affinity sites showed a higher affinity and lower density of the binding sites than did the single component of the former. As the maximal effects of four cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Mn2+ and Ni2+) were not additive, there are probably common sites of action of these divalent cations. Among the ligands for GABAB sites, the affinity for (-), (+) and (+/-) baclofen, GABA and beta-phenyl GABA increased 2-6 fold in the presence of 2.5 mM MnCl2, in comparison with that in HEPES-buffered Krebs solution (containing 2.5 mM CaCl2 and 1.2 mM MgSO4), whereas that for muscimol was decreased to one-fifth. Thus, the affinity of GABAB sites for its ligands is probably regulated by divalent cations, through common sites of action.     

Dispensability of glutamic acid 48 and aspartic acid 134 for Mn2+-dependent activity of Escherichia coli ribonuclease HI

The activities of the eight mutant proteins of Escherichia coli RNase HI, in which the four carboxylic amino acids (Asp(10), Glu(48), Asp(70), and Asp(134)) involved in catalysis are changed to Asn (Gln) or Ala, were examined in the presence of Mn(2+). Of these proteins, the E48A, E48Q, D134A, and D134N proteins exhibited the activity, indicating that Glu(48) and Asp(134) are dispensable for Mn(2+)-dependent activity. The maximal activities of the E48A and D134A proteins were comparable to that of the wild-type protein. However, unlike the wild-type protein, these mutant proteins exhibited the maximal activities in the presence of >100 microM MnCl(2), and their activities were not inhibited at higher Mn(2+) concentrations (up to 10 mM). The wild-type protein contains two Mn(2+) binding sites and is activated upon binding of one Mn(2+) ion at site 1 at low ( approximately 1 microM) Mn(2+) concentrations. This activity is attenuated upon binding of a second Mn(2+) ion at site 2 at high (>10 microM) Mn(2+) concentrations. The cleavage specificities of the mutant proteins, which were examined using oligomeric substrates at high Mn(2+) concentrations, were identical to that of the wild-type protein at low Mn(2+) concentrations but were different from that of the wild-type protein at high Mn(2+) concentrations. These results suggest that one Mn(2+) ion binds to the E48A, E48Q, D134A, and D134N proteins at site 1 or a nearby site with weaker affinities. The binding analyses of the Mn(2+) ion to these proteins in the absence of the substrate support this hypothesis. When Mn(2+) ion is used as a metal cofactor, the Mn(2+) ion itself, instead of Glu(48) and Asp(134), probably holds water molecules required for activity.     

锰对PC12 细胞的增殖抑制与凋亡研究

目的:研究锰作用下PC12细胞的增殖抑制作用与凋亡相关的形态学、生化指标改变。方法:用200,400,600,800μmol/LMnCl2的培养液,分别作用对数生长期PC12细胞1,2,3,4d后,用MTT筛选锰的细胞毒性剂量;透射电镜观察细胞形态学变化;琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测MnCl2对PC12细胞基因组DNA的影响。结果:MTT实验显示200-800μmol/L MnCl2作用4天对PC12有显著的抑制作用,呈剂量和时间依赖趋势,600μmol/L MnCl2作用4d对PC12的抑制率可达50%以上。600μmol/L MnCl2作用4d电镜可见细胞凋亡,同样条件下细胞DNA碎片化。结论:PC12细胞在锰作用下发生增殖抑制,原因是锰诱导PC12细胞凋亡。     

Mn(2+) ions reduce the enzymatic and pharmacological activities of bothropstoxin-I, a myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A(2) homologue from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom

Bothropstoxin-I (BthTX-I), a myotoxic Lys49 phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) homologue isolated from Bothrops jararacussu snake venom, causes a range of biological effects, including myonecrosis, mouse paw edema, irreversible neuromuscular blockade and lysis of cell cultures. Among eight divalent cations assayed, Mn(2+) was the most effective in reducing mouse paw edema induced by BthTX-I (25 microg). Preincubating BthTX-I with Mn(2+) (1.0mM) reduced mouse paw edema by 70% and myotoxicity by 60% in mice injected i.m. with 50 microg toxin. Mn(2+) (50 microl of a 1mM solution) administered within 1min at the site of toxin injection was still but less effective in antagonising BthTX-I-induced myotoxicity. Mn(2+) (1.0mM) completely prevented BthTX-I (1.4 microM)-induced neuromuscular blockade in the mouse phrenic-nerve diaphragm preparation. Mn(2+) (0.25mM) protected about 85% of NB41A3 cells from lysis when coincubated with BthTX-I (1.0 microM) for 25h. Preincubation with 0.25mM Mn(2+) increased the sensitivity of the cells to subsequent lysis by BthTX-I in the absence of Mn(2+). BthTX-I (1 microM) caused extensive fatty acid release (from 0.8% of the total radiolabeled lipid in control cells to 56% with toxin) when incubated with the NB41A3 cell line for 25h. PLA(2) activity observed in cell cultures after addition of BthTX-I was considerably reduced by 0.25mM Mn(2+). Mn(2+) ions constitute a promising agent to assess the action mechanism and the effects of enzymatic inhibition on the pharmacological activity of Lys49 PLA(2) homologues.     

Ribonucleotide reductase of Brevibacterium ammoniagenes is a manganese enzyme

Ribonucleotide reduction and not DNA replication is the site for the specific manganese requirement of DNA synthesis and cell growth in the coryneform bacterium Brevibacterium ammoniagenes. To characterize the metal effect we have isolated and purified ribonucleoside-diphosphate reductase from overproducing bacteria that were first deprived of and then reactivated by manganese ions. Purification on columns of Sephacryl S400, DEAE-cellulose and hydroxyapatite provided an apparently homogeneous enzyme consisting of two protein subunits. These were characterized by affinity chromatography on 2',5'-ADP-Sepharose as nucleotide-binding protein B1 (Mr = 80,000) and catalytic protein B2 (Mr = 100,000, composed of two Mr = 50,000 polypeptides), which were both necessary for activity. In vitro the purified enzyme does not require added metal ions except for an unspecific, twofold activity increase observed in the presence of Mg2+ and other divalent cations. Enzyme activity is inhibited by hydroxyurea (I50 = 2.5 mM). The electronic spectrum with maxima around 455 nm and 485 nm closely resembles that of manganese(III)-containing pseudocatalase and of oxo-bridged binuclear Mn(III) model complexes. Denaturation of the enzyme in trichloroacetic acid liberated an equimolar amount of Mn(II) which was detected by EPR spectroscopy. It was not possible to remove and reintroduce metal ions without loss of enzyme activity. Manganese-deficient cell cultures were also grown in the presence of 54MnCl2. Ribonucleotide reductase activity and radioactivity cochromatographed in several systems. Non-denaturing polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis showed that protein subunit B2 was specifically 54Mn-labeled. All these properties suggest that the ribonucleotide reductase of B. ammoniagenes is a manganese-containing analog of the non-heme-iron-containing reductases of Escherichia coli and eukaryotes.     

Enhancing Effect of Manganese on L-DOPA-Induced Apoptosis in PC12 Cells

L-DOPA and manganese both induce oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in catecholaminergic PC12 cells. In this study, exposure of PC12 cells to 0.2 mM MnCl2 or 10-20 microM L-DOPA neither affected cell viability, determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, nor induced apoptosis, tested by flow cytometry, fluorescence microscopy, and the TUNEL technique. L-DOPA (50 microM) induced decreases in both cell viability and apoptosis. When 0.2 mM MnCl2 was associated with 10, 20, or 50 microM L-DOPA, a concentration-dependent decrease in cell viability was observed. Apoptotic cell death also occurred. In addition, manganese inhibited L-DOPA effects on dopamine (DA) metabolism (i.e., increases in DA and its acidic metabolite levels in both cell lysate and incubation medium). The antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine significantly inhibited decreases in cell viability, apoptosis, and changes in DA metabolism induced by the manganese association with L-DOPA. An increase in autoxidation of L-DOPA and of newly formed DA is suggested as a mechanism of manganese action. These data show that agents that induce oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis in catecholaminergic cells may act synergistically.     

Inhibition and activation of mannan synthesis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae spheroplast lysates.

