ATP-dependent efflux of calcein by the multidrug resistance protein (MRP): no inhibition by intracellular glutathione depletion

In this study we report that the multidrug resistance protein (MRP) transports calcein from the cytoplasmic compartment of tumor cells, in contrast to P-glycoprotein which transports calcein acetoxymethyl ester from the plasmamembrane. The transport of calcein by MRP is ATP-dependent and is inhibited by probenecid and vincristine. Intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion which occurred when cells were exposed to buthionine sulfoximine had no effect on the efflux of calcein, whereas it reversed the daunorubicin accumulation deficit in MRP overexpressing tumor cells. In conclusion, ATP-dependent transport of calcein and possibly other organic anions by MRP is not inhibited by a large decrease of the intracellular GSH concentration, that inhibits daunorubicin efflux by MRP.

Buthionine sulfoximine-induced glutathione depletion. Its effect on antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and calcium homeostasis in the lung

The administration of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), an irreversible inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, produces glutathione (GSH) depletion in tumors, making them sensitive to drugs and radiation. During the process, it also depletes GSH from normal tissues. Certain tumors require frequent doses of BSO for several days to produce GSH depletion. In this study, we determined that this chronic GSH-deficient condition lowers the antioxidant defense of the lung by diminishing the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase and the levels of ascorbic acid and alpha-tocopherol. Impaired antioxidant defense leads to enhanced lipid peroxidation, as indicated by increased levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and conjugated dienes. The alteration of protein thiols by lipid peroxidation, is responsible for altered Ca2+ homeostasis, which, in turn, leads to cell injury. Cell injury was confirmed by elevated activities of angiotensin converting enzyme and lactate dehydrogenase, increased levels of protein and lactate, and histopathological changes.

Differential activation of heat-shock and oxidation-specific stress genes in chemically induced oxidative stress

Post-ischaemic reperfusion increases the level of the major heat-shock (stress) protein hsp 70 and of its mRNA by transcriptional mechanisms, and activates the binding of the heat-shock factor HSF to the consensus sequence HSE. In common with CoCl2 treatment, post-ischaemic reperfusion increases the level of haem oxygenase mRNA, an indicator of oxidative stress, but CoCl2 does not seem to induce the expression of the hsp 70 gene [Tacchini, Schiaffonati, Pappalardo, Gatti and Bernelli-Zazzera (1993) Lab. Invest. 68, 465-471]. Starting from these observations, we have now studied the expression of two genes of the hsp 70 family and of other possibly related genes under conditions of oxidative stress. Three different chemicals, which cause oxidative stress by various mechanisms and induce haem oxygenase, enhance the expression of the cognate hsc 73 gene, but do not activate the inducible hsp 70 gene. Expression of the other genes that have been studied seems to vary in intensity and/or time course, in relation to the particular mechanism of action of any single agent. The pattern of induction of the early-immediate response genes c-fos and c-jun observed during oxidative stress differs from that found in post-ischaemic reperfused livers. Oxidative-stress-inducing agents do not promote the binding of HSF to its consensus sequence HSE, such as occurs in heat-shock and post-ischaemic reperfusion, and fail to activate AP-1 (activator protein 1). With the possible exception of Phorone, the oxidative stress chemically induced in rat liver activates NFkB (nuclear factor kB) and AP-2 (activator protein 2) transcription factors.

Regulation by glutathione of drug transport in multidrug-resistant human lung tumour cell lines overexpressing multidrug resistance-associated protein

Previous studies have shown that multidrug resistance (MDR) in the doxorubicin-selected lung tumour cell lines COR-L23/R, GLC4/ADR and MOR/R is associated with overexpression of the MRP gene. In this study we report that resistance to daunorubicin, vincristine and rhodamine 123 can be partially reversed in these cell lines by exposing the cells to buthionine sulphoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of glutathione (GSH) synthesis. This effect of BSO on drug resistance was associated with an increased intracellular accumulation of daunorubicin and rhodamine 123, owing to inhibition of the enhanced drug efflux. In contrast, the accumulation of daunorubicin was not increased by BSO treatment in a P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated MDR cell line. BSO treatment (25 microM, 20 h) of the cell lines resulted in 60-80% depletion of cellular GSH levels. The effects of BSO on daunorubicin accumulation in the COR-L23/R and GLC4/ADR cells were associated with cellular GSH depletion. In addition, increase of cellular GSH levels in BSO-treated COR-L23/R and GLC4/ADR cells as a result of incubation with 5 mM GSH ethyl ester restored the accumulation deficit of daunorubicin. However, the transport of daunorubicin did not increase the GSH release in any of the cell lines. These results demonstrate that drug transport in MRP- but not in P-gp-overexpressing MDR tumour cell lines can be regulated by intracellular GSH levels.

Differential effects of depleting agents on cytoplasmic and nuclear non-protein sulphydryls: a fluorescence image cytometry study

The intracellular distribution of glutathione (GSH) was measured by a quantitative image cytometry method, using the sulphydryl-reactive agent mercury orange. This readily forms fluorescent adducts with GSH and other non-protein sulphydryls (NPSH), but reacts much more slowly with protein sulphydryls. Under optimum staining conditions mean integrated mercury orange fluorescence per cell was closely correlated with a standard biochemical assay for GSH. Use of the DNA dye DAPI as a counterstain allowed measurement of nuclear NPSH. The mean nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio was 0.57 +/- 0.05. Isolation of nuclei under aqueous conditions resulted in the loss of approximately 90% of mercury orange fluorescence, compared with nuclear fluorescence from intact cells, suggesting that background labelling of protein sulphydryls or other macromolecules is low. Depletion of GSH with N-ethylmaleimide or diethylmaleate decreased mercury orange fluorescence in the nucleus and cytoplasm to a similar extent. In contrast, mercury orange fluorescence in the nucleus was much more resistant to DL-buthionine-S,R-sulphoximine (BSO) depletion than that in the cytoplasm. This finding is compatible with a distinct pool of GSH in the nucleus that is comparatively resistant to BSO depletion. Alternatively, the retention of fluorescence in the nucleus following GSH depletion by BSO treatment might be due to accumulation of cysteine. These findings have implications for cancer treatment since the level of NPSH in the nucleus might be a more important determinant of resistance to DNA-damaging agents than that in cytoplasm. The image cytometry method described here is quantitative, allows a measure of tumour cell heterogeneity and can be applied to small biopsy samples obtained by fine-needle aspiration. Thus it appears suitable for prospective clinical studies in cancer patients, and for monitoring the effects of GSH-depleting agents used as adjuncts to cancer chemotherapy or radiotherapy.

Polyunsaturated fatty acid enrichment increases ultraviolet A-induced lipid peroxidation in NCTC 2544 human keratinocytes

The influence of cell enrichment with fatty acids with increasing degree of unsaturation on the ultraviolet A-induced formation of lipid-peroxidation products (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances [TBARS]) has been investigated in NCTC 2544 human keratinocytes. A 48-h preculture of cells in controlled medium supplemented with unsaturated fatty acids resulted in a marked increase in TBARS appearance under ultraviolet A exposure. This effect was dependent upon the degree of unsaturation of the fatty acids, with the following order of efficiency: arachidonic > linolenic > linoleic > oleic acid. For arachidonic acid (AA), the potentiating effect on ultraviolet A-induced lipid peroxidation was dependent upon the fatty acid concentration, with about a 2.5-fold increase in TBARS formation in cells pre-cultured with 5 x 10(-5) M AA, then exposed to a UVA dose of 13 J/cm2. The increase in TBARS formation by AA was almost totally prevented by supplementation of cells with 5 x 10(-5) M vitamin E, whereas buthionine sulfoximine, a chemical which depletes cell glutathione, potentiated lipid peroxidation. These results suggest that the nature of the fatty acids of cellular lipids could influence the response of keratinocytes to ultraviolet A, and especially the ultraviolet A-induced lipid peroxidation.

