Recovery of intracellular pH in cortical brain slices following anoxia studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy: role of lactate removal, extracellular sodium and sodium/hydrogen exchange

Application of Metabolomics to the Discovery of Biomarkers for Ischemic Stroke in the Murine Model: a Comparison with the Clinical Results

Ischemic stroke (IS) is a major cause of mortality and disability worldwide. However, the pathogenesis of IS remains unknown, and methods for early prediction and diagnosis of IS are lacking. Metabolomics can be applied to biomarker discovery and mechanism exploration of IS by exploring metabolic alterations. In this review, 62 IS metabolomics studies in the murine model published from January 2006 to December 2020 in the PubMed and Web of Science databases were systematically reviewed. Twenty metabolites (e.g., lysine, phenylalanine, methionine, tryptophan, leucine, lactate, serine, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, and glutathione) were reported consistently in more than two-third murine studies. The disturbance of metabolic pathways, such as arginine biosynthesis; alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; and citrate cycle, may be implicated in the development of IS by influencing the biological processes such as energy failure, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and glutamate toxicity. The transient middle cerebral artery occlusion model and permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion model exhibit both common and distinct metabolic patterns. Furthermore, five metabolites (proline, serine, LysoPC (16:0), uric acid, glutamate) in the blood sample and 7 metabolic pathways (e.g., alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism) are shared in animal and clinical studies. The potential biomarkers and related pathways of IS in the murine model may facilitate the biomarker discovery for early diagnosis of IS and the development of novel therapeutic targets.

Metabolomics-based mechanisms exploration of Huang-Lian Jie-Du decoction on cerebral ischemia via UPLC-Q-TOF/MS analysis on rat serum

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huang-Lian Jie-Du decoction (HLJDD), a traditional formula of Chinese medicine constituted with Rhizoma Coptidis, RadixScutellariae, CortexPhellodendri amurensis and Fructus Gardeniae, exhibits unambiguous therapeutic effect on cerebral ischemia via multi-targets action. Further investigation, however, is still required to explore the relationship between those mechanisms and targets through system approaches.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats of cerebral ischemia were completed by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) with reperfusion. Following evaluation of pharmacological actions of HLJDD on MCAO rats, the plasma samples from rats of control, MCAO and HLJDD-treated MCAO groups were prepared strictly and subjected to ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time of flight mass spectrometry for metabolites analysis. The raw mass data were imported to MassLynx software for peak detection and alignment, and further introduced to EZinfo 2.0 software for orthogonal projection to latent structures analysis, principal component analysis and partial least-squares-discriminant analysis. The metabolic pathways assay of those potential biomarkers were performed with MetaboAnalyst through the online database, HMDB, Metlin, KEGG and SMPD. Those intriguing metabolic pathways were further investigated via biochemical assay.

RESULTS

HLJDD ameliorated the MCAO-induce cerebral damage and blocked the severe inflammation response. There were nineteen different biomarkers identified among control, MCAO and HLJDD-treated MCAO groups. Ten metabolic pathways were proposed from these significant metabolites. Incorporation with the biochemical assay of cerebral tissue, modulation of metabolic stress, regulation glutamate/GABA-glutamine cycle and enhancement of cholinergic neurons function were explored that involved in the actions of HLJDD on cerebral ischemia.

CONCLUSION

HLJDD achieves therapeutic action on cerebral ischemia via coordinating the basic pathophysiological network of metabolic stress, glutamate metabolism, and acetylcholine levels and function.

Upregulated expression of NF-YC contributes to neuronal apoptosis via proapoptotic protein bim in rats' brain hippocampus following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)

Cerebral ischemia represents a severe brain injury that could lead to significant neuronal damage and death. In this study, we performed a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in adult rats and observed that a subunit of nuclear factor-Y (NF-Y) transcriptional factor, NF-YC, was accumulated in rat hippocampal CA1 neurons. Immunochemistrical and immunofluorescent analysis revealed that NF-YC was primarily expressed in the nucleus of neurons. Meanwhile, we found that the changes of bim, one of the target genes of NF-Y, were consistent with the expression of NF-YC and Bim was mainly located in the NF-YC positive cells. Moreover, there was a concomitant upregulation of active caspase-3 and TUNEL positive cells. Taken together, these results suggested that the upregulation of NF-YC might play an important role in the pathophysiology via proapoptotic protein Bim after MCAO and further research is needed to have a better understanding of its function and mechanism.

