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Reinhold AK, Hartmannsberger B, Burek M, Rittner HL. Stabilizing the neural barrier - A novel approach in pain therapy. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 249:108484. [PMID: 37390969 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Chronic and neuropathic pain are a widespread burden. Incomplete understanding of underlying pathomechanisms is one crucial factor for insufficient treatment. Recently, impairment of the blood nerve barrier (BNB) has emerged as one key aspect of pain initiation and maintenance. In this narrative review, we discuss several mechanisms and putative targets for novel treatment strategies. Cells such as pericytes, local mediators like netrin-1 and specialized proresolving mediators (SPMs), will be covered as well as circulating factors including the hormones cortisol and oestrogen and microRNAs. They are crucial in either the BNB or similar barriers and associated with pain. While clinical studies are still scarce, these findings might provide valuable insight into mechanisms and nurture development of therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Kristin Reinhold
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Beate Hartmannsberger
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Malgorzata Burek
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Heike L Rittner
- University Hospital Würzburg, Department of Anaesthesiology, Intensive Care, Emergency and Pain Medicine, Oberdürrbacher Str. 6, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
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Menaceur C, Hachani J, Dib S, Duban-Deweer S, Karamanos Y, Shimizu F, Kanda T, Gosselet F, Fenart L, Saint-Pol J. Highlighting In Vitro the Role of Brain-like Endothelial Cells on the Maturation and Metabolism of Brain Pericytes by SWATH Proteomics. Cells 2023; 12:cells12071010. [PMID: 37048083 PMCID: PMC10093307 DOI: 10.3390/cells12071010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Within the neurovascular unit, brain pericytes (BPs) are of major importance for the induction and maintenance of the properties of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) carried by the brain microvessel endothelial cells (ECs). Throughout barriergenesis, ECs take advantage of soluble elements or contact with BPs to maintain BBB integrity and the regulation of their cellular homeostasis. However, very few studies have focused on the role of ECs in the maturation of BPs. The aim of this study is to shed light on the proteome of BPs solocultured (hBP-solo) or cocultured with ECs (hBP-coc) to model the human BBB in a non-contact manner. We first generated protein libraries for each condition and identified 2233 proteins in hBP-solo versus 2492 in hBP-coc and 2035 common proteins. We performed a quantification of the enriched proteins in each condition by sequential window acquisition of all theoretical mass spectra (SWATH) analysis. We found 51 proteins enriched in hBP-solo related to cell proliferation, contractility, adhesion and extracellular matrix element production, a protein pattern related to an immature cell. In contrast, 90 proteins are enriched in hBP-coc associated with a reduction in contractile activities as observed in vivo in ‘mature’ BPs, and a significant gain in different metabolic functions, particularly related to mitochondrial activities and sterol metabolism. This study highlights that BPs take advantage of ECs during barriergenesis to make a metabolic switch in favor of BBB homeostasis in vitro.
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Solár P, Zamani A, Lakatosová K, Joukal M. The blood-brain barrier and the neurovascular unit in subarachnoid hemorrhage: molecular events and potential treatments. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:29. [PMID: 35410231 PMCID: PMC8996682 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00312-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The response of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) following a stroke, including subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), has been studied extensively. The main components of this reaction are endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes that affect microglia, neurons, and vascular smooth muscle cells. SAH induces alterations in individual BBB cells, leading to brain homeostasis disruption. Recent experiments have uncovered many pathophysiological cascades affecting the BBB following SAH. Targeting some of these pathways is important for restoring brain function following SAH. BBB injury occurs immediately after SAH and has long-lasting consequences, but most changes in the pathophysiological cascades occur in the first few days following SAH. These changes determine the development of early brain injury as well as delayed cerebral ischemia. SAH-induced neuroprotection also plays an important role and weakens the negative impact of SAH. Supporting some of these beneficial cascades while attenuating the major pathophysiological pathways might be decisive in inhibiting the negative impact of bleeding in the subarachnoid space. In this review, we attempt a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge on the molecular and cellular changes in the BBB following SAH and their possible modulation by various drugs and substances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Solár
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University and St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Pekařská 53, 656 91, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Alemeh Zamani
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Klaudia Lakatosová
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Marek Joukal
