Inhibition of the erythrocyte (Ca2+ + Mg2+)-ATPase by nonheme iron

Relationship between (Na + K)-ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation and fatty acid profile in erythrocytes of hypertensive and normotensive subjects

Oxidative stress may play a role in the pathogenic mechanism of essential hypertension. Lipid peroxidation can alter the cellular structure of membrane-bound enzymes by changing the membrane phospholipids fatty acids composition. We investigated the relationship between (Na + K)-ATPase activity, lipid peroxidation, and erythrocyte fatty acid composition in essential hypertension. The study included 40 essential hypertensive and 49 healthy normotensive men (ages 35-60 years). Exclusion criteria were obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, smoking, and any current medication. Patients underwent 24-h ambulatory blood pressure monitoring and blood sampling. Lipid peroxidation was measured in the plasma and erythrocytes as 8-isoprostane or malondialdehyde (MDA), respectively. Antioxidant capacity was measured as ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) in the plasma and as reduced/oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG ratio) in erythrocytes. (Na + K)-ATPase activity and fatty acids were determined in erythrocyte membranes. Hypertensives had higher levels of plasma 8-isoprostane, erythrocyte MDA, and relative percentage of saturated membrane fatty acids, but lower plasma FRAP levels, erythrocyte GSH/GSSG ratio, (Na + K)-ATPase activity and relative percentage of unsaturated membrane fatty acids, compared with normotensives. Day-time systolic and diastolic blood pressures correlated positively with lipid peroxidation parameters, but negatively with (Na + K)-ATPase activity. These findings suggest that the modulation of (Na + K)-ATPase activity may be associated with changes in the fatty acid composition induced by oxidative stress and provide evidence of a role for this enzyme in the pathophysiology of essential hypertension.

Novel synthesized aminosteroidal heterocycles intervention for inhibiting iron-induced oxidative stress

The objective of this study was to elucidate the potential role of novel synthesized aminosteroidal heterocyclic compounds 2, 5, 9b and 10c against iron-induced oxidative stress with particular insight on erythrocyte ghosts in male rats. Chronic iron supplementation (3000 mg kg(-1) diet) for 6 weeks significantly increased plasma iron and ferritin levels. It also produced significant increase in plasma TNF-alpha and NO levels. Lipid metabolism was also affected by excess iron, so that plasma and erythrocyte membrane total cholesterol, triglycerides, phospholipids and total lipid levels were significantly elevated. In consequence, a significant increase in plasma leptin level was detected. Iron overload clearly induces oxidative stress as indicated by the significant increase in both plasma and erythrocyte membrane lipid peroxidation levels. Noteworthy, excess iron not only decreased the mean value of erythrocyte membrane protein but also caused marked alterations in the membrane protein fractions with concomitant inhibition in erythrocyte membrane ATPases activity. On the other hand, treatment with the aminosteriodal heterocyclic compounds especially compounds 5, 2, and 10c in an oral dose of 5 mg kg(-1) B.W. per day could ameliorate almost all of the changes in plasma and erythrocyte ghosts components induced by iron overload. The efficacious role of these novel synthesized aminosteriods in preventing iron-induced oxidative stress may be mediated through their iron chelating properties, anti-lipid peroxidation activities and membrane stabilizing actions. The encouraging results obtained in the present study lend credence to substantial investigation to assess the use of these compounds as a potent line of therapy to retard the pathogenesis of iron overload diseases.

The oxidative neurotoxicity of clioquinol

Clioquinol is a metal chelator that may attenuate beta-amyloid deposition and mitigate the progression of Alzheimer's disease. Its prior use as a systemic antibiotic was associated with a neurodegenerative syndrome, subacute myelo-optico-neuropathy (SMON), although a mechanistic link has not been precisely defined. While testing clioquinol in murine cortical cultures, it was observed to have a pro-oxidant effect. Exposure to 1-3 microM for 24 h increased malondialdehyde, and resulted in death of approximately 40% of neurons; a higher concentration (30 microM) was paradoxically less toxic. Both malondialdehyde production and cell death were attenuated by concomitant treatment with the antioxidants ascorbic acid and Trolox C, or with the lipid-soluble metal chelator 1,10-phenanthroline. In contrast, injury was increased in cultures prepared from mice lacking heme oxygenase-2, which protects against non-heme mediated oxidative injury to neurons. Addition of vitamin B12 to the culture medium was not cytoprotective. These results suggest that therapeutically relevant concentrations of clioquinol are toxic to cultured neurons by an oxidative mechanism that is unrelated to vitamin B12 deficiency. In vivo evaluation of the pro-oxidant effect of clioquinol seems warranted prior to further clinical trials.