Magnetic resonance characterization of ischemic tissue metabolism

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and spectroscopy (MRS) are versatile diagnostic techniques capable of characterizing the complex stroke pathophysiology, and hold great promise for guiding stroke treatment. Particularly, tissue viability and salvageability are closely associated with its metabolic status. Upon ischemia, ischemic tissue metabolism is disrupted including altered metabolism of glucose and oxygen, elevated lactate production/accumulation, tissue acidification and eventually, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion and energy failure. Whereas metabolism impairment during ischemic stroke is complex, it may be monitored non-invasively with magnetic resonance (MR)-based techniques. Our current article provides a concise overview of stroke pathology, conventional and emerging imaging and spectroscopy techniques, and data analysis tools for characterizing ischemic tissue damage.

Association between pH-weighted endogenous amide proton chemical exchange saturation transfer MRI and tissue lactic acidosis during acute ischemic stroke

The ischemic tissue becomes acidic after initiation of anaerobic respiration, which may result in impaired tissue metabolism and, ultimately, in severe tissue damage. Although changes in the major cerebral metabolites can be studied using magnetic resonance (MR) spectroscopy (MRS)-based techniques, their spatiotemporal resolution is often not sufficient for routine examination of fast-evolving and heterogeneous acute stroke lesions. Recently, pH-weighted MR imaging (MRI) has been proposed as a means to assess tissue acidosis by probing the pH-dependent chemical exchange of amide protons from endogenous proteins and peptides. In this study, we characterized acute ischemic tissue damage using localized proton MRS and multiparametric imaging techniques that included perfusion, diffusion, pH, and relaxation MRI. Our study showed that pH-weighted MRI can detect ischemic lesions and strongly correlates with tissue lactate content measured by (1)H MRS, indicating lactic acidosis. Our results also confirmed the correlation between apparent diffusion coefficient and lactate; however, no significant relationship was found for perfusion, T(1), and T(2). In summary, our study showed that optimized endogenous pH-weighted MRI, by sensitizing to local tissue pH, remains a promising tool for providing a surrogate imaging marker of lactic acidosis and altered tissue metabolism, and augments conventional techniques for stroke diagnosis.

Proton transfer ratio, lactate, and intracellular pH in acute cerebral ischemia

The amide proton transfer ratio (APTR) from the asymmetry of the Z-spectrum was determined in rat brain tissue during and after unilateral middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). Cerebral lactate (Lac) as determined by (1)H NMR spectroscopy, water diffusion, and T(1rho) were quantified as well. Lac concentrations were used to estimate intracellular pH (pH(i)) in the brain during the MCA occlusion. A decrease in APTR during occlusion indicated acidification from 7.1 to 6.79 +/- 0.19 (a drop by 0.3 +/- 0.2 pH units), whereas pH(i) computed from Lac concentration was 6.3 +/- 0.2 (a drop by 0.8 +/- 0.2 pH units). Despite the disagreement between the two methods in terms of the size of the change in the absolute pH(i) during ischemia, DeltaAPTR and pH(i) (and Lac concentration) displayed a strong correlation during the MCAo. Diffusion and T(1rho) indicated cytotoxic edema following MCA occlusion; however, APTR returned slowly toward the values determined in the contralateral hemisphere post-ischemia. These data argue that the APTR during ischemia is affected not only by pH(i) but by other physicochemical factors as well, and indicates different aspects of pathology in the post-ischemic brain compared to those that influence water diffusion and T(1rho).

