Ultrastructural features of a brain injury model in cat. I. Vascular and neuroglial changes and the prevention of astroglial swelling by a fluorenyl (aryloxy) alkanoic acid derivative (L-644,711)

Pharmacological modulation of chloride channels as a therapeutic strategy for neurological disorders

Chloride homeostasis is critical in the physiological functions of the central nervous system (CNS). Its concentration is precisely regulated by multiple ion-transporting proteins such as chloride channels and transporters that are widely distributed in the brain cells, including neurons and glia. Unlike ion transporters, chloride channels provide rapid responses to efficiently regulate ion flux. Some of chloride channels are also permeable to selected organic anions such as glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid, suggesting neuroexcitatory and neuroinhibitory functions while gating. Dysregulated chloride channels are implicated in neurological disorders, e.g., ischemia and neuroinflammation. Modulation of chloride homeostasis through chloride channels has been suggested as a potential therapeutic approach for neurological disorders. The drug design for CNS diseases is challenging because it requires the therapeutics to traverse the blood-brain-barrier. Small molecules are a well-established modality with better cell permeability due to their lower molecular weight and flexibility for structure optimization compared to biologics. In this article, we describe the important roles of chloride homeostasis in each type of brain cells and introduce selected chloride channels identified in the CNS. We then discuss the contribution of their dysregulations towards the pathogenesis of neurological disorders, emphasizing the potential of targeting chloride channels as a therapeutic strategy for CNS disease treatment. Along with this literature survey, we summarize the small molecules that modulate chloride channels and propose the potential strategy of optimizing existing drugs to brain-penetrants to support future CNS drug discovery.

Reevaluation of Astrocyte-Neuron Energy Metabolism with Astrocyte Volume Fraction Correction: Impact on Cellular Glucose Oxidation Rates, Glutamate-Glutamine Cycle Energetics, Glycogen Levels and Utilization Rates vs. Exercising Muscle, and Na+/K+ Pumping Rates

Accurate quantification of cellular contributions to rates of substrate utilization in resting, activated, and diseased brain is essential for interpretation of data from studies using [¹⁸F]fluorodeoxyglucose-positron-emission tomography (FDG-PET) and [¹³C]glucose/magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS). A generally-accepted dogma is that neurons have the highest energy demands of all brain cells, and calculated neuronal rates of glucose oxidation in awake, resting brain accounts for 70-80%, with astrocytes 20-30%. However, these proportions do not take cell type volume fractions into account. To evaluate the conclusion that neuron-astrocyte glucose oxidation rates are similar when adjusted for astrocytic volume fraction (Hertz, Magn Reson Imaging 2011; 29, 1319), the present study analyzed data from 31 studies. On average, astrocytes occupy 6.1, 9.6, and 15% of tissue volume in hippocampus, cerebral cortex, and cerebellum, respectively, and regional astrocytic metabolic rates are adjusted for volume fraction by multiplying by 17.6, 11.4, and 6.8, respectively. After adjustment, astrocytic glucose oxidation rates in resting awake rat brain are 4-10 fold higher than neuronal oxidation rates. Volume-fraction adjustment also increases brain glycogen concentrations and utilization rates to be similar to or exceed exercising muscle. Ion flux calculations to evaluate sodium/potassium homeostasis during neurotransmission are not correct if astrocyte-neuron volume fractions are assumed to be equal. High rates of glucose and glycogen utilization after adjustment for volume fraction indicate that astrocytic energy demands are much greater than recognized, with most of the ATP being used for functions other than glutamate processing in the glutamate-glutamine cycle, challenging the notion that astrocytes 'feed hungry neurons'.

Dual roles of astrocytes in plasticity and reconstruction after traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of fatality and disability worldwide. Despite its high prevalence, effective treatment strategies for TBI are limited. Traumatic brain injury induces structural and functional alterations of astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain. As a way of coping with the trauma, astrocytes respond in diverse mechanisms that result in reactive astrogliosis. Astrocytes are involved in the physiopathologic mechanisms of TBI in an extensive and sophisticated manner. Notably, astrocytes have dual roles in TBI, and some astrocyte-derived factors have double and opposite properties. Thus, the suppression or promotion of reactive astrogliosis does not have a substantial curative effect. In contrast, selective stimulation of the beneficial astrocyte-derived molecules and simultaneous attenuation of the deleterious factors based on the spatiotemporal-environment can provide a promising astrocyte-targeting therapeutic strategy. In the current review, we describe for the first time the specific dual roles of astrocytes in neuronal plasticity and reconstruction, including neurogenesis, synaptogenesis, angiogenesis, repair of the blood-brain barrier, and glial scar formation after TBI. We have also classified astrocyte-derived factors depending on their neuroprotective and neurotoxic roles to design more appropriate targeted therapies.

State-Dependent Changes in Brain Glycogen Metabolism

A fundamental understanding of glycogen structure, concentration, polydispersity and turnover is critical to qualify the role of glycogen in the brain. These molecular and metabolic features are under the control of neuronal activity through the interdependent action of neuromodulatory tone, ionic homeostasis and availability of metabolic substrates, all variables that concur to define the state of the system. In this chapter, we briefly describe how glycogen responds to selected behavioral, nutritional, environmental, hormonal, developmental and pathological conditions. We argue that interpreting glycogen metabolism through the lens of brain state is an effective approach to establish the relevance of energetics in connecting molecular and cellular neurophysiology to behavior.

Nuclear expansion and pore opening are instant signs of neuronal hypoxia and can identify poorly fixed brains

The initial phase of neuronal death is not well characterized. Here, we show that expansion of the nuclear membrane without losing its integrity along with peripheralization of chromatin are immediate signs of neuronal injury. Importantly, these changes can be identified with commonly used nuclear stains and used as markers of poor perfusion-fixation. Although frozen sections are widely used, no markers are available to ensure that the observed changes were not confounded by perfusion-induced hypoxia/ischemia. Moreover, HMGB1 was immediately released and p53 translocated to mitochondria in hypoxic/ischemic neurons, whereas nuclear pore complex inhibitors prevented the nuclear changes, identifying novel neuroprotection targets.

