Ionotropic glutamate receptors and glutamate transporters are involved in necrotic neuronal cell death induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation of hippocampal slice cultures

Comprehensive transcriptional and metabolomic analysis reveals the neuroprotective mechanism of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid response to hypoxic stress in the Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Hypoxia is one of the serious stress challenges that aquatic animals face throughout their life. Our previous study found that hypoxia stress could induce neural excitotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis in Eriocheir sinensis, and observed that gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) has a positive neuroprotective effect on juvenile crabs under hypoxia. To reveal the neuroprotective pathway and metabolic regulatory mechanism of GABA in E. sinensis exposed to hypoxia stress, an 8-week feeding trial and acute hypoxia challenge were performed. Subsequently, we performed a comprehensive transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the thoracic ganglia of juvenile crabs. Differential genes and differential metabolites were co-annotated to 11 KEGG pathways, and further significant analysis showed that only the sphingolipid signaling pathway and the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway were significantly enriched. In the sphingolipid signaling pathway, GABA treatment significantly increased long-chain ceramide content in thoracic ganglia, which exerted neuroprotective effects by activating downstream signals to inhibit hypoxia-induced apoptosis. Moreover, in the arachidonic acid metabolism pathway, GABA could increase the content of neuroprotective active substances and reduce the content of harmful metabolites by regulating the metabolism of arachidonic acid for inflammatory regulation and neuroprotection. Furthermore, the decrease of glucose and lactate levels in the hemolymph suggests the positive role of GABA in metabolic regulation. This study reveals the neuroprotective pathways and possible mechanisms of GABA in juvenile E. sinensis exposed to hypoxia stress and inspires the discovery of new targets for improving hypoxia tolerance in aquatic animals.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid enhances hypoxia tolerance of juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) by regulating respiratory metabolism and alleviating neural excitotoxicity

With climate change and intensive aquaculture development, environmental hypoxia in aquaculture water has become a common challenge for many aquatic species. Therefore, it is crucial to improve the hypoxic tolerance of animals through nutritional strategies. This study explored the positive role of dietary gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) supplementation in enhancing hypoxia tolerance of juvenile Eriocheir sinensis through respiratory regulation and alleviation of hypoxia-induced neural excitotoxicity. Acute hypoxia stress significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression level of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, oxygen consumption rate and anaerobic respiratory metabolism-related enzyme activities. On the other hand, aerobic respiratory metabolism-related enzyme activities were significantly decreased. However, dietary GABA supplementation remodeled the respiratory metabolism pattern of juvenile crabs exposed to hypoxia stress. In addition, acute hypoxic stress significantly increased the contents of free glutamate and GABA in the nervous tissue. The expression levels of N-Methyl-d-aspartate-related receptor genes and calcium-dependent degradation enzyme-related genes were significantly up-regulated. Similarly, neuronal apoptosis rates, expression levels of apoptosis-related genes, and vesicular glutamate transporter genes were also significantly increased. The high-affinity neuronal glutamate transporter decreased significantly in the crabs exposed to hypoxia stress. However, dietary GABA supplementation could effectively prevent acute hypoxia stress-induced neural excitotoxicity. Furthermore, dietary GABA could significantly improve the redox status in vivo exposed to hypoxia stress. In conclusion, acute hypoxia stress can affect respiratory metabolism and redox state and induce neural excitotoxicity in juvenile E. sinensis. GABA supplementation could improve hypoxia tolerance through multiple physiological regulation pathways.

Activation of BDNF- and VEGF-mediated Neuroprotection by Treadmill Exercise Training in Experimental Stroke

Early treatment of ischemic stroke is one of the most effective ways to reduce brains' cell death and promote functional recovery. This study was designed to examine the effect of aerobic exercise on post ischemia/reperfusion injury on concentration and expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) after inducing a neuronal loss in CA1 region of hippocampus in Male Wistar rats. Three experimental groups including sham(S), ischemia/reperfusion-control (IRC) and ischemia/reperfusion exercise (IRE) were used for this purpose. The rats in the IRE group received a bilateral carotid artery occlusion treatment. They ran for 45 minutes on a treadmill five days per week for eight consecutive weeks. Cresyl violet (Nissl), Hematoxylin (H & E) and Eosin staining procedure were used to determine the extent of damage. A ladder rung walking task was used to assess the functional impairments and recovery after the ischemic lesion. ELISA and immunohistochemistry method were employed to measure BDNF and VEGF protein expressions. The result showed that the brain ischemia/reperfusion condition increased the cell death in hippocampal CA1 neurons and impaired motor performance on the ladder rung task whereas the aerobic exercise program significantly decreased the brain cell's death and improved motor skill performance. It was concluded that ischemic brain lesion decreased the BDNF and VEGF expression. It seems that the aerobic exercise following the ischemia/reperfusion potentially promotes neuroprotective mechanisms and neuronal repair and survival mediated partly by BDNF and other pathways.

Promising Strategies for the Development of Advanced In Vitro Models with High Predictive Power in Ischaemic Stroke Research

Although stroke is one of the world’s leading causes of death and disability, and more than a thousand candidate neuroprotective drugs have been proposed based on extensive in vitro and animal-based research, an effective neuroprotective/restorative therapy for ischaemic stroke patients is still missing. In particular, the high attrition rate of neuroprotective compounds in clinical studies should make us question the ability of in vitro models currently used for ischaemic stroke research to recapitulate human ischaemic responses with sufficient fidelity. The ischaemic stroke field would greatly benefit from the implementation of more complex in vitro models with improved physiological relevance, next to traditional in vitro and in vivo models in preclinical studies, to more accurately predict clinical outcomes. In this review, we discuss current in vitro models used in ischaemic stroke research and describe the main factors determining the predictive value of in vitro models for modelling human ischaemic stroke. In light of this, human-based 3D models consisting of multiple cell types, either with or without the use of microfluidics technology, may better recapitulate human ischaemic responses and possess the potential to bridge the translational gap between animal-based in vitro and in vivo models, and human patients in clinical trials.