Reduced contribution from Na+/H+ exchange to acid extrusion during anoxia in adult rat hippocampal CA1 neurons

The effect of anoxia on Na+/H+ exchange activity was examined in acutely isolated adult rat hippocampal CA1 neurons loaded with the H+-sensitive fluorophore, BCECF. Five-minute anoxia imposed under nominally HCO3-/CO2-free conditions induced a fall in pHi, the magnitude of which was smaller following prolonged exposure to medium in which N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG+) was employed as an extracellular Na+ (Na(+)(o)) substitute. Also consistent with the possibility that Na+/H+ exchange becomes inhibited soon after the induction of anoxia, rates of Na(+)(o)-dependent pHi recovery from internal acid loads imposed during anoxia were slowed, compared to rates of Na(+)(o)-dependent pHi recovery observed prior to anoxia. At the time at which rates of pHi recovery were reduced during anoxia, cellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels had fallen to 35% of preanoxic levels, suggesting that ATP depletion might contribute to the observed inhibition of Na+/H+ exchange. In support, incubation of neurons with 2-deoxyglucose and antimycin A under normoxic conditions induced a fall in cellular ATP levels that was also associated with reduced Na(+)(o)-dependent rates of pHi recovery from imposed acid loads; conversely, pre-treatment with 10 mm creatine attenuated the effects of anoxia to reduce both ATP levels and Na(+)(o)-dependent rates of pHi recovery from internal acid loads. Taken together, the results are consistent with the possibility that functional Na+/H+ exchange activity in adult rat CA1 neurons declines soon after the onset of anoxia, possibly as a result of anoxia-induced falls in intracellular ATP.

Ischemia and stroke

Cell death following cerebral ischemia is mediated by a complex pathophysiologic interaction of different mechanisms. In this Chapter we will outline the basic principles as well as introduce in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischemia. Mechanistically, excitotoxicity, peri-infarct depolarization, inflammation and apoptosis seem to be the most relevant mediators of damage and are promising targets for neuroprotective strategies.

Intracellular pH response to anoxia in acutely dissociated adult rat hippocampal CA1 neurons

The effects of anoxia on intracellular pH (pH(i)) were examined in acutely isolated adult rat hippocampal CA1 neurons loaded with the H(+)-sensitive fluorophore, 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein. During perfusion with HCO/CO(2)- or HEPES-buffered media (pH 7.35) at 37 degrees C, 5- or 10-min anoxic insults were typified by an intracellular acidification on the induction of anoxia, a subsequent rise in pH(i) in the continued absence of O(2), and a further internal alkalinization on the return to normoxia. The steady-state pH(i) changes were not consequent on changes in [Ca(2+)](i) and, examined in the presence of HCO, were not significantly affected by (DIDS). In the absence of HCO, the magnitude of the postanoxic alkalinization was attenuated when external Na(+) was reduced by substitution with N-methyl-D-glucamine (NMDG(+)), but not Li(+), suggesting that increased Na(+)/H(+) exchange activity contributes to this phase of the pH(i) response. In contrast, 100-500 microM Zn(2+), a known blocker of H(+)-conductive pathways, reduced the magnitudes of the internal alkalinizations that occurred both during and following anoxia. The effects of NMDG(+)-substituted medium and Zn(2+) to reduce the increase in pH(i) that occurred after anoxia were additive. Consistent with the steady-state pH(i) changes, rates of pH(i) recovery from internal acid loads imposed immediately after anoxia were increased, and the application of Zn(2+) and/or perfusion with NMDG(+)-substituted medium slowed pH(i) recovery. Reducing extracellular pH from 7.35 to 6.60, or reducing ambient temperature from 37 degrees C to room temperature, also attenuated the increases in steady-state pH(i) observed during and after anoxia and reduced rates of pH(i) recovery from acid loads imposed in the immediate postanoxic period. Finally, inhibition of the cAMP/protein kinase A second-messenger system reduced the magnitude of the rise in pH(i) after anoxia in a manner that was dependent on external Na(+); conversely, activation of the system with isoproterenol increased the postanoxic alkalinization, an effect that was attenuated by pretreatment with propranolol, Rp-cAMPS, or when NMDG(+) (but not Li(+)) was employed as an external Na(+) substitute. The results suggest that a Zn(2+)-sensitive acid efflux mechanism, possibly a H(+)-conductive pathway activated by membrane depolarization, contributes to the internal alkalinization observed during anoxia in adult rat CA1 neurons. The rise in pH(i) after anoxia reflects acid extrusion via the H(+)-conductive pathway and also Na(+)/H(+) exchange, activation of the latter being mediated, at least in part, through a cAMP-dependent signaling pathway.