Heme oxygenase-2 gene deletion increases astrocyte vulnerability to hemin

In a prior study, we observed that heme oxygenase-2 gene deletion protected murine cortical neurons from heme-mediated injury. In the course of these studies, constitutive HO-2 expression was observed in astrocyte cultures. The present study tested the hypothesis that astrocytes lacking the HO-2 gene would be less vulnerable to heme. Contrary to this hypothesis, gene deletion resulted in a 50-75% increase in cell death after 6h exposure to 30 or 60microM hemin, as measured by LDH release. A similar effect was observed when cell viability was assessed with the MTT assay. HO-2 gene deletion did not alter cellular expression of HO-1. The increased sensitivity of knockout astrocytes to hemin was reversed by increasing HO-1 expression by adenoviral gene transfer. These results suggest that heme oxygenase protects astrocytes from heme-mediated oxidative injury and highlight the disparate effect of HO in neurons and astrocytes.

In vivo and in vitro antioxidant properties of furosemide

The aim of this study was to investigate in vivo and in vitro antioxidant properties of furosemide. In vitro, human red blood cells were submitted to oxidative stress (AAPH), in absence or in presence of different concentrations of furosemide. Potassium efflux was measured in order to quantify the oxidative stress after the action of AAPH on red blood cells. Allophycocyanin assay was also used to investigate antioxidant capacities of furosemide. For the in vivo experiment, male Wistar rats were used. A control group (n = 5) was treated by a daily intraperitoneal injection of saline solution (0.2 ml); 2 other groups (J0 and J+) were treated for 7 days by one daily intraperitoneal injection of furosemide (0.10 mg/kg/day). In the J+group, the injection of furosemide was done one hour before the experiment, while in the J0 group the last injection of furosemide was done on the 6th day and an injection of saline was performed one hour before the experiment. On the day of experiment, a laparotomy was performed under general anesthesia and blood was collected from abdominal aorta. Oxidative stress and antioxidant capacities were evaluated on Wistar rat red blood cells and plasma. In vitro results (oxidative challenge with AAPH) showed that oxidative stress was decreased in presence of furosemide. This was due to a potent free radical scavenging effect of furosemide. In vivo studies confirmed that furosemide had antioxidant properties. These data may be of great relevance in clinical practice, considering the use of large doses of furosemide in patients presenting pathology involving the production of free radicals.

Lidocaine inhibits potassium efflux and hemolysis in erythrocytes during oxidative stress in vitro

Lidocaine is a widely used local anesthetic agent. The aim of this work was to study the action of lidocaine on human red blood cells exposed to an oxidative stress in vitro. Blood was obtained from healthy volunteers. After separation from plasma, the erythrocytes were suspended in phosphate buffer. Oxidative stress was induced by incubation with a free radical generator, the 2,2' azobis (2-amidinopropane) hydrochloride (AAPH). Erythrocytes were incubated with or without lidocaine at two concentrations (36.93 and 73.85 microM) and with or without AAPH (20 mM). Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy was performed to identify the free radical species generated by AAPH using the spin trap 5-5'-dimethyl-L-pyroline-N-oxide (DMPO). Different sets of experiments were run. Potassium efflux was measured by flame photometry in each group at time 0 min and every 30 min of the experiment for 2 h. Hemolysis was studied by the Drabkin method at increasing concentrations of AAPH (20, 50, and 100 mM) and with or without lidocaine (36.93 microM). The oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) was measured by using allophycocyanin (APC) as a fluorescent indicator protein, and the antioxidant capacity of lidocaine (36.93 microM) was studied by the analysis of fluorescence of the APC. AAPH was shown to produce alkoxyl free radicals. Oxidative stress induced a marked increase in the potassium efflux and the hemolysis that was AAPH dose-dependent. Lidocaine inhibited the potassium efflux and delayed the occurrence of hemolysis. Lidocaine did not show any antioxidant properties for the free radical species generated by AAPH. In this model, lidocaine protects erythrocytes against oxidative stress. This effect is not explained by a free radical scavenging property. The results may be of great interest in clinical practice such as intravenous regional anesthesia or the prevention of ischemia-reperfusion injury.