- Department of Anatomy, Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Changes in Gene and Protein Expression of Metalloproteinase-2 and -9 and Their Inhibitors TIMP2 and TIMP3 in Different Parts of Fluoride-Exposed Rat Brain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 22:ijms22010391. [PMID: 33396569 PMCID: PMC7796218 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22010391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fluoride (F) exposure decreases brain receptor activity and neurotransmitter production. A recent study has shown that chronic fluoride exposure during childhood can affect cognitive function and decrease intelligence quotient, but the mechanism of this phenomenon is still incomplete. Extracellular matrix (ECM) and its enzymes are one of the key players of neuroplasticity which is essential for cognitive function development. Changes in the structure and the functioning of synapses are caused, among others, by ECM enzymes. These enzymes, especially matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs), are involved in both physiological processes, such as learning or memory, and pathological processes like glia scare formation, brain tissue regeneration, brain-blood barrier damage and inflammation. Therefore, in this study, we examined the changes in gene and protein expression of MMP2, MMP9, TIMP2 and TIMP3 in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, striatum and cerebellum of rats (Wistar) exposed to relatively low F doses (50 mg/L in drinking water) during the pre- and neonatal period. We found that exposure to F during pre- and postnatal period causes a change in the mRNA and protein level of MMP2, MMP9, TIMP2 and TIMP3 in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, hippocampus and cerebellum. These changes may be associated with many disorders that are observed during F intoxication. MMPs/TIMPs imbalance may contribute to cognitive impairments. Moreover, our results suggest that a chronic inflammatory process and blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage occur in rats’ brains exposed to F.
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Meneses G, Cárdenas G, Espinosa A, Rassy D, Pérez-Osorio IN, Bárcena B, Fleury A, Besedovsky H, Fragoso G, Sciutto E. Sepsis: developing new alternatives to reduce neuroinflammation and attenuate brain injury. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2018; 1437:43-56. [DOI: 10.1111/nyas.13985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Meneses
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Graciela Cárdenas
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía; SSA; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Alejandro Espinosa
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Dunia Rassy
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Ivan Nicolás Pérez-Osorio
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Brandon Bárcena
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Agnes Fleury
- Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía; SSA; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Hugo Besedovsky
- The Institute of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Medical Faculty; Philipps University; Marburg Germany
| | - Gladis Fragoso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
| | - Edda Sciutto
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas; Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México; Mexico City Mexico
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Na W, Shin JY, Lee JY, Jeong S, Kim WS, Yune TY, Ju BG. Dexamethasone suppresses JMJD3 gene activation via a putative negative glucocorticoid response element and maintains integrity of tight junctions in brain microvascular endothelial cells. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2017; 37:3695-3708. [PMID: 28338398 PMCID: PMC5718327 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17701156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) exhibits a highly selective permeability to support the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). The tight junctions in the BBB microvascular endothelial cells seal the paracellular space to prevent diffusion. Thus, disruption of tight junctions results in harmful effects in CNS diseases and injuries. It has recently been demonstrated that glucocorticoids have beneficial effects on maintaining tight junctions in both in vitro cell and in vivo animal models. In the present study, we found that dexamethasone suppresses the expression of JMJD3, a histone H3K27 demethylase, via the recruitment of glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) and nuclear receptor co-repressor (N-CoR) to the negative glucocorticoid response element (nGRE) in the upstream region of JMJD3 gene in brain microvascular endothelial cells subjected to TNFα treatment. The decreased JMJD3 gene expression resulted in the suppression of MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 gene activation. Dexamethasone also activated the expression of the claudin 5 and occludin genes. Collectively, dexamethasone attenuated the disruption of the tight junctions in the brain microvascular endothelial cells subjected to TNFα treatment. Therefore, glucocorticoids may help to preserve the integrity of the tight junctions in the BBB via transcriptional and post-translational regulation following CNS diseases and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonho Na
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Y Shin
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Y Lee
- 2 Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangyun Jeong
- 3 Department of Molecular Biology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Won-Sun Kim
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Y Yune
- 2 Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.,4 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bong-Gun Ju
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