Neural excitotoxicity and the toxic mechanism induced by acute hypoxia in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

Hypoxia can induce neural excitotoxicity in mammals, but this adverse effect has not been investigated in aquatic animals to date, especially in crustaceans. This study explored the induction effect and toxic mechanism of acute hypoxia stress (1.0 ± 0.1 mg dissolved oxygen /L) for 24 h on neural excitotoxicity in juvenile Chinese mitten crab, Eriocheir sinensis. The results showed that hemolymph glucose and serum lactic acid content were significantly increased, and the mRNA expression of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α were significantly up-regulated in the hypoxia group compared with control. RNA-Seq results confirmed that acute hypoxia stress had a more significant impact on carbohydrate metabolism than lipid and protein metabolism. In addition, the TUNEL assay showed that the apoptosis rate of nerve cells was significantly higher in the hypoxia group than in the control, and similar trends were observed in the expression of apoptosis-related genes. RNA-Seq results also showed that acute hypoxia stress-induced neuronal apoptosis by regulating multiple apoptosis-related pathways. Moreover, free glutamate and GABA contents in the nerve tissue of thoracic ganglia were significantly higher in the hypoxia group than in the control group. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of NMDA related receptors was significantly up-regulated in the hypoxia group compared with the control. Similar trends were observed in the expression of calcium-dependent degrading enzymes and endogenous antioxidant-related proteins or enzymes. Meanwhile, the mRNA expression level of high-affinity neuronal glutamate transporter in the hypoxia group was significantly up-regulated compared with the control, whereas the vesicular glutamate transporter was significantly down-regulated. Furthermore, NMDA-R antagonists (MK-801 and Ro25-6981) injection showed that NMDA-R served as the bridge and core position of glutamate-induced neural neurotoxicity. This study provides a new perspective and theoretical guidance for exploring the regulation of hypoxic tolerance in E. sinensis.

Na+ , K+ -ATPase participates in the protective mechanism of rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion through the interaction with glutamate transporter-1

Glutamate excitotoxicity in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion is an important cause of neurological damage. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of Na+, K+-ATPase (NKA) involved in l ow concentration of ouabain (Oua, activating NKA)-induced protection of rat cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. The 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining and neurological deficit scores (NDS) were performed to evaluate rat cerebral injury degree respectively at 2 h, 6 h, 1 d and 3 d after reperfusion of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) 2 h in rats. NKA α1/α2 subunits and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) protein expression were investigated by Western blotting. The cerebral infarct volume ratio were evidently decreased in Oua group vs MCAO/R group at 1 d and 3 d after reperfusion of 2 h MCAO in rats (*p ＜ 0.05 ). Moreover, NDS were not significantly different (p ＞ 0.05 ). NKA α1 was decreased at 6 h and 1 d after reperfusion of 2 h MCAO in rats, and was improved in Oua group. However, NKA α1 and α2 were increased at 3 d after reperfusion of 2 h MCAO in rats, and was decreased in Oua group. GLT-1 was decreased at 6 h, 1 d and 3 d after reperfusion of 2 h MCAO in rats, and was improved in Oua group. These data indicated that l ow concentration of Oua could improve MCAO/R injury through probably changing NKA α1/α2 and GLT-1 protein expression, then increasing GLT-1 function and promoting Glu transport and absorption, which could be useful to determine potential therapeutic strategies for patients with stroke. Low concentration of Oua improved rat MCAO/R injury via NKA α1/α2 and GLT-1.

Contribution of TRPC Channels in Neuronal Excitotoxicity Associated With Neurodegenerative Disease and Ischemic Stroke

The seven canonical members of transient receptor potential (TRPC) proteins form cation channels that evoke membrane depolarization and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca²⁺] _i ) rise, which are not only important for regulating cell function but their deregulation can also lead to cell damage. Recent studies have implicated complex roles of TRPC channels in neurodegenerative diseases including ischemic stroke. Brain ischemia reduces oxygen and glucose supply to neurons, i.e., Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation (OGD), resulting in [Ca²⁺] _i elevation, ion dyshomeostasis, and excitotoxicity, which are also common in many forms of neurodegenerative diseases. Although ionotropic glutamate receptors, e.g., N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, are well established to play roles in excitotoxicity, the contribution of metabotropic glutamate receptors and their downstream effectors, i.e., TRPC channels, should not be neglected. Here, we summarize the current findings about contributions of TRPC channels in neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on OGD-induced neuronal death and rodent models of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. TRPC channels play both detrimental and protective roles to neurodegeneration depending on the TRPC subtype and specific pathological conditions involved. When illustrated the mechanisms by which TRPC channels are involved in neuronal survival or death seem differ greatly, implicating diverse and complex regulation. We provide our own data showing that TRPC1/C4/C5, especially TRPC4, may be generally detrimental in OGD and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. We propose that although TRPC channels significantly contribute to ischemic neuronal death, detailed mechanisms and specific roles of TRPC subtypes in brain injury at different stages of ischemia/reperfusion and in different brain regions need to be carefully and systematically investigated.

Early Synaptic Alterations and Selective Adhesion Signaling in Hippocampal Dendritic Zones Following Organophosphate Exposure

Organophosphates account for many of the world's deadliest poisons. They inhibit acetylcholinesterase causing cholinergic crises that lead to seizures and death, while survivors commonly experience long-term neurological problems. Here, we treated brain explants with the organophosphate compound paraoxon and uncovered a unique mechanism of neurotoxicity. Paraoxon-exposed hippocampal slice cultures exhibited progressive declines in synaptophysin, synapsin II, and PSD-95, whereas reduction in GluR1 was slower and NeuN and Nissl staining showed no indications of neuronal damage. The distinctive synaptotoxicity was observed in dendritic zones of CA1 and dentate gyrus. Interestingly, declines in synapsin II dendritic labeling correlated with increased staining for β1 integrin, a component of adhesion receptors that regulate synapse maintenance and plasticity. The paraoxon-induced β1 integrin response was targeted to synapses, and the two-fold increase in β1 integrin was selective as other synaptic adhesion molecules were unchanged. Additionally, β1 integrin-cofilin signaling was triggered by the exposure and correlations were found between the extent of synaptic decline and the level of β1 integrin responses. These findings identified organophosphate-mediated early and lasting synaptotoxicity which can explain delayed neurological dysfunction later in life. They also suggest that the interplay between synaptotoxic events and compensatory adhesion responses influences neuronal fate in exposed individuals.