LRRC8A is essential for swelling-activated chloride current and for regulatory volume decrease in astrocytes

Consolidated evidence indicates that astroglial cells are critical in the homeostatic regulation of cellular volume by means of ion channels and aquaporin-4. Volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is the chloride channel that is activated upon cell swelling and critically contributes to cell volume regulation in astrocytes. The molecular identity of VRAC has been recently defined, revealing that it belongs to the leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8) protein family. However, there is a lack of evidence demonstrating that LRRC8A underpins VRAC currents in astrocyte. Nonetheless, direct evidence of the role of LRRC8A in astrocytic regulatory volume decrease remains to be proved. Here, we aim to bridge this gap in knowledge by combining RNA interference specific for LRRC8A with patch-clamp analyses and a water-permeability assay. We demonstrated that LRRC8A molecular expression is essential for swelling-activated chloride current via VRAC in primary-cultured cortical astrocytes. The knockdown of LRRC8A with a specific short interference RNA abolished the recovery of the cell volume after swelling induced by hypotonic challenge. In addition, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, confocal imaging, and immunogold electron microscopy demonstrated that LRRC8A is expressed in the plasma membrane of primary cortical astrocytes and in situ in astrocytes at the perivascular interface with endothelial cells. Collectively, our results suggest that LRRC8A is an essential subunit of VRAC and a key factor for astroglial volume homeostasis.-Formaggio, F., Saracino, E., Mola, M. G., Rao, S. B., Amiry-Moghaddam, M., Muccini, M., Zamboni, R., Nicchia, G. P., Caprini, M., Benfenati, V. LRRC8A is essential for swelling-activated chloride current and for regulatory volume decrease in astrocytes.

■ Review : Cell Volume in the CNS: Regulation and Implications for Nervous System Function and Pathology

Swelling of cells in the nervous system is frequently associated with pathological states such as cerebral ischemia. The major cell type that swells in gray matter appears to be the astrocyte, although swelling of neuronal dendrites also occurs. Such swelling probably affects function by reducing the volume of the extracellular space. In addition the properties of the swollen cells themselves are altered, such as the swelling-induced release of excitatory amino acids, which are likely to be deleterious. Recent work has shown that these effects, linked to astrocytic swelling, may be involved in pathological states such as cerebral ischemia and trauma. Increased understanding of such swelling in the CNS will thus be of great importance in understanding mechanisms of brain damage and may provide specific sites for therapeutic intervention. NEUROSCIENTIST 6:14-25, 2000

Volume-regulated anion channel--a frenemy within the brain

The volume-regulated anion channel (VRAC) is a ubiquitously expressed yet highly enigmatic member of the superfamily of chloride/anion channels. It is activated by cellular swelling and mediates regulatory cell volume decrease in a majority of vertebrate cells, including those in the central nervous system (CNS). In the brain, besides its crucial role in cellular volume regulation, VRAC is thought to play a part in cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and release of physiologically active molecules. Although these roles are not exclusive to the CNS, the relative significance of VRAC in the brain is amplified by several unique aspects of its physiology. One important example is the contribution of VRAC to the release of the excitatory amino acid neurotransmitters glutamate and aspartate. This latter process is thought to have impact on both normal brain functioning (such as astrocyte-neuron signaling) and neuropathology (via promoting the excitotoxic death of neuronal cells in stroke and traumatic brain injury). In spite of much work in the field, the molecular nature of VRAC remained unknown until less than 2 years ago. Two pioneer publications identified VRAC as the heterohexamer formed by the leucine-rich repeat-containing 8 (LRRC8) proteins. These findings galvanized the field and are likely to result in dramatic revisions to our understanding of the place and role of VRAC in the brain, as well as other organs and tissues. The present review briefly recapitulates critical findings in the CNS and focuses on anticipated impact on the LRRC8 discovery on further progress in neuroscience research.

Electron microscopy of astrocyte changes and subtypes in traumatic human edematous cerebral cortex: a review

The astrocyte subtypes in moderate and severe human brain trauma complicated with subdural hematoma or hygroma are described. Clear and dense edematous and hypertrophic reactive astrocytes are distinguished in severe vasogenic brain edema. Swollen perineuronal astrocytes appear compressing and indenting dark, degenerated pyramidal and nonpyramidal nerve cells. Glycogen-depleted and glycogen-rich astrocytes also are seen. Reactive hypertrophic astrocytes exhibit increased amounts of dilated smooth and rough endoplasmic reticulum, microtubules, and gliofilaments. Perisynaptic astrocyte ensheathments of neuropil synaptic contacts are lost, and the perivascular astrocyte end-feet appear dissociated from the capillary basement membrane. The interastrocytary gap junctions appear fragmented.

[Biological mechanisms involved in the spread of traumatic brain damage]

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a worldwide health problem that is especially prevalent in young adults. It is characterized by one or more primary injury foci, with secondary spread to initially not compromised areas via cascades of inflammatory response, excitotoxicity, energy failure conditions, and amplification of the original tissue injury by glia. In theory, such progression of injury should be amenable to management. However, all neuroprotective drug trials have failed, and specific treatments remain lacking. These negative results can be explained by a neuron centered approach, excluding the participation of other cell types and pathogenic mechanisms. To change this situation, it is necessary to secure a better understanding of the biological mechanisms determining damage progression or spread. We discuss the biological mechanisms involved in the progression of post-trauma tissue damage, including the general physiopathology of TBI and cellular mechanisms of secondary damage such as inflammation, apoptosis, cell tumefaction, excitotoxicity, and the role of glia in damage propagation. We highlight the role of glia in each cellular mechanism discussed. Therapeutic approaches related to the described mechanisms have been included. The discussion is completed with a working model showing the convergence of the main topics.

Hypo-osmotic swelling modifies glutamate-glutamine cycle in the cerebral cortex and in astrocyte cultures

In our previous work, we found that perfusion of the rat cerebral cortex with hypo-osmotic medium triggers massive release of the excitatory amino acid L-glutamate but decreases extracellular levels of L-glutamine (R. E. Haskew-Layton et al., PLoS ONE, 3: e3543). The release of glutamate was linked to activation of volume-regulated anion channels, whereas mechanism(s) responsible for alterations in extracellular glutamine remained unclear. When mannitol was added to the hypo-osmotic medium to reverse reductions in osmolarity, changes in microdialysate levels of glutamine were prevented, indicating an involvement of cellular swelling. As the main source of brain glutamine is astrocytic synthesis and export, we explored the impact of hypo-osmotic medium on glutamine synthesis and transport in rat primary astrocyte cultures. In astrocytes, a 40% reduction in medium osmolarity moderately stimulated the release of L-[(3) H]glutamine by ∼twofold and produced no changes in L-[(3) H]glutamine uptake. In comparison, hypo-osmotic medium stimulated the release of glutamate (traced with D-[(3) H]aspartate) by more than 20-fold. In whole-cell enzymatic assays, we discovered that hypo-osmotic medium caused a 20% inhibition of astrocytic conversion of L-[(3) H]glutamate into L-[(3) H]glutamine by glutamine synthetase. Using an HPLC assay, we further found a 35% reduction in intracellular levels of endogenous glutamine. Overall, our findings suggest that cellular swelling (i) inhibits astrocytic glutamine synthetase activity, and (ii) reduces substrate availability for this enzyme because of the activation of volume-regulated anion channels. These combined effects likely lead to reductions in astrocytic glutamine export in vivo and may partially explain occurrence of hyperexcitability and seizures in human hyponatremia.