Mannan synthetase activity in spheroplast lysates prepared from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was measured by following the incorporation of [14C]mannose from guanosine 5'-diphosphate-[14C]mannose into material precipitable with cold 0.3 M perchloric acid. When enzyme activity was assayed at high concentrations of spheroplast lysate protein (10 mg/ml) in the presence of 7.5 mM MnCl2, a severe inhibition was observed. This inhibition could be relieved by preincubation of the spheroplast lysate at 4 degrees C for 16 to 32 h before assay, by repeated freezing and thawing of the spheroplast lysate, or by the omission of MnCl2 from assay mixtures. The addition of ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid or monovalent cations removed inhibition in the presence of Mn2+. No similar inhibition was observed when a washed membrane fraction was substituted for spheroplast lysate as the source of mannan synthetase. The supernatant fluid obtained by centrifuging spheroplast lysate at 100,000 x g, when added to assay mixtures containing either spheroplast lysate preincubated at 4 degrees C or washed membrane fraction, also caused inhibition of enzyme activity. This inhibition required 7.5 mM MnCl2 and was destroyed by heating the supernatant fluid at 60 degrees C for 10 min, or by trypsin treatment at 30 degrees C. These results indicate the existence of a protein inhibitor of mannan synthesis whose inhibitory activity in spheroplast lysates may be modulated by preincubation at low temperature or by varying the available Mn2+ concentration.     

Cationic modulation of follicle-stimulating hormone binding to granulosa cell receptor

Magnesium (Mg2+) increases binding of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to membrane-bound receptors and increases adenylyl cyclase activity. We examined the effects of divalent and monovalent cations on FSH binding to receptors in granulosa cells from immature porcine follicles. Divalent and monovalent cations increased binding of [125I]iodo-porcine FSH (125I-pFSH). The divalent cations Mg2+, calcium (Ca2+) and manganese, (Mn2+) increased specific binding a maximum of 4- to 5-fold at added concentrations of 10 mM. Mg2+ caused a half-maximal enhancement of binding at 0.6 mM, whereas Ca2+ and Mn2+ had half-maximal effects at 0.7 mM and 0.8 mM, respectively. The monovalent cation potassium (K+) increased binding a maximum of 1.5-fold at an added concentration of 50 mM, whereas the monovalent cation (Na+) did not increase binding at any concentration tested. The difference between K+ and Na+ suggested that either enhancement of binding was not a simple ionic effect or Na+ has a negative effect that suppresses its positive effect. Ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid, a chelator of Mg2+, prevented binding of 125I-pFSH only in the presence of Mg2+, whereas pregnant mare's serum gonadotropin, a competitor with FSH for the receptor, prevented binding in both the absence and the presence of Mg2+. Guanyl-5-ylimidodiphosphate (Gpp[NH]p) inhibited binding of 125I-pFSH in the absence or presence of Mg2+, but only at Gpp(NH)p concentrations greater than 1 mM. We used Mg2+ to determine if divalent cations enhanced FSH binding by increasing receptor affinity or by increasing the apparent number of binding sites.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Detection of heavy metal ions using protein-functionalized microcantilever sensors

Microcantilevers functionalized with metal-binding protein, AgNt84-6, are demonstrated to be sensors for the detection of heavy metal ions like Hg(2+) and Zn(2+). AgNt84-6, a protein that has the ability to bind multiple atoms of Ni(2+), Zn(2+), Co(2+), Cu(2+), Cd(2+) and Hg(2+) was attached to the gold-coated side of silicon nitride cantilevers via linker groups. Upon exposure to 0.1 mM HgCl(2) and 0.1 mM ZnCl(2) solutions, the microcantilevers underwent bending corresponding to an expanding gold side. Exposure to a 0.1 mM solution of MnCl(2) solution did not result in a similar bending indicating a weak or no interaction of Mn(2+) ions with the AgNt84-6 protein. The microcantilever bending data were consistent with data from electrophoresis carried out on SDS-PAGE gels containing metal ions that showed protein interaction with Zn(2+) ions but not with Mn(2+) ions. Thus, we demonstrate that microcantilever bending can be used to discriminate between metal ions that bind and do not bind to AgNt84-6 protein in real time.     