Evidence that glutathione is involved in thermotolerance of preimplantation murine embryos

Experiments were conducted to determine whether or not glutathione (GSH) is involved in thermotolerance responses of murine morulae. In the first experiment, morulae were exposed to either homeothermic temperature (37 degrees C), mild heat shock (40 degrees C for 1 h), severe heat shock (43 degrees C for 2 h), or a mild heat shock followed by severe heat shock (to induce thermotolerance). Exposure to mild heat shock did not affect viability and development, but severe heat shock reduced viability (i.e., live/dead staining) and the proportion of morulae that developed to blastocysts. This effect of 43 degrees C was reduced if embryos were first exposed to a mild heat shock of 40 degrees C. In the presence of DL-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, the ability of 40 degrees C to confer thermotolerance was reduced. BSO decreased embryonic GSH content but did not decrease overall protein synthesis. In another experiment, administration of S-adenosyl-L-methionine, an inducer of GSH synthesis, decreased the deleterious effects of heat shock of 43 degrees C for 2 h on viability and percentage of embryos that became blastocysts. Addition of 5 microM GSH or GSH ester reduced the effect of 42 degrees C for 2 h on viability but not on continued development. The results suggest a role for GSH-dependent mechanisms in the processes by which murine embryos limit deleterious effects of heat shock.

Effect of acute and chronic glutathione depletion on renal function in the rat

Renal function was evaluated in normal and acid-loaded rats following acute and chronic depletion of glutathione (GSH) by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Creatinine clearance and fractional excretion of electrolytes were normal. There was no acidification or concentration defect detected in animals with acute or chronic GSH depletion.

Sodium valproate, an anticonvulsant drug, stimulates human cytomegalovirus replication

Valproic acid (VPA), a simple branched-chain fatty acid having anticonvulsant activity and used in the treatment of many forms of epilepsy, markedly stimulated human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) replication in human fibroblasts (MRC-5 cells). The maximum level of stimulation was reached when cells were treated for 24 h before infection. The enhancement of virus replication correlated with an increase in the number of immediate early (IE) and early (E) antigen-positive cells. VPA also induced expression of IE antigens after transfection of fibroblasts with a plasmid containing the entire IE1-2 region. Moreover, VPA stimulated the HCMV IE1-2 promoter/enhancer-mediated expression of beta-galactosidase in a stably transfected Jurkat T cell line. Recently, VPA was shown to inhibit glutathione reductase in human red blood cells, but an action through the glutathione metabolic pathway can be eliminated in this case, since VPA decreased the intracellular level of glutathione in Jurkat T cells but not in MRC-5 cells. The ability of VPA to stimulate HCMV replication provides an attractive model for studying the molecular mechanism of the regulation of HCMV IE1-2 gene expression.

Esophagitis in Sprague-Dawley rats is mediated by free radicals

Free radical-mediated esophagitis was studied during duodenogastroesophageal reflux (mixed reflux) or acid reflux in rats. The influence of reflux on esophageal glutathione levels was also examined. Mixed reflux caused more gross mucosal injury than acid reflux. Gross mucosal injury occurred in the mid-esophagus. Total glutathione (GSH) in the esophageal mucosa of control rats was highest in the distal esophagus. The time course of esophageal GSH in rats treated by mixed reflux showed a significant decrease 4 hr after initiation of reflux, followed by a significant increase from the 12th hour on. Mucosal GSH was increased in both reflux groups after 24 hr but significantly more so in the mixed than in the acid reflux group. The free radical scavenger superoxide dismutase (SOD) prevented esophagitis and was associated with decreased GSH levels. GSH depletion by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) prevented esophagitis and stimulated SOD production in the esophageal mucosa. It is concluded that gastroesophageal reflux is associated with oxidative stress in the esophageal mucosa. The lower GSH levels in the mid-esophagus may predispose to damage in this area. Duodenogastroesophageal reflux causes more damage than pure acid reflux. Oxidative stress leads to GSH depletion of the esophageal mucosa in the first few hours following damage but then stimulates GSH production. GSH depletion by BSO does not worsen esophagitis since it increases the esophageal SOD concentration.

Liver and kidney necrosis in selenium-deficient rats depleted of glutathione

BACKGROUND

Selenium and glutathione have interrelated oxidant defense roles in vivo. Experiments were carried out to determine the effect of glutathione depletion in selenium-deficient rats.

EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

Selenium-deficient and control rats were injected with phorone to deplete glutathione. Histologic assessment of liver and kidney injury was performed at 24 hours. In another experiment, glutathione depletion, lipid peroxidation, and liver injury were measured for 12 hours after phorone administration to determine their relationships with one another. In a final experiment, selenoproteins were correlated with protection against lipid peroxidation and liver necrosis. Selenium-deficient rats were injected with vehicle alone and with 5, 10, or 25 micrograms of selenium/kg. Twelve hours later, selenoproteins were measured in some of the rats, and phorone was injected into others. Liver injury and lipid peroxidation were assessed 6 hours after the phorone injection.

RESULTS

Twenty-four hours after phorone administration (125 mg/kg), centrilobular hepatic necrosis and renal tubular necrosis were evident in selenium-deficient rats but not in controls. The time-course experiment revealed that phorone (250 mg/kg) caused sharp decreases in liver and kidney glutathione levels in both groups within 2 to 4 hours. Lipid peroxidation, as assessed by F2 isoprostane concentrations, in selenium-deficient animals. Liver necrosis, indicated by a rise in plasma ALT, took place in selenium-deficient rats but not in controls. Selenium injections into selenium-deficient rats increased selenoprotein P concentrations from 4% of control to as high as 39% but had little effect on glutathione peroxidase activities. Six hours after phorone administration, rats that had received selenium had no rise in ALT, and the rises in F2 isoprostanes were abolished or attenuated.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that depletion of glutathione in selenium-deficient liver and kidney leads to necrosis in those organs associated with evidence of lipid peroxidation. Protection against this injury by selenium correlates with selenoprotein P concentration in plasma but not with glutathione peroxidase activity in tissues or in plasma. These findings raise the possibility that selenoprotein P protects cell membranes against oxidant injury and that glutathione is involved in that protection.

Deleterious effects of buthionine sulfoximine on cardiac function during continuous endotoxemia

Sepsis has been associated with reversible cardiac injury. To determine whether this injury is mediated by generation of reactive oxidants, tissue glutathione (GSH)--the major intracellular antioxidant--was depleted before endotoxemia. Basal values of cardiac contractile function, perfusion, and cardiac output were measured 5-7 days postsurgery. Salmonella enteritidis endotoxin was continuously infused at 3 micrograms/kg/hr iv via an osmotic pump (Alzet Corp). Endotoxemia significantly reduced myocardial glutathione content (394 +/- 46) to 206 +/- 9 micrograms/g), indicating oxidant stress during endotoxemia. Buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) pretreatment significantly reduced cardiac glutathione in sham pigs from 394 +/- 46 to 199 +/- 26 micrograms/g; and in endotoxemic pigs, BSO pretreatment significantly reduced cardiac glutathione to 106 +/- 18 micrograms/g. Vehicle- and BSO-treated endotoxemic groups demonstrated similar cardiovascular responses to endotoxin challenge. Heart rate increases (122 +/- 15 to 140 +/- 17 bpm) and cardiac outputs decreases (1.50 +/- 0.24 to 1.11 +/- 0.35 l/min) were similar, indicating similar cardiovascular insults induced by endotoxemia. Percent short axis shortening and end-systolic pressure-diameter relation (ESPDR) were significantly reduced in BSO pretreated compared with vehicle-treated endotoxemic pigs. Results support a conclusion that endotoxemia-induced cardiac injury is mediated, in part, by free radical injury. This conclusion is based upon the finding that endogenous myocardial glutathione was depleted by continuous endotoxin infusion and that prior depletion of myocardial glutathione by buthionine sulfoximine exacerbated cardiac injury.

