Basic fibroblast growth factor supports the survival of cerebral cortical neurons in primary culture

Exploring the Structural and Functional Diversity among FGF Signals: A Comparative Study of Human, Mouse, and Xenopus FGF Ligands in Embryonic Development and Cancer Pathogenesis

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) encode a large family of growth factor proteins that activate several intracellular signaling pathways to control diverse physiological functions. The human genome encodes 22 FGFs that share a high sequence and structural homology with those of other vertebrates. FGFs orchestrate diverse biological functions by regulating cellular differentiation, proliferation, and migration. Dysregulated FGF signaling may contribute to several pathological conditions, including cancer. Notably, FGFs exhibit wide functional diversity among different vertebrates spatiotemporally. A comparative study of FGF receptor ligands and their diverse roles in vertebrates ranging from embryonic development to pathological conditions may expand our understanding of FGF. Moreover, targeting diverse FGF signals requires knowledge regarding their structural and functional heterogeneity among vertebrates. This study summarizes the current understanding of human FGF signals and correlates them with those in mouse and Xenopus models, thereby facilitating the identification of therapeutic targets for various human disorders.

Enteric Neural Network Assembly Was Promoted by Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor and Vitamin A but Inhibited by Epidermal Growth Factor

Extending well beyond the original use of propagating neural precursors from the central nervous system and dorsal root ganglia, neurosphere medium (NSM) and self-renewal medium (SRM) are two distinct formulas with widespread popularity in enteric neural stem cell (ENSC) applications. However, it remains unknown what growth factors or nutrients are crucial to ENSC development, let alone whether the discrepancy in their components may affect the outcomes of ENSC culture. Dispersed enterocytes from murine fetal gut were nurtured in NSM, SRM or their modifications by selective component elimination or addition to assess their effects on ENSC development. NSM generated neuriteless neurospheres, whereas SRM, even deprived of chicken embryo extract, might wire ganglia together to assemble neural networks. The distinct outcomes came from epidermal growth factor, which inhibited enteric neuronal wiring in NSM. In contrast, basic fibroblast growth factor promoted enteric neurogenesis, gangliogenesis, and neuronal wiring. Moreover, vitamin A derivatives might facilitate neuronal maturation evidenced by p75 downregulation during ENSC differentiation toward enteric neurons to promote gangliogenesis and network assembly. Our results might help to better manipulate ENSC propagation and differentiation in vitro, and open a new avenue for the study of enteric neuronal neuritogenesis and synaptogenesis.

Systemic treatment with a novel basic fibroblast growth factor mimic small-molecule compound boosts functional recovery after spinal cord injury

Neurotrophic factors have been regarded having promising potentials for neuronal protection and regeneration, and thus promoting beneficial effects of kinesiological functions. They can be suspected to play important roles in cell/tissue grafting for various neural diseases. The clinical applications of such trophic factors to the central nervous system (CNS), however, have caused problematic side effects on account of the distinctive bioactive properties. In the course of developing synthetic compounds reflecting beneficial properties of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), we conducted screening candidates that stimulate to trigger the intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation of FGF receptor and lead to the subsequent intracellular signaling in neurons. A small synthetic molecule SUN13837 was characterized by mimicking the beneficial properties of bFGF, which have been known as its specific activities when applied to CNS. What is more remarkable is that SUN13837 is eliminated the bioactivity to induce cell proliferation of non-neuronal somatic cells. On the bases of studies of pharmacology, behavior, physiology and histology, the present study reports that SUN13837 is characterized as a promising synthetic compound for treatment of devastating damages onto the rat spinal cord.

Fibroblast growth factor receptor modulators employing diamines with reduced phospholipidosis-inducing potential

SUN13837 (1), a fibroblast growth factor receptor modulator, has been an attractive candidate for treating neurodegenerative diseases. However, one of its metabolites, N-benzyl-4-(methylamino)piperidine (BMP), turned out to possess phospholipidosis-inducing potential (PLIP) in vitro. To obtain SUN13837 analogs with reduced phospholipidosis risk, we replaced BMP with other diamines possessing low PLIP. Our effort led to the discovery of compound 6 with increased efficacy. Further structural modifications to reduce hydrogen bond donors afforded 17 with improved brain exposure. Oral administration of 17 at 1 mg/kg once daily for 10 days showed enhanced recovery of coordinated movement in a rat acute stroke model, suggesting that it is a promising follow-up compound for 1 with reduced risk of phospholipidosis.

Biodistribution of Site-Specific PEGylated Fibroblast Growth Factor-2

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) is a small 18 kDa protein with clinical potential for ischemic heart disease, wound healing, and spinal cord injury. However, the therapeutic potential of systemic FGF-2 administration is challenged by its fast elimination. Therefore, we deployed genetic codon expansion to integrate an azide functionality to the FGF-2 N-terminus, which was site-directly decorated with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) through bioorthogonal strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC). PEGylated FGF-2 was as bioactive as wild-type FGF-2 as demonstrated by cell proliferation and Erk phosphorylation of fibroblasts. The PEGylated FGF-2 conjugate was radiolabeled with [¹¹¹In] Indium cation ([¹¹¹In]In³⁺) to study its biodistribution through noninvasive imaging by single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) and by quantitative activity analysis of the respective organs in healthy mice. This study details the biodistribution pattern of site-specific PEGylated FGF-2 in tissues after intravenous (iv) administration compared to the unconjugated protein. Low accumulation of the PEGylated FGF-2 variant in the kidney and the liver was demonstrated, whereas specific uptake of PEGylated FGF-2 into the retina was significantly diminished. In conclusion, site-specific PEGylation of FGF-2 by SPAAC resulted in a superior outcome for the synthesis yield and in conjugates with excellent biological performances with a gain of half-life but reduced tissue access in vivo.

