Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA/kainate and NMDA channels: high rate of Ca2+ influx underlies potent induction of injury

Neurodegeneration may occur secondary to glutamate-triggered Ca2+ influx through any of three routes: NMDA channels, voltage-sensitive Ca2+ channels (VSCC), and Ca(2+)-permeable AMPA/kainate channels (Ca-A/K). This study aims to examine Ca2+ ion dynamics in the generation of excitotoxic injury by correlating the relative amounts of 45Ca2+ that flow into cortical neurons through each of these routes over a 10 min epoch ("10 min Ca2+ loads;" a measure of influx rate), with resultant levels of intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]) and subsequent injury. Neurons possessing Ca-A/K make up a small subset (approximately 13%) of cortical neurons in culture, which can be identified by a histochemical stain based on kainate-stimulated Co2+ uptake (Co2+ (+) neurons) and which are unusually vulnerable to AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated injury. Initial studies using brief kainate exposures (to selectively destroy Co2+ (+) neurons) along with kainate-triggered 45Ca2+ influx measurements suggested that kainate causes rapid Ca2+ influx into Co2+ (+) neurons (comparable to that caused by NMDA). Influx through both Ca-A/K and NMDA channels increased proportionately with extracellular Ca2+, suggesting that these channels have high Ca2+ permeability. When cultures were subjected to exposures that gave similar 10 min Ca2+ loads through different routes, comparable levels of injury were observed, suggesting that net intracellular Ca2+ accumulation is a critical determinant of injury. However, the relationship between [Ca2+]i and influx was less direct: although exposures that gave the lowest or highest 10 min Ca2+ loads showed correspondingly lower or higher mean [Ca2+]i responses, there appears to be a wide range of exposures over which individual neuronal differences and sequestration/buffering mechanisms obscure [Ca2+]i as a reflection of influx rate.

Arthroscopic debridement for osteoarthritis of the knee: a seven years follow-up study

We reviewed 32 knees with osteoarthritis of the knee treated by either arthroscopic debridement in association with drilling the subchondral bone or arthroscopic debridement alone and followed for 2.5 to 11 years. Eighteen knees had arthroscopic debridement and drilling the subchondral bone, and 14 knees had arthroscopic debridement alone. In the group treated with arthroscopic debridement and drilling the subchondral bone, 55.6% had good to excellent results, 22.2% had fair results, and 22.2% had poor results. In the group that had arthroscopic debridement alone, 57.2% had good to excellent results, 35.7% had fair results, and 7.1% had poor results. There was better relief of pain in the group with arthroscopic debridement alone.

Ca2+ permeable AMPA/kainate channels permit rapid injurious Ca2+ entry

Small subsets of central neurons possessing Ca2+ permeable AMPA/kainate channels can be identified by a histochemical stain based on kainate-stimulated Co2+ uptake (Co2+(+)neurons) and are unusually vulnerable to AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated injury. Using brief kainate exposures (which selectively destroy Co2+(+) neurons) along with kainate triggered 45Ca2+ influx measurements, we estimate kainate to cause an unusually high rate of Ca2+ influx into Co2+(+) neurons. Also, while fura-2 Ca2+ imaging revealed low (10 microM) kainate exposures to preferentially induce intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i) elevations in Co2+(+) neurons, intense (100 microM) kainate exposures used in the 45Ca2+ influx studies triggered comparable [Ca2+]i rises in all neurons. These findings suggest that the exceptional vulnerability of Co2+(+) neurons to AMPA/kainate receptor-mediated injury reflects a high rate of agonist triggered Ca2+ influx, and that [Ca2+]i rises may only poorly reflect influx rate.

P-type calcium channels are blocked by the alkaloid daurisoline

IN looking for a structurally defined non-peptide P-channel blocker we have tested the alkaloid daurisoline which has been isolated from traditional Chinese medicinal herb (Menispermum dauricum) used for the treatment of epilepsy, hypertension and asthma. We have found that daurisoline is an inhibitor of omega-Aga-IVA sensitive barium currents in cerebellar Purkinje cells and of excitatory postsynaptic potentials evoked in Purkinje cells by stimulating parallel fibres in acutely prepared cerebellar slices. Daurisoline did not significantly affect omega-Aga-IVA-insensitive barium currents recorded from granule cells freshly isolated from rat cerebellum. Daurisoline passes the blood-brain barrier and will, therefore, facilitate the functional characterization of brain calcium channels as well as the exploration of P-type calcium channels as possible drug targets.