Role of an oxidative stress in the macrophage dysfunction caused by erythrophagocytosis

A phagocytic challenge with immunoglobulin G (IgG)-coated erythrocytes (EIgGs) has been shown to cause a subsequent depression of macrophage respiratory burst capacity and phagocytic function. The present study evaluated the hypothesis that this macrophage dysfunction is caused by an oxidative stress. An oxidative stress induced by ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) plus cumene hydroperoxide (CHP) caused a depression of macrophage function that was attenuated by antioxidants and iron chelators. In contrast, the same antioxidants and iron chelators did not alter changes caused by a challenge with EIgGs. EIgG challenge caused an increase in lipid peroxidation but failed to deplete glutathione (GSH) or decrease the activity of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GA-3-PD), suggesting that there was only a slight oxidative stress. Inhibition of the Fc gamma receptor (Fc gammaR) stimulated respiratory burst by removing calcium during the challenge did not attenuate the changes caused by an EIgG challenge. A phagocytic challenge with nonerythrocyte particles, IgG-coated beads (BIgGs), did not depress the respiratory burst capacity but did depress phagocytic function. Fc gammaR expression was depressed following a phagocytic challenge but not an oxidative stress. Thus, an oxidative stress can depress macrophage function, but the dysfunction caused by a phagocytic challenge with EIgGs involves Fc gammaR depletion and the erythrocyte contents rather than an oxidative stress.

Essential metal ions alter the lactoferrin binding to the erythrocyte plasma membrane receptors

The effect of metal ions at a concentration of 10(-8) to 10(-5) M [using their salts: ZnCl2, CdCl2, LiCl, CuSO4, NiSO4, Al2(SO4)3, (NH4)2MoO4 on the lactoferrin (Lf) binding to the erythrocyte membrane receptors was studied. In the absence of metal ions, Scatchard's analysis showed the existence of two kinds of binding site: one with high affinity and low capacity, and the another with low affinity and high capacity. All these metals, excluding Zn2+ and Cd2+, at a concentration 10(-5) M decreased the affinity of Lf binding (Ka1) to the high-affinity receptors. In the presence of Zn2+ and Cd2+, only the low-affinity binding site was found. Significant inhibition on the affinity (Ka2) of the low-affinity class of receptors showed Zn2+, Al3+, and Mo6+. Depending on their concentration (10(-8)-10(-5) M), these ions enhanced to a different extent, the binding capacity of the both types receptors, but the effect did not correspond to the applied doses. Several explanations of the mechanism for influence of the metal ions on the Lf-receptor interaction is discussed.

Iron loading of isolated rat hepatocytes inhibits asialoglycoprotein receptor dynamics and induces formation of rat hepatic lectin-1 [correction of leptin-1] (RHL-1) oligomers

The major subunit [rat hepatic lectin-1 (RHL-1)] of the asialoglycoprotein (ASGP) receptor mediates endocytosis of the iron-binding protein lactoferrin (Lf) by isolated rat hepatocytes, yet iron loading of cultured adult rat hepatocytes increases the binding and endocytosis of Lf while greatly inhibiting the uptake of desialylated ligand. In the present study, we determined whether the iron-induced Lf-binding site is RHL-1 and examined the nature of the iron-induced block in ASGP receptor endocytic function. Isolated rat hepatocytes increased their non-haem iron content from 70 to 470 p.p. b. following incubation with ferric ammonium citrate (<=100 microgram/ml). These conditions blocked internalization of 125I-asialo-orosomucoid (ASOR) by approximately 90% but increased 125I-Lf endocytosis by 40%. ASOR and anti-RHL-1 sera blocked the binding and endocytosis of 125I-Lf on control cells but not on iron-loaded cells, indicating that the iron-induced Lf-binding site on hepatocytes is not RHL-1. Iron-loading of hepatocytes in the presence or absence of excess ASOR did not significantly alter the number of active ASGP receptors on the cell surface. In contrast, iron-loading decreased the number of active intracellular receptors by 40% and blocked the uptake of 125I-ASOR prebound to the cells by approximately 80%. Under these conditions, we found an iron-dependent evolution of 88 and 140 kDa RHL-1-containing, beta-mercaptoethanol-sensitive multimers that constituted up to 34 and 23%, respectively, of total immunodetectable RHL-1. We propose that iron-induced formation of cystinyl-linked RHL-1-containing multimers inhibits ASGP receptor movement between cell surface and interior and disrupts acylation of intracellular receptors.