De novo synthesis of glutathione is required for both entry into and progression through the cell cycle

To study the putative role of de novo synthesis of glutathione (GSH) in the regulation of the cell cycle, we exposed NIH-3T3 cells to buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) and analysed cell cycle kinetics with continuous bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling and bivariate Hoechst 33258/ethidium bromide flow cytometry. Treating quiescent cells, which themselves had a low GSH content, with BSO did not affect subsequent entry into and progression through the cell cycle. Adding BSO during serum stimulation, however, provoked a dose-dependent inhibition of cell growth and a delayed increase in GSH level. The cell kinetic mechanism underlying BSO-induced growth inhibition is a diminished entry into the cell cycle and a permanent arrest in the S and G2 phase of the cell cycle. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that GSH de novo synthesis is required for cell activation and proper S and G2 phase transit.

Nucleotide changes in oxidatively stressed lymphocytes

Similar to HIV-1-induced suppression of thymus-derived lymphocytes (T cells), oxidatively stressed T cells show inhibited DNA synthesis and proliferation. The influence of oxidative stress on nucleotide pools was explored using 3H-uridine addition to OKT3-stimulated peripheral blood lymphocytes. The cells were preincubated and stimulated in the presence of 1 mM buthionine sulfoximine to inhibit GSH synthesis. This treatment gave rise to a significant reduction in dUDP and TTP biosynthesis following 18-32 hours stimulation, indicating possible impairment of ribonucleotide reductase activity.

Purification and characterization of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase from Ascaris suum

We have purified and characterized the Ascaris suum gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, the rate-limiting step in the glutathione biosynthesis. The purified enzyme exhibited a specific activity of 18 U (mg protein)-1. Estimation of the molecular mass of the native enzyme by FPLC on Superdex S-200 revealed the presence of two enzyme activity peaks corresponding to molecular masses of 100 and 70 kDa. The higher-molecular-mass component could be dissociated by repeated gel filtration into the 70-kDa protein which is the enzymatically active subunit. The apparent Km values of the A. suum enzyme for L-aminobutyrate, L-cysteine and L-glutamate were 0.31, 0.41 and 0.94 mM, respectively. D,L-Buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine and cystamine showed time-dependent irreversible inhibitory effects on the A. suum enzyme activity with Ki values of 0.05 and 1.11 microM, respectively. The Ki values for the corresponding enzyme from rat kidney with D,L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine and cystamine were 7.19 and 22.2 microM, respectively. The time of half-inactivation of the enzyme at infinite concentration of D,L-buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine, tau 50, was determined to be 3.1 and 1.34 min, for the parasite and mammalian enzymes respectively. For cystamine, a tau 50 value of 3.32 min for the A. suum gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase was determined, while a value of 2 min in case of rat kidney enzyme was found. The A. suum enzyme activity was competitively inhibited by glutathione with a Ki value of 0.11 mM.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Identification of glutathione S-transferase as a determinant of 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide resistance in human breast cancer cells

Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) is well known for its involvement in the resistance of tumor cells to cyclophosphamide (CPA) and its activated derivatives, such as 4-hydroperoxy-CPA (4HC). The role of other drug-metabolizing enzymes such as glutathione S-transferase (GST) in CPA resistance is, however, less certain. In the present study of a human breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) exhibiting about 6-fold resistance to 4HC (MCF/HC), cellular levels of glutathione (GSH) were increased 1.4-fold, while cytosolic GST and ALDH activities were increased 2.7- and 7.2-fold, respectively, relative to the MCF-7 parental line. No significant changes in glutathione peroxidase and NADPH cytochrome P450 reductase activity, and no increase in microsomal GST and GST pi mRNAs were found in the resistant cells. Treatment with the ALDH substrate octanal sensitized the cells to the cytotoxic effects of 4HC to a modest extent in both MCF-7 and MCF/HC cells [dose modification factor (DMF) of 1.4 and 1.6, respectively]. Depletion of GSH by treatment with the GSH synthesis inhibitor buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) enhanced the cytotoxic effect of 4HC to a similar extent in both cell lines. By contrast, ethacrynic acid, which inhibited GST activity by > 85% in MCF-7 and MCF/HC cell extracts without depletion of GSH, sensitized the resistant but not the parental cells to 4HC cytotoxicity, indicating the importance of GST as a determinant of 4HC resistance in these cells. This conclusion is supported by the observation that in MCF/HC cells, ethacrynic acid in combination with BSO increased the DMF 3-fold higher than did BSO or EA alone, while in the parental MCF-7 cells ethacrynic acid with BSO had no significant chemosensitization effect over BSO alone. These studies establish that in addition to ALDH, GST overexpression can contribute to acquired resistance of tumor cells to 4HC and, furthermore, suggest that modulators that target the GSH/GST system could be useful in overcoming CPA resistance in the clinic.

Mitochondrial changes associated with glutathione deficiency

Glutathione deficiency produced by giving buthionine sulfoximine (an inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase) to animals, leads to biphasic decline in cellular glutathione levels associated with sequestration of glutathione in mitochondria. Liver mitochondria lack the enzymes needed for glutathione synthesis. Mitochondrial glutathione arises from the cytosol. Rat liver mitochondria have a multicomponent system (with Kms of approx. 60 microM and 5.4 mM) that underlies their remarkable ability to transport and retain glutathione. Mitochondria produce substantial quantities of reactive oxygen species; this is opposed by reactions involving glutathione. Glutathione deficiency leads to widespread mitochondrial damage which is lethal in newborn rats and guinea pigs, animals that do not synthesize ascorbate. Glutathione esters and ascorbate protect against the lethal and other effects of glutathione deficiency. Ascorbate spares glutathione; it increases mitochondrial glutathione in glutathione-deficient animals. Glutathione esters delay onset of scurvy in ascorbate-deficient guinea pigs; thus, glutathione spares ascorbate. Glutathione and ascorbate function together in protecting mitochondria from oxidative damage.

The antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine protects cultured epithelial cells from menadione-induced cytopathology

The effects of the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) were assessed after short term exposure of A431 epithelial cells. The drug was able to protect, at least partially, the cells from the oxidative stress induced by the quinone menadione. In particular, the oxidizing agent-induced cell rounding and detachment from the substrate were strongly impaired by pre-exposure to the compound. The mechanism of such an effect seems to be ascribable to a target effect of the drug on the adhesion properties of the cells. In fact, a modification of morphological features of NAC-exposed cells and of their ability to adhere to different coated substrates was found. These changes resulted in a significant improvement of the A431 tumor cell adhesion pattern which was associated with a noticeable rearrangement of some cytoskeletal components, mainly of the microfilament system. These data add new importance to the subcellular activity of NAC and seem to indicate that the redox status of the cells, i.e. the intracellular balance between proxidants and antioxidants, could also play a role in their adhesive properties.