Alterations of G-protein coupling function in phosphoinositide signalling pathways of rat hippocampus by ischaemic brain injury

The activation of membrane-associated phospholipase C is rapidly and transiently induced in the central nervous system by a variety of stimuli. Ischaemic brain injury is one of the situations that leads to a dramatic increase in polyphosphoinositide (PPI) turnover. In this study, stimulation of PPI hydrolysis by glutamate (500 microM) was measured in hippocampal slices from rats up to 21 days after an ischaemic insult of 30 min. Ischaemia was induced using the four-vessel occlusion method. PPI hydrolysis elicited by glutamate was significantly increased in the slices prepared from ischaemic rats 24 h after reperfusion, the accumulation of inositol phosphates (InsPs) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (Insp3) was 614 +/- 74% (n = 8) and 182 +/- 11% (n = 9) of the basal level respectively. This potentiation was also observed 21 days after ischaemia. Hyper-responsiveness to glutamate was also accompanied by an increase in AIF4(-)-stimulated formation of [3H]inositol phosphates. In addition, global ischaemia did not change either high-affinity [3H]glutamate binding in hippocampal membranes or the stimulation of PPI hydrolysis by carbachol or noradrenaline in hippocampal slices. The present results suggest that the increased responsiveness to glutamate is the result, at least in part, of functional changes at the G-protein level, and may contribute to the pathophysiology of ischaemic brain injury or to the regenerative phenomena that accompany ischaemic damage.

Accumulation of glutamate is regulated by calcium and protein kinase C in rat hippocampal slices exposed to ischemic states

There is now convincing evidence that excessive accumulation of the excitatory amino acid glutamate (Glu) in the extracellular space is toxic to neurons. However, the regulation of the release and uptake of Glu in producing this toxic concentration has not been adequately ascertained. The authors report that in hippocampal slices, the output of Glu significantly increased under in vitro ischemic states. Glu in the extracellular space increased fivefold. Since daurisoline, a drug that blocks N-type Ca2+ channels, or Ca(2+)-free solution potently and effectively lowered this stimulated output, it was hypothesized that the Glu output is mediated by Ca2+ influx in nerve terminals. When the slices were incubated for 30 minutes under ischemic state, daurisoline caused only small alterations in the postischemic accumulation of Glu. However, Glu accumulation was markedly attenuated by H-7, but not by calmidazolium, facilitated by PDB whereas 8-bromo-cAMP was without effect. It appears therefore that during a 30-minute ischemic insult, protein kinase C (PKC) was involved in the Glu accumulation of supernatant. A direct demonstration of this concept was obtained by showing significant increases in PKC activation in presynaptic nerve terminals (from 1.34 +/- 0.1 to 9.34 +/- 0.89 U) following 30 minutes of ischemia. DNQX, a non-NMDA receptor antagonist, potently reduced PKC activities and decreased extra Glu accumulation. Also observed was the inhibition of 1-[3H]-Glu uptake into synaptosomes by PDB. These results provide direct evidence that Ca2+ influx enhances Glu release, which in turn leads to inhibition of its reuptake, and is coupled with PKC activities in presynaptic nerve terminals.

Inhibitory effect of 0,0-bisacetyldaurisoline on Ca2+ influx into synaptosomes

The inhibitory effects of 0,0-bisacetyldaurisoline (BDSL) on 45Ca2+ uptake and [3H]GABA release from synaptosomes were investigated. BDSL (1-100 mumol.L-1) produced a concentration-related inhibition of high K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake and [3H]GABA release (IC50 = 5.6 +/- 0.7 and 31.4 +/- 2.3 mumol.L-1, respectively) in synaptosomes but verapamil (Ver) was only weakly active. Neither BDSL (100 mumol.L-1) nor Ver (100 mumol.L-1) modified 45Ca2+ uptake in control medium (K+ 5 mmol.L-1 resting uptake) and [3H]GABA release in Ca(2+)-free medium (K+ 45 mmol.L-1 basal release). The results suggest that BDSL may be a potent Ca2+ channel blocker in neurons.

Effects of Ca2+ antagonists on glutamate release and Ca2+ influx in the hippocampus with in vivo intracerebral microdialysis

1. The extracellular glutamate content and Ca2+ level in vivo in rat hippocampus were measured by brain microdialysis following administration of two depolarizing agents (veratridine, KCl) and quinolinic acid (Quin). 2. The two depolarizing agents increased the extracellular glutamate level (to between 280 and 320% basal) and decreased the extracellular Ca2+ content (to 48% of basal). However, Quin did not change the glutamate level but decreased the Ca2+ content. 3. The effects of Ca2+ antagonists on the changes of glutamate and Ca2+ level were evaluated in this experimental model. At a dose of 0.5 mg kg-1, i.v., nimodipine (L-type channel blocker) did not produce significant changes in the stimulated-glutamate release. A statistically significant inhibition of Ca2+ influx was observed at a dose of 0.05 mg kg-1. In contrast, in those animals receiving the N-type Ca2+ antagonist, daurisoline (0.1, 1 or 5 mg kg-1, i.v.), a potent attenuation of both glutamate release and Ca2+ influx was found. 4. We propose that the pharmacological properties of Ca2+ influx and of neurotransmitter release differ and that nimodipine-sensitive L-type channels may not be very common in nerve terminals but are localized in cell soma. Daurisoline-sensitive N-type channels in nerve terminals have a much greater influence on excitatory amino acid release.