Moderate Ringer's lactate solution resuscitation yields best neurological outcome in controlled hemorrhagic shock combined with brain injury in rats

Anesthetized rats were assigned to sham; brain injury (BI); controlled hemorrhagic shock (CHS); BI combined with CHS (combined injury [CI]); and CI groups resuscitated with 2.5 mL/kg Ringer's lactate solution (RL-2.5), 10 mL/kg RL (RL-10), or 40 mL/kg RL (RL-40). Brain injury was induced by applying 400 millibar negative pressure for 10 s through a hollow screw inserted into a 4.5-mm burr hole drilled into the left parietal region of the skull. Five minutes after BI, 30% of circulating blood volume was withdrawn for 10 min to induce CHS. One hour of fluid resuscitation commenced 20 min posthemorrhage. MAP, lactate, and base excess levels were significantly improved in the RL-40 group compared with all other hemorrhaged groups. The hematocrit level 1 h after resuscitation began was significantly lower in the RL-40 group (27.6% +/- 0.57%) than in all other groups. The RL-40 group had the worst neurological severity score 24 h postsurgery. MAP, lactate, and base excess levels were not significantly improved in the RL-2.5 group, however, the number of surviving neuronal cells in the perilesional brain region was significantly higher than in the CI or RL-40 groups. MAP, lactate, and base excess levels were significantly improved in the RL-10 group (P < 0.05). Mobility and the number of surviving neurons in the perilesional region of the brain were significantly better in the RL-10 group than in the CI or RL-40 groups (P < 0.05). Although massive fluid resuscitation yields preferable hemodynamic and metabolic outcomes, neurological outcomes are better after moderate fluid resuscitation for BI combined with controlled hemorrhagic shock.

Hemorrhagic shock after experimental traumatic brain injury in mice: effect on neuronal death

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) from blast injury is often complicated by hemorrhagic shock (HS) in victims of terrorist attacks. Most studies of HS after experimental TBI have focused on intracranial pressure; few have explored the effect of HS on neuronal death after TBI, and none have been done in mice. We hypothesized that neuronal death in CA1 hippocampus would be exacerbated by HS after experimental TBI. C57BL6J male mice were anesthetized with isoflurane, mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) was monitored, and controlled cortical impact (CCI) delivered to the left parietal cortex followed by continued anesthesia (CCI-only), or either 60 or 90 min of volume-controlled HS. Parallel 60- or 90-min HS-only groups were also studied. After HS (+/-CCI), 6% hetastarch was used targeting MAP of > or =50 mm Hg during a 30-min Pre-Hospital resuscitation phase. Then, shed blood was re-infused, and hetastarch was given targeting MAP of > or =60 mm Hg during a 30-min Definitive Care phase. Neurological injury was evaluated at 24 h (fluorojade C) or 7 days (CA1 and CA3 hippocampal neuron counts). HS reduced MAP to 30-40 mm Hg in all groups, p < 0.05 versus CCI-only. Ipsilateral CA1 neuron counts in the 90-min CCI+HS group were reduced at 16.5 +/- 14.1 versus 30.8 +/- 6.8, 32.3 +/- 7.6, 30.6 +/- 2.2, 28.1 +/- 2.2 neurons/100 mum in CCI-only, 60-min HS-only, 90-min HS-only, and 60-min CCI+HS, respectively, all p < 0.05. CA3 neuron counts did not differ between groups. Fluorojade C staining confirmed neurodegeneration in CA1 in the 90-min CCI+HS group. Our data suggest a critical time window for exacerbation of neuronal death by HS after CCI and may have implications for blast injury victims in austere environments where definitive management is delayed.

Pathology and new players in the pathogenesis of brain edema

Brain edema continues to be a major cause of mortality after diverse types of brain pathologies such as major cerebral infarcts, hemorrhages, trauma, infections and tumors. The classification of edema into vasogenic, cytotoxic, hydrocephalic and osmotic has stood the test of time although it is recognized that in most clinical situations there is a combination of different types of edema during the course of the disease. Basic information about the types of edema is provided for better understanding of the expression pattern of some of the newer molecules implicated in the pathogenesis of brain edema. These molecules include the aquaporins, matrix metalloproteinases and growth factors such as vascular endothelial growth factors A and B and the angiopoietins. The potential of these agents in the treatment of edema is discussed. Since many molecules are involved in the pathogenesis of brain edema, effective treatment cannot be achieved by a single agent but will require the administration of a "magic bullet" containing a variety of agents released at different times during the course of edema in order to be successful.

Astrocyte and neuron intone through glutamate

The unexpected finding of astrocytes to release glutamate as gliotransmitter challenges the traditional concepts on astrocyte being "passive" in CNS communications. Glutamate is the major excitatory transmitter in transferring information between neurons, but is now also known to activate astrocyte through transporters and receptors. Together with the sensitive swelling response, astrocytes could respond directly to glutamate and neuronal activity. Other new functions of astrocytes include modulation of synaptic plasticity and cerebral blood flow (CBF). The classic glutamate deplenishment through glutamine synthesis and CO(2) production does not account for the total glutamate internalized into astrocytes. This leads us to speculate there are many hidden functions of glutamate in neurons and astrocytes waiting to be discovered. In this review, we attempted to reexamine some of these new and older functions of glutamate and to reevaluate the roles of glutamate intoning these two cell types.

Natural animal shaking: a model for non-accidental head injury in children?

BACKGROUND

Non-accidental head injury (NAHI) is a form of child abuse where a perpetrator may violently subject an infant to repeated acceleration-deceleration forces with or without head impact, producing injuries including retinal haemorrhages in most cases. Animal models have included laboratory shaking of mice and rats, but only a small fraction develop retinal haemorrhages presumably due to the small eyes, which would require unattainable force levels to mimic that sustained by the infant eye. Animal models are also problematic due to ethical issues raised by subjecting even anaesthetized animals to abusive injury.

METHODS

We investigated a naturally occurring event, where three animal victims were shaken by a canine. The eyes were harvested and examined histologically.

RESULTS

The victims' eyes showed no haemorrhage or retinoschisis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our model may not be a complete NAHI mimic. The discrepancies may ensue from anatomical and mechanical differences in the injury mechanism. Other models must be sought to further study this form of abusive eye injury.

