Cyclic AMP concentrations in rat neocortex and hippocampus during and following incomplete ischemia: effects of central noradrenergic neurons, prostaglandins, and adenosine

Neuroprotective effect of meglumine cyclic adenylate against ischemia/reperfusion injury via STAT3-Ser727 phosphorylation

OBJECTIVES

Ischemia/reperfusion can induce neuronal apoptosis in the brain and lead to function deficits. The activation of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase (PKA) is neuroprotective against transient cerebral ischemia. The neuroprotective mechanisms of PKA mainly involve the regulation of gene transcription via the PKA/CREB pathway. The present study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of meglumine cyclic adenylate, an activator of PKA, under a rat model of global cerebral ischemia/reperfusion and to reveal the underlying mechanism involving signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3)-Ser727 phosphorylation and mitochondrion modulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were subjected to 15 min global cerebral ischemia, and meglumine cyclic adenylate was treated through tail intravenous injection 30 min before ischemia. Cresyl violet staining was used to evaluate neuron injury at 5 d of reperfusion. Western blotting was used to detect p-Ser⁷²⁷-STAT3, total STAT3, cytochrome c (Cyt c) and active caspase-3 in the tissues of hippocampal CA1 region at 6 h of reperfusion. STAT3-S727A was overexpressed in HT22 cells to reveal the significance of STAT3-Ser727 phosphorylation in the neuroprotective effect of meglumine cyclic adenylate.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with meglumine cyclic adenylate not only significantly ameliorated neuron loss in CA1 region after global cerebral ischemia but also enhanced STAT3-Ser727 phosphorylation, increased mitochondrial STAT3, and decreased cytosolic Cyt c and active caspase-3. Overexpression of STAT3-S727A in HT22 cells eliminated meglumine cyclic adenylate-induced increase of p-Ser⁷²⁷-STAT3, mitochondrial STAT3, cytosolic Cyt c and active caspase-3.

CONCLUSION

Meglumine cyclic adenylate protects neurons against ischemia/reperfusion injury via promoting p-Ser⁷²⁷-STAT3-associated mitochondrion modulation and inhibiting apoptosis pathway.

Activation of protein kinase A and C prevents recovery from persistent depolarization produced by oxygen and glucose deprivation in rat hippocampal neurons

Intracellular recordings were made from rat hippocampal CA1 neurons in rat brain slice preparations to investigate whether cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) and calcium/phospholipid-dependent protein kinase C (PKC) contribute to the membrane dysfunction induced by oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). Superfusion of oxygen- and glucose-deprived medium produced a rapid depolarization ∼5 min after the onset of the superfusion. When oxygen and glucose were reintroduced immediately after the rapid depolarization, the membrane depolarized further (persistent depolarization) and reached 0 mV after 5 min from the reintroduction. The pretreatment of the slice preparation with PKA inhibitors, H-89 and Rp-cAMPS, and an adenylate cyclase inhibitor, SQ 22, 536, significantly restored the membrane toward the preexposure potential level after the reintroduction of oxygen and glucose in a concentration-dependent manner. On the other hand, a phospholipase C inhibitor, U73122, a PKC inhibitor, GF109203X, and a nonselective protein kinase inhibitor, staurosporine, also significantly restored the membrane after the reintroduction. Moreover, an inositol-1,4,5-triphosphate receptor antagonist, 2-aminoethyl diphenylborinate, and calmodulin inhibitors, trifluoperazine and W-7, significantly restored the membrane after the reintroduction, while neither an α-subunit-selective antagonist for stimulatory G protein, NF449, a Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent kinase II inhibitor, KN-62, nor a myosin light chain kinase inhibitor, ML-7, significantly restored the membrane after the reintroduction. These results suggest that the activation of PKA and/or PKC prevents the recovery from the persistent depolarization produced by OGD. The Ca(2+)/calmodulin-stimulated adenylate cyclase may contribute to the activation of PKA.