Induction of c-fos and c-jun proto-oncogene expression by asbestos is ameliorated by N-acetyl-L-cysteine in mesothelial cells

Asbestos fibers cause dose-dependent, persistent increases in mRNA levels of c-jun and c-fos proto-oncogenes in rat pleural mesothelial (RPM) cells, the progenitor cells of asbestos-induced mesothelioma (N. Heintz, Y. M. W. Janssen, and B. T. Mossman. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA, 90: 3299-3303, 1993). Here we report that addition of N-acetyl-L-cysteine decreases asbestos-mediated induction of c-fos and c-jun mRNA levels in a dose-dependent fashion. Exposure of RPM cells to asbestos causes depletion of total cellular glutathione, a response that can be abolished by pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Pretreatment of cells with buthionine sulfoximine, an agent which diminishes glutathione pools, increases the magnitude of induction of c-fos and c-jun mRNA by asbestos. To determine whether asbestos-induced effects on proto-oncogene expression could be attributed to extracellular generation of active oxygen species (AOS), RPM cells were exposed to H2O2 or xanthine and xanthine oxidase, a generating system of AOS. These oxidant stresses did not decrease cellular glutathione levels nor alter mRNA levels of c-fos or c-jun. However, increased mRNA levels of manganese-containing superoxide dismutase and heme oxygenase were observed, indicating that RPM cells respond to AOS by increased expression of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes. These data indicate that the signaling pathways leading to c-fos/c-jun proto-oncogene induction by asbestos are not triggered directly by formation of extracellular AOS. However, intracellular thiol levels appear to influence the expression of c-fos and c-jun, suggesting a redox-sensitive component in the signaling cascade which modulates gene expression of c-fos and c-jun by asbestos.

Mechanism of cross-resistance to cisplatin in a mitomycin C-resistant human bladder cancer cell line

This study was undertaken to elucidate the mechanism(s) of cross-resistance to cisplatin (CDDP) in a mitomycin C (MMC)-resistant human bladder cancer cell line, J82/MMC. The J82/MMC cell line displayed 2- to 3-fold cross-resistance to CDDP and carboplatin when compared to the parental J82/WT cells. Drug uptake studies revealed that cross-resistance to CDDP in the J82/MMC cell line was independent of reduced platinum accumulation. The J82/MMC cell line exhibited approximately a 1.5-fold resistance to cadmium chloride, an indicator for increased metallothionein (MT) content, when compared to the J82/WT cells. Northern blot analysis showed a 2.7-fold higher level of MT-IIA mRNA in the J82/MMC cell line compared with J82/WT. We have reported previously that, whereas glutathione (GSH) level is comparable in these cells, GSH transferase (GST) activity is significantly higher in the J82/MMC cell line compared with J82/WT. Results of the present study showed that the elevated GST activity in the J82/MMC cell line was due to an over-expression of pi-type GST protein. Although buthionine-S,R-sulfoximine (BSO)-induced GSH depletion significantly enhanced CDDP cytotoxicity in both cell lines, the magnitude of potentiation was markedly higher in J82/MMC cells (about 2.1-fold) relative to J82/WT (about 1.6-fold). Our results suggest that cross-resistance to CDDP in the J82/MMC cell line may be due to alterations in cellular thiols.

Glutathione conjugation of bromosulfophthalein in relation to hepatic glutathione content in the rat in vivo and in the perfused rat liver

The relation between the rate of glutathione (GSH) conjugation and hepatic GSH content was studied in the rat in vivo and the in situ single-pass-perfused rat liver preparation with bromosulfophthalein (BSP) as the model substrate. The biliary excretion of the BSP-GSH conjugate and the hepatic GSH content were monitored simultaneously during intravenous infusions with BSP in the rat in vivo, and during liver perfusions with BSP-containing perfusion medium. Rats were pretreated with single or multiple doses of buthionine sulfoximine, an inhibitor of the de novo synthesis of GSH. Surprisingly, the excretion of the BSP-GSH conjugate was sustained at a high rate, despite a virtually complete depletion of hepatic GSH, both in the rat in vivo as well as in the perfused rat liver. The results indicate that GSH was still available for conjugation with BSP after apparent depletion of the hepatic GSH pool, presumably because of a residual de novo synthesis of GSH in the liver. Despite the multiple pretreatment with buthionine sulfoximine, the de novo GSH synthesis was sufficient to sustain a high rate of GSH conjugation of BSP. The cosubstrate-Km for GSH conjugation of BSP in the liver was estimated to be very small (approximately 0.3 mumol/g): the excretion rate of the BSP-GSH conjugate was only impaired at minimal hepatic GSH levels.

Differential effects of ifosfamide on the capacity of cytotoxic T lymphocytes and natural killer cells to lyse their target cells correlate with intracellular glutathione levels

We established an in vitro model to study the influence of ifosfamide treatment on intracellular glutathione (GSH) levels in activated human effector cells with specific phenotypes and immunologic functions. Besides its role as the major intracellular reductant, GSH has been shown to affect the initiation and progression of lymphocyte activation after stimulation with lectins. An incubation of activated human peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) with 4-hydroxyifosfamide, the activated form of ifosfamide (4-OH-IF), resulted in a depletion of the intracellular GSH levels and a significant inhibition of the proliferative capacity in a dose-dependent manner. The cytotoxic activity of separated CD3- natural killer (NK) cells and CD3+ allospecific, cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), either untreated or treated with 4-OH-IF at different concentrations, was compared in a standard 51chromium release assay (CML). There were three major findings. (1) The capacity of CD3+ major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-restricted CTL to lyse their specific allogeneic target cells was substantially reduced by preincubation of the effector cells with 4-OH-IF. This inhibition of the lytic activity in CD3+ CTL correlated with a substantial depletion of the intracellular GSH levels in this population. Rapid reconstitution of depleted GSH levels and restoration of cytotoxic activity of CTL was achieved by incubation of the effector cells with thiols, eg, glutathione ester (GSH-ester) or 2-mercaptoethanesulfonate (mesna). (2) In contrast, the lytic activity in CD3- NK cells was not substantially affected (up to 100 mumol/L 4-OH-IF). This result correlates with the capacity of NK cells to maintain their intracellular GSH levels after an ifosfamide treatment. (3) In comparison with CD3+ CTL, CD3- NK cells are more resistant to an ifosfamide treatment because they have higher initial GSH levels and a more than fourfold higher relative rate of GSH synthesis.

Glutathione depletion potentiates 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate(TPA)-induced inhibition of gap junctional intercellular communication in WB-F344 rat liver epithelial cells: relationship to intracellular oxidative stress

Treatment of WB-F344 liver epithelial cells with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 100 microM) for 24 h caused a greater than 95% depletion in cellular glutathione (GSH) and potentiated the ability of 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) to inhibit gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) between the cells (IC50 shifted from 5 microM to 2 microM). Similarly, acute depletion of GSH by up to 30%, either with the thiol oxidant diamide or with BSO, also potentiated the inhibitory effect of the phorbol ester on GJIC. The treatment of the control cells with TPA caused a concomitant increase in the accumulation of oxidation products of 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein (DCF), indicating elevated production of oxidants in the cells during the blockade of GJIC. The depletion of GSH over a 24 h period with BSO itself increased the flux of oxidants in the cells but did not inhibit GJIC. Treatment of these GSH-depleted cells with TPA caused an additive elevation in the accumulation of oxidised DCF metabolites. Direct application of H2O2 (25-200 microM) or benzoyl peroxide (25-150 microM) to the control cells for 60 min caused weak, dose-dependent inhibitions of gap junctional communication in these cells but these responses were accompanied by the induction of acute, sub-lethal cytotoxicity. The depletion of GSH from the cells did not potentiate these responses to the peroxides but did facilitate synergistic inhibition of gap junctional communication in response to both TPA and sub-toxic doses of either peroxide. The results of the above studies indicate that oxidants are produced in WB-F344 cells in response to TPA and that these function in a co-operative manner with other cellular responses to the phorbol ester in the inhibition of gap junctional communication. This may explain why priming the cells for the induction of oxidative stress by the depletion of GSH potentiates the inhibitory activity of TPA on gap junctional communication.