Cytotoxic edema: monitoring its magnitude and contribution to brain swelling

Cytotoxic edema (CytE) is an increment in total brain water produced when the excess water swells cells rather than expanding the extracellular space. CytE contributes to brain swelling with a resultant increase of intracranial pressure (ICP). However, questions remain concerning the magnitude of the contribution made by CytE to raised ICP and the ability of CytE by itself to produce lethal levels of ICP that result in brainstem herniation. These questions exist because there are pitfalls in estimating the magnitude of CytE and hence its contribution to ICP using either electron microscopy or in vivo surrogates for CytE such as impedance measurements or the apparent diffusion coefficient. Correlation of these measures has been made during CytE. However, the literature provides reasons to question whether any of these surrogates for CytE can give accurate quantitative measures of CytE. At present, there is little evidence to indicate that CytE can, by itself, raise ICP to lethal levels. However, because CytE can raise ICP, it is of interest to develop treatments to prevent or reduce CytE even though currently available data do not yet provide an established mechanistic basis upon which to base such therapy.

Protective ocular mechanisms in woodpeckers

AIMS

Woodpeckers possess mechanisms protecting the eye from shaking/impact. Mechanisms available to woodpeckers but not humans may help explain some eye injuries in Shaken Baby syndrome (SBS).

METHODS

Gross dissection and histologic examination of eyes and orbits of seven woodpeckers.

RESULTS

All birds showed restricted axial globe movement due to the tight fit within the orbit and fascial connections between the orbital rim and sclera. The sclera was reinforced with cartilage and bone, the optic nerve lacked redundancy, and the vitreous lacked attachments to the posterior pole retina.

CONCLUSIONS

Woodpecker eyes differ from human infants by an inability of the globe to move axially in the orbit, the sclera to deform, and the vitreous to shear the retina. These findings support current hypotheses that abusive acceleration-deceleration-induced ocular injury in human infants may be related to translation of vitreous within the globe and the globe within the orbit. The woodpecker presents a natural model resistant to mechanical forces that have some similarity to SBS.

Neuroprotection by alpha 2-adrenergic agonists in cerebral ischemia

Ischemic brain injury is implicated in the pathophysiology of stroke and brain trauma, which are among the top killers worldwide, and intensive studies have been performed to reduce neural cell death after cerebral ischemia. Alpha 2-adrenergic agonists have been shown to improve the histomorphological and neurological outcome after cerebral ischemic injury when administered during ischemia, and recent studies have provided considerable evidence that alpha 2-adrenergic agonists can protect the brain from ischemia/reperfusion injury. Thus, alpha 2-adrenergic agonists are promising potential drugs in preventing cerebral ischemic injury, but the mechanisms by which alpha 2-adrenergic agonists exert their neuroprotective effect are unclear. Activation of both the alpha 2-adrenergic receptor and imidazoline receptor may be involved. This mini review examines the recent progress in alpha 2-adrenergic agonists - induced neuroprotection and its proposed mechanisms in cerebral ischemic injury.

Astrocytic swelling in cerebral ischemia as a possible cause of injury and target for therapy

In this viewpoint article, I summarize data showing that the astrocytic swelling that occurs early after the acute CNS pathologies ischemia and traumatic brain injury is damaging. We have proposed that one reason may be the release of excitatory amino acids (EAA) via volume-activated anion channels (VRACs) that are activated by such swelling. This release could be a target for therapy, which could involve blocking the astrocytic swelling or the release mechanisms. The transport mechanisms likely causing the early astrocytic swelling are therefore summarized. In terms of targeting the release mechanisms, we have found a potent inhibitor of VRACs, tamoxifen, to be strongly neuroprotective in focal ischemia with a therapeutic window of 3 h after initiation of the ischemia. The question, however, of whether neuroprotection by tamoxifen can be solely attributed to VRAC inhibition in astrocytes has yet to be resolved.

Inhibition of release of taurine and excitatory amino acids in ischemia and neuroprotection

Volume regulated anion channels (VRAC) have been extensively studied in purified single cell systems like cell cultures where they can be activated by cell swelling. This provides a convenient way of analyzing mechanisms and will likely lead to the holy grails of the field, namely the nature or natures of the volume sensor and the nature or natures of VRACs. Important reasons for such an understanding are that these channels are ubiquitous and have important physiological functions which under pathological conditions convert to deleterious effects. Here we summarize data showing the involvement of VRACs in ischemia-induced release of excitatory amino acids (EAAs) in a rat model of global ischemia. Using microdialysis studies we found that reversal of the astrocytic glutamate transporter and VRACs contribute about equally to the large initial release of EAAs and together account for around 80% of the total release. We used the very potent VRAC blocker, tamoxifen, to see if such inhibition of EAA release via VRACs led to significant neuroprotection. Treatment in the focal rat MCA occlusion model led to around 80% reduction in infarct size with an effective post initiation of ischemia therapeutic window of three hours. However, the common problem of other effects for even the most potent inhibitors pertains here, as tamoxifen has other, potentially neuroprotective, effects. Thus it inhibits nitrotyrosine formation, likely due to its inhibition of nNOS and reduction of peroxynitrite formation. Although tamoxifen cannot therefore be used as a test of the "VRAC-excitotxicity" hypothesis it may prove successful for translation of basic stroke research to the clinic because of its multiple targets.

Temporal profile of changes in brain tissue extracellular space and extracellular ion (Na(+), K(+)) concentrations after cerebral ischemia and the effects of mild cerebral hypothermia

Cerebral ischemic cellular swelling occurs primarily in astrocytes. This water influx into the intracellular space is believed to result from osmotic water movement after disruption of membrane ionic homeostasis. However, cellular swelling occurs earlier than expected after ischemia and new ionic and water channels have been discovered. This study examined the temporal profile of the water and ionic movement across the cell membrane after global ischemia by measuring the changes in extracellular space (ECS), extracellular K(+) and Na(+) ion concentrations ([K(+)](e) and [Na(+)](e)) using a high resolution tissue impedance probe and ion selective micropipettes in the rat cortex. The effect of mild cerebral hypothermia (31.5 +/- 2.6 degrees C brain temperature) on these parameters was also examined. The ECS started to decrease at 34 +/- 8 sec after global ischemia and reached half the maximum change at 61 +/- 17 sec. [K(+)](e) started to increase initially at 33 +/- 11 sec (phase 1) and then increased rapidly at 62 +/- 25 sec (phase 2), and [Na(+)](e) started to decrease at 88 +/- 27 sec after ischemia. With mild hypothermia, the ECS started to decrease at 75 +/- 35 sec after ischemia and reached half the maximum change at 123 +/- 44 sec, [K(+)](e) started to increase initially at 80 +/- 24 sec (phase 1) and then increased rapidly at 120 +/- 32 sec (phase 2), and [Na(+)](e) started to decrease at 172 +/- 70 sec. The present study shows that ischemic cellular swelling (decreased ECS) occurs concomitantly with the phase 1 increase of [K(+)](e) but precedes the disruption of ionic membrane homeostasis (phase 2). Mild hypothermia prolongs the onset of these phenomena but does not affect the magnitude of the changes in ECS and ion concentrations.