Serotonin 5-hT1A receptor activation prevents phosphorylation of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit in cerebral ischemia

The mechanisms involved in the neuroprotective effect of serotonin 5-HT1A receptor agonists on brain damage induced by ischemia remain to be fully elucidated. Given that serotonergic drugs may regulate N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function, which is implicated in events leading to ischemia-induced neuronal cell death, this study sought to determine the effects of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), on the levels of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit in gerbil hippocampus after transient global cerebral ischemia. Pretreatment with 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg) prevented the neuronal loss in CA1 subfield 72 h after ischemia. NMDA receptor NR1 levels in whole hippocampus were not affected 24 h after ischemia, but the levels of the subunit phosphorylated at the protein kinase A (PKA) site, pNR1(Ser897), were significantly increased, and this increase was prevented by the same 8-OH-DPAT dose, a probable consequence of the increased phosphatase 1 (PP1) enzyme activity found in ischemic gerbils pretreated with the 5-HT1A receptor agonist. The results suggest that NR1 subunit phosphorylation plays a role in the neuroprotective effect of 8-OH-DPAT on cell damage induced by global cerebral ischemia in the gerbil hippocampus and support the potential interest of 5-HT1A receptor activation in the search for neuroprotective strategies.

Neuroprotective effects of serotonin 5-HT 1A receptor activation against ischemic cell damage in gerbil hippocampus: Involvement of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit and BDNF

It is known that the activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor type 1A (5HT(1A) receptor) may protect against brain damage induced by transient global ischemia. The biochemical mechanisms that underlie this neuroprotective effect remain however to be fully elucidated. Given that serotonergic drugs may regulate N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function, which is implicated in events leading to ischemia-induced neuronal cell death, and also stimulate the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is down-regulated in cerebral ischemia, we sought to determine the effects of the selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), on the levels of NMDA receptor NR1 subunit and BDNF in gerbil hippocampus after transient global cerebral ischemia. Pretreatment with 8-OH-DPAT (1 mg/kg) prevented the neuronal loss in CA1 subfield 72 h after ischemia and also the dramatic decrease in BDNF immunoreactivity observed in this area at an earlier time. NMDA receptor NR1 levels in whole hippocampus were not affected 24 h after ischemia, but the levels of the subunit phosphorylated at the protein kinase A (PKA) site, pNR1(Ser897), were significantly increased, and this increase was prevented by the same 8-OH-DPAT dose, a probable consequence of the increased phosphatase 1 (PP1) enzyme activity found in ischemic gerbils pretreated with the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist. The results indicate that both NR1 subunit phosphorylation and the neurotrophin BDNF account, at least in part, for the neuroprotective effect of 8-OH-DPAT on cell damage induced by global ischemia in the gerbil hippocampus and support the potential interest of 5-HT1A receptor activation in the search for neuroprotective strategies.

Locus ceruleus control of slow-wave homeostasis

Sleep intensity is regulated by the duration of previous wakefulness, suggesting that waking results in the progressive accumulation of sleep need (Borbely and Achermann, 2000). In mammals, sleep intensity is reflected by slow-wave activity (SWA) in the nonrapid eye movement (NREM) sleep electroencephalogram, which increases in proportion to the time spent awake. However, the mechanisms responsible for the increase of NREM SWA after wakefulness remain unclear. According to a recent hypothesis (Tononi and Cirelli, 2003), the increase in SWA occurs because during wakefulness, many cortical circuits undergo synaptic potentiation, as evidenced by the widespread induction of long-term potentiation (LTP)-related genes in the brain of awake animals. A direct prediction of this hypothesis is that manipulations interfering with the induction of LTP-related genes should result in a blunted SWA response. Here, we examined SWA response in rats in which cortical norepinephrine (NA) was depleted, a manipulation that greatly reduces the induction of LTP-related genes during wakefulness (Cirelli and Tononi, 2004). We found that the homeostatic response of the lower-range SWA was markedly and specifically reduced after NA depletion. These data suggest that the wake-dependent accumulation of sleep need is causally related to cellular changes dependent on NA release, such as the induction of LTP-related genes, and support the hypothesis that sleep SWA homeostasis may be related to synaptic potentiation during wakefulness.