Filamentous growth of Saccharomyces cerevisiae is regulated by manganese

The Candida albicans INT1 gene is a virulence factor that contributes to both adhesion and filamentous growth of the fungus. Expression of INT1 in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae directs both adhesion and filamentous growth. Because Int1p contains two predicted divalent cation-binding motifs, we asked whether divalent cations are important for the role of Int1p in filament formation. In this study, we found that INT1-induced filamentous growth (I-IFG) is sensitive to the divalent cation chelator EDTA and that this EDTA sensitivity can be ameliorated by the addition of Mn(2+), but not Mg(2+) or Ca(2+) ions. The addition of MnCl(2) restored both the proportion of cells forming filaments and the length of filaments formed. Expression of INT1 in S. cerevisiae mutants that reduce the intracellular concentration of Mn(2+) did not affect I-IFG. Interestingly, the Mn(2+) dependence of I-IFG is not dependent upon the presence of the putative divalent cation-binding domains found in INT1. Rather, we found that polarized growth induced by mutations in CDC12 and CLA4 or by expression of excess SWE1 was also sensitive to EDTA treatment and was restored by the addition of MnCl(2) but not by the addition of CaCl(2). Thus, our results suggest that in S. cerevisiae polarized growth is dependent upon the presence of Mn(2+) ions.     

Extracellular calcium chronically induced human osteoblasts effects: specific modulation of osteocalcin and collagen type XV

Fluctuation in extracellular calcium (Ca(2+)) concentration occurs during bone remodeling. Free ionized Ca(2+) plays a critical role in regulating osteoblast functions. We analyzed the effects of different concentrations of free ionized Ca(2+) (0.5, 1.3, and 2.6 mM) on human osteoblasts and we evaluated osteoblastic phenotype (marker expression and cell morphology) and functions (osteogenic differentiation, cell proliferation, and cell signaling). Our data show human osteoblasts that chronically stimulated with 0.5, 1.3, or 2.6 mM Ca(2+) significantly increase intracellular content of alkaline phosphatase, collagen type I, osteocalcin, and bone sialoprotein, whereas collagen type XV was down-modulated and RUNX2 expression was not affected. We also found a Ca(2+) concentration-dependent increase in osteogenic differentiation and cell proliferation, associated to an increase of signaling protein PLCβ1 and p-ERK. Human osteoblast morphology was affected by Ca(2+) as seen by the presence of numerous nucleoli, cells in mitosis, cell junctions, and an increased number of vacuoles. In conclusion, our data show a clear phenotypical and functional effect of extracellular Ca(2+) on human osteoblasts and support the hypothesis of a direct role of this cation in the bone remodeling processes.     

Oxidation of Manganese and Formation of Mn(3)O(4) (Hausmannite) by Spore Coats of a Marine Bacillus sp

Isolated spore coats of a marine Bacillus species were incubated in 25 mM MnCl(2) at pH 7.5. Manganese precipitates, formed on the coat surfaces, were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Initially, an amorphous manganese oxide was observed on the coats which recrystallized to hausmannite after prolonged incubation in the MnCl(2) solution. The spore coats catalyze the oxidation of Mn(II) and have no structural influence on the final mineral phase precipitated.     

Activation and inhibition of rubber transferases by metal cofactors and pyrophosphate substrates

Metal cofactors are necessary for the activity of alkylation by prenyl transfer in enzyme-catalyzed reactions. Rubber transferase (RuT, a cis-prenyl transferase) associated with purified rubber particles from Hevea brasiliensis, Parthenium argentatum and Ficus elastica can use magnesium and manganese interchangably to achieve maximum velocity. We define the concentration of activator required for maximum velocity as [A](max). The [A](max)(Mg2+) in F. elastica (100 mM) is 10 times the [A](max)(Mg2+) for either H. brasiliensis (10 mM) or P. argentatum (8 mM). The [A](max)(Mn2+) in F. elastica (11 mM), H. brasiliensis (3.8 mM) and P. argentatum (6.8 mM) and the [A](max)(Mg2+) in H. brasiliensis (10 mM) and P. argentatum (8 mM) are similar. The differences in [A](max)(Mg2+) correlate with the actual endogenous Mg(2+) concentrations in the latex of living plants. Extremely low Mn(2+) levels in vivo indicate that Mg(2+) is the RuT cofactor in living H. brasiliensis and F. elastica trees. Kinetic analyses demonstrate that FPP-Mg(2+) and FPP-Mn(2+) are active substrates for rubber molecule initiation, although free FPP and metal cations, Mg(2+) and Mn(2+), can interact independently at the active site with the following relative dissociation constants K(d)(FPP) 相似文献   