Mechanisms of glutamate release in the rat spinal cord slices during metabolic inhibition

Glutamate toxicity is a viable hypothesis to explain the expanding tissue degeneration occurring after traumatic or ischemic spinal cord injury. One important component in this process is the acute, excessive release of glutamate. In the current communication, the glycolytic inhibitor iodoacetate was used to induce metabolic inhibition in spinal cord slices and thereby provide an in vitro model to study the mechanisms of pathological glutamate release in the spinal cord. The evoked glutamate release was not Ca2+-dependent. Exclusion of NaCl reduced the evoked release of endogenous glutamate by 56%, while excluding Na+ increased release. Glutamate release was also reduced by the PLA2 inhibitors indomethacin (40%), arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone (45%) and 4-bromophenacyl bromide (36%). Blocking reverse glutamate transport by preincubation with 1 mM dihydrokainic acid reduced evoked release by 41%. However, when the dihydrokainic acid and arachidonyltrifluoromethyl ketone treatments were combined, no additive effect of the two substances was seen. These findings suggest that glutamate is released by three mechanisms from the energy compromised spinal cord: (1) in response to cellular swelling, most likely by the regulatory volume decrease, (2) by PLA2-mediated breakdown of the cell membrane and diffusion of glutamate down its concentration gradient, and (3) through reversal of the glutamate transporter.

Glial cells in neurotoxicity development

Neuroglial cells of the central nervous system include the astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. Their counterparts in the peripheral nervous system are the Schwann cells. The term neuroglia comes from an erroneous concept originally coined by Virchow (1850), in which he envisioned the neurons to be embedded in a layer of connective tissue. The term, or its shortened form--glia, has persisted as the preferred generic term for these cells. A reciprocal relationship exists between neurons and glia, and this association is vital for mutual differentiation, development, and functioning of these cell types. Therefore, perturbations in glial cell function, as well as glial metabolism of chemicals to active intermediates, can lead to neuronal dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to explore neuroglial sites of neurotoxicant actions, discuss potential mechanisms of glial-induced or glial-mediated central nervous system and peripheral nervous system damage, and review the role of glial cells in neurotoxicity development.

Inhibition of ischemia-induced glutamate release in rat striatum by dihydrokinate and an anion channel blocker

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Increased activation of excitatory amino acid (EAA) receptors is considered a major cause of neuronal damage. Possible sources and mechanisms of ischemia-induced EAA release were investigated pharmacologically with microdialysis probes placed bilaterally in rat striatum.

METHODS

Forebrain ischemia was induced by bilateral carotid artery occlusion and controlled hypotension in halothane-anesthetized rats. During 30 minutes of ischemia, microdialysate concentrations of glutamate and aspartate were measured in the presence of a nontransportable blocker of the astrocytic glutamate transporter GLT-1, dihydrokinate (DHK), or an anion channel blocker, 4,4'-dinitrostilben-2,2'-disulfonic acid (DNDS), administered separately or together through the dialysis probe.

RESULTS

In control striata during ischemia, glutamate and aspartate concentrations increased 44+/-13 (mean+/-SEM) times and 19+/-5 times baseline, respectively, and returned to baseline values on reperfusion. DHK (1 mmol/L in perfusate; n=8) significantly attenuated EAA increases compared with control (glutamate peak, 9. 6+/-1.7 versus control, 15.4+/-2.6 pmol/ microL). EAA levels were similarly decreased by 10 mmol/L DHK. DNDS (1 mmol/L; n=5) also suppressed EAA peak increases (glutamate peak, 5.8+/-1.1 versus control, 10.1+/-0.7 pmol/ microL). At a higher concentration, DNDS (10 mmol/L; n=7) further reduced glutamate and aspartate release and also inhibited ischemia-induced taurine release. Together, 1 mmol/L DHK and 10 mmol/L DNDS (n=5) inhibited 83% of EAA release (glutamate peak, 2.7+/-0.7 versus control, 10.9+/-1.2 pmol/ microL).

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support the hypothesis that both cell swelling-induced release of EAAs and reversal of the astrocytic glutamate transporter are contributors to the ischemia-induced increases of extracellular EAAs in the striatum as measured by microdialysis.

Methylmercury-induced astrocytic swelling is associated with activation of the Na+/H+ antiporter, and is fully reversed by amiloride

Astrocytes are a known 'sink' for brain methylmercury (MeHg) deposition. Yet, the significance of the preferential accumulation of MeHg within these cells is imprecisely defined. To determine whether MeHg in isotonic buffer has the potential to interfere with homeostatic functions, we measured its effect on astrocytic volume using an electrical impedance method [E.R. O'Connor, H.K. Kimelberg, C.R. Keese, I. Giaever, Electrical impedance method for measuring volume changes in astrocytes, Am. J. Physiol. 264 (1993) C471-C478.]. In addition, we have characterized the alterations in astrocytic ion permeability associated with exposure to this organometal. The results show that MeHg rapidly induces astrocytic swelling, and that this effect is secondary to increased astrocytic Na+ uptake. Furthermore, the effect of MeHg on astrocytic swelling is completely inhibited by amiloride, but not by SITS (4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanatostilbene-2,2'-disulfonic acid), furosemide, or bumetanide. Accordingly, increased cellular permeability to Na+ via the Na+/H+ antiporter is invoked as the primary mechanism of MeHg-induced astrocytic swelling.

Pharmacological characterization of swelling-induced D-[3H]aspartate release from primary astrocyte cultures

During stroke or head trauma, extracellular K+ concentration increases, which can cause astrocytes to swell. In vitro, such swelling causes astrocytes to release excitatory amino acids, which may contribute to excitotoxicity in vivo. Several putative swelling-activated channels have been identified through which such anionic organic cellular osmolytes can be released. In the present study, we sought to identify the swelling-activated channel(s) responsible for D-[3H]aspartate release from primary cultured astrocytes exposed to either KCl or hypotonic medium. KCl-induced D-[3H]aspartate release was inhibited by the anion channel inhibitors 5-nitro-2-(3-phenylpropylamino)benzoic acid (NPPB), dideoxyforskolin, L-644711, ATP, ITP, 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine, DIDS, and tamoxifen but not by cAMP. The cell swelling caused by raised KCl was not inhibited by extracellular ATP or tamoxifen as measured by an electrical impedance method, which suggests that these anion channel inhibitors directly blocked the channel responsible for efflux. Extracellular nucleotides and DIDS, however, had no or only partial effects on D-[3H]aspartate release from cells swollen by hypotonic medium, but such release was inhibited by NPPB, dideoxyforskolin, and tamoxifen. Of the swelling-activated channels so far identified, our data suggest that a volume-sensitive outwardly rectifying channel is responsible for D-[3H]aspartate release from primary cultured astrocytes during raised extracellular K+ and possibly during hypotonic medium-induced release.