Glutamate as a potential "survival factor" in an in vitro model of neuronal hypoxia/reoxygenation injury: leading role of the Na+/Ca2+ exchanger

In brain ischemia, reduction in oxygen and substrates affects mitochondrial respiratory chain and aerobic metabolism, culminating in ATP production impairment, ionic imbalance, and cell death. The restoration of blood flow and reoxygenation are frequently associated with exacerbation of tissue injury, giving rise to ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. In this setting, the imbalance of brain bioenergetics induces important metabolic adaptations, including utilization of alternative energy sources, such as glutamate. Although glutamate has long been considered as a neurotoxin, it can also be used as intermediary metabolite for ATP synthesis, and both the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger (NCX) and the Na⁺-dependent excitatory amino-acid transporters (EAATs) are essential in this pathway. Here we analyzed the role of NCX in the potential of glutamate to improve metabolism and survival of neuronal cells subjected to hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). In SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells differentiated into a neuron-like state, H/R produced a significant cell damage, a decrease in ATP cellular content, and intracellular Ca²⁺ alterations. Exposure to glutamate at the onset of the reoxygenation phase attenuated H/R-induced cell damage and evoked a significant raise in intracellular ATP levels. Furthermore, we found that in H/R cells NCX reverse-mode activity was reduced, and that glutamate limited such reduction. All the effects induced by glutamate supplementation were lost when cells were transfected with small interfering RNA against NCX1 and EAAT3, suggesting the need of a specific functional interplay between these proteins for glutamate-induced protection. Collectively, our results revealed the potential beneficial effect of glutamate in an in vitro model of H/R injury and focused on the essential role exerted by NCX1. Although preliminary, these findings could be a starting point to further investigate in in vivo systems such protective effect in ischemic settings, shedding a new light on the classical view of glutamate as detrimental factor.

Necroptosis: A novel manner of cell death, associated with stroke (Review)

Cell death is indispensable in the physiology, pathology, growth, development, senility and death of an organism. In recent years, the identification of a highly regulated form of necrosis, known as necroptosis, has challenged the traditional concept of necrosis and apoptosis, which are two major modes of cell death. This novel manner of cell death is similar in form to necrosis in terms of morphological features, and it can also be regulated in a caspase‑independent manner. Therefore, necroptosis can be understood initially as a combination of necrosis and apoptosis. The mechanism of its regulation, induction and inhibition is complicated, and involves a range of molecular expression and regulation. According to the recent literature, necroptosis takes place in the physiological regulatory processes of an organism and is involved in the occurrence, development and prognosis of a variety of diseases that have a necrosis phenotype, including neurodegenerative diseases, ischemic disease, hemorrhagic disease, inflammation and viral infectious diseases. In the present review, the features, molecular mechanism and identification of necroptosis under pathological conditions are discussed, with particular emphasis on its association with stroke.

Transient Oxygen/Glucose Deprivation Causes a Delayed Loss of Mitochondria and Increases Spontaneous Calcium Signaling in Astrocytic Processes

Recently, mitochondria have been localized to astrocytic processes where they shape Ca(2+) signaling; this relationship has not been examined in models of ischemia/reperfusion. We biolistically transfected astrocytes in rat hippocampal slice cultures to facilitate fluorescent confocal microscopy, and subjected these slices to transient oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD) that causes delayed excitotoxic death of CA1 pyramidal neurons. This insult caused a delayed loss of mitochondria from astrocytic processes and increased colocalization of mitochondria with the autophagosome marker LC3B. The losses of neurons in area CA1 and mitochondria in astrocytic processes were blocked by ionotropic glutamate receptor (iGluR) antagonists, tetrodotoxin, ziconotide (Ca(2+) channel blocker), two inhibitors of reversed Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange (KB-R7943, YM-244769), or two inhibitors of calcineurin (cyclosporin-A, FK506). The effects of OGD were mimicked by NMDA. The glutamate uptake inhibitor (3S)-3-[[3-[[4-(trifluoromethyl)benzoyl]amino]phenyl]methoxy]-l-aspartate increased neuronal loss after OGD or NMDA, and blocked the loss of astrocytic mitochondria. Exogenous glutamate in the presence of iGluR antagonists caused a loss of mitochondria without a decrease in neurons in area CA1. Using the genetic Ca(2+) indicator Lck-GCaMP-6S, we observed two types of Ca(2+) signals: (1) in the cytoplasm surrounding mitochondria (mitochondrially centered) and (2) traversing the space between mitochondria (extramitochondrial). The spatial spread, kinetics, and frequency of these events were different. The amplitude of both types was doubled and the spread of both types changed by ∼2-fold 24 h after OGD. Together, these data suggest that pathologic activation of glutamate transport and increased astrocytic Ca(2+) through reversed Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchange triggers mitochondrial loss and dramatic increases in Ca(2+) signaling in astrocytic processes.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Astrocytes, the most abundant cell type in the brain, are vital integrators of signaling and metabolism. Each astrocyte consists of many long, thin branches, called processes, which ensheathe vasculature and thousands of synapses. Mitochondria occupy the majority of each process. This occupancy is decreased by ∼50% 24 h after an in vitro model of ischemia/reperfusion injury, due to delayed fragmentation and mitophagy. The mechanism appears to be independent of neuropathology, instead involving an extended period of high glutamate uptake into astrocytes. Our data suggest that mitochondria serve as spatial buffers, and possibly even as a source of calcium signals in astrocytic processes. Loss of mitochondria resulted in drastically altered calcium signaling that could disrupt neurovascular coupling and gliotransmission.

Optimized Model of Cerebral Ischemia In situ for the Long-Lasting Assessment of Hippocampal Cell Death

Among all the brain, the hippocampus is the most susceptible region to ischemic lesion, with the highest vulnerability of CA1 pyramidal neurons to ischemic damage. This damage may cause either prompt neuronal death (within hours) or with a delayed appearance (over days), providing a window for applying potential therapies to reduce or prevent ischemic impairments. However, the time course when ischemic damage turns to neuronal death strictly depends on experimental modeling of cerebral ischemia and, up to now, studies were predominantly focused on a short time-window—from hours to up to a few days post-lesion. Using different schemes of oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), the conditions taking place upon cerebral ischemia, we optimized a model of mimicking ischemic conditions in organotypical hippocampal slices for the long-lasting assessment of CA1 neuronal death (at least 3 weeks). By combining morphology and electrophysiology, we show that prolonged (30-min duration) OGD results in a massive neuronal death and overwhelmed astrogliosis within a week post-OGD whereas OGD of a shorter duration (10-min) triggered programmed CA1 neuronal death with a significant delay—within 2 weeks—accompanied with drastically impaired CA1 neuron functions. Our results provide a rationale toward optimized modeling of cerebral ischemia for reliable examination of potential treatments for brain neuroprotection, neuro-regeneration, or testing neuroprotective compounds in situ.