Beyond Trophic Factors: Exploiting the Intrinsic Regenerative Properties of Adult Neurons

Injuries and diseases of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) are common but frequently irreversible. It is often but mistakenly assumed that peripheral neuron regeneration is robust without a need to be improved or supported. However, axonal lesions, especially those involving proximal nerves rarely recover fully and injuries generally are complicated by slow and incomplete regeneration. Strategies to enhance the intrinsic growth properties of reluctant adult neurons offer an alternative approach to consider during regeneration. Since axons rarely regrow without an intimately partnered Schwann cell (SC), approaches to enhance SC plasticity carry along benefits to their axon partners. Direct targeting of molecules that inhibit growth cone plasticity can inform important regenerative strategies. A newer approach, a focus of our laboratory, exploits tumor suppressor molecules that normally dampen unconstrained growth. However several are also prominently expressed in stable adult neurons. During regeneration their ongoing expression “brakes” growth, whereas their inhibition and knockdown may enhance regrowth. Examples have included phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), a tumor suppressor that inhibits PI3K/pAkt signaling, Rb1, the protein involved in retinoblastoma development, and adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), a tumor suppressor that inhibits β-Catenin transcriptional signaling and its translocation to the nucleus. The identification of several new targets to manipulate the plasticity of regenerating adult peripheral neurons is exciting. How they fit with canonical regeneration strategies and their feasibility require additional work. Newer forms of nonviral siRNA delivery may be approaches for molecular manipulation to improve regeneration.

Proteomic Analysis of Cyclic Ketamine Compounds Ability to Induce Neural Differentiation in Human Adult Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Neural regeneration is of great interest due to its potential to treat traumatic brain injuries and diseases that impact quality of life. Growth factor mediated differentiation can take up to several weeks to months to produce the cell of interest whereas chemical stimulation may be as minimal as a few hours. The smaller time scale is of great clinical relevance. Adipose derived stem cells (ADSCs) were treated for up to 24 h with a novel differentiation media containing the cyclic ketamine compounds to direct neurogenic induction. The extent of differentiation was investigated by proteome changes occurring during the process. The treatments indicated the ADSCs responded favorably to the neurogenic induction media by presenting a number of morphological cues of neuronal phenotype previously seen and a higher cell population post induction compared to previous studies. Furthermore, approximately 3500 proteins were analyzed and identified by mass spectrometric iTRAQ analyses. The bioinformatics analyses revealed hundreds of proteins whose expression level changes were statistically significant and biologically relevant to neurogenesis and annotated as being involved in neurogenic development. Complementing this, the Bioplex cytokine assay profiles present evidence of decreased panel of stress response cytokines and a relative increase in those involved in neurogenesis.

Characterizing the multiple roles of FGF-2 in SOD1G93A ALS mice in vivo and in vitro

We have previously shown that knockout of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and potential compensatory effects of other growth factors result in amelioration of disease symptoms in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a rapidly progressive neurological disorder leading to degeneration of cortical, brain stem, and spinal motor neurons followed by subsequent denervation and muscle wasting. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are responsible for approximately 20% of familial ALS cases and SOD1 mutant mice still are among the models best mimicking clinical and neuropathological characteristics of ALS. The aim of the present study was a thorough characterization of FGF-2 and other growth factors and signaling effectors in vivo in the SOD1^G93A mouse model. We observed tissue-specific opposing gene regulation of FGF-2 and overall dysregulation of other growth factors, which in the gastrocnemius muscle was associated with reduced downstream extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) activation. To further investigate whether the effects of FGF-2 on motor neuron death are mediated by glial cells, astrocytes lacking FGF-2 were cocultured together with mutant SOD1 ^G93A motor neurons. FGF-2 had an impact on motor neuron maturation indicating that astrocytic FGF-2 affects motor neurons at a developmental stage. Moreover, neuronal gene expression patterns showed FGF-2- and SOD1 ^G93A -dependent changes in ciliary neurotrophic factor, glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor, and ERK2, implying a potential involvement in ALS pathogenesis before the onset of clinical symptoms.

LPA1 is a key mediator of intracellular signalling and neuroprotection triggered by tetracyclic antidepressants in hippocampal neurons

Both lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) and antidepressants have been shown to affect neuronal survival and differentiation, but whether LPA signalling participates in the action of antidepressants is still unknown. In this study, we examined the role of LPA receptors in the regulation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activity and neuronal survival by the tetracyclic antidepressants, mianserin and mirtazapine in hippocampal neurons. In HT22 immortalized hippocampal cells, antidepressants and LPA induced a time- and concentration-dependent stimulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. This response was inhibited by either LPA₁ and LPA_1/3 selective antagonists or siRNA-induced LPA₁ down-regulation, and enhanced by LPA₁ over-expression. Conversely, the selective LPA₂ antagonist H2L5186303 had no effect. Antidepressants induced cyclic AMP response element binding protein phosphorylation and this response was prevented by LPA₁ blockade. ERK1/2 stimulation involved pertussis toxin-sensitive G proteins, Src tyrosine kinases and fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF-R) activity. Tyrosine phosphorylation of FGF-R was enhanced by antidepressants through LPA₁ . Serum withdrawal induced apoptotic death, as indicated by increased annexin V staining, caspase activation and cleavage of poly-ADP-ribose polymerase. Antidepressants inhibited the apoptotic cascade and this protective effect was curtailed by blockade of either LPA₁ , ERK1/2 or FGF-R activity. Moreover, in primary mouse hippocampal neurons, mianserin acting through LPA₁ increased phospho-ERK1/2 and protected from apoptosis induced by removal of growth supplement. These data indicate that in neurons endogenously expressed LPA₁ receptors mediate intracellular signalling and neuroprotection by tetracyclic antidepressants.

Kidney Cografts Enhance Fiber Outgrowth from Ventral Mesencephalic Grafts to the 6-Ohda–Lesioned Striatum, and Improve Behavioral Recovery

