Ammonia-induced extracellular accumulation of taurine in the rat striatum in vivo: role of ionotropic glutamate receptors

GABAergic transmission in hepatic encephalopathy

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE)(1) is a neuropsychiatric disorder caused by chronic or acute liver failure. Nearly thirty years ago a hypothesis was formulated explaining the neuropathology of HE by increased GABAergic tone. Recent progress in the GABAA-receptor (GABAAR) molecular pharmacology and biochemistry as well as the physiology of GABAergic transmission provided better understanding of GABA's role in health and disease. A detailed analysis of neuronal populations and their GABAergic afferents affected in HE is still missing. The slow progress in understanding the pathology of GABAergic transmission in HE is due to the high complexity of brain circuitries controlled by multiple types of GABAergic interneurons and the large variety of GABAAR, which are differently affected by pathological conditions and not yet fully identified. The mechanisms of action of the GABAAR agonist taurine, allosteric positive modulators (inhibitory neurosteroids, anaesthetics, benzodiazepines and histamine) and inhibitors of the GABAAR (excitatory neurosteroids, Ro15-4513) are discussed with respect to HE pathophysiology. Perspectives for GABAergic drugs in the symptomatic treatment of HE are suggested.

Differential susceptibility of astrocytic and neuronal function to 3-chloropropanediol in the rat inferior colliculus

We have previously shown that systemic administration of S(+)3-chloropropanediol (3-CPD) produces a morphological loss of astrocytes in specific nuclei of the rodent brain that precedes loss of both neurones and endothelial tight junctions. Here, we have evaluated the differential susceptibility of neuronal and astrocytic function to 3-CPD, in order to see if this parallels the morphological selectivity. To do this, we have developed an in vivo method for monitoring astrocyte function over time by giving hourly 20-min bolus challenge exposures to ammonia via an implanted microdialysis probe and measuring the resulting transient increases in the extracellular glutamine : glutamate ratio. These challenge ammonia exposures evoked a stable response for at least 5 h when the probe was implanted in the rat inferior colliculus, but caused no behavioural response or morphological damage. Although 3-CPD produced a rapid and sustained abolition of the ammonia response within 2 h, the field potential response of inferior collicular neurones to sound fell significantly to 75.0 ± 3.9% pre-dose at up to 8 h but then fell markedly, reaching 20.5 ± 3.7% at 2 days. Blood flow in the inferior colliculus also showed only late changes, increasing substantially at 2 days. Astrocyte damage at the EM level was seen from 3 h, followed by loss of astrocytes from 18 h to a minimum of 7 ± 10% control at 3 days. The rapid abolition of the ammonia response suggests that in addition to selective astrocyte death, 3-CPD also produces an earlier impairment of astrocyte function that precedes loss of neuronal function. This initial functional selectivity of 3-CPD provides a potential investigative tool in neurochemical studies of astrocyte-neuronal interactions.

Implications for glycine receptors and astrocytes in ethanol-induced elevation of dopamine levels in the nucleus accumbens

Elevated dopamine levels are believed to contribute to the rewarding sensation of ethanol (EtOH), and previous research has shown that strychnine-sensitive glycine receptors in the nucleus accumbens (nAc) are involved in regulating dopamine release and in mediating the reinforcing effects of EtOH. Furthermore, the osmoregulator taurine, which is released from astrocytes treated with EtOH, can act as an endogenous ligand for the glycine receptor, and increase extracellular dopamine levels. The aim of this study was to address if EtOH-induced swelling of astrocytes could contribute to elevated dopamine levels by increasing the extracellular concentration of taurine. Cell swelling was estimated by optical sectioning of fluorescently labeled astrocytes in primary cultures from rat, and showed that EtOH (25-150 mM) increased astrocyte cell volumes in a concentration- and ion-dependent manner. The EtOH-induced cell swelling was inhibited in cultures treated with the Na(+) /K(+) /2Cl⁻ cotransporter blocker furosemide (1 mM), Na(+) /K(+) -ATPase inhibitor ouabain (0.1 mM), potassium channel inhibitor BaCl₂ (50 µM) and in cultures containing low extracellular sodium concentration (3 mM). In vivo microdialysis performed in the nAc of awake and freely moving rats showed that local treatment with EtOH enhanced the concentrations of dopamine and taurine in the microdialysate, while glycine and β-alanine levels were not significantly modulated. EtOH-induced dopamine release was antagonized by local treatment with the glycine receptor antagonist strychnine (20 µM) or furosemide (100 µM or 1 mM). Furosemide also prevented EtOH-induced taurine release in the nAc. In conclusion, our data suggest that extracellular concentrations of dopamine and taurine are interconnected and that swelling of astrocytes contributes to the acute rewarding sensation of EtOH.