Analysis of c-Fos and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression following topical application of potassium chloride (KCl) to the brain surface

Application of high K+ concentrations to a limited area of the brain surface is known to trigger spreading depression. We used this model to observe the response of cortical areas, distant to the exposed site, at the cellular level. Immunostaining of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and of the proto-oncogene c-Fos was analyzed in brain sections at different times after K+ application. Piriform and parietal cortices, as observed in coronal sections located 3 mm rostrally from the center of the stimulated area and ipsilateral to it, showed a dramatic increase in immunostaining for both markers. However, the time course for such increments was different. c-Fos protein(s) expression was high at 1.5 h and decreased at 24 h after K+ exposure and c-fos mRNA expression correlated with the immunohistochemical results. At these initial times GFAP immunoreactivity was still low but began to rise between 2 and 7 days after treatment in exactly the same areas where c-Fos expression had been up-regulated. No significant effect, for either marker, was evident in the contralateral piriform or parietal cortices. In addition, we studied the effects of the NMDA antagonist MK-801 (4 mg/kg i.p.) on the expression of mRNA for GFAP and c-fos and demonstrated a marked reduction in the upregulation of these genes.

Tamoxifen, a chloride channel blocker, reduces glutamate and aspartate release from the ischemic cerebral cortex

The effects of the anti-estrogen, anion channel blocker, tamoxifen on amino acid release from the ischemic rat cerebral cortex was investigated using a cortical cup technique. Tamoxifen (20 microM in artificial cerebrospinal fluid), applied topically, inhibited the ischemia-evoked efflux of aspartate, glutamate, taurine and phosphoethanolamine. Reductions in the ischemia-evoked levels of these amino acids suggest that tamoxifen may attenuate chloride-related osmotic cell swelling and the associated regulatory volume decrease (RVD) release of amino acids.

Is high extracellular glutamate the key to excitotoxicity in traumatic brain injury?

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) increases extracellular levels of the excitatory amino acid glutamate and aspartate, and N-methyl-D aspartate (NMDA)-receptor antagonists protect against experimental TBI. These two findings have led to the prevalent hypothesis that excitatory amino acid efflux is a major contributor to the development of neuronal damage subsequent to traumatic injury. However, as with stroke, the hypothesis that high extracellular glutamate is the key to excitotoxicity in TBI conflicts with important data. For example, the initial increase in extracellular glutamate is cleared within 5 min after moderate TBI, whereas antagonists of glutamate receptors and the so- called presynaptic glutamate release inhibitors remain effective when administered 30 min after insult. In this article, we argue that the current concept of excitotoxicity in TBI, centered on high extracellular glutamate, does not withstand scientific scrutiny. As alternatives to explain the beneficial actions of glutamate antagonists in experimental TBI, we propose abnormalities of glutamatergic neurotransmission, such as deficient Mg2+ block of NMDA-receptor ionophore complexes, and phenomena such as spreading depression, which requires activation of glutamate receptors and is detrimental to neurons in damaged/vulnerable brain regions. Finally, we introduce the notion that beneficial effects of glutamate receptor antagonists in experimental models of neurological disorders do not necessarily imply the occurrence of excitotoxic processes. Indeed, glutamate-receptor blockade may be protective by reducing the energy demand required to counterbalance Na+ influx associated with glutamatergic synaptic transmission. In other words, glutamate receptor antagonists (and blockers of voltage-gated Na+-channels) may help nervous tissue to cope with increased permeability of the cellular membrane to ions and reduced efficacy of Na+ extrusion, and thus prevent the decay of transmembrane ionic concentrations gradients.

Blood-brain barrier water permeability and brain osmolyte content during edema development

OBJECTIVE

To determine mechanisms that limit changes in brain water content during acute edema development.

METHODS

A controlled, laboratory investigation of the physiologic and biochemical correlates of osmotic edema was performed in rats. Hypoosmotic hyponatremia was induced by intraperitoneal injection of distilled water. Serum osmolality and electrolytes and regional blood-brain barrier water permeability. Surface area (P.S) product, osmolyte contents, and capillary size were determined during 120 minutes of hypoosmotic brain edema development. Cerebral water content predicted from these data using a mathematical model of brain water movements was compared with measured changes in brain water content.

RESULTS

Fifteen minutes after distilled water injection, mean +/- SEM blood serum osmolality and sodium concentration decreased from 291 +/- 3 mOsm and 131 +/- 13 mmol/L to 267 +/- 3 mOsm and 102 +/- 9 mmol/L, respectively. Specific gravity of cerebral gray matter, cerebral white matter, and basal ganglia decreased throughout the hypoosmotic exposure period and, for gray and white matter, correlated with blood serum osmolality and sodium plus potassium content. Glutamate, but not glutamine, glycine, or taurine, decreased 120 minutes after water injection. The regional water P.S product decreased by 40% to 60% within 60 minutes of the water injection, while capillary diameters in gray and white matter were unchanged. Brain water movements calculated from the mathematical model correctly predicted actual brain water content only if the hydraulic conductivity of the blood-brain barrier was allowed to vary in proportion to the measured P.S product and the measured loss of brain osmolytes was incorporated into the formulation.

CONCLUSIONS

During the first hours of hypoosmotic hyponatremia, changes in brain volume are limited by increased resistance to osmotic flux of water into the brain and reduction in the brain content of inorganic and, to a smaller degree, organic osmolytes.