Recent studies have demonstrated the presence of many different neurotrophic factors in the developing and adult kidney. Due to its production of this mixture of neurotrophic factors, we wanted to investigate whether fetal kidney tissue could be beneficial for neuritic fiber growth and/or cell survival in intracranial transplants of fetal ventral mesencephalic tissue (VM). A retrograde lesion of nigral dopaminergic neurons was performed in adult Fischer 344 male rats by injecting 6-hydroxydopamine into the medial forebain. The animals were monitored for spontaneous locomotor activity in addition to apomorphine-induced rotations once a week. Four weeks following the lesion, animals were anesthetized and embryonic day 14 VM tissue from rat fetuses was implanted stereotaxically into the dorsal striatum. One group of animals received a cograft of kidney tissue from the same embryos in the same needle track. The animals were then monitored behaviorally for an additional 4 months. There was a significant improvement in both spontaneous locomotor activity (distance traveled) and apomorphine-induced rotations with both single VM grafts and VM–kidney cografts, with the VM–kidney double grafts enhancing the motor behaviors to a significantly greater degree. Tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) immunohistochemistry and image analysis revealed a significantly denser innervation of the host striatum from the VM–kidney cografts than from the single VM grafts. TH-positive neurons were also significantly larger in the cografts compared to the single VM grafts. In addition to the dense TH-immunoreactive innervation, the kidney portion of cografts contained a rich cholinergic innervation, as evidenced from antibodies against choline acetyltransferase (ChAT). The striatal cholinergic cell bodies surrounding the VM–kidney cografts were enlarged and had a slightly higher staining density for ChAT. Taken together, these data support the hypothesis that neurotrophic factors secreted from fetal kidney grafts stimulated both TH-positive neurons in the VM cografts and cholinergic neurons in the host striatum. Thus, these factors may be combined for treatment of degenerative diseases involving both dopaminergic and cholinergic neurons.

Sphingosine 1-phosphate signaling axis mediates fibroblast growth factor 2-induced proliferation and survival of murine auditory neuroblasts

Hearing loss affects millions of people in the world. In mammals the auditory system comprises diverse cell types which are terminally differentiated and with no regenerative potential. There is a tremendous research interest aimed at identifying cell therapy based solutions or pharmacological approaches that could be applied therapeutically alongside auditory devices to prevent hair cell and neuron loss. Sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P) is a pleiotropic bioactive sphingolipid that plays key role in the regulation of many physiological and pathological functions. S1P is intracellularly produced by sphingosine kinase (SK) 1 and SK2 and exerts many of its action consequently to its ligation to S1P specific receptors (S1PR), S1P_1-5. In this study, murine auditory neuroblasts named US/VOT-N33 have been used as progenitors of neurons of the spiral ganglion. We demonstrated that the fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-induced proliferative action was dependent on SK1, SK2 as well as S1P₁ and S1P₂. Moreover, the pro-survival effect of FGF2 from apoptotic cell death induced by staurosporine treatment was dependent on SK but not on S1PR. Additionally, ERK1/2 and Akt signaling pathways were found to mediate the mitogenic and survival action of FGF2, respectively. Taken together, these findings demonstrate a crucial role for S1P signaling axis in the proliferation and the survival of otic vesicle neuroprogenitors, highlighting the identification of possible novel therapeutical approaches to prevent neuronal degeneration during hearing loss.

The role of neurotrophic factors conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles in peripheral nerve regeneration: in vitro studies

Local delivery of neurotrophic factors is a pillar of neural repair strategies in the peripheral nervous system. The main disadvantage of the free growth factors is their short half-life of few minutes. In order to prolong their activity, we have conjugated to iron oxide nanoparticles three neurotrophic factors: nerve growth factor (βNGF), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF-2). Comparative stability studies of free versus conjugated factors revealed that the conjugated neurotrophic factors were significantly more stable in tissue cultures and in medium at 37°C. The biological effects of free versus conjugated neurotrophic factors were examined on organotypic dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cultures performed in NVR-Gel, composed mainly of hyaluronic acid and laminin. Results revealed that the conjugated neurotrophic factors enhanced early nerve fiber sprouting compared to the corresponding free factors. The most meaningful result was that conjugated-GDNF, accelerated the onset and progression of myelin significantly earlier than the free GDNF and the other free and conjugated factors. This is probably due to the beneficial and long-acting effect that the stabilized conjugated-GDNF had on neurons and Schwann cells. These conclusive results make NVR-Gel enriched with conjugated-GDNF, a desirable scaffold for the reconstruction of severed peripheral nerve.

Vasotrophic regulation of age-dependent hypoxic cerebrovascular remodeling

Hypoxia can induce functional and structural vascular remodeling by changing the expression of trophic factors to promote homeostasis. While most experimental approaches have been focused on functional remodeling, structural remodeling can reflect changes in the abundance and organization of vascular proteins that determine functional remodeling. Better understanding of age-dependent hypoxic macrovascular remodeling processes of the cerebral vasculature and its clinical implications require knowledge of the vasotrophic factors that influence arterial structure and function. Hypoxia can affect the expression of transcription factors, classical receptor tyrosine kinase factors, non-classical G-protein coupled factors, catecholamines, and purines. Hypoxia's remodeling effects can be mediated by Hypoxia Inducible Factor (HIF) upregulation in most vascular beds, but alterations in the expression of growth factors can also be independent of HIF. PPARγ is another transcription factor involved in hypoxic remodeling. Expression of classical receptor tyrosine kinase ligands, including vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet derived growth factor, fibroblast growth factor and angiopoietins, can be altered by hypoxia which can act simultaneously to affect remodeling. Tyrosine kinase-independent factors, such as transforming growth factor, nitric oxide, endothelin, angiotensin II, catecholamines, and purines also participate in the remodeling process. This adaptation to hypoxic stress can fundamentally change with age, resulting in different responses between fetuses and adults. Overall, these mechanisms integrate to assure that blood flow and metabolic demand are closely matched in all vascular beds and emphasize the view that the vascular wall is a highly dynamic and heterogeneous tissue with multiple cell types undergoing regular phenotypic transformation.

Fibroblast growth factor-2 signaling in neurogenesis and neurodegeneration

Fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2), also known as basic FGF, is a multi-functional growth factor. One of the 22-member FGF family, it signals through receptor tyrosine kinases encoding FGFR1-4. FGF2 activates FGFRs in cooperation with heparin or heparin sulfate proteoglycan to induce its pleiotropic effects in different tissues and organs, which include potent angiogenic effects and important roles in the differentiation and function of the central nervous system (CNS). FGF2 is crucial to development of the CNS, which explains its importance in adult neurogenesis. During development, high levels of FGF2 are detected from neurulation onwards. Moreover, developmental expression of FGF2 and its receptors is temporally and spatially regulated, concurring with development of specific brain regions including the hippocampus and substantia nigra pars compacta. In adult neurogenesis, FGF2 has been implicated based on its expression and regulation of neural stem and progenitor cells in the neurogenic niches, the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the hippocampal dentate gyrus. FGFR1 signaling also modulates inflammatory signaling through the surface glycoprotein CD200, which regulates microglial activation. Because of its importance in adult neurogenesis and neuroinflammation, manipulation of FGF2/FGFR1 signaling has been a focus of therapeutic development for neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injury. Novel strategies include intranasal administration of FGF2, administration of an NCAM-derived FGFR1 agonist, and chitosan-based nanoparticles for the delivery of FGF2 in pre-clinical animal models. In this review, we highlight current research towards therapeutic interventions targeting FGF2/FGFR1 in neurodegenerative disorders.