Two-dimensional MR spectroscopy of minimal hepatic encephalopathy and neuropsychological correlates in vivo

PURPOSE

To evaluate regional cerebral metabolic and structural changes in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) using two-dimensional (2D) MR spectroscopy (MRS) and T( (1) )-weighted MRI, to correlate the observed MR changes with neuropsychological (NP) test scores, and to compare the diagnostic accuracy of MRI, 2D MRS, and NP tests in discriminating between patients and healthy subjects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-three MHE patients and 30 healthy controls were investigated. The 2D localized correlated spectroscopy (L-COSY) was performed in the frontal and occipital brain on a 1.5 Tesla (T) MR scanner. The NP test battery included 15 tests, grouped into 6 cognitive domains. Globus pallidus signal intensities were calculated from T(1)-weighted images.

RESULTS

The 2D MRS showed significant differences in ratios of the following metabolite(s) peaks with respect to creatine (Cr): decreased myo-inositol (mI), choline (Ch), mICh, and increased (glutamate plus glutamine) (Glx) in patients compared with healthy subjects in both occipital and frontal lobes. Frontal lobe taurine also showed a decline in patients. The NP test results revealed declines in cognitive speed, motor function, executive function, and global cognitive status. Significant correlations were found between the altered metabolites and NP tests. Alteration in the mICh/Cr ratio was noted as a powerful discriminant between healthy subjects and the patients.

CONCLUSION

The study demonstrates that relative metabolite levels determined by 2D MRS, in particular mICh/Cr, provide the best diagnostic prediction for MHE. The results suggest that depletions of myo-inositol, choline and taurine with respect to creatine correlate with measures of neuropsychological impairment.

Glutamine as a mediator of ammonia neurotoxicity: A critical appraisal

Ammonia is a major neurotoxin implicated in hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Here we discuss evidence that many aspects of ammonia toxicity in HE-affected brain are mediated by glutamine (Gln), synthesized in excess from ammonia and glutamate by glutamine synthetase (GS), an astrocytic enzyme. The degree to which Gln is increased in brains of patients with HE was found to positively correlate with the grade of HE. In animals with HE, a GS inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSO), reversed a spectrum of manifestations of ammonia toxicity, including brain edema and increased intracranial pressure, even though MSO itself increased brain ammonia levels. MSO inhibited, while incubation with Gln reproduced the oxidative stress and cell swelling observed in ammonia-exposed cultured astrocytes. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes swell subsequent to Gln transport into mitochondria and its degradation back to ammonia, which then generates reactive oxygen species and the mitochondrial permeability transition. This sequence of events led to the formulation of the "Trojan Horse" hypothesis. Further verification of the role of Gln in the pathogenesis of HE will have to account for: (1) modification of the effects of Gln by interaction of astrocytes with other CNS cells; and (2) direct effects of Gln on these cells. Recent studies have demonstrated a "Trojan Horse"-like effect of Gln in microglia, as well as an interference by Gln with the activation of the NMDA/NO/cGMP pathway by ammonia as measured in whole brain, a process that likely also involves neurons.