Fe2+-induced inhibition of gerbil forebrain microsomal Ca2+-ATPase: effect of stobadine, glutathione and combination of both antioxidants

The incubation of the gerbil forebrain microsomes in the presence of ferrous sulphate and EDTA for either 30 min or for 60 min at a temperature of 37 degrees C led to the inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase in both a concentration- and time-dependent manner. The concentrations of Fe2+ which led to the inhibition of 50% of the Ca2+-ATPase activity (IC50-value) at these times were 0.59 mM and 0.07 mM, respectively. The preincubation of microsomes with 0.1 mM of stobadine prevented the inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase, however, the effectivity of prevention was dependent on the Fe2+ concentration. The net effect of stobadine was an increase in IC50-value to 0.76 mM. Unlike stobadine, reduced glutathione is a naturally occurring water soluble antioxidant. Glutathione at the concentration of 0.1 mM had no significant protective effect on the inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase. The protective effect of a stobadine-glutathione mixture was also investigated; 0.1 mM of stobadine in combination with 0.1 mM of glutathione was more potent in prevention of Fe2+-induced inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase than stobadine alone (IC50=1. 31 mM). In addition, we have investigated the effect of various stobadine-glutathione molar ratios (the total concentration of both antioxidants being 0.2 mM) on Fe2+-induced inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase. The results indicated that the best stobadine-glutathione ratio was close to 1 : 1. The effect of 0.04 mM stobadine in combination with 0.16 mM glutathione was comparable to the effect of 0.2 mM of stobadine alone, whereas 0.2 mM glutathione was almost ineffective. These results may suggest a possible role of membrane in Fe2+-induced inhibition of Ca2+-ATPase.

Prevention of postasphyxia electroretinal dysfunction with a pyridoxal hydrazone

The newborn retina is particularly sensitive and frequently subjected to peroxidative stresses that result in visual sequelae. We compared two iron chelators, deferoxamine and a newer compound, pyridoxal isonicotinoyl hydrazone (PIH), in protecting the retina of newborn pigs (1-3 d old) from asphyxia-reoxygenation insults. Animals were treated IV with either saline, deferoxamine 15.2 mumol/kg (10 mg/kg) or PIH 34.8 mumol/kg (10 mg/kg); n = 10 in each treatment group. Scotopic and photopic electroretinograms (ERG) were recorded before and 40 min after drug treatment as well as 45 min following a 5-min period of asphyxia by interrupting ventilation. In separate animals the indices of peroxidation, malondialdehyde (MDA: TBARS) and hydroperoxides, were measured in retina at the same times. In saline-treated animals, there was a marked increase in MDA and hydroperoxide concentrations in the retina following the asphyxia-reoxygenation period. This was associated with a decrease in the a- (photoreceptor generated) and b-wave (generated by Müller and bipolar cells) amplitudes measured under photopic (cone-mediated response) and scotopic (rod-mediated response) conditions, and an increase in their implicit times. PIH and deferoxamine prevented the postasphyxial increase in MDA and hydroperoxides. However, only PIH prevented the postasphyxial changes in a- and b-wave amplitudes and implicit times, whereas deferoxamine markedly altered the preasphyxial ERG and provided only partial postasphyxial protection simply to the retinal outer segment. Our findings indicate that the iron chelator PIH effectively inhibits peroxidation and retinal electrophysiological alterations secondary to asphyxia-reoxygenation-induced oxidative stresses to newborn animals, whereas deferoxamine adversely affects retinal function; hence, PIH may be a preferred alternative to deferoxamine.