SUN11602, a novel aniline compound, mimics the neuroprotective mechanisms of basic fibroblast growth factor

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) offers some measure of protection against excitotoxic neuronal injuries by upregulating the expression of the calcium-binding protein calbindin-D28k (Calb). The newly synthesized small molecule 4-({4-[[(4-amino-2,3,5,6-tetramethylanilino)acetyl](methyl)amino]-1-piperidinyl}methyl)benzamide (SUN11602) mimics the neuroprotective effects of bFGF, and thus, we examined how SUN11602 exerts its actions on neurons in toxic conditions of glutamate. In primary cultures of rat cerebrocortical neurons, SUN11602 and bFGF prevented glutamate-induced neuronal death. This neuroprotection, which occurred in association with the augmented phosphorylation of the bFGF receptor-1 (FGFR-1) and the extracellular signal-regulated kinase-1/2 (ERK-1/2), was abolished by pretreatment with PD166866 (a FGFR-1 tyrosine kinase-specific inhibitor) and PD98059 (a mitogen-activated protein kinase [MAPK]/[ERK-1/2] kinase [MEK] inhibitor). In addition, SUN11602 and bFGF increased the levels of CALB1 gene expression in cerebrocortical neurons. Whether this neuroprotection was linked to Calb was investigated with primary cultures of cerebrocortical neurons from homozygous knockout (Calb(-/-)) and wild-type (WT) mice. In WT mice, SUN11602 and bFGF increased the levels of newly synthesized Calb in cerebrocortical neurons and suppressed the glutamate-induced rise in intracellular Ca(2+). This Ca(2+)-capturing ability of Calb allowed the neurons to survive severe toxic conditions of glutamate. In contrast, Calb levels remained unchanged in Calb(-/-) mice after exposure to SUN11602 or bFGF, and due to a loss of function of the gene, these neurons were no longer resistant to toxic conditions of glutamate. These findings indicated that SUN11602 activated a number of cellular molecules (FGFR-1, MEK/ERK intermediates, and Calb) and consequently contributed to intracellular Ca(2+) homeostasis as observed in the case of bFGF.

Neurotrophins role in depression neurobiology: a review of basic and clinical evidence

Depression is a neuropsychiatric disorder affecting a huge percentage of the active population especially in developed countries. Research has devoted much of its attention to this problematic and many drugs have been developed and are currently prescribed to treat this pathology. Yet, many patients are refractory to the available therapeutic drugs, which mainly act by increasing the levels of the monoamines serotonin and noradrenaline in the synaptic cleft. Even in the cases antidepressants are effective, it is usually observed a delay of a few weeks between the onset of treatment and remission of the clinical symptoms. Additionally, many of these patients who show remission with antidepressant therapy present a relapse of depression upon treatment cessation. Thus research has focused on other possible molecular targets, besides monoamines, underlying depression. Both basic and clinical evidence indicates that depression is associated with several structural and neurochemical changes where the levels of neurotrophins, particularly of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), are altered. Antidepressants, as well as other therapeutic strategies, seem to restore these levels. Neuronal atrophy, mostly detected in limbic structures that regulate mood and cognition, like the hippocampus, is observed in depressed patients and in animal behavioural paradigms for depression. Moreover, chronic antidepressant treatment enhances adult hippocampal neurogenesis, supporting the notion that this event underlies antidepressants effects. Here we review some of the preclinical and clinical studies, aimed at disclosing the role of neurotrophins in the pathophysiological mechanisms of depression and the mode of action of antidepressants, which favour the neurotrophic/neurogenic hypothesis.

Novel magnetic fibrin hydrogel scaffolds containing thrombin and growth factors conjugated iron oxide nanoparticles for tissue engineering

Novel tissue-engineered magnetic fibrin hydrogel scaffolds were prepared by the interaction of thrombin-conjugated iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles with fibrinogen. In addition, stabilization of basal fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was achieved by the covalent and physical conjugation of the growth factor to the magnetic nanoparticles. Adult nasal olfactory mucosa (NOM) cells were seeded in the transparent fibrin scaffolds in the absence or presence of the free or conjugated bFGF-iron oxide nanoparticles. The conjugated bFGF enhanced significantly the growth and differentiation of the NOM cells in the fibrin scaffolds, compared to the same or even five times higher concentration of the free bFGF. In the presence of the bFGF-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles, the cultured NOM cells proliferated and formed a three-dimensional interconnected network composed mainly of tapered bipolar cells. The magnetic properties of these matrices are due to the integration of the thrombin- and bFGF-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles within the scaffolds. The magnetic properties of these scaffolds may be used in future work for various applications, such as magnetic resonance visualization of the scaffolds after implantation and reloading the scaffolds via magnetic forces with bioactive agents, eg, growth factors bound to the iron oxide magnetic nanoparticles.

Preparation of mixed glial cultures from postnatal rat brain

We describe a method to prepare postnatal rat brain primary cell cultures composed of astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, and microglia. After 1 week in vitro, the mixed glial cell cultures are free of neurons, meningeal cells and fibroblasts. We developed a simple procedure to selectively harvest enriched populations of each of the three major glial cell types. Because these cells are at a progenitor/immature stage, each can be further cultured separately in serum or serum-free media to yield large quantities of the desired glial cell subpopulations with a high degree of purity in the range of 96-99%. These cell culture models have been used extensively for performing biochemical, molecular, and pharmacological studies using standard assays and obtain sound quantitative data. These studies have given us insights into the development, properties, and functions of rat and mouse glial cells in vitro. The findings have largely been validated and extended in animal models over the last 3 decades. Since this method has been cited in more than 2,500 research papers, the data obtained across laboratories can be compared more readily.