Blast waves from detonated military explosive reduce GluR1 and synaptophysin levels in hippocampal slice cultures

Explosives create shockwaves that cause blast-induced neurotrauma, one of the most common types of traumatic brain injury (TBI) linked to military service. Blast-induced TBIs are often associated with reduced cognitive and behavioral functions due to a variety of factors. To study the direct effects of military explosive blasts on brain tissue, we removed systemic factors by utilizing rat hippocampal slice cultures. The long-term slice cultures were briefly sealed air-tight in serum-free medium, lowered into a 37°C water-filled tank, and small 1.7-gram assemblies of cyclotrimethylene trinitramine (RDX) were detonated 15cm outside the tank, creating a distinct shockwave recorded at the culture plate position. Compared to control mock-treated groups of slices that received equal submerge time, 1-3 blast impacts caused a dose-dependent reduction in the AMPA receptor subunit GluR1. While only a small reduction was found in hippocampal slices exposed to a single RDX blast and harvested 1-2days later, slices that received two consecutive RDX blasts 4min apart exhibited a 26-40% reduction in GluR1, and the receptor subunit was further reduced by 64-72% after three consecutive blasts. Such loss correlated with increased levels of HDAC2, a histone deacetylase implicated in stress-induced reduction of glutamatergic transmission. No evidence of synaptic marker recovery was found at 72h post-blast. The presynaptic marker synaptophysin was found to have similar susceptibility as GluR1 to the multiple explosive detonations. In contrast to the synaptic protein reductions, actin levels were unchanged, spectrin breakdown was not detected, and Fluoro-Jade B staining found no indication of degenerating neurons in slices exposed to three RDX blasts, suggesting that small, sub-lethal explosives are capable of producing selective alterations to synaptic integrity. Together, these results indicate that blast waves from military explosive cause signs of synaptic compromise without producing severe neurodegeneration, perhaps explaining the cognitive and behavioral changes in those blast-induced TBI sufferers that have no detectable neuropathology.

Selective neuronal vulnerability of human hippocampal CA1 neurons: lesion evolution, temporal course, and pattern of hippocampal damage in diffusion-weighted MR imaging

The CA1 (cornu ammonis) region of hippocampus is selectively vulnerable to a variety of metabolic and cytotoxic insults, which is mirrored in a delayed neuronal death of CA1 neurons. The basis and mechanisms of this regional susceptibility of CA1 neurons are poorly understood, and the correlates in human diseases affecting the hippocampus are not clear. Adopting a translational approach, the lesion evolution, temporal course, pattern of diffusion changes, and damage in hippocampal CA1 in acute neurologic disorders were studied using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging. In patients with hippocampal ischemia (n=50), limbic encephalitis (n=30), after status epilepticus (n=17), and transient global amnesia (n=53), the CA1 region was selectively affected compared with other CA regions of the hippocampus. CA1 neurons exhibited a maximum decrease of apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) 48 to 72 hours after the insult, irrespective of the nature of the insult. Hypoxic-ischemic insults led to a significant lower ADC suggesting that the ischemic insult results in a stronger impairment of cellular metabolism. The evolution of diffusion changes show that CA1 diffusion lesions mirror the delayed time course of the pathophysiologic cascade typically observed in animal models. Studying the imaging correlates of hippocampal damage in humans provides valuable insight into the pathophysiology and neurobiology of the hippocampus.

Neuroprotective activity of stiripentol with a possible involvement of voltage-dependent calcium and sodium channels

A growing body of data has shown that recurrent epileptic seizures may be caused by an excessive release of the excitatory neurotransmitter glutamate in the brain. Glutamatergic overstimulation results in massive neuronal influxes of calcium and sodium through N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid, and kainic acid glutamate subtype receptors and also through voltage-gated calcium and sodium channels. These persistent and abnormal sodium and calcium entry points have deleterious consequences (neurotoxicity) for neuronal function. The therapeutic value of an antiepileptic drug would include not only control of seizure activity but also protection of neuronal tissue. The present study examines the in vitro neuroprotective effects of stiripentol, an antiepileptic compound with γ-aminobutyric acidergic properties, on neuronal-astroglial cultures from rat cerebral cortex exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) or to glutamate (40 µM for 20 min), two in vitro models of brain injury. In addition, the affinity of stiripentol for the different glutamate receptor subtypes and the interaction with the cell influx of Na(+) and of Ca(2+) enhanced by veratridine and NMDA, respectively, are assessed. Stiripentol (10-100 µM) included in the culture medium during OGD or with glutamate significantly increased the number of surviving neurons relative to controls. Stiripentol displayed no binding affinity for different subtypes of glutamate receptors (IC50  >100 µM) but significantly blocked the entry of Na(+) and Ca(2+) activated by veratridine and NMDA, respectively. These results suggest that Na(+) and Ca(2+) channels could contribute to the neuroprotective properties of sitiripentol.

Ultrastructural investigation of microcalcification and the role of oxygen-glucose deprivation in cultured rat hippocampal slices

Intracellular calcium accumulation is associated with cell death in several neuropathological disorders including brain ischemia, but the exact mechanisms of calcification need to be clarified. We used organotypic hippocampal slice culture - cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) mimicking the in vivo situation to investigate the events underlying ectopic calcification. Alizarin red staining indicating calcium deposition was observed in the cornu ammonis (CA)1 and dentate gyrus regions in control hippocampal slices despite no specific labeling for cell death markers. Electron microscopy using the osmium/potassium dichromate method revealed scattered degenerated cells throughout the normally appearing CA1 region. They contained electron-dense precipitates within mitochondria, and electron probe microanalysis confirmed that they were calcifying mitochondria. Selective calcium deposition was noted within, but not beyond, mitochondria in these mineralized cells. They showed ultrastructural features of non-necrotic, non-apoptotic cell death and retained their compact ultrastructure, even after the majority of mitochondria were calcified. Unexpectedly, no intracellular calcification was noted in necrotic CA1 pyramidal cells after OGD, and there was no progression of calcification in OGD-lesioned slices. In addition, mineralized cells in both control and OGD-lesioned slices were closely associated with or completely engulfed by astrocytes but not microglia. These astrocytes were laden with heterogeneous cytoplasmic inclusions that appeared to be related with their phagocytic activity. These data demonstrate that microcalcification specifically associated with mitochondria might lead to a novel type of cell death and suggest that astrocytes may be involved in the phagocytosis of these mineralized cells and possibly in the regulation of ectopic calcification.