Hemoglobin potentiates excitotoxic injury in cortical cell culture

Excessive activation of glutamate receptors may contribute to neuronal loss after a traumatic or ischemic central nervous system insult. Such injuries are often associated with hemorrhage and extravasation of hemoglobin, a prooxidant and putative neurotoxin. In this study, we investigated the effect of nontoxic concentrations of hemoglobin on the neurotoxicity of the synthetic glutamate receptor agonists NMDA, AMPA, and kainate in primary murine cortical cultures. Continuous exposure to each excitotoxin alone for 24-28 h produced concentration-dependent neuronal death (EC(50) about 12 mu M for AMP(+)A, 50 mu M for kainate, and 12 mu M for NMDA). Hemoglobin 0.25-1.0 mu M consistently potentiated the neurotoxicity of low concentrations of AMPA and kainate, increasing neuronal loss by about 150% at 6 mu M AMPA and by about 90% at 30 mu M kainate. This effect was attenuated by the iron chelator deferoxamine and the alpha-tocopherol analogue trolox. Hemoglobin coexposure had less impact on slowly triggered NMDA neurotoxicity, significantly increasing neuronal death only at agonist concentrations that alone produced little or no injury. Hemoglobin pretreatment had no effect on the rapidly triggered excitotoxicity induced by brief exposure to high concentrations of NMDA. These results suggest that hemoglobin may contribute to neuronal loss after CNS hemorrhage by exacerbating excitotoxicity. At moderate levels of agonist exposure, this effect may be somewhat selective for the AMPA/kainate component of injury.

Contribution of plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-ATPases to the synaptosomal [Ca2+]i increase during oxidative stress

In the present study we analyzed the effect of ascorbate (0.8 mM)/Fe2+ (2.5 microM)-induced membrane lipid peroxidation on the levels of intracellular free calcium,[Ca2+]i and on the possible mechanisms involved in the perturbation of intracellular calcium homeostasis during oxidative stress. For this purpose, the influence of the ascorbate/iron oxidant system on the plasma membrane and endoplasmic reticulum Ca(2+)-dependent ATPases of brain cortical synaptosomes was studied. In addition, the influence of the peroxidative process on the uptake of calcium (45Ca2+) and on the Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity at the plasma membrane was evaluated. After ascorbate/Fe(2+)-induced membrane lipid peroxidation of the order of 18.05 +/- 4.20 nmol TBARS/mg protein, an increase in [Ca2+]i occurred, under basal or depolarizing conditions (30 mM KCl), which was dependent on the extracellular calcium concentration. Thus, for 1 and 3 mM extracellular calcium concentration, an increase of the resting [Ca2+]i values of 19.8% and 33.7% was observed, while after the K(+)-depolarization the enhancement of the [Ca2+]i was 18.4% and 29.5%, respectively. The Na+/Ca2+ exchange activity and the time-dependent influx of 45Ca2+ observed in basal conditions and after the 30 mM K(+)-depolarization, were not affected under the peroxidative conditions. The Ca(2+)-dependent ATPase activity of the synaptosomal plasma membrane was significantly depressed following peroxidation of membrane lipids, decreasing the V(max) by 48.1%, without significant changes in the affinity of the enzyme for calcium (K(m) for Ca2+ was 0.54 +/- 0.04 microM in control conditions and 0.56 +/- 0.034 microM in peroxidized conditions). The Ca(2+)-ATPase activity of the endoplasmic reticulum was also affected during ascorbate/iron-induced oxidative stress; thus, an inhibition of 45.2% was observed 5 min after adding ATP. These data suggest that the increase in synaptosomal [Ca2+]i due to oxidative stress may result from the inhibition of the plasma membrane and the endoplasmic reticulum membrane Ca(2+)-ATPase activities, probably as a result of the alteration of the lipid environment required for the maximal activity of these membrane enzymes. The consequent increase in [Ca2+]i may be responsible for the injury of the nervous tissue observed during several pathological conditions in which free radical generation seems to be involved.