Enhancement of nose-to-brain delivery of basic fibroblast growth factor for improving rat memory impairments induced by co-injection of β-amyloid and ibotenic acid into the bilateral hippocampus

Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) delivery to the brain of animals appears to be an emerging potential therapeutic approach to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). The intranasal route of administration could provide an alternative to intracerebroventricular infusion. A nasal spray of bFGF had been developed previously and the objective of the present study was to investigate whether bFGF nasal spray could enhance brain uptake of bFGF and ameliorate memory impairment induced by co-injection of β-amyloid(25-35) and ibotenic acid into bilateral hippocampus of rats. The results of brain uptake study showed that the AUC(0-12h) of bFGF nasal spray in olfactory bulb, cerebrum, cerebellum and hippocampus was respectively 2.47, 2.38, 2.56 and 2.19 times that of intravenous bFGF solution, and 1.11, 1.95, 1.40 and 1.93 times that of intranasal bFGF solution, indicating that intranasal administration of bFGF nasal spray was an effective means of delivering bFGF to the brain, especially to cerebrum and hippocampus. In Morris water maze tasks, intravenous administration of bFGF solution at high dose (40 μg/kg) showed little improvement on spatial memory impairment. In contrast, bFGF solution of the same dose following intranasal administration could significantly ameliorate spatial memory impairment. bFGF nasal spray obviously improved spatial memory impairment even at a dose half (20 μg/kg) of bFGF solution, recovered their acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase activity to the sham control level, and alleviated neuronal degeneration in rat hippocampus, indicating neuroprotective effects on the central nerve system. In a word, bFGF nasal spray may be a new formulation of great potential for treating AD.

GGF2 (Nrg1-β3) treatment enhances NG2+ cell response and improves functional recovery after spinal cord injury

The adult spinal cord contains a pool of endogenous glial precursor cells, which spontaneously respond to spinal cord injury (SCI) with increased proliferation. These include oligodendrocyte precursor cells that express the NG2 proteoglycan and can differentiate into mature oligodendrocytes. Thus, a potential approach for SCI treatment is to enhance the proliferation and differentiation of these cells to yield more functional mature glia and improve remyelination of surviving axons. We previously reported that soluble glial growth factor 2 (GGF2)- and basic fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2)-stimulated growth of NG2(+) cells purified from injured spinal cord in primary culture. This study examines the effects of systemic administration of GGF2 and/or FGF2 after standardized contusive SCI in vivo in both rat and mouse models. In Sprague-Dawley rats, 1 week of GGF2 administration, beginning 24 h after injury, enhanced NG2(+) cell proliferation, oligodendrogenesis, chronic white matter at the injury epicenter, and recovery of hind limb function. In 2',3'-cyclic-nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase-enhanced green fluorescent protein mice, GGF2 treatment resulted in increased oligodendrogenesis and improved functional recovery, as well as elevated expression of the stem cell transcription factor Sox2 by oligodendrocyte lineage cells. Although oligodendrocyte number was increased chronically after SCI in GGF2-treated mice, no evidence of increased white matter was detected. However, GGF2 treatment significantly increased levels of P0 protein-containing peripheral myelin, produced by Schwann cells that infiltrate the injured spinal cord. Our results suggest that GGF2 may have therapeutic potential for SCI by enhancing endogenous recovery processes in a clinically relevant time frame.

Neurite outgrowth promoting activity of marine algae from Japan against rat adrenal medulla pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12D

We screened for biological activity which induces neurite outgrowth in vitro from 300 species of marine algae from along the Japan coast for possible use as a treatment for the lack of neurotrophic factor which is considered to be a cause of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we evaluated the neurite outgrowth promoting activity in a rat adrenal medulla pheochromocytoma cell line, PC12D, using a low level of NGF (nerve growth factor). Although most of the samples had no activity, MeOH extract from a brown alga, Sargassum macrocarpum and PBS extract from a red alga, Jania adharens, exhibited neurite outgrowth promoting activity and induced neuron specific dendrites and axons from the surfaces of PC12D cells. The active substance present in S. macrocarpumseemed to be lipid and heat stable with molecular weight of around 500 to 1000. These results suggest that marine algae may constitute a good source for development of promising novel agents with neurotrophic activity in brain nerve systems for future use in treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

CCL2/MCP-1 modulation of microglial activation and proliferation

Background

Monocyte chemoattractant protein (CCL2/MCP-1) is a chemokine that attracts cells involved in the immune/inflammatory response. As microglia are one of the main cell types sustaining inflammation in brain, we proposed here to analyze the direct effects of MCP-1 on cultured primary microglia.

Methods

Primary microglia and neuronal cultures were obtained from neonatal and embryonic Wistar rats, respectively. Microglia were incubated with different concentrations of recombinant MCP-1 and LPS. Cell proliferation was quantified by measuring incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). Nitrite accumulation was measured using the Griess assay. The expression and synthesis of different proteins was measured by RT-PCR and ELISA. Cell death was quantified by measuring release of LDH into the culture medium.

Results

MCP-1 treatment (50 ng/ml, 24 h) did not induce morphological changes in microglial cultures. Protein and mRNA levels of different cytokines were measured, showing that MCP-1 was not able to induce proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL6, MIP-1α), either by itself or in combination with LPS. A similar lack of effect was observed when measuring inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS2) expression or accumulation of nitrites in the culture media as a different indicator of microglial activation. MCP-1 was also unable to alter the expression of different trophic factors that were reduced by LPS treatment. In order to explore the possible release of other products by microglia and their potential neurotoxicity, neurons were co-cultured with microglia: no death of neurons could be detected when treated with MCP-1. However, the presence of MCP-1 induced proliferation of microglia, an effect opposite to that observed with LPS.

Conclusion

These data indicate that, while causing migration and proliferation of microglia, MCP-1 does not appear to directly activate an inflammatory response in this cell type, and therefore, other factors may be necessary to cause the changes that result in the neuronal damage commonly observed in situations where MCP-1 levels are elevated.