Effects of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) on mercury distribution after Hg(o) exposure

Effects of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a glutathione (GSH) depletor, on mercury (Hg) distribution were studied after mercury vapor (Hg(o)) exposure (3.2 mg/m3) in mice. BSO (1.6 g/kg, i.p.) significantly decreased the GSH levels in the liver, kidney and lung. Pretreatment with BSO increased Hg concentrations in the lung, liver and plasma, but decreased Hg concentration in the kidney. These findings indicate that GSH functions as a determinant in the changes of Hg distribution after Hg(o) exposure. Possible causes of the alterations in Hg distribution are discussed, including the anticipated enhancement in the Hg(o) oxidation process in the tissues with decreased GSH levels as well as the transportation of Hg2+ derived from oxidation of Hg(o). Concentrations of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were determined as an indicator of oxidative damage, but the increase in TBARS was not detected in any tissue examined.

Alpha-lipoic acid prevents buthionine sulfoximine-induced cataract formation in newborn rats

We investigated the effect of alpha-lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant, on cataract formation in L-buthionine(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO)-treated newborn rats and found that a dose of 25 mg/kg b.w. protected 60% of animals from cataract formation. L-buthionine(S,R)-sulfoximine is an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis, whose administration to newborn animals leads to the development of cataracts; this is a potential model for studying the role of therapeutic antioxidants in protecting animals from cataract formation. Major biochemical changes in the lens associated with the protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid were increases in glutathione, ascorbate, and vitamin E levels, loss of which are effects of BSO administration. Treatment with alpha-lipoic acid also restored the activities of glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and ascorbate free radical reductase in lenses of L-buthionine(S,R)-sulfoximine-treated animals but did not affect glutathione reductase or superoxide dismutase activity. We conclude that alpha-lipoic acid may take over some of the functions of glutathione (e.g., maintaining the higher level of ascorbate, indirect participation in vitamin E recycling); the increase of glutathione level in lens tissue mediated by lipoate could be also due to a direct protection of protein thiols. Thus, alpha-lipoic acid could be of potential therapeutic use in preventing cataracts and their complications.

Drug resistance mechanisms and MRP expression in response to epirubicin treatment in a human leukaemia cell line

A drug resistant series of sublines were developed by treating the human leukaemia CCRF-CEM cell line with 16-1000 ng/ml of the anthracycline, epirubicin. The sublines developed resistance in two stages, neither involving detectable levels of P-glycoprotein. Treatment with up to 50 ng/ml epirubicin produced sublines with cross resistance limited to the anthracyclines and etoposide. Treatment with 100-1000 ng/ml epirubicin produced sublines with increased expression of the mrp gene, increased resistance to the anthracyclines and etoposide, additional cross resistance to vincristine and colchicine, decreased drug accumulation and reversal of resistance by verapamil and by buthionine sulphoximine (BSO; an inhibitor of glutathione synthesis). Our results indicate an interaction between MRP and glutathione metabolism as a mechanism for multidrug resistance.

Enzyme induction by L-buthionine (S,R)-sulfoximine in cultured mouse hepatoma cells

Induction of Phase II enzymes of the [Ah] gene battery by L-buthionine (S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) and other agents was examined in mouse hepatoma Hepa-1c1c7 cells. BSO, a nonelectrophilic inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS), is routinely used to examine the toxicological implications of GSH depletion. Exposure to BSO for 24 h produced a 75-85% depletion of GSH levels, proportional to the inhibition of GCS activity, as well as small increases in the UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT, 60%) and glutathione transferase (GST, 30%) enzyme activities in Hepa-1 wild-type (wt) cells. However, for the NAD(P)H:menadione oxidoreductase (NMO1) and cytosolic aldehyde dehydrogenase class 3 (AHD4) enzyme activities, BSO produced larger increases (110% and 170%, respectively). The mechanisms of NMO1 and AHD4 induction were examined further. In Hepa-1 wt cells, NMO1 and AHD4 activities were increased by the aromatic hydrocarbon inducer 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) and by the electrophile tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), known inducing agents for these enzymes. However, NMO1 and AHD4 were induced in Ah receptor nuclear translocation-defective mutant (c4) cells by BSO and tBHQ, but not by TCDD, suggesting that the induction by BSO and tBHQ is not Ah receptor-mediated. In wt cells, N-acetylcysteine produced a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular cysteine levels, but not GSH levels, in the absence or presence of BSO. Furthermore, N-acetylcysteine had no effect on NMO1 activity under any conditions examined, suggesting that GSH levels per se, rather than change in overall thiol status, might be mediating increased NMO1 activity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Buthionine sulphoximine-mediated sensitisation of etoposide-resistant human breast cancer MCF7 cells overexpressing the multidrug resistance-associated protein involves increased drug accumulation

Preincubation of etoposide-resistant human MCF7 breast cancer cells (MCF7/VP) with buthionine sulphoximine (BSO) resulted in their sensitisation to etoposide and vincristine. Chemosensitisation was accompanied by elevated intracellular drug levels. In contrast, simultaneous exposure to BSO did not result in increased drug accumulation. Similar, but quantitatively smaller, effects were also observed when sensitive wild-type MCF7/WT cells were treated with BSO. In agreement with its effect on drug accumulation, BSO pretreatment also increased VP-16-stimulated cleavable complex formation between DNA topoisomerase II and cellular DNA. BSO treatment also led to a significant increase in acid-precipitable VP-16 levels in MCF7/VP, but not MCF7/WT cells. In contrast, no clear effects of BSO on drug efflux were observed and drug retention was only minimally increased after BSO treatment of both MCF7/WT and MCF7/VP cells and no difference between the two cell lines was detected. Thus, chemosensitisation by BSO appeared to be mediated through increased intracellular drug concentrations and/or protein binding.

The effect of in utero administration of buthionine sulfoximine on rat development

Glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide that is thought to be an essential cell component playing an important role as a cellular antioxidant and scavenger of free radicals. GSH depletion has been shown to render cells more sensitive to various insults. GSH has a protective effect. GSH levels can be decreased by inhibition of its synthesis with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), which inhibits gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase. Several studies have shown that treatment with BSO enhances the toxicity of some drugs and radiation. A previous study indicated that the effects of BSO on the developing embryo were short lived and did not persist to birth. In the above-mentioned study, mothers were treated with BSO only on days 10 and 11 of gestation. The objective of the present study was to determine the effects of BSO administration on GSH depletion throughout pregnancy on the developing rat. Timed pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats were placed on a liquid BioServ diet containing BSO starting on day 1 of pregnancy. The mothers received a daily dose of BSO ranging from 2 to 6 mmol/kg/24 h. The mothers were maintained on the diet until gestation day 21 when they were anesthetized with sodium pentobarbital and the pups delivered by Cesarean section. GSH levels were measured in brain and liver, and various parameters relating to development were assessed. A dose-response curve showed that a maximum depletion (86%) of GSH in the mother's liver was produced by the 6 mmol/kg dose of BSO. However, no change was seen in brain GSH levels of the mothers.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Modulation of glutathione and related enzymes in reversal of resistance to anticancer drugs

Eukaryotic cells have evolved several mechanisms to protect cellular constituents, especially DNA, from highly reactive molecules entering from without. The greater affinity of electrophiles for thiol groups than for hydroxyl or amine groups provides a teleologic rationale that the availability of high concentrations of thiol could be protective of these other important entities. The major intracellular nonprotein thiol is the tripeptide glutathione.