Inhibition of Ca2+-pump ATPase and the Na+/K+-pump ATPase by iron-generated free radicals. Protection by 6,7-dimethyl-2,4-DI-1- pyrrolidinyl-7H-pyrrolo[2,3-d] pyrimidine sulfate (U-89843D), a potent, novel, antioxidant/free radical scavenger

Preincubation of red blood cell (RBC) membranes with a model system known to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals (200 microM ferrous sulfate and 200 microM EDTA, Fe2+/EDTA) resulted inhibition of the Na+/K+ -pump ATPases was also associated with membrane protein crosslinking and lipid peroxidation, the latter as monitored by the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Inhibition of the ion transport ATPases, protein cross-linking and formation of TBARS were prevented by U-89843D in a concentration-dependent manner, with half-maximal protection seen at 0.3 microM. U-89843D was more potent than the classical antioxidant butylated hydroxytoluene. Neither U-89843D nor the solvent DMSO had any effect on the assay of TBARS. U-89843D exerted only minimal inhibitory activity on ATPase activities. Thus, U-89843D was potent in vitro in preventing a variety of membrane-damaging reactions mediated by ROS. It is suggested that protection of membranes from ROS-mediated damage is of potential usefulness in the prevention and treatment of certain disease processes.

Protection by lazaroids of the erythrocyte (Ca2+, Mg2+)-ATPase against iron-induced inhibition

The calmodulin-stimulated (Ca2+, Mg2+)-ATPase (calmodulin-ATPase) of the erythrocyte membrane is susceptible to oxidative stress induced by heme and non-heme iron. There is a time-and concentration-dependent inhibition of the calmodulin-ATPase activity when the erythrocyte membranes are treated with either iron or hemin. In the present study, the calmodulin-ATPase has been used as a model system to evaluate the protective effects of a vitamin E analog (U83836E) and two 21-aminosteroids (U74500A and U74389G) against calmodulin-ATPase inhibition induced by iron and hemin. The drugs, lazaroids from Upjohn, can significantly protect the enzyme against iron-induced inhibition and also causes a decrease in the formation of thiobarbituric acid reactive species, with an IC50 of 0.4 microM for the drug U83836E and 4 microM for the drug U74500A. The 21-aminosteroid U74389G does not restore iron-inhibited calmodulin-ATPase activity under similar conditions. At higher concentrations (> 100 microM) all three drugs inhibit the calmodulin-ATPase activity. None of the drugs tested can restore hemin-inhibited calmodulin-ATPase activity.

Inhibition by activated neutrophils of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of intact red blood cells

Human neutrophils, activated by phorbol myristate acetate in the presence of intact red blood cells (RBCs), caused inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of the RBCs and fragmentation of the enzyme as well as other membrane proteins. Inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of intact RBCs was directly related to the neutrophil concentration and the time of incubation. Ca2+ pump ATPase activity was partially protected by the addition of exogenous glutathione-glutathione peroxidase, but not by superoxide dismutase. The addition of sodium azide, a potent inhibitor of endogenous RBC catalase, enhanced inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase of intact RBCs. Examination by SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis of membrane proteins isolated from RBCs preincubated with activated neutrophils showed gross changes in banding patterns as compared to controls. Thus, a significant amount of methemoglobin appeared to be associated with the membrane proteins, and, in general, protein bands appeared to be more diffuse and less defined than proteins in control lanes. In addition, there was an increase in the low molecular weight protein bands. Using a monoclonal antibody to the Ca2+ pump ATPase, it was shown that the 140 kDa band representing the Ca2+ pump ATPase decreased, with concomitant appearance of two low molecular weight bands running at 8.2 and 6.8 kDa in the membrane proteins from RBCs preincubated with activated neutrophils. The data are interpreted to suggest that inhibition of the Ca2+ pump ATPase in intact RBCs under these conditions occurred as a result of: neutrophil-derived superoxide, dismutation of superoxide, to H2O2, diffusion of H2O2 into RBCs, a Fenton type reaction between oxyhemoglobin, and H2O2 producing hydroxyl radical and/or a ferryl radical capable of promoting protein fragmentation of RBC membrane proteins, including the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump ATPase.