Antioxidant and anti-excitotoxicity effect of Gualou Guizhi decoction on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in adults and the second most common cause of mortality worldwide. There is currently intense interest in the use of natural products in the treatment of the condition. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Gualou Guizhi decoction (GLGZD) on rats subjected to cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury and the possible mechanisms involved. Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury was induced by the middle cerebral artery occlusion method. Ischemic injury was assessed by estimating neurological function and measuring brain infarct volume, and the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling method was employed to examine ischemia-induced apoptosis. The levels of the antioxidative enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and the concentrations of the non-enzymatic scavenger glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured to investigate the antioxidant mechanisms. In addition, the levels of excitatory amino acids (EAAs) and glutamate receptor 1 (GluR1) were examined using an automatic amino acid analyzer and immunohistochemical analysis. The administration of GLGZD attenuated the cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced neural deficits and cerebral infarct volume, reduced the levels of MDA and EAAs (glutamate and aspartate), significantly increased the activity of the antioxidant GSH and notably elevated the activity of SOD. Consistently, GLGZD inhibited ischemia-induced apoptosis and downregulated the expression of GluR1. In conclusion, this study suggested that GLGZD exerts a neuroprotective effect on focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through the modulation of multiple antioxidant and anti-excitotoxicity pathways.

The natural therapeutic magnesium lithospermate B potently provides neuroprotective effects on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Salvia miltiorrhiza, a perennial plant in the genus Salvia and popularly known as "Danshen", is highly valued for its roots in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). It has widely used for the treatment of cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases in China. Recently, the cerebral protection of magnesium lithospermate B (MLB), a working extract from Salvia miltiorrhiza, has received more attention. Here, we investigated the therapeutic effects of MLB on cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CI/R) injury using the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to CI/R using a thread to occlude the right middle cerebral artery. After 2h of cerebral ischemia, the middle cerebral artery was reperfused for 24 h. Rats were injected with different doses of MLB (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg). Infarct zones, neurological deficit scores, brain water content, glutamate levels and protein expressions were evaluated after 24h of reperfusion.

RESULTS

We found that MLB treatment of rats exposed to focal CI/R decreased neurological deficit scores, brain water content, glutamate levels and cerebral infarct zones. We also demonstrated that MLB can inhibit CI/R injury-induced activation of caspase-3, a marker of apoptosis. This protection by MLB against CI/R injury was accompanied by an upregulation of p-Akt in the ischemic hemisphere. Furthermore, the MLB-induced protection was prevented by treatment with a PI3K inhibitor (LY-294002).

CONCLUSIONS

The data in the present study suggest a potential protective role of MLB against CI/R injury in rats. The salient finding of the present study is that this protective effect of MLB is likely mediated through an Akt-dependent pathway.

The dichotomy of memantine treatment for ischemic stroke: dose-dependent protective and detrimental effects

Excitotoxicity is a major contributor to cell death during the acute phase of ischemic stroke but aggressive pharmacological targeting of excitotoxicity has failed clinically. Here we investigated whether pretreatment with low doses of memantine, within the range currently used and well tolerated for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, produce a protective effect in stroke. A coculture preparation exposed to modeled ischemia showed cell death associated with rapid glutamate rises and cytotoxic Ca(2+) influx. Cell death was significantly enhanced in the presence of high memantine concentrations. However, low memantine concentrations significantly protected neurons and glia via excitotoxic cascade interruption. Mice were systemically administered a range of memantine doses (0.02, 0.2, 2, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day) starting 24 hours before 60 minutes reversible focal cerebral ischemia and continuing for a 48-hour recovery period. Low dose (0.2 mg/kg/day) memantine treatment significantly reduced lesion volume (by 30% to 50%) and improved behavioral outcomes in stroke lesions that had been separated into either small/striatal or large/striatocortical infarcts. However, higher doses of memantine (20 mg/kg/day) significantly increased injury. These results show that clinically established low doses of memantine should be considered for patients 'at risk' of stroke, while higher doses are contraindicated.

Neuroprotective effects of Buyang Huanwu decoction on cerebral ischemia-induced neuronal damage

Among the various treatment methods for stroke, increasing attention has been paid to traditional Chinese medicines. Buyang Huanwu decoction is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of stroke. This paper summarizes the active components of the Chinese herb, which is composed of Huangqi (Radix Astragali seu Hedysari), Danggui (Radix Angelica sinensis), Chishao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), Chuanxiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong), Honghua (Flos Carthami), Taoren (Semen Persicae) and Dilong (Pheretima), and identifies the therapeutic targets and underlying mechanisms that contribute to the neuroprotective properties of Buyang Huanwu decoction.

NMDARs in neurological diseases: a potential therapeutic target

N-methyl-D-aspartate ionotropic glutamate receptor (NMDARs) is a ligand-gated ion channel that plays a critical role in excitatory neurotransmission, brain development, synaptic plasticity associated with memory formation, central sensitization during persistent pain, excitotoxicity and neurodegenerative diseases in the central nervous system (CNS). Within iGluRs, NMDA receptors have been the most actively investigated for their role in neurological diseases, especially neurodegenerative pathologies such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases. It has been demonstrated that excessive activation of NMDA receptors (NMDARs) plays a key role in mediating some aspects of synaptic dysfunction in several CNS disorders, so extensive research has been directed on the discovery of compounds that are able to reduce NMDARs activity. This review discusses the role of NMDARs on neurological pathologies and the possible therapeutic use of agents that target this receptor. Additionally, we delve into the role of NMDARs in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and the receptor antagonists that have been tested on in vivo models of these pathologies. Finally, we put into consideration the importance of antioxidants to counteract oxidative capacity of the signaling cascade in which NMDARs are involved.