Release of [3H]-D-aspartate from primary astrocyte cultures in response to raised external potassium

There are significant Ca2+-independent increases in extracellular glutamate and aspartate during various CNS insults such as ischemia and anoxia. However, the cellular sources of such presumed nonvesicular excitatory amino acid (EAA) release have not been established. To further explore potential mechanisms and sites for EAA release, we studied the release of preloaded [3H]-D-aspartate from primary cultured astrocytes prepared from the cerebral cortices of rat pups. Two phases of release were seen in response to raised KCl. The first phase was small and transient, and the second phase was slower and increased progressively. The initial phase of [3H]-D-aspartate release was greatly enhanced by ouabain pretreatment and was inhibited when astrocytes were preexposed to the EAA transport inhibitor threo-hydroxy beta-aspartic acid (THBA). Neither of these manipulations affected the second release component. The second phase of release was inhibited by an anion channel blocker, L-644,711, which is known to inhibit hypotonic swelling-induced release of EAA. Ouabain also resulted in the first phase of release occurring at lower [K+]o. Omission of Ca2+ had no effect on either phase of [3H]-D-aspartate release. These results support the hypothesis that the first component of release in cultured astrocytes is a reversal of the glutamate transporter, and the second component is a result of high KCl-induced swelling. Because marked increases in [K+]o are well established in CNS pathologies such as ischemia, such release may represent a significant source for the increased extracellular EAAs seen in such conditions.

Altered glutamatergic transmission in neurological disorders: from high extracellular glutamate to excessive synaptic efficacy

This review is a critical appraisal of the widespread assumption that high extracellular glutamate, resulting from enhanced pre-synaptic release superimposed on deficient uptake and/or cytosolic efflux, is the key to excessive glutamate-mediated excitation in neurological disorders. Indeed, high extracellular glutamate levels do not consistently correlate with, nor necessarily produce, neuronal dysfunction and death in vivo. Furthermore, we exemplify with spreading depression that the sensitivity of an experimental or pathological event to glutamate receptor antagonists does not imply involvement of high extracellular glutamate levels in the genesis of this event. We propose an extension to the current, oversimplified concept of excitotoxicity associated with neurological disorders, to include alternative abnormalities of glutamatergic transmission which may contribute to the pathology, and lead to excitotoxic injury. These may include the following: (i) increased density of glutamate receptors; (ii) altered ionic selectivity of ionotropic glutamate receptors; (iii) abnormalities in their sensitivity and modulation; (iv) enhancement of glutamate-mediated synaptic efficacy (i.e. a pathological form of long-term potentiation); (v) phenomena such as spreading depression which require activation of glutamate receptors and can be detrimental to the survival of neurons. Such an extension would take into account the diversity of glutamate-receptor-mediated processes, match the complexity of neurological disorders pathogenesis and pathophysiology, and ultimately provide a more elaborate scientific basis for the development of innovative treatments.

Current concepts of brain edema. Review of laboratory investigations

Klatzo's classification of brain edema into two types, vasogenic and cytotoxic, has been in general use since 1967. The former involves overall brain swelling due to fluid entry from the vasculature because of openings in the blood-brain barrier (BBB), whereas the latter refers to cell swelling without any loss of the normal impermeability of the BBB. This review principally covers new work that identifies the intracellular swelling of astrocytes as a major form of cytotoxic edema seen in many different kinds of brain injury. The term edema should be retained because of its familiarity; however, because such intracellular swelling is usually not a response to toxins, it is suggested that the term cellular edema is preferable to cytotoxic edema. The difficulties involved in measuring cellular edema clinically are discussed, and the belief that a "pure" form of either edema is unlikely to exist. It is emphasized that the mechanisms and direct consequences of vasogenic and cellular edema are so different that the connection is mainly semantic. Studies conducted in vitro have identified several potentially damaging secondary consequences of astrocytic swelling. One of the most important of these seems likely to be the increased release of excitatory amino acids from swollen astrocytes. Potential mechanisms for inhibition of the increased release of amino acids have been identified in vitro and could prove therapeutically useful.

On the significance of brain extracellular uric acid detected with in-vivo monitoring techniques: a review

The concentration of uric acid [UA] in the extracellular fluid (ECF) estimated with in-vivo voltammetry and microdialysis data is compared for probes of different diameters from the day of implantation (acute) to several days (chronic) or even months after surgery. For small probes (diameter < 160 microns) the acute [UA] of ca. 5 microM decreased significantly to ca. 1 microM under chronic conditions. For larger probes (e.g., 320-microns diameter) the acute [UA] was also ca. 5 microM, but this value significantly increased to ca. 50 microM under chronic conditions. Associated with this difference in [UA], there were parallel differences in the extent of gliosis around the probes. These findings are discussed in terms of possible sources of extracellular UA and their implications for in-vivo monitoring techniques in behaving animals.

Hypoosmotic volume regulation and osmolyte transport in astrocytes is blocked by an anion transport inhibitor, L-644,711

Cell volume, potassium content, and potassium influx were measured in rat cerebral astrocytes grown in primary culture following exposure to hypoosmotic medium containing either 3.2 mM or 50 mM potassium. Some solutions also contained 1 mM L-644,711, an anion transport inhibitor. L-644,711 inhibited volume regulation and taurine efflux induced by hypoosmotic exposure in medium containing either potassium concentration. L-644,711 also inhibited potassium uptake associated and not associated with the sodium/potassium pump. The correlation of reduced taurine efflux and volume decrease produced by L-644,711 exposure indicates the important role for this amino acid in hypoosmotic astrocyte volume regulation. However, the effects of L-644,711 on potassium transport indicate that multiple actions of this drug may be important factors in its effect on astrocyte volume regulatory mechanisms.

Polyamines and NMDA receptors modulate pericapillary astrocyte swelling following cerebral cryo-injury in the rat

Four hours following cryo-injury rat cerebral pericapillary astrocytes from the perilesional area were markedly swollen occupying 17% of the pericapillary space as compared to 11% in sham operated controls. Ornithine decarboxylase activity and polyamine levels were increased over sham controls. The astrocytic swelling, the percentage of the pericapillary space occupied by astrocytic processes, and polyamine levels were reduced to near control levels by the following: (1) alpha-difluoromethylornithine; (2) Ifenprodil; and (3) MK-801. alpha-Difluoromethylornithine is a specific inhibitor of ornithine decarboxylase, Ifenprodil is an inhibitor of the polyamine binding site on the n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, and MK-801 is an antagonist to n-methyl-d-aspartate binding to the n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. Addition of putrescine, the product of ornithine decarboxylase activity, reversed the effect of alpha-difluoromethylornithine and restored the pericapillary swelling. Putrescine did not affect the MK-801-induced reduction in pericapillary astrocytic swelling. Therefore, polyamines and the n-methyl-d-aspartate receptor modulate excitotoxic responses to cryo-injury in pericapillary cerebral astrocytes.