Glutamine inhibits ammonia-induced accumulation of cGMP in rat striatum limiting arginine supply for NO synthesis

Brain L-glutamine (Gln) accumulation and increased activity of the NO/cGMP pathway are immediate consequences of acute exposure to ammonia. This study tested whether excess Gln may influence NO and/or cGMP synthesis. Intrastriatal administration of the glutaminase inhibitor 6-diazo-5-oxo-L-norleucine or the system A-specific Gln uptake inhibitor methylaminoisobutyrate increased microdialysate Gln concentration and reduced basal and ammonia-induced NO and cGMP accumulation. Gln applied in vivo (via microdialysis) or in vitro (to rat brain cortical slices) reduced NO and cGMP accumulation in the presence and/or absence of ammonia, but not cGMP synthesis induced by the NO donor sodium nitroprusside. Attenuation of cGMP synthesis by Gln was prevented by administration of L-arginine (Arg). The L-arginine co-substrates of y(+)LAT2 transport system, L-leucine and cyclo-leucine, mimicked the effect of exogenous Gln, suggesting that Gln limits Arg supply for NO synthesis by interfering with y+LAT2-mediated Arg uptake across the cell membrane.

Trauma-induced cell swelling in cultured astrocytes

Brain edema and associated increased intracranial pressure are major consequences of traumatic brain injury that account for most early deaths after traumatic brain injury. An important component of brain edema after traumatic brain injury is astrocyte swelling (cytotoxic edema). To examine the pathophysiologic mechanisms of trauma-induced astrocyte swelling, we used an in vitro fluid percussion trauma model. Exposure of cultured rat astrocytes to 5 atm of pressure resulted in significant cell swelling at 1 to 24 hours posttrauma that was maximal at 3 hours. Because oxidative/nitrosative stress, mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT), and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) have been implicated in astrocyte swelling in other neurologic conditions, we examined their potential roles in this model. We previously showed increased free radical generation after in vitro trauma and show here that trauma to astrocytes increased the production of nitric oxide. Trauma also induced mPT and increased phosphorylation (activation) of MAPKs (extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, c-Jun-N-terminal kinase, and p38-MAPK); these changes were diminished by antioxidants and the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester. Antioxidants, N-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester, the mPT inhibitor cyclosporin A, and inhibitors of MAPKs all significantly diminished trauma-induced astrocyte swelling. These findings demonstrate that direct mechanical injury to cultured astrocytes brings about cell swelling, and that blockade of oxidative/nitrosative stress, mPT, and MAPKs significantly reduce such swelling.

Effect of glutamine synthesis inhibition with methionine sulfoximine on the nitric oxide-cyclic GMP pathway in the rat striatum treated acutely with ammonia: a microdialysis study

Ammonia neurotoxicity is associated with overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors leading to enhanced nitric oxide and cyclic GMP synthesis and to accumulation of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Ammonia is detoxified in the brain via synthesis of glutamine, which if accumulated in excess contributes to astrocytic swelling, mitochondrial dysfunction and cerebral edema. This study was aimed at testing the hypothesis that the activity of the NMDA/NO/cGMP pathway is controlled by the ammonia-induced production of Gln in the brain. Ammonium chloride (final concentration 5 mM), infused for 40 min to the rat striatum via a microdialysis probe, caused a significant increase in Gln (by 40%), NO oxidation products (nitrite+nitrate=NOx) (by 35%) and cGMP (by 50%) concentration in the microdialysate. A Gln synthetase inhibitor, methionine sulfoximine (MSO, 5 mM), added directly to the microdialysate, completely prevented ammonia-mediated production of Gln, and paradoxically, it increased ammonia-mediated production of NOx and cGMP by 230% and 250%, respectively. Of note, MSO given alone significantly reduced basal Gln concentration in the rat striatum, had no effect on the basal NOx concentration, and attenuated basal concentration of cGMP in the microdialysate by 50%. The results of the present study suggest that Gln, at physiological concentrations, may ameliorate excessive activation of the NO-cGMP pathway by neurotoxic concentrations of ammonia. However, in view of potential direct interference of MSO with the pathway, exogenously added Gln and less toxic modulators of Gln content and/or transport will have to be employed in further studies on the underlying mechanisms.

Taurine interaction with neurotransmitter receptors in the CNS: an update

Taurine appears to have multiple functions in the brain participating both in volume regulation and neurotransmission. In the latter context it may exert its actions by serving as an agonist at receptors of the GABAergic and glycinergic neurotransmitter systems. Its interaction with GABAA and GABAB receptors as well as with glycine receptors is reviewed and the physiological relevance of such interactions is evaluated. The question as to whether local extracellular concentrations of taurine are likely to reach the threshold level for the pertinent receptor populations cannot presently be answered satisfactorily. Hence more sophisticated analytical methods are warranted in order to obtain a definite answer to this important question.