Cannabinoid CB1 receptor activation does not prevent the toxicity of glutamate towards embryonic chick telencephalon primary cultures

Cannabinoids, as a result of their ability to activate cannabinoid CB1 receptors, have been shown to possess neuroprotective properties in vivo. In vitro studies into neuroprotective effects mediated by CB1 receptors have in general used primary neuronal cultures derived from embryonic rodents. In the present study, we have investigated whether embryonic chick telencephalon primary cultures in serum-free medium are a useful alternative for such in vitro studies. The CB agonist CP 55940 reduced the cAMP response to 5 microM forskolin by 40 and 50% at concentrations of 3 nM and 30 nM, respectively. This reduction was blocked by the CB1 receptor antagonist AM251, indicating the presence of functional CB1 receptors in the cultures. Incubation of the cultures with glutamate (100 microM or 1 mM) for 1 h followed by medium change and incubation for 24 h produced a release of the cytoplasmic enzyme lactate dehydrogenase into the medium. This release was prevented by MK-801 confirming the central role of NMDA receptors in the glutamate toxicity. However, 3-30 nM CP 55940 did not produce any neuroprotection in this model regardless as to whether dibutyryl cyclic AMP was added to the culture medium. The endocannabinoid anandamide was also without effect when added either per se or together with the related N-acyl ethanolamines palmitoylethanolamide, oleoylethanolamide and stearoylethanolamide (at relative concentrations matching those seen in rat brain after excitotoxic insult). It is concluded that embryonic chick neurons in primary serum-free culture are not a useful model for the study of neuroprotective effects mediated by CB1 receptors in vitro.

Plant-derived, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids as neuroprotective agents. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids, 'entourage' compounds and inhibitors of N-acyl ethanolamine breakdown as therapeutic strategies to avoid pyschotropic effects

There is good evidence that plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids possess neuroprotective properties. These compounds, as a result of effects upon CB(1) cannabinoid receptors, reduce the release of glutamate, and in addition reduce the influx of calcium following NMDA receptor activation. The major obstacle to the therapeutic utilization of such compounds are their psychotropic effects, which are also brought about by actions on CB(1) receptors. However, synthesis of the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, which also have neuroprotective properties, are increased under conditions of severe inflammation and ischemia, raising the possibility that compounds that prevent their metabolism may be of therapeutic utility without having the drawback of producing psychotropic effects. In this review, the evidence indicating neuroprotective actions of plant-derived, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids is presented. In addition, the pharmacological properties of endogenous anandamide-related compounds that are not active upon cannabinoid receptors, but which are also produced during conditions of severe inflammation and ischemia and may contribute to a neuroprotective action are reviewed.

Impairment of adenylyl cyclase and of spatial memory function after microsphere embolism in rats

The purpose of the present study was to characterize alterations in the adenylyl cyclase (AC), cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP), and spatial memory function after sustained cerebral ischemia. Sustained cerebral ischemia was induced by injection of 900 microspheres (48 microm in diameter) into the right (ipsilateral) hemisphere of rats. Alterations in the AC and cAMP in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus were examined up to 7 days after the embolism. A decrease in the cAMP content was seen in the ipsilateral hemisphere throughout the experiment. Microsphere embolism (ME) decreased the activity of Ca(2+)/calmodulin (CaM)-sensitive AC in the ipsilateral hemisphere throughout the experiment, whereas the basal and 5'-guanylyl imidodiphosphate (Gpp(NH)p)-sensitive AC activities were not altered. Immunoblotting analysis of AC subtypes with specific antibodies showed a decrease in the immunoreactivity of AC-I in the ipsilateral hemisphere during these periods. No significant differences in the immunoreactivity of AC-V/VI and AC-VIII were observed after ME. The levels of GTP-binding proteins Galpha(s), Galpha(i), and Gbetawere unchanged. Furthermore, microsphere-embolized rats showed prolongation of the escape latency in the water maze task determined on the seventh to ninth day after the operation. These results suggest that sustained cerebral ischemia may induce the impairment of the AC, particularly a selective reduction in the AC-I level and activity, coupled with the decrease in cAMP content. This reduction may play an appreciable role in the disturbance in cAMP-mediated signal transduction system, possibly leading to learning and memory dysfunction.