Loop diuretic derivative L-644,711 inhibits K(+)-stimulated cellular injury in neonatal guinea pig cortical astrocytes

An early pathological rise in extracellular K+ following acute hypoxia results in Cl- uptake into astrocytes through the Cl/HCO3- exchanger with an osmotic equivalent of water. This study addressed effects of the anion transport inhibitor, L-644,711, (5,6,-dichloro-2,3, 9,9a-tetrahydro-3-oxo-9a-propyl-1H-fluroen-7-yl)oxyacetic acid. Confluent primary cultures from neonatal guinea pigs, characterized as > 95% astrocytes with antiserum to glial fibrillary acidic protein, were manipulated by incubation in either basal buffer (BB) with the ionic composition of Dulbecco's minimum essential media (DMEM) or one with high extracellular K+ (HiK). Incubation in 27 or 60 mM Hik significantly reduced cell viability and precipitated a time-dose dependent increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) efflux (30 min to 4 h). L-644,711 was not cytotoxic, and significantly inhibited HiK-stimulated LDH efflux. The optimal effective dose of L-644,711 for preventing injury in guinea pig astrocytes was 10(-11)M when administered simultaneously with the HiK paradigm or in reversing injury when administered 30 min after exposing cells to HiK. These findings indicate the potential usefulness of agents which modify ion transport processes in hypoxic-ischemic cerebral injury.

Ethanol-induced aspartate and taurine release from primary astrocyte cultures

Exposure of primary astrocyte cultures to isosmotic ethanol from 10-100 mM led to both swelling of the cells and release of [3H]taurine and D-[3H]aspartate. Exposure to hyperosmotic ethanol, in the same concentration range, caused neither swelling nor release. Release was inhibited by the anion transport blocker L-644,711, already shown to inhibit amino acid release evoked by hypoosmotic or high-potassium medium, conditions that also cause astrocytic swelling. Ethanol-induced release generally showed a decline in response to successive exposures to ethanol, and release was not dependent on extracellular calcium. Thus, the characteristics of swelling-induced release of amino acids by isosmotic ethanol seem to correspond to those of swelling-induced release from astrocytes due to exposure to hypotonic or high-K+ media. We discuss whether such effects may contribute to CNS damage after head injury and stroke.

Astrocytes: targets and mediators of chemical-induced CNS injury

It is now well established that a reciprocal relationship exists between neurons and astrocytes, and that this association is vital for mutual differentiation, development, and functioning of both cell types. It had also become apparent that perturbations in astrocytic function may lead to deleterious consequences in juxtaposed neurons. It is therefore possible that neuronal damage induced by chemicals or neuropathic disease involves dissociation of astrocytic-neuronal interactions. The purpose of this review is to explore astrocytic-neuronal interactions, focusing on potential sites of neurotoxicant actions. In developing this thesis, we briefly examine the functional interactions between astrocytes and neurons, followed by specific examples of astrocyte-mediated neurotoxicity.

Increase in IL-6, IL-1 and TNF levels in rat brain following traumatic lesion. Influence of pre- and post-traumatic treatment with Ro5 4864, a peripheral-type (p site) benzodiazepine ligand

The effects of fluid percussion trauma on brain interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) levels have been studied. In the cortex and hippocampus of control and sham-operated rats, the levels of these cytokines were very low (below 4 units/mg protein) and constant. IL-6 and IL-1 levels in the ipsilateral cortex increased rapidly following trauma to reach a maximum of 350 and 16 units/mg protein, respectively, 8 h after the lesion, remained elevated until 18 h and decreased thereafter to basal values. TNF-alpha levels were maximally elevated (12 units/mg protein) at 3 h and 8 h and returned to basal values by 18 h. Qualitatively similar changes, but with 25-80-fold smaller amplitude, were seen in the contralateral cortex and in the ipsi- and contralateral hippocampus. The levels of IL-6 in the plasma of sham-operated and lesioned rats were only slightly elevated, whereas IL-1 and TNF-alpha were undetectable. Histological studies of brain tissue at early stages after trauma demonstrated an acute hemorrhage associated with neutrophil invasion. The administration of Ro5 4864 (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), a specific ligand of p (peripheral-type benzodiazepine) binding sites, did not result in any significant effect on the levels of IL-6, IL-1 or TNF-alpha in the brain of control or sham-operated animals. However, when administered 24 h before or 15 min after trauma, this benzodiazepine enhanced the increase of these cytokines by 2-4-fold in the ipsilateral cortex.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

MK-801 affects the potassium-induced increase of glial fibrillary acidic protein immunoreactivity in rat brain

Exposure of a limited brain surface to a high potassium (K+) concentration produces an injury limited to the underlying cortex, without apparently affecting other brain areas. Such a treatment produces an increased expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) in astrocytes, as assessed by immunohistochemical techniques, throughout the cortex ipsilateral to K+ exposure. This effect is evident 2 days after treatment and persists up to, at least, day 7. Thirty days after K+ exposure GFAP immunostaining is similar in both hemispheres. Administration of the non-competitive NMDA antagonist MK-801 (4 mg/kg i.p.) prior to the injury prevented the rise in GFAP immunoreactivity (IR) at 2 but not 7 days after the treatment. Administration of MK-801 after the injury appeared to have no effect on GFAP expression. This work confirms that brain injury, associated with spreading depression, can induce a glial response far from the lesion site. Furthermore, the fact that this phenomenon can be modified by an NMDA receptor antagonist suggests that glutamate may play a role, in vivo, in the regulation of astrocytic response to injury and introduces the possibility that brain injury-induced gliosis may be pharmacologically manipulated.

Interactions between valproate, glutamate, aspartate, and GABA with respect to uptake in astroglial primary cultures

Astrocytes have been proposed to regulate the extracellular space in the brain, even if rather little is known about their specific functions. One possibility for obtaining more knowledge on the functions of astroglial cells is to examine how they respond on exposure to pharmacological agents. Na(+)-valproate is an anticonvulsive drug which is used in the treatment of several types of epilepsy. The mechanisms of action of the drug are not fully understood, but the GABA-ergic system, both in neurons and astrocytes, has been shown to be affected. In the present study, the effects of valproate were investigated on astroglial cells in primary cultures from newborn rat cerebral cortex. The transport of the drug itself and its effects on the transport of the amino acid transmitters glutamate, aspartate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) into astrocytes were examined. The [3H]valproate transport into the astrocytes was increased after exposure to L-glutamate but not L-aspartate. On the other hand, after acute exposure for the drug, the transport of [3H]L-glutamate and [3H]L-aspartate decreased, as also did the affinity but not the transport capacity for the [3H]GABA uptake. However, after 5 days chronic valproate exposure, no effects could be seen on the uptake kinetics of L-glutamate or L-aspartate. For GABA, the affinity decreased, while the transport capacity remained unchanged compared with controls. The results showed that valproate, glutamate, aspartate and GABA were capable of interacting significantly with each others transport into the astrocytes.