Endogenous neuro-protectants in ammonia toxicity in the central nervous system: facts and hypotheses

The paper overviews experimental evidence suggestive of the engagement of three endogenous metabolites: taurine, kynurenic acid, and glutathione (GSH) in the protection of central nervous system (CNS) cells against ammonia toxicity. Intrastriatal administration of taurine via microdialysis probe attenuates ammonia-induced accumulation of extracellular cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) resulting from over-activation of the N-methyl-D: -aspartate/nitric oxide (NMDA/NO) pathway, and this effect involves agonistic effect of taurine on the GABA-A and glycine receptors. Taurine also counteracts generation of free radicals, increased release of dopamine, and its metabolism to dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (DOPAC). Taurine reduces ammonia-induced increase of cell volume (edema) in cerebrocortical slices by a mechanism involving GABA-A receptors. Massive release of radiolabeled or endogenous taurine from CNS tissues by ammonia in vivo and in vitro is thought to promote its neuroprotective action, by making the amino acid available for interaction with cell membranes and/or by driving excess water out of the CNS cells (astrocytes) that underwent ammonia-induced swelling. Ammonia in vivo and in vitro affects in variable ways the synthesis of kynurenic acid (KYNA). Since KYNA is an endogenous NMDA receptor antagonist with a high affinity towards its glycine site, changes in its content may counter over-activation or depression of glutaminergic transmission observed at the different stages of hyperammonemia. GSH is a major antioxidant in the CNS whose synthesis is partly compartmented between neurons and astrocytes: astrocytic GSH is a source of precursors for the synthesis of neuronal GSH. Ammonia in vitro stimulates GSH synthesis in cultured astrocytes, which may compensate for increased GSH consumption (decreased GSH/GSSG ratio) in neurons.

The role of protein kinase C and cyclic AMP in the ammonia-induced shift of the taurine uptake/efflux balance towards efflux in C6 cells

A previous study showed that treatment of C6 glioma cells with 10 mM ammonium chloride monia") for 24 h decreases taurine uptake and evokes sodium-dependent taurine efflux, indicating reversal of the taurine transporter (TauT)-mediated transport as an underlying mechanism. Consistent with the involvement of TauT we now show that the ammonia-induced changes in Tau uptake and efflux are inhibited by the protein kinase C (PKC) activator phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu). Ammonia treatment of C6 cells resulted in increased intracellular accumulation of cAMP. Incubation of the cells with dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP) mimicked the effects of ammonia on both taurine uptake and efflux. The effects of dbcAMP on taurine uptake and efflux were additive to the effects of ammonia. Collectively, the results suggest that the effects of ammonia on taurine uptake and efflux may be partly mediated by cAMP. Consistent with this mechanism, the adenyl cyclase inhibitor, miconazole reduced the stimulation of efflux by ammonia.

A novel glycine site-specific N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist prevents activation of the NMDA/NO/CGMP pathway by ammonia

Intrastriatal administration of ammonium ions ("ammonia") via a microdialysis probe overactivates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, which results in cGMP accumulation in the microdialysates. Co-administration of a potent glycine site-specific NMDA receptor antagonist CGP 78608 ([(1S)-1-[[(7-bromo-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-2,3-dioxo-5-quinoxalinyl)methyl]amino]ethyl]phosphonate) significantly reduced (at 20 nM) or abolished (at 100 nM) ammonia-dependent cGMP synthesis. Since NMDA receptor activation is an important causative factor in ammonia neurotoxicity, the present results suggest the glycine site of the receptor to be a potential valuable target for protective intervention.