Synthesis of glutathione in the preimplantation mouse embryo

Depletion and repletion of glutathione in two-cell to blastocyst stage mouse embryos was examined. Reduced (GSH) and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were measured by fluorimetric HPLC after derivatization of extracted embryo samples with dansyl chloride. Addition of buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) to culture medium for 16 h decreased GSH levels in both two-cell and blastocyst stage embryos; however, GSH decreased more drastically in blastocysts. Addition of diethyl maleate (DEM) to culture medium depleted GSH in both two-cell and blastocyst stage embryos. After removal of DEM, GSH levels returned to normal in blastocysts, and addition of BSO or removal of cystine from medium blocked GSH repletion. Two-cell stage embryos were unable to recover GSH levels after depletion and exhibited decreased in vitro development. Addition of methionine to culture medium was unable to substitute for cystine as a source of cysteine in glutathione synthesis, indicating that the embryos do not use the cystathionine pathway. Embryos collected early on Day 3 of development were unable to recover GSH levels within 5 h, whereas embryos collected late on Day 3 recovered GSH within 5 h. Addition of cycloheximide to culture medium at noon on Day 3 of development decreased the ability of blastocysts to recover their GSH levels late on Day 3. These data indicate that GSH turnover and synthesis increases between the two-cell and blastocyst stages. The increase in the ability of embryos to synthesize GSH on Day 3 is dependent on protein synthesis. Cleavage stage embryos have limited capacity to synthesize GSH and appear susceptible to adverse effects of toxicants or conditions that deplete glutathione.

Cadmium-sensitive, cad1 mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana are phytochelatin deficient

An allelic series of cad1, cadmium-sensitive mutants of Arabidopsis thaliana, was isolated. These mutants were sensitive to cadmium to different extents and were deficient in their ability to form cadmium-peptide complexes as detected by gel-filtration chromatography. Each mutant was deficient in its ability to accumulate phytochelatins (PCs) as detected by high-performance liquid chromatography and the amount of PCs accumulated by each mutant correlated with its degree of sensitivity to cadmium. The mutants had wild-type levels of glutathione, the substrate for PC biosynthesis, and in vitro assays demonstrated that each of the mutants was deficient in PC synthase activity. These results demonstrate conclusively the importance of PCs for cadmium tolerance in plants.

Effect of glutathione on sister-chromatid exchanges in normal and buthionine sulfoximine-treated mice

Based on their ability to induce sister-chromatid exchanges (SCEs) it is evident that thiol-containing radioprotectors can induce DNA damage. However, there were contradictory findings when reduced glutathione (GSH) was tested using two cell lines. The present study demonstrated that GSH can induce SCEs and also delay in cell proliferation in mouse bone marrow cells in vivo. The presence of catalase significantly reduced GSH-induced SCE frequency down to catalase alone levels. An attempt was made to evaluate the effect of GSH treatment in buthionine sulfoximine (BSO)-treated mice (GSH-depleted mice) and the data indicate that induction of SCEs takes place without inducing a delay in cell proliferation or the generation of hydrogen peroxide. Probably, some unknown route is involved by which GSH-degraded product(s) induce SCEs in BSO-treated mice. Therefore, the induction of SCEs by GSH in normal mice may be largely due to hydrogen peroxide generation; however, the involvement of the binding ability of GSH to chromatin and the probable (unknown) route by which GSH-degraded product(s) may cause smaller fraction of SCEs cannot be ruled out.

Glutathione depletion in rested and exercised mice: biochemical consequence and adaptation

The effect of chronic in vivo glutathione (GSH) depletion by L-buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO) on intracellular and interorgan GSH regulation was investigated in mice both at rest and after an acute bout of exhaustive swim exercise. BSO treatment for 12 days decreased concentrations of GSH in the liver, kidney, quadriceps muscle, and plasma to 28, 15, 7, and 35%, respectively, compared to GSH-adequate mice. In most tissues, with the exception of the kidney, this decrease was associated with a concomitant decrease of glutathione disulfide (GSSG) such that the GSH/GSSG ratio was maintained. GSH depletion caused adaptive changes in several enzymes related to GSH regulation, such as liver glutathione peroxidase (-25%), kidney gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (+20%), glutathione disulfide reductase (+131%) and glutathione sulfur-transferase (+53%). There was an apparent down-regulation of muscle gamma-glutamyltranspeptidase (-56%) in the GSH-depleted mice, which contributed to a conservation of plasma GSH. Exhaustive exercise in the GSH-adequate state severely depleted GSH content in the liver (-55%) and kidney (-35%), whereas plasma and muscle GSH levels remained constant. However, exercise in the GSH-depleted state exacerbated GSH deficit in the liver (-57%), kidney (-33%), plasma (-65%), and muscle (-25%) in the absence of adequate reserves of liver GSH. Hepatic lipid peroxidation increased by 220 and 290%, respectively, after exhaustive exercise in the GSH-adequate and -depleted mice. We conclude that GSH homeostasis is essential for the prooxidant-antioxidant balance during prolonged physical exercise.

Cytotoxicity of mercury compounds in LLC-PK1, MDCK and human proximal tubular cells

Six mercury compounds [HgCl2 (MC), Hg(CH3COO)2 (MA), Hg(NO3)2 (MN), C2H5HgSC6H4COONa (EMT), C6H5HgOCOCH3 (PMA) and CH3CIHg (MMC)] were studied using two kidney cell lines (MDCK and LLC-PK1), primary cultures of human proximal tubular cells (hPTC) and nonrenal cell lines (SAOS and Hep G2). Cell damage was measured with four different tests: neutral red uptake, mitochondrial dehydrogenase activity (MTT conversion), thymidine incorporation and protein content. Relative toxicity was established by the determination of the concentration of test compound inducing a 50% reduction of the parameter considered (EC50 value). Two groups could be distinguished: PMA, EMT and MMC are one order of magnitude more toxic than MC, MN and MA. Cellular uptake was measured by the HPLC-hybrid generation AAS after 24 hours treatment with 1.5 microM MC, MMC, PMA or EMT in MDCK cells, revealing Hg concentrations of 42.8 +/- 2.5 ng/mg protein for MC, 596.9 +/- 87.8 ng/mg protein for MMC, 269.8 +/- 75.7 ng/mg protein for PMA and of 115.9 +/- 25.2 ng/mg protein for EMT. Cytotoxicity was positively correlated with cellular uptake. The effect of the cellular GSH content on the toxicity of mercury was studied using the GSH synthesis inhibitor L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). In all cases an enhanced cytotoxicity was observed after BSO treatment. 2-Oxo-4-thiazolidine carboxylic acid (OTC) was used as a substrate for the GSH synthesis. Although OTC did not enhance the GSH content, the cytotoxicity of MC, MN and MA decreased significantly, no changes were observed for the other mercurials.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Disposition of glutathione monoethyl ester in the rat: glutathione ester is a slow release form of extracellular glutathione