Inhibition of the Ca pump of intact red blood cells by t-butyl hydroperoxide: importance of glutathione peroxidase

Incubation of human red blood cells (RBCs) with t-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP) resulted in inhibition of the Ca-pump ATPase. This was demonstrated using an assay of the Ca-pump ATPase activity in intact RBCs. In this assay, activity of the Ca-pump ATPase is expressed as the rate constant of the initial loss of ATP in RBCs exposed to Ca and A23187. Pseudo-first-order rate constants (Ca-pump ATPase rate constants) were lower in the presence of tBHP versus controls. Incubation of RBCs with tBHP resulted in both a time- and concentration-dependent inhibition of the Ca-pump ATPase (IC50 approximately 1 mM). Incubation of RBCs with tBHP also resulted in decreased oxyhemoglobin, increased methemoglobin and increased thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). GSH levels were significantly lower in the presence of tBHP. GSH fell from a control value of 2.2 mmol/l RBC to 0.46 mmol/l RBC after incubation with 0.25 mM tBHP for 15 min. Both butylated hydroxytoluene and stobadine prevented the formation of TBARS and were partially effective in protecting the Ca-pump ATPase from tBHP-induced inhibition. Dithiothreitol was completely effective in preventing the tBHP-induced formation of TBARS as well as inhibition of the Ca-pump ATPase. However, when added after exposure to tBHP, dithiothreitol was unable to restore Ca-pump ATPase activity completely. An activity of dithiothreitol independent of enzymic thiol group reduction was apparent. In the presence of mercaptosuccinate, a potent inhibitor of glutathione peroxidase, the ability of dithiothreitol to protect the Ca-pump ATPase from tBHP-induced inhibition was abolished. Therefore, protection by dithiothreitol may be afforded by its ability to replenish GSH from oxidized glutathione, thus allowing glutathione peroxidase to metabolize tBHP. These results may be interpreted to suggest that inhibition of the Ca-pump ATPase in intact RBCs occurs as a result of tBHP-induced oxidant stress and subsequent lipid peroxidation which can be prevented by certain antioxidants including butylated hydroxytoluene, stobadine, and thiol-containing compounds such as dithiothreitol. These findings provide further insight into the mode of action of hydroperoxides and certain reactive oxygen species that have been implicated in oxidative stress associated with various pathological conditions. The importance of the GSH/glutathione peroxidase system in metabolizing organic hydroperoxides is also demonstrated.

Ion transport ATPases as targets for free radical damage. Protection by an aminosteroid of the Ca2+ pump ATPase and Na+/K+ pump ATPase of human red blood cell membranes

Preincubation of red blood cell membranes in the presence of ferrous sulfate and EDTA resulted in both a concentration- and time-dependent inhibition of the Na+/K+ pump ATPase, basal Ca2+ pump ATPase, and the calmodulin- (CaM) activated Ca2+ pump ATPase. The IC50 for all three ATPases was approximately 2.5 x 10(-5) M iron. The addition to membranes of ferrous iron and EDTA in an approximately 1:1 ratio resulted in conversion to the ferric iron form in several minutes. However, inhibition of the ion pump ATPases and cross-linking of membrane proteins occurred over the course of several hours. The time course of formation of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) closely paralleled inhibition of the ion pump ATPases. Inhibition of the ion pump ATPases was prevented by the addition of deferoxamine or superoxide dismutase but not by mannitol, or catalase. Both butylated hydroxytoluene and tirilazad mesylate (U74006F) prevented the formation of TBARS, limited the inhibition of the ion pump ATPases, and reduced cross-linking of membrane proteins. These data may be interpreted to suggest that inhibition of ion pump ATPases in plasma membranes may occur as a result of iron-promoted formation of superoxide and subsequent lipid peroxidation, which can be prevented by free-radical scavengers including butylated hydroxytoluene and U74006F.

Neurotoxicity of hemoglobin in cortical cell culture

Hemoglobin (Hb) has been demonstrated to be neurotoxic when injected into the cerebral cortex in vivo. However, associated systemic factors such as ischemia and epileptogenesis have limited investigations of Hb toxicity in the intact central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the neurotoxicity of human Hb was assessed in mixed neuronal and glial neocortical cell cultures derived from fetal mice. Exposure of cultures to Hb for 24-28 h produced widespread and concentration-dependent neuronal death (EC50 1-2.5 microM), without injuring glia. Brief exposures (1-2 h) were not toxic. Neuronal death was completely blocked by the 21-aminosteroid U74500A, the antioxidant Trolox, and the ferric iron chelator deferoxamine. The results of these experiments suggest that, in this system, Hb is a potent neurotoxin, and that Hb neurotoxicity may contribute to secondary injury processes after trauma and intracranial hemorrhage.