Effect of ammonia on taurine transport in C6 glioma cells

Both short-term and prolonged treatment with ammonia stimulate Tau efflux from C6 glioma cells, which confirms earlier observations with different CNS preparations. In addition, prolonged, but not short-term treatment reversibly decreases Tau uptake. The results are consistent with in vivo observations showing robust extracellular accumulation of Tau in the CNS under hyperammonemic conditions. Enhancement of Tau efflux by short term ammonia treatment is associated with its passage via a channel (or channels) which in contrast to the release from control cells is (are) not inhibited by NA. However, the increased Tau efflux does not appear to involve active Tau transport. Insensitivity to NA distinguishes ammonia-dependent Tau efflux from C6 cells from that reported in other CNS-derived preparations. Tau release evoked by prolonged ammonia treatment likewise shows a NA-insensitive component, but also a component associated with activation of Tau transport in a reverse mode. Increased outward transport of Tau may be associated with transiently increased expression of TauT mRNA. Mutual relation of the two components, but also the identity of the NA-insensitive efflux route with the anion channels so far described remains to be analyzed.

Exogenous glutamate and taurine exert differential actions on light-induced release of two endogenous amino acids in isolated rat retina

A dark-adapted isolated rat retina, preloaded with [(14)C]glutamate ([(14)C]Glu) and [(3)H]taurine ([(3)H]Tau), was superfused with artificial cerebrospinal fluid (ACSF) in the absence and presence of Glu (1 mM) or Tau (1 mM), as well as the Glu uptake inhibitors dihydrokainic acid (DHK, 0.04 mM) and trans-L-pyrrolidine-2,4-dicarboxylate (t-PDC, 0.004 mM). After 10 min of light stimulation, the extracellular level of [(14)C]Glu and [(3)H]Tau was reduced to 82 +/- 2% and 65 +/- 4% of the control, respectively. Basal release was enhanced when Tau and t-PDC were applied together, although none of the compounds had any effect when applied individually. Glu and DHK had no effect. The decrease of [(14)C]Glu efflux evoked by light stimuli was enhanced by t-PDC and Tau, either added separately or together, whereas Glu and DHK were without effect. In contrast, [(3)H]Tau efflux variations induced by light stimuli were reduced markedly by both Tau and Glu. These findings suggest distinctly different roles of Tau and Glu in light-induced responses in mammalian retina, including a possible role for Tau in light adaptation processes.

Changes in the striatal extracellular levels of dopamine and dihydroxyphenylacetic acid evoked by ammonia and N-methyl-D-aspartate: modulation by taurine

Acute hyperammonemia is associated with motor disturbances that are thought to involve striatal dopaminergic dysfunction. Discharge of striatal dopaminergic neurons is controlled by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, the excessive activation of which contributes to ammonia neurotoxicity. Here we show that ammonium chloride ("ammonia", extracellular concentration 5 mM) or NMDA (1 mM), when directly administered to the rat striatum via a microdialysis probe, evoke a prompt accumulation of dopamine (DA) in the microdialysates. However, while ammonia increases, NMDA decreases, the extracellular dihydroxyphenylacetate (DOPAC) level. The results point to the NMDA receptor-mediated enhancement of DA release and increased DA metabolism as two independent ways by which ammonia affects the striatal dopaminergic system. Taurine (extracellular concentration 10 mM) attenuated the NMDA- and ammonia-evoked DA release and ammonia-induced accumulation of DOPAC, reflecting two different neuroprotective mechanisms of this amino acid.

Taurine reduces ammonia- and N-methyl-D-aspartate-induced accumulation of cyclic GMP and hydroxyl radicals in microdialysates of the rat striatum

Acute ammonia neurotoxicity caused by intraperitoneal administration of ammonium salts is mediated by overactivation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, with ensuing generation of free radicals and extracellular accumulation of cyclic GMP (cGMP) arising from stimulation of nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. In this study, infusion of ammonium chloride or NMDA into the striata of rats via microdialysis probes increased the contents of cyclic GMP and hydroxyl radicals in the microdialysates. Co-infusion of taurine virtually abolished both the ammonia- and NMDA-induced accumulation of cGMP. Taurine also attenuated accumulation of hydroxyl radicals evoked by either treatment. This result is the first evidence of a potential of taurine to attenuate the effects of NMDA receptor overactivation by ammonia in vivo and points to the inhibition of the NMDA receptor-mediated NO synthesis as a possible mechanism of its neuroprotective action. Taurine or its blood-brain barrier penetrating analogues may be applicable in treatment of ammonia-induced neurological deficits.