Anoxia-evoked intracellular pH and Ca2+ concentration changes in cultured postnatal rat hippocampal neurons

The ratiometric indicators 2',7'-bis-(2-carboxyethyl)-5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein and Fura-2 were employed to examine, respectively, intracellular pH (pHi) and calcium ([Ca2+]i) changes evoked by anoxia in cultured postnatal rat hippocampal neurons at 37 degrees C. Under both HCO3-/CO2- and HEPES-buffered conditions, 3-, 5- or 10-min anoxia induced a triphasic change in pHi consisting of an initial fall in pHi, a subsequent rise in pHi in the continued absence of O2 and, finally, a further rise in pHi upon the return to normoxia, which recovered towards preanoxic steady-state pHi values if the duration of the anoxic insult was < or = 5 min. In parallel experiments performed on sister cultures, anoxia of 3, 5 or 10 min duration evoked rises in [Ca2+]i which, in all cases, commenced after the start of the fall in pHi, reached a peak at or just following the return to normoxia and then declined towards preanoxic resting levels. Removal of external Ca2+ markedly attenuated increases in [Ca2+]i, but failed to affect the pHi changes evoked by 5 min anoxia. The latency from the start of anoxia to the start of the increase in pHi observed during anoxia was increased by perfusion with media containing either 2 mM Na+, 20 mM glucose or 1 microM tetrodotoxin. Because each of these manoeuvres is known to delay the onset and/or attenuate the magnitude of anoxic depolarization, the results suggest that the rise in pHi observed during anoxia may be consequent upon membrane depolarization. This possibility was also suggested by the findings that Zn2+ and Cd2+, known blockers of voltage-dependent proton conductances, reduced the magnitude of the rise in pHi observed during anoxia. Under HCO3-/CO2-free conditions, reduction of external Na+ by substitution with N-methyl-D-glucamine (but not Li+) attenuated the magnitude of the postanoxic alkalinization, suggesting that increased Na+/H+ exchange activity contributes to the postanoxic rise in pHi. In support, rates of pHi recovery from internal acid loads imposed following anoxia were increased compared to control values established prior to anoxia in the same neurons. In contrast, rates of pHi recovery from acid loads imposed during anoxia were reduced, suggesting the possibility that Na+/H+ exchange is inhibited during anoxia. We conclude that the steady-state pHi response of cultured rat hippocampal neurons to transient anoxia is independent of changes in [Ca2+]i and is characterized by three phases which are determined, at least in part, by alterations in Na+/H- exchange activity and, possibly, by a proton conductance which is activated during membrane depolarization.

Pathobiology of ischaemic stroke: an integrated view

Brain injury following transient or permanent focal cerebral ischaemia (stroke) develops from a complex series of pathophysiological events that evolve in time and space. In this article, the relevance of excitotoxicity, peri-infarct depolarizations, inflammation and apoptosis to delayed mechanisms of damage within the peri-infarct zone or ischaemic penumbra are discussed. While focusing on potentially new avenues of treatment, the issue of why many clinical stroke trials have so far proved disappointing is addressed. This article provides a framework that can be used to generate testable hypotheses and treatment strategies that are linked to the appearance of specific pathophysiological events within the ischaemic brain.

Activation of neurotransmitter release in hippocampal nerve terminals during recovery from intracellular acidification