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

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

Increased phosphorylation of the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor following cerebral ischemia

The effects of transient cerebral ischemia on phosphorylation of the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor by protein kinase C (PKC) and protein kinase A (PKA) were investigated. Adult rats received 15 min of cerebral ischemia followed by various times of recovery. Phosphorylation was examined by immunoblotting hippocampal homogenates with antibodies that recognized NR1 phosphorylated on the PKC phosphorylation sites Ser890 and Ser896, the PKA phosphorylation site Ser897, or dually phosphorylated on Ser896 and Ser897. The phosphorylation of all sites examined increased following ischemia. The increase in phosphorylation by PKC was greater than by PKA. The ischemia-induced increase in phosphorylation was predominantly associated with the population of NR1 that was insoluble in 1% deoxycholate. Enhanced phosphorylation of NR1 by PKC and PKA may contribute to alterations in NMDA receptor function in the postischemic brain.

Cannabinoid receptor activation and elevated cyclic AMP reduce glutamate neurotoxicity

Cannabinoid receptor activation in vivo reduces ischemic injury, a phenomenon that has not been successfully reproduced in vitro. Because cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) levels are radically elevated during ischemic reperfusion, but cannabinoid receptor activation reduces cAMP levels, we hypothesized that cannabinoids might prevent in vitro glutamate toxicity if reperfusion was simulated by cAMP supplementation after glutamate removal. Although neuronal cultures were unaffected by the single addition of either cannabinoid or dibutyryl cAMP (dbcAMP), glutamate toxicity was reduced by 20% when cannabinoid was present during glutamate exposure and either dbcAMP or forskolin was added after glutamate removal. Further studies revealed that cannabinoid receptor activation reduces glutamate toxicity by attenuating calcium influx through N- and P/Q-type calcium channels. The effect of glutamate exposure on neuronal cAMP levels was also examined. Glutamate exposure significantly reduced neuronal cAMP levels, although suppression was even greater when cannabinoid was present. Because neurological outcome after ischemia is poor when cAMP levels during reperfusion are low, it is hypothesized that cAMP elevation after glutamate exposure may offset excitotoxic and/or cannabinoid receptor-induced cAMP depletion. Cannabinoids protect against ischemic injury in vivo, but only reduce toxicity in vitro when cAMP levels are elevated, possibly suggesting that cAMP elevation during reperfusion reduces brain injury by off-setting the effect of Gi/o protein-coupled systems on adenylate cyclase.

Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury: a novel therapeutic approach with TAK-218

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the potential neuroprotective effect of TAK-218 in an in vivo rat focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion model. TAK-218 is a novel compound with multiple antiischemic properties, including suppression of aberrant dopamine release, modulation of sodium channels, and inhibition of lipid peroxidation. The study was a blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study of TAK-218 in a three-vessel focal ischemic rat model. A total of 22 rats were randomly assigned to the treatment or placebo group. Animals were injected intrapertoneally with either a 2 mg/kg dose of drug or saline at 2 hours after reperfusion. Infarction volume was measured with use of 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride. Total adjusted infarction volume in treated animals decreased by 10%. With use of a statistical analysis requiring 80% power with a 20% reduction desired effect, there was no statistically significant difference in the end-point of infarction volume between drug and placebo treatment groups. In light of the proven efficacy of thrombolytic therapy for acute stroke, it is now desirable to test neuroprotective agents during the 3-hour therapeutic window after ischemia. Further research is necessary to discern if a therapeutic agent with multiple antiischemic properties may provide a more robust neuroprotective effect than an agent with a single neuroprotective action.