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Zielińska KA, Van Moortel L, Opdenakker G, De Bosscher K, Van den Steen PE. Endothelial Response to Glucocorticoids in Inflammatory Diseases. Front Immunol 2016; 7:592. [PMID: 28018358 PMCID: PMC5155119 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The endothelium plays a crucial role in inflammation. A balanced control of inflammation requires the action of glucocorticoids (GCs), steroidal hormones with potent cell-specific anti-inflammatory properties. Besides the classic anti-inflammatory effects of GCs on leukocytes, recent studies confirm that endothelial cells also represent an important target for GCs. GCs regulate different aspects of endothelial physiology including expression of adhesion molecules, production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, and maintenance of endothelial barrier integrity. However, the regulation of endothelial GC sensitivity remains incompletely understood. In this review, we specifically examine the endothelial response to GCs in various inflammatory diseases ranging from multiple sclerosis, stroke, sepsis, and vasculitis to atherosclerosis. Shedding more light on the cross talk between GCs and endothelium will help to improve existing therapeutic strategies and develop new therapies better tailored to the needs of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina A. Zielińska
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- Receptor Research Laboratories, Nuclear Receptor Lab, VIB-UGent, VIB Medical Biotechnology Center, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Ghislain Opdenakker
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Rega Institute for Medical Research, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- Receptor Research Laboratories, Nuclear Receptor Lab, VIB-UGent, VIB Medical Biotechnology Center, Ghent, Belgium
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Rempe RG, Hartz AMS, Bauer B. Matrix metalloproteinases in the brain and blood-brain barrier: Versatile breakers and makers. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2016; 36:1481-507. [PMID: 27323783 PMCID: PMC5012524 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x16655551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 412] [Impact Index Per Article: 51.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Accepted: 05/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Matrix metalloproteinases are versatile endopeptidases with many different functions in the body in health and disease. In the brain, matrix metalloproteinases are critical for tissue formation, neuronal network remodeling, and blood-brain barrier integrity. Many reviews have been published on matrix metalloproteinases before, most of which focus on the two best studied matrix metalloproteinases, the gelatinases MMP-2 and MMP-9, and their role in one or two diseases. In this review, we provide a broad overview of the role various matrix metalloproteinases play in brain disorders. We summarize and review current knowledge and understanding of matrix metalloproteinases in the brain and at the blood-brain barrier in neuroinflammation, multiple sclerosis, cerebral aneurysms, stroke, epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and brain cancer. We discuss the detrimental effects matrix metalloproteinases can have in these conditions, contributing to blood-brain barrier leakage, neuroinflammation, neurotoxicity, demyelination, tumor angiogenesis, and cancer metastasis. We also discuss the beneficial role matrix metalloproteinases can play in neuroprotection and anti-inflammation. Finally, we address matrix metalloproteinases as potential therapeutic targets. Together, in this comprehensive review, we summarize current understanding and knowledge of matrix metalloproteinases in the brain and at the blood-brain barrier in brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf G Rempe
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Anika M S Hartz
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Björn Bauer
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Thal SC, Neuhaus W. The blood-brain barrier as a target in traumatic brain injury treatment. Arch Med Res 2014; 45:698-710. [PMID: 25446615 DOI: 10.1016/j.arcmed.2014.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2014] [Accepted: 11/12/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the most frequent causes of death in the young population. Several clinical trials have unsuccessfully focused on direct neuroprotective therapies. Recently immunotherapeutic strategies shifted into focus of translational research in acute CNS diseases. Cross-talk between activated microglia and blood-brain barrier (BBB) could initiate opening of the BBB and subsequent recruitment of systemic immune cells and mediators into the brain. Stabilization of the BBB after TBI could be a promising strategy to limit neuronal inflammation, secondary brain damage and acute neurodegeneration. This review provides an overview on the pathophysiology of TBI and brain edema formation including definitions and classification of TBI, current clinical treatment strategies, as well as current understanding on the underlying cellular processes. A summary of in vivo and in vitro models to study different aspects of TBI is presented. Three mechanisms proposed for stabilization of the BBB, myosin light chain kinases, glucocorticoid receptors and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors are reviewed for their influence on barrier-integrity and outcome after TBI. In conclusion, the BBB is recommended as a promising target for the treatment of traumatic brain injury, and it is suggested that a combination of BBB stabilization and neuroprotectants may improve therapeutic success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serge C Thal
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany
| | - Winfried Neuhaus
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Vienna, Althanstrasse, Vienna, Austria; Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, University Hospital Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.