Exercise-induced cognitive plasticity, implications for mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease

Lifestyle factors such as intellectual stimulation, cognitive and social engagement, nutrition, and various types of exercise appear to reduce the risk for common age-associated disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and vascular dementia. In fact, many studies have suggested that promoting physical activity can have a protective effect against cognitive deterioration later in life. Slowing or a deterioration of walking speed is associated with a poor performance in tests assessing psychomotor speed and verbal fluency in elderly individuals. Fitness training influences a wide range of cognitive processes, and the largest positive impact observed is for executive (a.k.a. frontal lobe) functions. Studies show that exercise improves additional cognitive functions such as tasks mediated by the hippocampus, and result in major changes in plasticity in the hippocampus. Interestingly, this exercise-induced plasticity is also pronounced in APOE ε4 carriers who express a risk factor for late-onset AD that may modulate the effect of treatments. Based on AD staging by Braak and Braak (1991) and Braak et al. (1993) we propose that the effects of exercise occur in two temporo-spatial continua of events. The “inward” continuum from isocortex (neocortex) to entorhinal cortex/hippocampus for amyloidosis and a reciprocal “outward” continuum for neurofibrillary alterations. The exercise-induced hypertrophy of the hippocampus at the core of these continua is evaluated in terms of potential for prevention to stave off neuronal degeneration. Exercise-induced production of growth factors such as the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been shown to enhance neurogenesis and to play a key role in positive cognitive effects. Insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) may mediate the exercise-induced response to exercise on BDNF, neurogenesis, and cognitive performance. It is also postulated to regulate brain amyloid β (Aβ) levels by increased clearance via the choroid plexus. Growth factors, specifically fibroblast growth factor and IGF-1 receptors and/or their downstream signaling pathways may interact with the Klotho gene which functions as an aging suppressor gene. Neurons may not be the only cells affected by exercise. Glia (astrocytes and microglia), neurovascular units and the Fourth Element may also be affected in a differential fashion by the AD process. Analyses of these factors, as suggested by the multi-dimensional matrix approach, are needed to improve our understanding of this complex multi-factorial process, which is increasingly relevant to conquering the escalating and intersecting world-wide epidemics of dementia, diabetes, and sarcopenia that threaten the global healthcare system. Physical activity and interventions aimed at enhancing and/or mimicking the effects of exercise are likely to play a significant role in mitigating these epidemics, together with the embryonic efforts to develop cognitive rehabilitation for neurodegenerative disorders.

A dopaminergic gene cluster in the prefrontal cortex predicts performance indicative of general intelligence in genetically heterogeneous mice

BACKGROUND

Genetically heterogeneous mice express a trait that is qualitatively and psychometrically analogous to general intelligence in humans, and as in humans, this trait co-varies with the processing efficacy of working memory (including its dependence on selective attention). Dopamine signaling in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) has been established to play a critical role in animals' performance in both working memory and selective attention tasks. Owing to this role of the PFC in the regulation of working memory, here we compared PFC gene expression profiles of 60 genetically diverse CD-1 mice that exhibited a wide range of general learning abilities (i.e., aggregate performance across five diverse learning tasks).

METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS

Animals' general cognitive abilities were first determined based on their aggregate performance across a battery of five diverse learning tasks. With a procedure designed to minimize false positive identifications, analysis of gene expression microarrays (comprised of ≈25,000 genes) identified a small number (<20) of genes that were differentially expressed across animals that exhibited fast and slow aggregate learning abilities. Of these genes, one functional cluster was identified, and this cluster (Darpp-32, Drd1a, and Rgs9) is an established modulator of dopamine signaling. Subsequent quantitative PCR found that expression of these dopaminergic genes plus one vascular gene (Nudt6) were significantly correlated with individual animal's general cognitive performance.

CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE

These results indicate that D1-mediated dopamine signaling in the PFC, possibly through its modulation of working memory, is predictive of general cognitive abilities. Furthermore, these results provide the first direct evidence of specific molecular pathways that might potentially regulate general intelligence.

YKL-40, a marker of simian immunodeficiency virus encephalitis, modulates the biological activity of basic fibroblast growth factor

Human immunodeficiency virus encephalitis causes dementia in acquired immune deficiency syndrome patients. Using proteomic analysis of postmortem cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and brain tissue from the simian immunodeficiency virus primate model, we demonstrate here a specific increase in YKL-40 that was tightly associated with lentiviral encephalitis. Longitudinal analysis of CSF from simian immunodeficiency virus-infected pigtailed macaques showed an increase in YKL-40 concentration 2 to 8 weeks before death from encephalitis. This increase in YKL-40 correlated with an increase in CSF viral load; it may therefore represent a biomarker for the development of encephalitis. Analysis of banked human CSF from human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients also demonstrated a correlation between YKL-40 concentration and CSF viral load. In vitro studies demonstrated increased YKL-40 expression and secretion by macrophages and microglia but not by neurons or astrocytes. We found that YKL40 displaced extracellular matrix-bound basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) as well as inhibited the mitogenic activity of both fibroblast growth factor receptor 1-expressing BaF3 cells and bFGF-induced axonal branching in hippocampal cultures. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that during lentiviral encephalitis, YKL-40 may interfere with the biological activity of bFGF and potentially of other heparin-binding growth factors and chemokines that can affect neuronal function or survival.

Axon growth across a lesion site along a preformed guidance pathway in the brain

Our previous studies showed that axonal outgrowth from dorsal root ganglia (DRG) transplants in the adult rat brain could be directed toward a specific target location using a preformed growth-supportive pathway. This pathway induced axon growth within the corpus callosum across the midline to the opposite hemisphere. In this study, we examined whether such pathways would also support axon growth either through or around a lesion of the corpus callosum. Pathways expressing GFP, NGF, or FGF2/NGF were set up by multiple injections of adenovirus along the corpus callosum. Each pathway included the transplantation site in the left corpus callosum, 2.8 mm away from the midline, and a target site in the right corpus callosum, 2.5 mm from the midline. At the same time, a 1 mm lesion was made through the corpus callosum at the midline in an anteroposterior direction. A group of control animals received lesions and Ad-NGF injections only at the transplant and target sites, without a bridging pathway. DRG cell suspensions from postnatal day 1 or 2 rats were injected at the transplantation site three to four days later. Two weeks after transplantation, brain sections were stained using an anti-CGRP antibody. The CGRP+ axons were counted at 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm from the lesion site in both hemispheres. Few axons grew past the lesion in animals with control pathways, but there was robust axon growth across the lesion site in the FGF2/NGF and NGF-expressing pathways. This study indicated that preformed NGF and combination guidance pathways support more axon growth past a lesion in the adult mammalian brain.