Enhanced recovery of brain electrical activity by adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate following complete global cerebral ischemia in dogs

OBJECTIVE

To test the hypothesis that adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) or dibutyl-cAMP (a more lipid-soluble, less rapidly metabolized analog of cAMP) would improve recovery of cerebral electrical activity and metabolic function after transient global cerebral ischemia by improving cerebral blood flow during the reperfusion period.

DESIGN

Randomized, controlled, prospective study.

SETTING

University research laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Twenty-five male beagle dogs.

INTERVENTIONS

Nine control dogs received saline (20-mL/kg bolus and 0.01 mL/kg/min) intravenously, beginning 25 mins before 12 mins of cerebral global ischemia (by aortic occlusion). The dogs in the experimental groups received either cAMP (40 mg/kg 25 mins before ischemia and 0.2 mg/kg/min throughout reperfusion, n = 7), or dibutyl-cAMP (6 mg/kg 25 mins before ischemia and 3 mg/kg at 60, 90, and 120 mins of reperfusion, n = 9).

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Total and regional cerebral blood flow, cerebral oxygen consumption, and somatosensory evoked potentials were measured during 180 mins of reperfusion. Pretreatment with dibutyl-cAMP resulted in increased postischemic hyperemia at 30 mins of reperfusion (e.g., whole brain: control 40 +/- 6; cAMP 56 +/- 9; dibutyl-cAMP 67 +/- 10 mL/min/100 g [mean +/- SEM, p < .05 control vs. dibutyl-cAMP group]) but no difference in total cerebral blood flow or oxygen consumption during later points of reperfusion. All groups demonstrated rapid ablation of the amplitude of somatosensory evoked potentials during ischemia, with no difference between the groups. At 180 mins of reperfusion, somatosensory evoked potentials recovered to 28 +/- 4% of the preischemic baseline value in dogs treated with saline, whereas the somatosensory evoked potentials recovered to 58 +/- 4% of preischemic baseline value in the cAMP-pretreated group (p < .05), and to 70 +/- 6% of preischemic baseline value in dogs treated with dibutyl-cAMP (p < .05).

CONCLUSIONS

cAMP and dibutyl-cAMP improve recovery of cerebral electrical function after complete transient global cerebral ischemia. Although hyperemia was more prolonged in cAMP- and dibutyl-cAMP-treated dogs, there was no difference between groups in degree of postischemic delayed hypoperfusion. Therefore, we believe that the mechanism for cerebral protection afforded by cAMP and dibutyl-cAMP is not related to cerebral circulatory effects.

Regional concentrations of cyclic nucleotides after experimental brain injury

Regional concentrations of lactate, glucose, cAMP, and cGMP were measured after lateral fluid percussion brain injury in rats. At 5 min after injury, while tissue concentrations of lactate were elevated in the cortices and hippocampi of both the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres, those of glucose were decreased in these brain regions. By 20 min after injury, increases of lactate concentrations and decreases of glucose concentrations were observed only in the cortices and in the hippocampus of the ipsilateral hemisphere. Whereas the cAMP concentrations were unchanged in the cortices and hippocampi of the ipsilateral and contralateral hemispheres at 5 min after injury, decreases were found in the injured cortex and ipsilateral hippocampus at 20 min after injury. The tissue concentrations of cGMP were found to be elevated only in the ipsilateral hippocampus at 5 min after injury. The present observation that tissue glucose decreases in the injured cortex and the ipsilateral hippocampus are consistent with the published findings of increased hyperglycolysis and oxidative metabolism in brain immediately after injury. The present findings that the concentrations of cAMP and cGMP change in the cortex and hippocampus provide biochemical evidence for the neurotransmitter's surge after brain injury.