Glutathione monethyl ester (GSHE) is though to deliver glutathione (GSH) directly and intact into cell cytosol and therefore might have therapeutic potential in states of GSH deficiency. To better understand the disposition of GSHE, the pharmacokinetics of GSHE and GSH were compared in rats. Fifteen min after an i.v. dose of 5 mmol/kg GSHE, the plasma concentration of GSHE was 7.2 +/- 1.2 mmol/l and the plasma concentration of GSH had increased from 0.009 +/- 0.002 to 2.5 +/- 0.3 mmol/l. The areas under the plasma concentration time curves of GSH were identical after either the administration of GSHE or GSH, but the mean residence time of GSH in plasma was significantly longer after GSHE. The concentration of GSHE in liver reached a peak of 0.66 +/- 0.09 mumol/g. Intrahepatic concentrations of cysteine and GSH increased from 53 +/- 15 to 319 +/- 41 nmol/g and from 5.5 +/- 0.4 to 7.8 +/- 1.5 mumol/g, respectively, and remained elevated for 2 hr. Similar increases occurred after administration of GSH. However, the concentrations of cysteine and GSH peaked earlier and had returned to baseline by 2 hr. Qualitatively similar results were obtained in rats pretreated with L-buthionine-[S, R]-sulfoximine that partially inhibits GSH synthesis. GSHE added to rat plasma at a concentration of 10 mM was hydrolyzed to GSH at a rate of 0.1 mumol/min. Our data indicate that GSHE is not readily taken up by the liver, but is hydrolyzed by esterases in plasma and thereby gradually releases GSH in the extracellular space.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Arsenic increased lipid peroxidation in rat tissues by a mechanism independent of glutathione levels

The role of lipid peroxidation in the mechanism of arsenic toxicity was investigated in female rats pretreated with N-acetylcysteine (NAC, a glutathione [GSH] inducer) or with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, a GSH depletor). Rats were challenged with sodium arsenite, and sacrificed 1 hr after this treatment. Results showed that arsenic decreased GSH levels and increased lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney, and heart, with a larger effect at 18.2 mg/kg than at 14.8 mg/kg for lipid peroxidation induction. In the liver of rats treated with arsenic, pretreatment with NAC increased the levels of GSH and decreased lipid peroxidation. In kidney and heart, NAC pretreatment protected the tissues against arsenic-induced depletion of GSH levels, but the same degree of protection was not found for lipid peroxidation induction. In its turn, BSO had an additive effect with arsenic in lowering the levels of GSH in the liver and kidney, but an inverse correlation between GSH levels and lipid peroxidation was found only in liver. Arsenic content in tissues of rats pretreated with NAC was lower than in rats treated only with arsenic. In rats with depleted levels of GSH (BSO-pretreated rats), a shift in arsenic tissue distribution was found, with higher levels in skin and lower levels in kidney. A clear tendency for a positive correlation between arsenic concentration and lipid peroxidation levels was found in liver, kidney, and heart.

A glutathione depletion selectively imposed on mu glutathione S-transferase overproducing cells increases nitrogen mustard toxicity

Glutathione (GSH) contributes to the detoxification of anticancer drugs through the operation of specific glutathione S-transferases (GST) and innate, or acquired, overexpression of this enzyme family has been frequently observed in tumor cell lines. In the GMA32 line of Chinese hamster fibroblasts, we showed that GSH starvation produced by exposing cells to buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) increased the toxicity of chlorambucil and melphalan, but not that of N,N'-bis(2-chloroethyl)-N-nitrosourea (BCNU), cisplatine and doxorubicin. This indicates that efficient mechanisms of detoxification using GSH operate for chlorambucil and melphalan, but not for the other drugs in these cells. We then showed that GSH depletion could be selectively and transiently induced in the mu GST overexpressing cell line derived from GMA32, HC474, by exposing cells to substrates specific to the overexpressed isozyme. Exposing cells to such a substrate, trans-stilbene oxide, does not alter the sensibility of GMA32 cells to melphalan and chlorambucil, but increases that of HC474 cells to these drugs, to an extent comparable to that obtained with BSO. This observation highlights the possibility of exploiting GST overexpression, a frequent feature of tumor cells, to selectively sensitize these undesirable cells to anticancer drugs.

Cytotoxicity of antitumor platinum complexes with L-buthionine-(R,S)-sulfoximine and/or etanidazole in human carcinoma cell lines sensitive and resistant to cisplatin

Human 2008 ovarian carcinoma cells and the C13 CDDP-resistant subline and human MCF-7 breast carcinoma cells and the MCF-7/CDDP CDDP-resistant subline were exposed to L-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (50 microM) for 48 h prior to and during exposure for 1 h to the antitumor platinum complexes, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum(II), carboplatin or D,L-tetraplatin and/or to etanidazole (1 mM) for 2 h prior to and during exposure for 1 to the antitumor platinum complexes. These modulators alone did not significantly alter the cytotoxicity of CDDP toward either parental line. A twofold enhancement in cytotoxicity was observed with carboplatin in the 2008 cells and with D,L-tetraplatin in both parental lines with the single modulators. The modulator combination (buthionine sulfoximine/etanidazole) was very effective along with D,L-tetraplatin in both the MCF-7 parent and MCF-7/CDDP cell lines where at the higher platinum complex concentrations there was 1.5 to 3 logs increased killing of cells by the drug plus the modulators compared with the drug alone. Similarly, when C13 cells were exposed to CDDP (100 microM) or D,L-tetraplatin (100 microM) along with buthionine sulfoximine and etanidazole there was a 2-log increase in cell killing compared with exposure to the platinum complex alone. Treatment of each of the four cell lines with buthionine sulfoximine decreased both the non-protein and total sulfhydryl content of the cells. Treatment with the combination of modulators did not produce a further decrease in cellular sulfhydryl content compared with buthionine sulfoximine alone. The total sulfhydryl content in MCF-7 cells and 2008 cells exposed to buthionine sulfoximine and etanidazole was 58% and 31% of normal and the total sulfhydryl content of MCF-7/CDDP cells and C13 cells treated the same way was 54% and 23% of normal, respectively. DNA alkaline elution was used to assess the impact of exposure to the modulators, buthionine sulfoximine and etanidazole, alone and in combination on the cross linking of DNA by the antitumor platinum complexes in the MCF-7 and MCF-7/CDDP cell lines. Overall, the increases in DNA cross linking factors were greater in the MCF-7 cells than in the MCF-7/CDDP cells. These results indicate a possible clinical potential for this modulator combination.

Characterization of benzo[a]pyrene quinone-induced toxicity to primary cultured bone marrow stromal cells from DBA/2 mice: potential role of mitochondrial dysfunction

Oral exposure of DBA/2 mice to benzo[a]pyrene (BP) has been shown to result in hematotoxicity which is manifested as aplastic anemia and leukemia. Since normal hematopoiesis is regulated by bone marrow stromal cells, in this study we have characterized the bone marrow stromal toxicity induced by BP and BP-derived metabolites, particularly quinones. Incubation of stromal cells with various concentrations of BP-1,6-, 3,6-, 6,12-, or 7,8-quinone for 24 hr resulted in a significant decrease of cell survival in a concentration-dependent manner, while cells treated with BP or BP-7,8-dihydrodiol did not exhibit any significant loss of cell survival. Among the BP quinones examined, BP-1,6-quinone was the most cytotoxic to stromal cells. The cytotoxicity induced by BP-1,6-quinone also exhibited a time-dependent relationship. Pretreatment of stromal cells with 1,2-dithiole-3-thione (D3T) resulted in a significant induction of both cellular reduced glutathione (GSH) content and quinone reductase (QR) activity in a concentration-dependent manner. However, D3T pretreatment did not offer any protection against BP-1,6-quinone-induced toxicity. Furthermore, dicumarol, a potent inhibitor of QR, or buthionine sulfoximine, a specific inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, did not potentiate BP-1,6-quinone-induced cytotoxicity was not altered. However, incubation of stromal cells with BP-1,6-quinone resulted in a significant depletion of cellular ATP content and mitochondrial morphological changes, which preceded the loss of cell survival. In addition to BP-1,6-quinone, other cytotoxic BP quinones also exhibited a capacity to deplete cellular ATP level in stromal cells, while BP, which was not cytotoxic to stromal cells, did not elicit any significant decrease in cellular ATP level. These observations suggest that mitochondria may be a potential target of BP quinones. Overall, the above results indicate that neither cellular GSH and QR nor reactive oxygen species appear to be involved in BP quinone-induced stromal cell injury and that BP quinones may elicit cytotoxicity to stromal cells through directly disrupting mitochondrial energy metabolism.