Effects of Mn and Fe levels on Bacillus subtilis spore resistance and effects of Mn2+, other divalent cations, orthophosphate, and dipicolinic acid on protein resistance to ionizing radiation

Spores of Bacillus subtilis strains with (wild type) or without (α(-)β(-)) most DNA-binding α/β-type small, acid-soluble proteins (SASP) were prepared in medium with additional MnCl(2) concentrations of 0.3 μM to 1 mM. These haploid spores had Mn levels that varied up to 180-fold and Mn/Fe ratios that varied up to 300-fold. However, the resistance of these spores to desiccation, wet heat, dry heat, and in particular ionizing radiation was unaffected by their level of Mn or their Mn/Fe ratio; this was also the case for wild-type spore resistance to hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)). However, α(-)β(-) spores were more sensitive to H(2)O(2) when they had high Mn levels and a high Mn/Fe ratio. These results suggest that Mn levels alone are not essential for wild-type bacterial spores' extreme resistance properties, in particular ionizing radiation, although high Mn levels sensitize α(-)β(-) spores to H(2)O(2), probably by repressing expression of the auxiliary DNA-protective protein MrgA. Notably, Mn(2+) complexed with the abundant spore molecule dipicolinic acid (DPA) with or without inorganic phosphate was very effective at protecting a restriction enzyme against ionizing radiation in vitro, and Ca(2+) complexed with DPA and phosphate was also very effective in this regard. These latter data suggest that protein protection in spores against treatments such as ionizing radiation that generate reactive oxygen species may be due in part to the spores' high levels of DPA conjugated to divalent metal ions, predominantly Ca(2+), much like high levels of Mn(2+) complexed with small molecules protect the bacterium Deinococcus radiodurans against ionizing radiation.     

Effect of TNF-alpha on human osteosarcoma cell line Saos2--TNF-alpha regulation of bone sialoprotein gene expression in Saos2 osteoblast-like cells

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a major mediator of inflammatory response in many diseases. It inhibits bone formation and stimulates bone resorption. To determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the regulation of gene expression of osteoblast-like cells, we analyzed the effects of TNF-alpha on the human osteosarcoma cell line Saos2. We used RT-PCR to examine the effects of TNF-alpha on bone sialoprotein (BSP), core binding factor a1 (Cbfa1), osterix, alpha 1 (I) collagen, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cathepsin B, cathepsin L and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1). TNF-alpha (10ng/ml) increased BSP, IL-6 and COX-2 mRNA levels after 3h, reaching maximal levels at 12 h. Cbfa1 mRNA levels increased after 3 h, but decreased by 24 h. Osterix, cathepsin B, cathepsin L and TIMP-1 mRNA levels did not change after stimulation with TNF-alpha. On the other hand, alpha 1 (I) collagen mRNA expression was suppressed by TNF-alpha at 24 h. Transient transfection analyses were performed using chimeric constructs of the rat BSP gene promoter linked to a luciferase reporter gene. TNF-alpha (10 ng/ml) had no effect on the promoter activities of BSP transfected into Saos2 cells. The results of gel mobility shift assays using radiolabeled double-stranded cAMP response element (CRE) and FGF2 response element (FRE) oligonucleotides in the proximal promoter of the rat BSP gene showed increased binding of nuclear proteins at 6 h. Gel mobility shift assays with radiolabelled COX-2-CRE and COX-2-NF kappa B oligonucleotides revealed an increase in the binding of nuclear proteins from TNF-alpha-stimulated Saos2 cells. These studies, therefore, showed that TNF-alpha indirectly increased BSP expression, and that it could be mediated through COX-2 and Cbfa1 expression in Saos2 osteoblast-like cells.     