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Witt KA, Sandoval KE. Steroids and the blood-brain barrier: therapeutic implications. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2014; 71:361-390. [PMID: 25307223 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2014.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Steroids have a wide spectrum of impact, serving as fundamental regulators of nearly every physiological process within the human body. Therapeutic applications of steroids are equally broad, with a diverse range of medications and targets. Within the central nervous system (CNS), steroids influence development, memory, behavior, and disease outcomes. Moreover, steroids are well recognized as to their impact on the vascular endothelium. The blood-brain barrier (BBB) at the level of the brain microvascular endothelium serves as the principle interface between the peripheral circulation and the brain. Steroids have been identified to impact several critical properties of the BBB, including cellular efflux mechanisms, nutrient uptake, and tight junction integrity. Such actions not only influence brain homeostasis but also the delivery of CNS-targeted therapeutics. A greater understanding of the respective steroid-BBB interactions may shed further light on the differential treatment outcomes observed across CNS pathologies. In this chapter, we examine the current therapeutic implications of steroids respective to BBB structure and function, with emphasis on glucocorticoids and estrogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ken A Witt
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA.
| | - Karin E Sandoval
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, Illinois, USA
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Durrant LM, Khorram O, Buchholz JN, Pearce WJ. Maternal food restriction modulates cerebrovascular structure and contractility in adult rat offspring: effects of metyrapone. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2014; 306:R401-10. [PMID: 24477541 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00436.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Although the effects of prenatal undernutrition on adult cardiovascular health have been well studied, its effects on the cerebrovascular structure and function remain unknown. We used a pair-fed rat model of 50% caloric restriction from day 11 of gestation to term, with ad libitum feeding after birth. We validated that maternal food restriction (MFR) stress is mediated by glucocorticoids by administering metyrapone, a corticosterone synthesis inhibitor, to MFR mothers at day 11 of gestation. At age 8 mo, offspring from Control, MFR, and MFR + Metyrapone groups were killed, and middle cerebral artery (MCA) segments were studied using vessel-bath myography and confocal microscopy. Colocalization of smooth muscle α-actin (SMαA) with nonmuscle (NM), SM1 and SM2 myosin heavy-chain (MHC) isoforms was used to assess smooth muscle phenotype. Our results indicate that artery stiffness and wall thickness were increased, pressure-evoked myogenic reactivity was depressed, and myofilament Ca(2+) sensitivity was decreased in offspring of MFR compared with Control rats. MCA from MFR offspring exhibited a significantly greater SMαA/NM colocalization, suggesting that the smooth muscle cells had been altered toward a noncontractile phenotype. MET significantly reversed the effects of MFR on stiffness but not myogenic reactivity, lowered SMαA/NM colocalization, and increased SMαA/SM2 colocalization. Together, our data suggest that MFR alters cerebrovascular contractility via both glucocorticoid-dependent and glucocorticoid-independent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lara M Durrant
- Center for Perinatal Biology, Divisions of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, California; and
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Berezin V, Walmod PS, Filippov M, Dityatev A. Targeting of ECM molecules and their metabolizing enzymes and receptors for the treatment of CNS diseases. PROGRESS IN BRAIN RESEARCH 2014; 214:353-88. [DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-444-63486-3.00015-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Glucocorticoids and endothelial cell barrier function. Cell Tissue Res 2013; 355:597-605. [PMID: 24352805 PMCID: PMC3972429 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-013-1762-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/05/2013] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are steroid hormones that have inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects on a wide variety of cells. They are used as therapy for inflammatory disease and as a common agent against edema. The blood brain barrier (BBB), comprising microvascular endothelial cells, serves as a permeability screen between the blood and the brain. As such, it maintains homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). In many CNS disorders, BBB integrity is compromised. GC treatment has been demonstrated to improve the tightness of the BBB. The responses and effects of GCs are mediated by the ubiquitous GC receptor (GR). Ligand-bound GR recognizes and binds to the GC response element located within the promoter region of target genes. Transactivation of certain target genes leads to improved barrier properties of endothelial cells. In this review, we deal with the role of GCs in endothelial cell barrier function. First, we describe the mechanisms of GC action at the molecular level. Next, we discuss the regulation of the BBB by GCs, with emphasis on genes targeted by GCs such as occludin, claudins and VE-cadherin. Finally, we present currently available GC therapeutic strategies and their limitations.
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