In vitro ischemia triggers a transcriptional response to down-regulate synaptic proteins in hippocampal neurons

Transient global cerebral ischemia induces profound changes in the transcriptome of brain cells, which is partially associated with the induction or repression of genes that influence the ischemic response. However, the mechanisms responsible for the selective vulnerability of hippocampal neurons to global ischemia remain to be clarified. To identify molecular changes elicited by ischemic insults, we subjected hippocampal primary cultures to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), an in vitro model for global ischemia that resulted in delayed neuronal death with an excitotoxic component. To investigate changes in the transcriptome of hippocampal neurons submitted to OGD, total RNA was extracted at early (7 h) and delayed (24 h) time points after OGD and used in a whole-genome RNA microarray. We observed that at 7 h after OGD there was a general repression of genes, whereas at 24 h there was a general induction of gene expression. Genes related with functions such as transcription and RNA biosynthesis were highly regulated at both periods of incubation after OGD, confirming that the response to ischemia is a dynamic and coordinated process. Our analysis showed that genes for synaptic proteins, such as those encoding for PICK1, GRIP1, TARPγ3, calsyntenin-2/3, SAPAP2 and SNAP-25, were down-regulated after OGD. Additionally, OGD decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of the GluA1 AMPA receptor subunit as well as the GluN2A and GluN2B subunits of NMDA receptors, but increased the mRNA expression of the GluN3A subunit, thus altering the composition of ionotropic glutamate receptors in hippocampal neurons. Together, our results present the expression profile elicited by in vitro ischemia in hippocampal neurons, and indicate that OGD activates a transcriptional program leading to down-regulation in the expression of genes coding for synaptic proteins, suggesting that the synaptic proteome may change after ischemia.

Glutamate transporters in brain ischemia: to modulate or not?

In this review, we briefly describe glutamate (Glu) metabolism and its specific transports and receptors in the central nervous system (CNS). Thereafter, we focus on excitatory amino acid transporters, cystine/glutamate antiporters (system xc-) and vesicular glutamate transporters, specifically addressing their location and roles in CNS and the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of Glu transporters. We provide evidence from in vitro or in vivo studies concerning alterations in Glu transporter expression in response to hypoxia or ischemia, including limited human data that supports the role of Glu transporters in stroke patients. Moreover, the potential to induce brain tolerance to ischemia through modulation of the expression and/or activities of Glu transporters is also discussed. Finally we present strategies involving the application of ischemic preconditioning and pharmacological agents, eg β-lactam antibiotics, amitriptyline, riluzole and N-acetylcysteine, which result in the significant protection of nervous tissues against ischemia.

Role of the ubiquitin-proteasome system in brain ischemia: friend or foe?

The ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) is a catalytic machinery that targets numerous cellular proteins for degradation, thus being essential to control a wide range of basic cellular processes and cell survival. Degradation of intracellular proteins via the UPS is a tightly regulated process initiated by tagging a target protein with a specific ubiquitin chain. Neurons are particularly vulnerable to any change in protein composition, and therefore the UPS is a key regulator of neuronal physiology. Alterations in UPS activity may induce pathological responses, ultimately leading to neuronal cell death. Brain ischemia triggers a complex series of biochemical and molecular mechanisms, such as an inflammatory response, an exacerbated production of misfolded and oxidized proteins, due to oxidative stress, and the breakdown of cellular integrity mainly mediated by excitotoxic glutamatergic signaling. Brain ischemia also damages protein degradation pathways which, together with the overproduction of damaged proteins and consequent upregulation of ubiquitin-conjugated proteins, contribute to the accumulation of ubiquitin-containing proteinaceous deposits. Despite recent advances, the factors leading to deposition of such aggregates after cerebral ischemic injury remain poorly understood. This review discusses the current knowledge on the role of the UPS in brain function and the molecular mechanisms contributing to UPS dysfunction in brain ischemia with consequent accumulation of ubiquitin-containing proteins. Chemical inhibitors of the proteasome and small molecule inhibitors of deubiquitinating enzymes, which promote the degradation of proteins by the proteasome, were both shown to provide neuroprotection in brain ischemia, and this apparent contradiction is also discussed in this review.

Short-term episodes of hypoxia induce posthypoxic hyperexcitability and selective death of GABAergic hippocampal neurons

We have previously developed a rat hippocampal neuronal cell model for the registration of the preconditioning effect and posthypoxic hyperexcitability (Turovskaya et al., 2011). Repeated episodes of short-term hypoxia are reported to suppress the amplitude of Ca(2+) response to NMDA in majority of neurons, reflecting the effect of preconditioning in the culture. In addition, exposure to hypoxia causes posthypoxic hyperexcitability: this is characterized by the onset of spontaneous synchronous Ca(2+) transients in a population of neurons in a neural network during the period of reoxygenation after each hypoxic episode. The nature of this phenomenon is unknown, although it has been observed that there always exists a minority of neurons in which there is no effect of hypoxic preconditioning. In this small population of neurons, the amplitude of Ca(2+) response to NMDA is not suppressed, but rather increases after each episode of hypoxia. Here we report the type of these neurons and their role in the generation of posthypoxic hyperexcitability. We compared the effect of short-term hypoxia on the amplitude of the Ca(2+) response to NMDA and the Ca(2+) transient generation in two populations of neurons - inhibitory GABAergic and excitatory glutamatergic. We have demonstrated that the neurons in which the preconditioning effect was not observed are GABAergic. Moreover at the instant moment of the posthypoxic synchronous Ca(2+)-transient generation (during reoxygenation) there is a global increase of [Ca(2+)]i and subsequent apoptosis in some GABAergic neurons. Anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 prevents the development of posthypoxic hyperexcitability, inhibiting the spontaneous synchronous Ca(2+) transients. At the same time, interleukin-10 protects GABAergic neurons from death, by restoring the effect of hypoxic preconditioning in them. Activation of one of the signaling pathways initiated by interleukin-10 appears to be necessary for the development of hypoxic preconditioning in GABAergic neurons. Overall our results indicate that short-term episodes of hypoxia can damage GABAergic neurons and weaken the inhibitory action of GABAergic neurons in a neural network. Activation of PI3K-dependent survival signaling pathways in neurons of this type is a possible strategy to protect these cells against hypoxia.

Gua Lou Gui Zhi decoction exerts neuroprotective effects on post-stroke spasticity via the modulation of glutamate levels and AMPA receptor expression

Spasticity is one of the most physically debilitating disabilities following stroke and may slow down the potential success of rehabilitation. Glutamate and α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptors have been shown to play a crucial role in spasticity following cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Gua Lou Gui Zhi decoction (GLGZD) is a well-known traditional Chinese formula that has long been used clinically in China to treat muscular spasticity following stroke, epilepsy or spinal cord injury. However, the precise mechanisms behind its neuroprotective and anti-spasticity effects remain poorly understood. In the present study, using a rat model of focal cerebral I/R injury, we evaluated the neuroprotective and anti-spasticity effects of GLGZD and investigated the underlying mechanisms. We found that GLGZD improved neurological deficits and reduced infarct volumes in cerebral I/R-injured rats. In addition, GLGZD reduced cerebral ischemic spasticity since it improved the screen test and Hoffman's reflex (H-reflex) scores. It also reduced glutamate levels in the cerebrospinal fluid and altered the expression of the AMPA receptor subunits. Our data demonstrate that GLGZD exerts neuroprotective and anti-spasticity effects in a cerebral ischemia model via the modulation of glutamate levels and AMPA receptor expression.