Intracellular pH may be an important variable regulating neurotransmitter release. A number of pathological conditions, such as anoxia and ischemia, are known to influence intracellular pH, causing acidification of brain cells and excitotoxicity. We examined the effect of acidification on quantal glutamate release. Although acidification caused only modest changes in release, recovery from acidification was associated with a very large (60-fold) increase in the frequency of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in cultured hippocampal neurons. This was accompanied by a block of evoked EPSCs and a rise in intracellular free Ca2+ ([Ca2+]i). The rise in mEPSC frequency required extracellular Ca2+, but influx did not occur through voltage-operated channels. Because acidic pH is known to activate the Na+/H+ antiporter, we hypothesized that a resulting Na+ load could drive Ca2+ influx through the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger during recovery from acidification. This hypothesis is supported by three observations. First, intracellular Na+ rises during acidification. Second, the elevation in [Ca2+]i and mEPSC frequency during recovery from acidification is prevented by the Na+/H+ antiporter blocker EIPA applied during the acidification step. Third, the rise in free Ca2+ and mEPSC frequency is blocked by the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger blocker dimethylbenzamil. We thus propose that during recovery from intracellular acidification a massive activation of neurotransmitter release occurs because the successive activation of the Na+/H+ and Na+/Ca2+ exchangers in nerve terminals leads to an elevation of intracellular calcium. Our results suggest that changes in intracellular pH and especially recovery from acidification have extensive consequences for the release process in nerve terminals. Excessive release of glutamate through the proposed mechanism could be implicated in excitotoxic insults after anoxic or ischemic episodes.

Increases in [Ca2+]i and changes in intracellular pH during chemical anoxia in mouse neocortical neurons in primary culture

The effect of chemical anoxia (azide) in the presence of glucose on the free intracellular Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) and intracellular pH (pHi) in mouse neocortical neurons was investigated using Fura-2 and BCECF. Anoxia induced a reversible increase in [Ca2+]i which was significantly inhibited in nominally Ca2+-free medium. A change in pHo (8.2 or 6.6), or addition of NMDA and non-NMDA receptor antagonists (D-AP5 and CNQX) in combination, significantly reduced the increase in [Ca2+]i, pointing to a protective effect of extracellular alkalosis or acidosis, and involvement of excitatory amino acids. An initial anoxia-induced acidification was observed under all experimental conditions. In the control situation, this acidification was followed by a recovery/alkalinization of pHi in about 50% of the cells, a few cells showed no recovery, and some showed further acidification. EIPA, an inhibitor of Na+/H+ exchangers, prevented alkalinization, pointing towards anoxia-induced activation of a Na+/H+ exchanger. In a nominally Ca2+-free medium, the initial acidification was followed by a significant alkalinization. At pHo 8.2, the alkalinization was significantly increased, while at pHo 6.2, the initial acidification was followed by further acidification in about 50% of the cells, and by no further change in the remaining cells.

Effect of hypoxic exposure on Na+/H+ antiport activity, isoform expression, and localization in endothelial cells

Little is known about the effects of prolonged hypoxic exposure on membrane ion transport activity. The Na+/H+ antiport is an ion transport site that regulates intracellular pH in mammalian cells. We determined the effect of prolonged hypoxic exposure on human pulmonary arterial endothelial cell antiport activity, gene expression, and localization. Monolayers were incubated under hypoxic or normoxic conditions for 72 h. Antiport activity was determined as the rate of recovery from intracellular acidosis. Antiport isoform identification and gene expression were determined with RT-PCR and Northern and Western blots. Antiport localization and F-actin cytoskeleton organization were defined with immunofluorescent staining. Prolonged hypoxic exposure decreased antiport activity, with no change in cell viability compared with normoxic control cells. One antiport isoform [Na+/H+ exchanger isoform (NHE) 1] that was localized to the basolateral cell surface was present in human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells. Hypoxic exposure had no effect on NHE1 mRNA transcript expression, but NHE1 protein expression was upregulated. Immunofluorescent staining demonstrated a significant alteration of the F-actin cytoskeleton after hypoxic exposure but no change in NHE1 localization. These results demonstrate that the decrease in NHE1 activity after prolonged hypoxic exposure is not related to altered gene expression. The change in NHE1 activity may have important consequences for vascular function.