Covalently attached FGF-2 to three-dimensional polyamide nanofibrillar surfaces demonstrates enhanced biological stability and activity

Activation of fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) requires the formation of a ternary complex between fibroblast growth factors (FGFs), FGFRs, and heparan sulfate proteoglycans, which are all located on the cell surface and the basement membrane (BM)/extracellular matrix (ECM). Heparan sulfate proteoglycans appear to stabilize FGFs by inhibiting the rapid degradation of FGFs normally observed in solution. Because of the pivotal role of FGFs in proliferative and developmental pathways, a number of recent studies have attempted to engineer microenvironments to stabilize growth factors for use in applications in tissue culture and regenerative medicine. In this communication, we demonstrate that covalent linkage of FGF-2 to nanofibrillar surfaces (defined as covalently bound FGF-2) composed of a network of polyamide nanofibers resulted in the maintenance of the biological efficacy of FGF-2 when stored dry for at least 6 months at 25 degrees C or 4 degrees C. Moreover, covalently bound FGF-2 was more potent than FGF-2 in solution when measured in cellular assays of proliferation and viability using a variety of cell types. Covalently bound FGF-2 also strongly activated FGFR, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2), and c-fos. Hence cell-signaling molecules can be incorporated into a synthetic nanofibrillar surface, providing a novel means to enhance their stability and biological activity.

bFGF promotes photoreceptor cell survival in vitro by PKA-mediated inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta and CREB-dependent Bcl-2 up-regulation

Although there is substantial evidence supporting the neuroprotective efficacy of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) in the rodent retina there is no consensus to date as to the protective mechanism involved. We hypothesise that bFGF can assert its neuroprotective effects directly on mouse photoreceptors transduced via the activation of specific intracellular signalling pathways. In mouse photoreceptor-derived 661W cells, bFGF promoted a rapid inactivation of glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) by phosphorylation at Ser9. The effects of bFGF on GSK3beta were dependent on protein kinase A (PKA) activation, as inhibition of this pathway blocked inactivation. Furthermore, bFGF protection against oxidative stress was dependent on PKA inactivation of GSK3beta as PKA inhibition attenuated bFGF-induced protection. Furthermore, transfection of cells with mutant dominant negative GSK3betaS9A that cannot be phosphorylated on Ser9 also abrogated neuroprotection. Activation of the transcription factor cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB) and subsequent up-regulation of Bcl-2 in response to bFGF was also dependent on PKA as inhibition with H-89 attenuated increased pCREB levels and Bcl-2 expression. These results indicate that the protective efficacy of bFGF in mouse photoreceptors involves PKA-dependent inactivation of GSK3beta and subsequent up-regulation of Bcl-2 via CREB activation.

Fibroblast growth factor promotes the development of deep cerebellar nuclear neurons in dissociated mouse cerebellar cultures

Neurons of the deep cerebellar nuclei and excitatory cerebellar interneurons arise from the rhombic lip of the cerebellar anlage. In contrast, Purkinje cells and inhibitory interneurons arise in the neuroepithelium of the fourth ventricle. During development, the projection neurons of the cerebellar nuclei are born first (embryo age (E)9-E12 in mouse) followed closely by the Purkinje cells (E10-E13). Cerebellar interneurons arise later and differentiate postnatally. We have examined the development of cerebellar nuclear neurons in primary cultures. Embryonic cerebella from E15 to E18 pups were cultured 21 days in vitro. Three distinct classes of large neurons were identified: those expressing calbindin, typical of Purkinje cells; those expressing neurogranin (Golgi cells); and a third class expressing parvalbumin but not calbindin, consistent with the morphology of large projection neurons of the cerebellar nuclei. These neurons also express Tbr1, a specific antigenic marker of cerebellar nuclear neurons. Birthdating by using BrdU incorporation shows that the putative DCN neurons are not born in vitro. To confirm their identity the E18 cerebellum was dissected into cerebellar nuclear-containing (ventral) and -lacking (dorsal) halves, which were then dissociated and cultured separately. Only the ventral cultures produce putative cerebellar nuclear neurons. In contrast to E15-E18 cultures, dissociated E13-E14 cerebella in vitro do not yield putative cerebellar nuclear neurons. However, E14 cultures do produce them when fibroblast growth factors are added to the medium. We conclude that FGF signaling is required for the maturation of cerebellar nuclear neurons.

Cytoarchitecture of fibroblast growth factor receptor 2 (FGFR-2) immunoreactivity in astrocytes of neurogenic and non-neurogenic regions of the young adult and aged rat brain

Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) are polypeptides that exert diverse biological effects on many cell types and tissues during embryogenesis and adulthood. In the adult brain, FGF-2 is primarily expressed by astrocytes and select groups of neurons. It has been shown that FGF-2 is neuroprotective and can stimulate proliferation of NSCs in neurogenic regions of the adult mammalian brain. Cellular responses to FGFs are mediated through membrane-spanning tyrosine kinase receptors in conjunction with low affinity binding to heparin sulfate proteoglycans. Four FGF receptors (FGFR1-4) have been cloned and characterized to date. In this study, we describe the anatomical distribution of FGFR-2 in young and aged rat brains. We demonstrate that the olfactory bulb, hippocampus, and cerebellum display the most robust FGFR-2 expression and observed age-related decrease in FGFR-2 levels in some but not all brain regions. In addition, we identified astrocytes as the primary source of FGFR-2 expression using immunofluorescence confocal microscopy. The astrocyte populations in the neurogenic areas, the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the subgranular zone (SGZ) of the dentate gyrus, express high levels of FGFR-2 protein, which points to its possible involvement in neurogenesis. We also explored the role of FGFR-2 in response to perforant pathway lesion and observed enhanced FGFR-2 expression by astrocytes surrounding the lesion. Thus, FGF-2 biological effects on astrocytes appear to be mediated through FGFR-2-dependent mechanisms, and this may provide an indirect route by which FGF-2 acts on neuronal populations.