Neuroprotective effect of Buyang Huanwu decoction against focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in rats--time window and mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Buyang Huanwu Decoction, a traditional Chinese medicine, consists of different herbal medicines, and has been traditionally used for centuries to treat paralysis and stroke. However, its optimal therapeutic time window and the mechanism are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was designed to explore the therapeutic time window and mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction on transient focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Middle cerebral artery occlusion was conducted in male Sprague-Dawley rats, and 40g/kg of Buyang Huanwu Decoction was intragastrically infused at different time points, and the same dose was infused every 24h for 3 days. The level of glutamate in cerebrospinal fluid and the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 RNA in striatum were detected before, during, and after ischemia/reperfusion. Neurological deficit scores and brain infarction volumes were measured at 72h after reperfusion.

RESULT

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion resulted in significant neurological deficit and extensive cerebral infarct volume, associated with a large amount of glutamate in cerebrospinal fluid and elevation of metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 RNA expression. Buyang Huanwu Decoction significantly suppressed the release of glutamate, and reduced the expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 RNA. The neurological defect score and infarction volume were significantly improved by administration of Buyang Huanwu Decoction, when compared with the Ischemia group.

CONCLUSIONS

Administration of Buyang Huanwu Decoction, within 4h of post-transient focal stroke, reduced significant cerebral ischemia/reperfusion damage. The neuroprotective mechanism of Buyang Huanwu Decoction is, in part, associated with the down-regulation of metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 RNA and inhibition of glutamate release resulting from cerebral ischemia.

Protective effect of 20-HETE inhibition in a model of oxygen-glucose deprivation in hippocampal slice cultures

Recent studies have indicated that inhibitors of the synthesis of 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) may have direct neuroprotective actions since they reduce infarct volume after ischemia reperfusion in the brain without altering blood flow. To explore this possibility, the present study used organotypic hippocampal slice cultures subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) and reoxygenation to examine whether 20-HETE is released by organotypic hippocampal slices after OGD and whether it contributes to neuronal death through the generation of ROS and activation of caspase-3. The production of 20-HETE increased twofold after OGD and reoxygenation. Blockade of the synthesis of 20-HETE with N-hydroxy-N'-(4-butyl-2-methylphenol)formamidine (HET0016) or its actions with a 20-HETE antagonist, 20-hydroxyeicosa-6(Z),15(Z)-dienoic acid, reduced cell death, as measured by the release of lactate dehydrogenase and propidium iodide uptake. Administration of a 20-HETE mimetic, 20-hydroxyeicosa-5(Z),14(Z)-dienoic acid (5,14-20-HEDE), had the opposite effect and increased injury after OGD. The death of neurons after OGD was associated with an increase in the production of ROS and activation of caspase-3. These effects were attenuated by HET0016 and potentiated after the administration of 5,14-20-HEDE. These findings indicate that the production of 20-HETE by hippocampal slices is increased after OGD and that inhibitors of the synthesis or actions of 20-HETE protect neurons from ischemic cell death. The protective effect of 20-HETE inhibitors is associated with a decrease in superoxide production and activation of caspase-3.

Increased p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling is involved in the oxidative stress associated with oxygen and glucose deprivation in neonatal hippocampal slice cultures

The pathological basis of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) brain damage is characterized by neuronal cell loss. Oxidative stress is thought to be one of the main causes of HI-induced neuronal cell death. The p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) is activated under conditions of cell stress. However, its pathogenic role in regulating the oxidative stress associated with HI injury in the brain is not well understood. Thus, this study was conducted to examine the role of p38 MAPK signaling in neonatal HI brain injury using neonatal rat hippocampal slice cultures exposed to oxygen/glucose deprivation (OGD). Our results indicate that OGD led to a transient increase in p38 MAPK activation that preceded increases in superoxide generation and neuronal death. This increase in neuronal cell death correlated with an increase in the activation of caspase-3 and the appearance of apoptotic neuronal cells. Pre-treatment of slice cultures with the p38 MAPK inhibitor, SB203580, or the expression of an antisense p38 MAPK construct only in neuronal cells, through a Synapsin I-1-driven adeno-associated virus vector, inhibited p38 MAPK activity and exerted a neuroprotective effect as demonstrated by decreases in OGD-mediated oxidative stress, caspase activation and neuronal cell death. Thus, we conclude that the activation of p38 MAPK in neuronal cells plays a key role in the oxidative stress and neuronal cell death associated with OGD.

Validation of organotypical hippocampal slice cultures as an ex vivo model of brain ischemia: different roles of NMDA receptors in cell death signalling after exposure to NMDA or oxygen and glucose deprivation

N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) are essential mediators of synaptic plasticity under normal physiological conditions. During brain ischemia, these receptors are excessively activated due to glutamate overflow and mediate excitotoxic cell death. Although organotypical hippocampal slice cultures are widely used to study brain ischemia in vitro by induction of oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD), there is scant data regarding expression and functionality of NMDARs in such slice cultures. Here, we have evaluated the contribution of NMDARs in mediating excitotoxic cell death after exposure to NMDA or OGD in organotypical hippocampal slice cultures after 14 days in vitro (DIV14). We found that all NMDAR subunits were expressed at DIV14. The NMDARs were functional and contributed to cell death, as evidenced by use of the NMDAR antagonist MK-801 (dizocilpine). Excitotoxic cell death induced by NMDA could be fully antagonized by 10 μM MK-801, a dose that offered only partial protection against OGD-induced cell death. Very high concentrations of MK-801 (50-100 μM) were required to counteract cell death at long delays (48-72 h) after OGD. The relative high dose of MK-801 needed for long-term protection after OGD could not be attributed to down-regulation of NMDARs at the gene expression level. Our data indicate that NMDAR signaling is just one of several mechanisms underlying ischemic cell death and that prospective cytoprotective therapies must be directed to multiple targets.