Manganese Treatment Modulates the Expression of Peroxisome Proliferator-activated Receptors in Astrocytoma and Neuroblastoma Cells

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play roles in neural cells by regulating energy balance, cell proliferation and anti-oxidant responses although the molecular mechanisms underlying such roles are unclear. Chronic exposure to excess manganese (Mn) leads to neurotoxicity, although Mn-induced neurotoxic mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. We hypothesized Mn neurotoxicity differentially alters the expression of PPARs. We investigated the effects of manganese chloride treatment (0.01–4 mM) on protein expression of PPAR isoforms (α, β, and γ) in human astrocytoma (U87) and neuroblastoma (SK-N-SH) cells. The two cell types expressed the 3 PPAR isoforms differentially: their expression of the PPARs was altered by Mn-treatment. Furthermore, nuclear and cytosolic fractions derived from the 2 cell types, with and without Mn-treatment, exhibited marked differences in the protein content of PPARs. Our results constitute the first demonstration that the PPAR signaling pathway may assume pathophysiological importance in Mn neurotoxicity.     

G0/G1 Phase Arrest and Apoptosis Induced by Manganese Chloride on Cultured Rat Astrocytes and Protective Effects of Riluzole

Occupational or environmental exposure to excessive Mn would cause manganism, which is resembled Parkinson disease. However, the mechanism underlying manganism is still unknown. It had been documented that astrocytes play important roles in physiological function in brain. Therefore, in the present study, the cultured astrocytes were exposed to 0, 125, 250, and 500?μM MnCl(2), and cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, morphological change, cell cycle progression, and apoptosis were determined. In addition, 100?μM riluzole (a glutamatergic modulator) was pretreated for 6?h before no MnCl(2) exposure or 500?μM MnCl(2) exposure. The results showed that cell viability inhibited, LDH leakage elevated, morphology injured, G(0)/G(1) phase cell cycle arrested, and apoptosis rate increased in a concentration-dependent manner. Further investigation indicated that riluzole pretreatment reversed cytotoxicity, cell cycle aberration, and apoptosis on astrocytes caused by MnCl(2). These results suggested that MnCl(2) could cause cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis concentration-dependently; riluzole might antagonize Mn toxicity on astrocytes.     

Manganese deficiency in Chlamydomonas results in loss of photosystem II and MnSOD function, sensitivity to peroxides, and secondary phosphorus and iron deficiency

For photoheterotrophic growth, a Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cell requires at least 1.7 x 10(7) manganese ions in the medium. At lower manganese ion concentrations (typically <0.5 microm), cells divide more slowly, accumulate less chlorophyll, and the culture reaches stationary phase at lower cell density. Below 0.1 microm supplemental manganese ion in the medium, the cells are photosynthetically defective. This is accompanied by decreased abundance of D1, which binds the Mn(4)Ca cluster, and release of the OEE proteins from the membrane. Assay of Mn superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) indicates loss of activity of two isozymes in proportion to the Mn deficiency. The expression of MSD3 through MSD5, encoding various isoforms of the MnSODs, is up-regulated severalfold in Mn-deficient cells, but neither expression nor activity of the plastid Fe-containing superoxide dismutase is changed, which contrasts with the dramatically increased MSD3 expression and plastid MnSOD activity in Fe-deficient cells. Mn-deficient cells are selectively sensitive to peroxide but not methyl viologen or Rose Bengal, and GPXs, APX, and MSRA2 genes (encoding glutathione peroxidase, ascorbate peroxidase, and methionine sulfoxide reductase 2) are slightly up-regulated. Elemental analysis indicates that the Mn, Fe, and P contents of cells in the Mn-deficient cultures were reduced in proportion to the deficiency. A natural resistance-associated macrophage protein homolog and one of five metal tolerance proteins were induced in Mn-deficient cells but not in Fe-deficient cells, suggesting that the corresponding gene products may be components of a Mn(2+)-selective assimilation pathway.