Quantitative determination of glutamate turnover by 1H-observed, 13C-edited nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy in the cerebral cortex ex vivo: interrelationships with oxygen consumption

The kinetics of glutamate 13C-4 label appearance from D-[1-13C]-glucose and 13C-4 label disappearance from steady state following D-12C-glucose incubation were quantified with 1H-observed, 13C-edited nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy in the superfused brain slices under largely varying oxygen consumption. Label incorporation to and from glutamate C-4 were fitted into mono- or bicompartmental models in order to determine the respective rate constants and to assess the presence of plausible multiple pools. At a steady-state oxygen consumption of approximately 4 mumol/min/g dry weight, glutamate labelling could be fitted into a biexponential equation, suggesting that there were two compartments with a large difference in their rates (respective rate constants of 0.022 and 0.149) and pool sizes (relative contributions of 91.2 and 8.8%, respectively). Stimulation of oxygen consumption in the brain slice preparations with either 40 mM KCl by 59.5 +/- 10.3% or 5 microM carbonyl cyanide m-fluorophenyl hydrazone by 61.4 +/- 8.4% increased glutamate C-4 labelling rate constants to 0.058 +/- 0.009 and 0.054 +/- 0.006, respectively. In the stimulated slice preparation, glutamate labelling could only be fitted into a monoexponential equation. 13C-4 label disappearance, independent of oxygen uptake, could also only be fitted into a monoexponential equation. There was a close match between the rate constants of label disappearance and appearance in non-stimulated and carbonyl cyanide m-fluorophenyl hydrazone-stimulated slices. In the presence of 40 mM KCl label disappearance did not, however, increase. These data show that glutamate C-4 turnover from exogenous D-[1-13C]-glucose can be used as an index of oxidative metabolism in situ under steady-state conditions as well as when oxygen metabolism is strongly stimulated. The results are discussed with respect to the use of NMR spectroscopy as a means of mapping brain oxidative metabolism.

Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy of the brain during acute hypoxia-ischemia and delayed cerebral energy failure in the newborn piglet

Studies of the brains of severely birth-asphyxiated infants using proton (1H) magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) have shown changes indicating a rise in cerebral lactate (Lac) and a fall in N-acetylaspartate (Naa). The aim of this study was to test two hypotheses: 1) that these changes can be reproduced in the newborn piglet after transient reversed cerebral hypoxiaischemia, and their time course determined; and 2) that changes in Lac peak-area ratios are related to changes in phosphorylation potential as determined by phosphorus (31P) MRS. Eighteen piglets aged < 24 h were anesthetized and ventilated. Twelve underwent temporary occlusion of the carotid arteries and hypoxemia, and six served as sham-operated controls. 1H and 31P spectra were acquired alternately, both during the insult and for the next 48 h, using a 7-tesla spectrometer. During hypoxiaischemia, the median Lac/total creatine (Cr) peak-area ratio rose from a baseline of 0.14 (interquartile range 0.07-0.27), to a maximum of 4.34 (3.33-7.45). After resuscitation, Lac/Cr fell to 0.75 (0.45-1.64) by 2 h, and then increased again to 2.43 (1.13-3.08) by 48 h. At all stages after resuscitation Lac/Cr remained significantly above baseline and control values. Naa/Cr was significantly reduced below baseline and control values by 48 h after resuscitation. The increases in the Lac peak-area ratios were concomitant with the falls in the [phosphocreatine (PCr)*]/ [inorganic phosphate (Pi)] ratio, during both acute hypoxiaischemia and delayed energy failure. The maximum Lac/Naa during delayed energy failure correlated strongly with the minimum [nucleotide triphosphate (NTP)]/[exchangeable phosphate pool (EPP)] (r = -0.94, p < 0.0001). We conclude that both hypotheses have been confirmed.

Intracellular chelation of calcium prevents cell damage following severe hypoxia in the rat cerebral cortex as studied by NMR spectroscopy ex vivo

Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy was used to quantify metabolic recovery (by 31P NMR) and neuronal damage (by 1H NMR) following aglycaemic hypoxia in superfused cortical brain slices. Slices were incubated either in the absence or presence of a cell-permeant Ca2+ chelator, 1,2-bis-(2-amino-phenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetra-acetic acid acetoxy ester (BAPTA-AM) before exposure to hypoxia in the presence or absence of 1.2 mM Ca2+. Hypoxia in the presence of Ca2+ resulted in metabolic damage as well as time-dependent reduction of a neuronal metabolite, N-acetyl aspartate. The recovery was improved only temporarily by BAPTA under these conditions. Hypoxia in the absence of external Ca2+ did not cause any detectable signs of damage in BAPTA-loaded slices. These data show that combined inhibition of influx and intracellular chelation of Ca2+ render the brain cortex tolerable to severe energy failure.