Relationship between glutathione concentration and metabolism of the pyrrolizidine alkaloid, monocrotaline, in the isolated, perfused liver

The influence of GSH concentration on metabolism of monocrotaline was examined in the isolated, perfused rat liver. Chloroethanol (0.37 mmol/kg), diethyl maleate (5.6 mmol/kg), and buthionine sulfoximine (72.9 mmol/kg) given in vivo reduced hepatic GSH from 3.7 mumol/g wet weight to 1.5, 0.6 and 0.9 mumol/g, respectively. Livers were then perfused in vitro for 1 hr with monocrotaline (0.5 mM). GSH depletion had no effect on the total release of pyrrolic metabolites of monocrotaline. Depletion, however, markedly affected the pattern of pyrrole release. Biliary release of 7-glutathionyl-6,7-dihydro-1-hydroxy-methyl-5H-pyrrolizine (GSDHP) was reduced by up to 72%. Pretreatment with diethyl maleate or buthionine sulfoximine increased the level of protein-bound pyrroles in the liver by 107 and 84%, respectively. Such pyrroles are probably responsible for liver toxicity. GSH depletion also led to a doubling of dehydromonocrotaline release into the perfusate. This metabolite is probably responsible for the extrahepatic toxicity of monocrotaline. Release into perfusate of the relatively nontoxic metabolite, 6,7-dihydro-7-hydroxy-1-hydroxymethyl-5H-pyrrolizine (DHP) was correspondingly decreased. Hepatic GSH content was increased to 4.4 mumol/g by pretreatment with oxo-4-thiazolidine carboxylate (4.76 mmol/kg). This agent increased total pyrrolic metabolites by 54%. Biliary release of GSDHP and perfusate release of dehydromonocrotaline and DHP were all increased. Thus, hepatic GSH levels regulate the metabolism of monocrotaline and dehydromonocrotaline and, consequently, the hepatic and extrahepatic toxicity of monocrotaline. GSH depletion leads to a switch from the biliary release of the midly toxic GSDHP to the perfusate release of the highly toxic dehydromonocrotaline. GSH depletion also permits more dehydromonocrotaline in the liver to become available for macromolecular alkylation. These findings suggest that nutritional intake of sulfur-containing amino acids can influence the severity of pyrrolizidine poisoning.

Nitric oxide-induced cytotoxicity: involvement of cellular resistance to oxidative stress and the role of glutathione in protection

A series of experiments were designed to examine the potential cytotoxicity of nitric oxide (NO), or reactive species derived from NO, in HA1 fibroblasts and H2O2-resistant variants of this cell line, designated OC14 cells. A 1-h exposure at 37 degrees C to a 1.7 mM bolus dose of NO, prepared in N2-gassed medium, significantly reduced clonogenic survival in the HA1 fibroblasts line to 60% of control cells treated with N2-gassed medium alone. The OC14 cells were found to be completely resistant (100% survival) to NO-mediated injury in comparable experiments. A second set of experiments was designed to determine the role of the intracellular antioxidant, glutathione, in protection against NO-mediated injury. Depletion of total glutathione resulted in a significant reduction in HA1 and OC14 clonogenic survival to 8% and 50% when compared with respective control cells. The effect of total glutathione depletion on NO-initiated toxicity in HA1 cells was dose- and cell-density dependent and was observed to occur within 5 min of exposure to NO. Further evidence of cytotoxicity was demonstrated by loss of trypan blue dye exclusion properties in glutathione-depleted HA1 cells after NO exposure. Other experiments demonstrated that nitrate and nitrite exposure produced no cytotoxicity in glutathione-depleted HA1 cells and that coincubation of NO-saturated medium with oxyhemoglobin inhibited NO-induced cytotoxicity in glutathione-depleted HA1 cells.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Reductant substrate for glutathione peroxidase modulates oxidant inhibition of Ca2+ signaling in endothelial cells

Oxidant stress mediated by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH) inhibits agonist-stimulated Ca2+ entry and internal store Ca2+ release in cultured endothelial cells. The role of intracellular glutathione in modulating the effects of oxidant stress on Ca2+ signaling was determined in cells preincubated with buthionine-[S,R]-sulfoximine (BSO), an inhibitor of gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase, or 1-chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), a cosubstrate for glutathione-S-transferase. BSO and CDNB decreased endothelial cell glutathione content by 85 and 97%, respectively (control glutathione, 21.5 +/- 2.3 nmol/mg protein). Each agent accelerated the time-dependent effects of t-BOOH on Ca2+ signaling in fura 2-loaded cells and potentiated the inhibition of bradykinin-stimulated 45Ca2+ efflux induced by t-BOOH. These results indicate that decreased availability of reduced glutathione, the primary cosubstrate for glutathione peroxidase, potentiates the effect of hydroperoxide oxidant stress on receptor-operated Ca2+ entry across the plasmalemma and Ca2+ release from internal stores. The present findings suggest that intracellular glutathione availability and/or glutathione redox cycle activity are critically important modulators of oxidant inhibition of Ca(2+)-dependent signal transduction.

Relationship between oxygen-induced alveolar macrophage injury and cell antioxidant defence

Exposure to hyperoxia causes alveolar macrophage (AM) injury. The present study investigates the roles of intracellular antioxidant enzymes and of glutathione in the protection of AMs against hyperoxia in a biphasic cell culture system in aerobiosis. The effect of normoxia or hyperoxia on the integrity of AMs was related to indices of cell injury (ATP cell content and lactate dehydrogenase release into culture medium) and cell mass (protein content of AMs). Antioxidant activities were measured in guinea-pig AMs exposed to 95% O2 or to normoxia (control cells) for 3 days. A 3-day AM culture in normoxia showed a significant decrease in protein and catalase, whereas ATP cell content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) (both Cu,Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities significantly increased. The content of reduced glutathione (GSH) did not change. Using the ATP content in AMs expressed as a cell injury index (CII), AM injury increased with increasing O2 exposure time (1 day: 13 +/- 4.4%; 2 days: 34 +/- 3.8%; 3 days: 40 +/- 4.1%; 4 days: 55 +/- 7.3%; 6 days: 87.5 +/- 5.4%). Exposure to 95% O2 for 3 days was associated with a significant decrease in ATP cell content, protein, catalase and GSH to the total glutathione ratio, whereas SOD, GSH and total glutathione did not change significantly. The GPx activities increased significantly. There was no significant correlation between the AM CII and SOD or GPx content. In contrast, a significant correlation was observed between hyperoxia-induced AM CII and catalase content (r = 0.71) and glutathione content (r = 0.71).(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)