Effect of exposure to high temperatures during early pregnancy on hippocampal-dependent learning and memory integrity in neonatal rats

To explore the influence of short-term (0, 30 and 60 min) exposure to high temperatures on the integrity of hippocampal-dependent learning and memory in neonatal rats. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) was used to observe neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampi of neonatal rats. In situ hybridization was conducted for the detection of hippocampal c-fos messenger RNA (mRNA) expression, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction was performed to test the expression of NR1 (an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [NR] subunit) gene in the hippocampus. Finally, the Morris water maze (MWM) was used to evaluate hippocampal-dependent learning and memory. The number of c-fos mRNA-positive cells in the hippocampus was positively correlated with increasing heat exposure times. NR1 mRNA expression in the hippocampal CA1 area was positively correlated with the proportion of dead and apoptotic cells. In addition, neonatal rats exposed to high temperatures had significantly reduced platform crossings in the MWM compared to controls. The duration of heat exposure during early pregnancy was correlated with severe deficits in hippocampal-dependent learning and memory in neonatal rats.

Pathophysiology, treatment, and animal and cellular models of human ischemic stroke

Stroke is the world's second leading cause of mortality, with a high incidence of severe morbidity in surviving victims. There are currently relatively few treatment options available to minimize tissue death following a stroke. As such, there is a pressing need to explore, at a molecular, cellular, tissue, and whole body level, the mechanisms leading to damage and death of CNS tissue following an ischemic brain event. This review explores the etiology and pathogenesis of ischemic stroke, and provides a general model of such. The pathophysiology of cerebral ischemic injury is explained, and experimental animal models of global and focal ischemic stroke, and in vitro cellular stroke models, are described in detail along with experimental strategies to analyze the injuries. In particular, the technical aspects of these stroke models are assessed and critically evaluated, along with detailed descriptions of the current best-practice murine models of ischemic stroke. Finally, we review preclinical studies using different strategies in experimental models, followed by an evaluation of results of recent, and failed attempts of neuroprotection in human clinical trials. We also explore new and emerging approaches for the prevention and treatment of stroke. In this regard, we note that single-target drug therapies for stroke therapy, have thus far universally failed in clinical trials. The need to investigate new targets for stroke treatments, which have pleiotropic therapeutic effects in the brain, is explored as an alternate strategy, and some such possible targets are elaborated. Developing therapeutic treatments for ischemic stroke is an intrinsically difficult endeavour. The heterogeneity of the causes, the anatomical complexity of the brain, and the practicalities of the victim receiving both timely and effective treatment, conspire against developing effective drug therapies. This should in no way be a disincentive to research, but instead, a clarion call to intensify efforts to ameliorate suffering and death from this common health catastrophe. This review aims to summarize both the present experimental and clinical state-of-the art, and to guide future research directions.

A new generation fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitor protects against kainate-induced excitotoxicity

Endocannabinoids, including anandamide (AEA), have been implicated in neuroprotective on-demand responses. Related to such a response to injury, an excitotoxic kainic acid (KA) injection (i.p.) was found to increase AEA levels in the brain. To modulate the endocannabinoid response during events of excitotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, we utilized a new generation compound (AM5206) that selectively inhibits the AEA deactivating enzyme fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH). KA caused calpain-mediated spectrin breakdown, declines in synaptic markers, and disruption of neuronal integrity in cultured hippocampal slices. FAAH inhibition with AM5206 protected against the neurodegenerative cascade assessed in the slice model 24 h postinsult. In vivo, KA administration induced seizures and the same neurodegenerative events exhibited in vitro. When AM5206 was injected immediately after KA in rats, the seizure scores were markedly reduced as were levels of cytoskeletal damage and synaptic protein decline. The pre- and postsynaptic proteins were protected by the FAAH inhibitor to levels comparable to those found in healthy control brains. These data support the idea that endocannabinoids are released and converge on pro-survival pathways that prevent excitotoxic progression.

Treadmill pre-training suppresses the release of glutamate resulting from cerebral ischemia in rats

This study was designed to investigate the neuroprotective effect of treadmill pre-training against the over-release of glutamate resulting from cerebral ischemia. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent 2 weeks of treadmill run-training before cerebral ischemia was performed by middle cerebral artery occlusion. The level of glutamate in brain extracellular fluid was detected before, during and after ischemia/reperfusion. The expression of metabotropic glutamate receptor-1 (mGluR1) mRNA in striatum was examined after ischemia for 80 min and reperfusion for 240 min. Neurological defect score and brain infarction volumes were measured. The treadmill pre-training significantly suppressed the release of glutamate, and reduced the expression of mGluR1 mRNA at 59% (P < 0.01) and 62% (P < 0.05), respectively, as compared with the ischemia group. The neurological defect score and infarction volume were significantly improved by 75% (P < 0.01) and 74% (P < 0.01), respectively, in the pre-training group, as compared to the ischemia group. Treadmill pre-training has a significant neuroprotective function against ischemia/reperfusion injury, by suppressing glutamate release resulting from cerebral ischemia, and this effect may be mediated by downregulation of mGluR1.

Phenotyping of an in vitro model of ischemic penumbra by iTRAQ-based shotgun quantitative proteomics

Cerebral ischemia is a major cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Ischemic penumbra, the electrically silent but metabolically viable perifocal brain tissue, is the target for the much elusive stroke therapy. To characterize the molecular events of the dynamic penumbra, we applied an iTRAQ-based shotgun proteomic approach in an in vitro neuronal model, using the rat B104 neuroblastoma cell line. Various functional and cytometric assays were performed to establish the relevant time-point and conditions for ischemia to recapitulate the pathology of the penumbra. Two replicate iTRAQ experiments identified 1796 and 1566 proteins, respectively (<or=1.0% false discovery rate). Mining of proteomic data indicated the up-regulation of proteins involved in ammoniagenesis, antiapoptotic, anti-inflammatory and mitochondrial heat shock response and down-regulation of proteins pertaining to antioxidative defense and protein metabolism. Additionally, many proteins (for instance, park7 and VAP-A) involved in the chronic neurological disorders (such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease or Bipolar disorder) were also regulated in this model of acute neuronal injury. Our results also provide preliminary evidence about the presence of a relative glucose paradox under in vitro conditions indicating possible application of this cell system to study the mechanisms of transient protection induced by concomitant glucose deprivation under hypoxia. In conclusion, our study shows the potential application of iTRAQ-based quantitative proteomics for the elucidation of pathophysiology and the discovery of novel therapeutic targets in the field of neuroproteomics.