Changes in nNOS and NADPH diaphorase in frog retina and tectum after axotomy and FGF-2 application

We have shown previously that application of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) to the cut optic nerve of the frog, Rana pipiens, augments the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). In this study, we examine the effects of axotomy and FGF-2 treatment upon the distribution of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and NADPH diaphorase (NADPH-d) activity in the frog retina and tectum. We find that NOS and NADPH-d are largely absent from RGCs but present in amacrine neurons and in retinorecipient tectal layers. Axotomy alone has little effect on NOS expression or diaphorase activity, apart from slightly increasing the levels of expression in a subpopulation of amacrine cells that arborize in the On sublamina of the inner plexiform layer. FGF-2 application to the optic nerve down-regulates NOS expression and activity in the retina and up-regulates it in the tectum, particularly in retinorecipient layers. Electron microscopy of the optic nerve and neurofilament immunostaining of the tectum suggests that FGF-2 treatment increases the number of regenerating retinal axons arriving at the tectum. The effects in the retina and tectum are probably indirect, that in the retina being due to retrograde signaling from RGCs to amacrine neurons, and that in the tectum being due to re-induction of NOS expression in tectal neurons by the arrival of regenerating axons. At this stage, it appears unlikely that these changes in NOS play a role in the FGF-2's survival effect on RGCs.

FGF-2 deficiency does not alter vulnerability of the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system towards MPTP intoxication in mice

Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) was the first growth factor discovered that exerted prominent protective and regenerative effects in an animal model of Parkinson's disease, the MPTP-lesioned dopaminergic nigrostriatal system. To address the putative physiological relevance of endogenous FGF-2 for midbrain dopaminergic neurons, we have analysed densities of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-positive cells in the substantia nigra (SN) and TH-positive fibers in the striatum and amygdala of adult FGF-2-deficient mice. We found that densities of TH-immunoreactive (ir) cells in the SN as well as densities of TH-ir fibers in the striatum and amygdala were unaltered as compared with wild-type littermates. There is evidence to suggest that growth factor deficits do not become apparent unless a system is challenged in a lesioning paradigm. We therefore tested the ability of the nigrostriatal system with respect to its ability to cope with MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) intoxication. Treatment with 20 mg/kg MPTP on three consecutive days reduced dopamine levels in the striatum by about 80%. Densities of TH-positive neurons in the SN were reduced by 71%. However, both parameters did not significantly differ between FGF-2(-/-) mice and wild-type littermates. Our results therefore suggest that FGF-2, despite its prominent pharmacological potency as a neurotrophic factor for the dopaminergic nigrostriatal system, is not crucial for maintaining its structural integrity and ability to cope with MPTP intoxication.

Long-term Therapy with the Acorn Cardiac Support Device Normalizes Gene Expression of Growth Factors and Gelatinases in Dogs with Heart Failure

BACKGROUND

Passive mechanical containment of the failing left ventricle with the Acorn Cardiac Support Device (CSD) was shown to prevent progressive left ventricular dilation in dogs with heart failure and increase left ventricular ejection fraction. To examine possible mechanisms for improved cardiac function with a CSD, we examined the effect of CSD therapy on the mRNA gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP) 2 and 9, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP) 1 and 2.

METHODS

Heart failure was produced in 12 dogs by multiple sequential intracoronary microembolizations. Six dogs were implanted with the CSD and 6 served as concurrent controls. Left ventricular tissue from 6 normal dogs was used for comparison.

RESULTS

Compared with normal dogs, dogs with untreated heart failure showed downregulation of mRNA expression for VEGF and bFGF, whereas upregulation of mRNA expression for MMP-2 and MMP-9 was observed. Normalization of mRNA expression for all these genes was seen after treatment with the CSD.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that preventing left ventricular dilation and myocardial stretch with the CSD promotes normalization of growth factor and MMP gene expression. These results suggest that modulation of gene activity may, in part, contribute to the improvement of left ventricular function observed with CSD therapy.

Effect of aging on the distribution of basic fibroblast growth factor immunoreactive cells in the rat hippocampus

Hippocampal formation is extremely sensitive to the aging process and appears to be one of the first regions to show structural and physiological changes with advancing age. Basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) plays an important role in the stimulation of mitogenesis in glial cells, the support of neuronal survival and the promotion of neurite outgrowth in vitro. In the present study, the effect of aging on the distribution of bFGF immunoreactive (bFGF-ir) cells was investigated. The protein product of bFGF was visualized immunohistochemically in the dorsal hippocampus of Wistar albino rats. bFGF-ir astrocytes in different subfields of hippocampus and neurons in CA2 field were quantified to determine whether changes in immunoreactivity were correlated with advancing age. Aging was accompanied by a decrease in bFGF-ir cell density in subfields of hippocampus. We concluded that aging was associated with a reduction in bFGF-ir cell density that may reflect a decreased expression of bFGF in the rat hippocampus.

Signalling crosstalk in FGF2-mediated protection of endothelial cells from HIV-gp120

Background

The blood brain barrier (BBB) is the first line of defence of the central nervous system (CNS) against circulating pathogens, such as HIV. The cytotoxic HIV protein, gp120, damages endothelial cells of the BBB, thereby compromising its integrity, which may lead to migration of HIV-infected cells into the brain. Fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), produced primarily by astrocytes, promotes endothelial cell fitness and angiogenesis. We hypothesized that treatment of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) with FGF2 would protect the cells from gp120-mediated toxicity via endothelial cell survival signalling.

Results

Exposure of HUVEC to gp120 resulted in dose- and time-dependent cell death; whereas, pre-treatment of endothelial cells with FGF2 protected cells from gp120 angiotoxicity. Treatment of HUVEC with FGF2 resulted in dose- and time-dependent activation of the extracellular regulated kinase (ERK), with moderate effects on phosphoinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (PKB), also known as AKT, but no effects on glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3β) activity. Using pharmacological approaches, gene transfer and kinase activity assays, we show that FGF2-mediated angioprotection against gp120 toxicity is regulated by crosstalk among the ERK, PI3K-AKT and PKC signalling pathways.

Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that FGF2 may play a significant role in maintaining the integrity of the BBB during the progress of HIV associated cerebral endothelial cell damage.