Changes in extracellular acid-base homeostasis in cerebral ischemia

The purpose of this study was to examine the changes in extracellular CO32- and lactate concentration produced by ischemia, especially in relation to the occurrence of anoxic depolarization, and how some of these changes are altered by the inhibition of organic acid transport systems with probenecid. These data demonstrate that (i) the transmembrane mechanisms contributing to intracellular acid-base regulation (Na+/H+ and HCO3-/Cl- exchanges, and lactate/H+ cotransport) are markedly activated during ischemia; (ii) the efficacy of these mechanisms is abolished as the cellular membrane permeability to ions, including H+ and pH-changing anions, suddenly increases with anoxic depolarization; and (iii) efflux of intracellular lactate during ischemia, and its reuptake with reperfusion, mainly occur via a transporter. These findings imply that residual cellular acid-base homeostasis persists as long as cell depolarization does not occur, and strengthen the concept that anoxic depolarization is a critical event for cell survival during ischemia.

Lactate efflux and intracellular pH during severe hypoxia in rat cerebral cortex in vitro studied by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy

Intracellular pH (pHi) and lactate were monitored in a superfused brain slice preparation using NMR spectroscopy in order to study the role of lactate washout in maintenance of pHi during hypoxia. Data are consistence with a functioning lactate-H+ cotransport in the energetically intact cerebral cortex. This pathway is not, however, linked to regulation of pHi during energy failure with external pH of 6.8 and thus appears not to have physiological impact in H+ homeostasis during cerebral hypoxia.

Time course of changes in extracellular lactate evoked by transient K(+)-induced depolarisation in the rat striatum

The purpose of this study was to establish whether excessive lactate production associated with local application of K+ is reflected at the extracellular level during or after the K+ challenge. Changes in extracellular lactate were continuously monitored by microdialysis coupled to on-line fluorimetric analysis. K(+)-induced changes in dialysate lactate were closely related to those of the direct current potential. High K+ evoked a large and sustained negative shift of direct current potential onto which were superimposed a variable number of transient peaks of further depolarisation. The initial negative shift in direct current potential was associated with a decrease in dialysate lactate, but after each transient depolarisation, the positive shift in direct current potential indicating cell repolarisation was associated with a marked increase in extracellular lactate. When repetitive transient depolarisations occurred during a stimulus, only a small increase after each depolarisation was observed. However, recordings consistently revealed a marked and rapid increase in extracellular lactate after the K+ stimulus. These data indicate that extracellular lactate mostly increased during periods of repolarisation. This suggests strongly that lactic acid transport out of brain cells may be impaired when their transmembrane ionic gradients are disrupted.

Unusual low proton permeability of liposomes prepared from the endogenous myelin lipids

In contrast with most other lipid substrates, in this article we show that liposomes prepared from the total myelin lipids exhibited a negligible proton permeability. Neither the generation of valinomycin-induced potassium diffusion potentials as high as -177 mV nor the imposition of large pH gradients (up to three units) was able to produce a substantial flux of protons through liposomal membranes, as determined by the distribution of [14C]-methylamine, or the changes in the fluorescence of the probes 9-aminoacridine, acridine orange, and pyranine. The presence of cations (Na+, K+, Ca2+) did not alter this behavior. Voltage clamping did not increase the transmembrane delta pH-driven proton permeability. However, liposome diameter was found to be critical because small unilamellar vesicles displayed a much higher proton permeability than large unilamellar or multilamellar vesicles. This abnormally low proton permeability is interpreted by virtue of the characteristic biochemical composition of myelin lipid matrix, with a high content of cholesterol and sphingolipids and a very low level of free fatty acids. These results could be important for elucidating the role of myelin in the regulation of pH in the brain. In addition, the myelin lipid extract could be useful for reconstituting proteins that participate in the transport of H+ through the membrane.