Effects of nimodipine on l-glutamate-induced seizures and Ca2+ influx in hippocampus in freely moving rats

Seizure (EEG) was studied in rats unilaterally injected in the dorsal hippocampus with l-glutamate (Glu). Extracellular Ca2+ content [(Ca2+)e] in the injected area was assessed by brain microdialysis coupled to automatic atomic absorption spectrophotometry. In this experimental epileptic model, an inhibition of Glu-stimulated epileptic activity and a fall in (Ca2+)e by nimodipine (Nim, 100 micrograms.kg-1) were seen. The spike- and wave-burst frequency was reduced from 30 to 5 bursts.min-1 (P less than 0.01, n = 8). Nim 25 and 50 micrograms.kg-1, without anticonvulsant activity, did not prevent the drop in (Ca2+)e. These results indicate that Nim exerts an antiepileptic effect on Glu-induced epilepsy. The mechanisms may be involved in blocking Ca2+ influx into neurons.

Effects of l-daurisoline on quinolinic acid-induced Ca2+ influx in hippocampus neurons in freely moving rats

In freely moving rats, hippocampus neuronal extracellular calcium concentration (Ca2+)e and seizures were investigated. Application of quinolinic acid 156 nmol (exciting N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, NMDA) to dorsal hippocampus elicited a decrease in (Ca2+)e by 48 +/- 5% in the infusion area and produced a characteristic abnormal EEG. l-Daurisoline dramatically prevented the reduction in (Ca2+)e, but not seizures (EEG). The results suggest that NMDA-operated calcium channels, but not NMDA-receptors, are involved in the effects of l-daurisoline on Ca2+ influx observed.

[A survey on eight patients and one family history of Peutz-Jeghers syndrome]

Eight patients with Peutz-Jeghers Syndrome (PJS) have been diagnosed by fiber light colonoscope in recent ten years in our hospital. Four of them coming from the same family. It was called "Gao family". We made a survey on 42 members in 5 generation of the family including 13 definite patients and 3 suspicious patients. The specification of PJS, the malignant change of polyps and the misdiagnosis of hamartoma are discussed in this paper.

The effects of (-)-daurisoline on Ca2+ influx in presynaptic nerve terminals

1. The effects of (-)-daurisoline on 45Ca2+ uptake and [3H]-gamma-aminobutyric acid ([3H]-GABA) release from synaptosomes of rat cerebral cortex and on contractile activity of rat aorta were examined. 2. Application of (-)-daurisoline (1-100 microM) produced concentration-related inhibition of high K(+)-stimulated 45Ca2+ uptake and [3H]-GABA release (IC50 = 7.7 +/- 0.9 microM and 10.0 +/- 1.5 microM, respectively) in synaptosomes but verapamil was only weakly active. 3. Neither (-)-daurisoline (100 microM) nor verapamil (100 microM) modified 45Ca2+ uptake in control medium (5 mM K+, resting uptake) and [3H]-GABA release in Ca-free medium (45 mM K+ basal release). 4. High K+ and noradrenaline-evoked contractions of rat aorta were inhibited by both (-)-daurisoline and verapamil. 5. In conclusion, (-)-daurisoline, which differed from verapamil in its mode of blocking Ca2+ influx may be a potent Ca2+ antagonist of Ca2+ channels in neurones.

[Clinical effect of China-made amrinone in the treatment of refractory congestive heart failure]

Clinical and hemodynamic studies were carried out in 20 patients suffering from refractory congestive heart failure with invasive technique and non-invasive methods such as tolerance exercise test, 24-hour Holter monitoring, etc. Digitalis was then withdrawn and China-made amrinone (AMR) was administered orally for 15 days. All the indices mentioned above were repeated and each patient served as his own control. The results indicate that AMR can improve hemodynamic parameters as well as exercise tolerance. Holter monitoring revealed no significant increase in arrythmogenic potentiality. The total clinical effective rate was 95%. No severe side effects were found except thrombocytopenia observed in 20% of the patients. It is suggested that China-made AMR is effective in treating refractory congestive heart failure.

Müllerian adenosarcoma of uterus--a case report

A rare case of Müllerian adenosarcoma occurred in the uterine endometrium of a 40-year-old woman. Histologically, the tumor was composed of an admixture of benign-appearing glands and a sarcomatous stroma. This neoplasm appears to have a relatively low malignant potential in contrast to the more aggressive form of malignant mixed Müllerian tumor. Our case was treated with hysterectomy and radiation. She was well after two and a half years.