Biphasic expression of the fos and jun families of transcription factors following transient forebrain ischaemia in the rat. Effect of hypothermia

Transient global ischaemia induces the expression of immediate early genes. Using in situ hybridization, the expression of c-fos, fosB, fra-1, fra-2, c-jun and junB was studied after 15 min of normothermic and hypothermic (33 degrees C) transient forebrain ischaemia in the rat, induced by common carotid occlusion combined with systemic hypotension. Two phases of induction of the immediate early genes were observed. The early phase, peaking at 1-2 h of reperfusion, was dominated by marked expression in the dentate gyrus. The second phase, with maximal expression at 12-36 h of reperfusion, was observed particularly in the vulnerable CA1 and CA3 regions. Hypothermia increased the early induction of one of the genes studied, signifying a differential effect of hypothermia upon the signal transduction mechanisms activating these genes. The late induction occurred earlier after hypothermic than after normothermic ischaemia. The early expression of immediate early genes is due to the rapid activation of cytosolic response elements caused by the ischaemic insult. We suggest that the late induction is a stress signal for activation of repair processes, analogous to the cellular response seen after UV light-induced DNA damage. The relatively fast induction of the immediate early genes following hypothermic ischaemia may reflect a faster resumption of normal intracellular signalling, enhancing neuronal recovery.

Alterations in cyclic AMP generation and G protein subunits following transient ischemia in gerbil hippocampus

We examined alterations in the cyclic AMP generating system and G protein subunits in gerbil hippocampus following 10 min of transient ischemia. In hippocampal slices, basal and isoproterenol- and forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP accumulations were markedly increased at 6 and 24 h after ischemia. Interestingly, both the inhibition of forskolin-stimulated cyclic AMP and the potentiation of beta-adrenoceptor-stimulated cyclic AMP by a gamma-aminobutyric acidB receptor agonist were attenuated at these time points. Ischemia did not affect the immunolabeling of any of the G protein alpha subunits; only that of beta subunits was significantly decreased, by 28.2%, 4 days after ischemia. In contrast, pertussis toxin-catalyzed [32P]ADP ribosylation declined progressively during the late recirculation period, reaching a significant reduction (25.4%) at 6 h after ischemia. These results suggest that ischemia affects the heterotrimeric conformation (alpha beta gamma) of Gi/Go during the recirculation period, thereby leading to increased cyclic AMP production. Because cyclic AMP-dependent protein kinase A modulates the alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-kainate receptor channels, postischemic sensitization of the cyclic AMP generating system may contribute to neuronal degeneration in the hippocampus.

Effects of flunarizine on neurological recovery and spinal cord blood flow in experimental spinal cord ischemia in rabbits

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

The lipophilic calcium channel antagonist flunarizine has been demonstrated to be neuroprotective in several models of cerebral ischemia. Ischemic spinal cord injury may have a similar pathophysiology and hence may respond in a similar fashion. This study was designed to investigate the effects of pretreatment with flunarizine on systemic hemodynamics, spinal cord blood flow, and neurological recovery in a rabbit model of ischemic spinal cord injury.

METHODS

New Zealand White rabbits were anesthetized with ketamine and xylazine and instrumented for systemic blood pressure monitoring and spinal cord blood flow measurements using the microsphere method. After pretreatment with flunarizine or vehicle, ischemic spinal cord injury was created selectively in the caudal regions of the spinal cord by cross-clamping the abdominal aorta for a period of 25 minutes. Spinal cord blood flow was measured before, during, and 15 minutes after cross-clamp removal. Animals were allowed to recover and were graded neurologically at 18 and 24 hours after ischemia.

RESULTS

Flunarizine injection was associated with hypotension that was both transient and dose related. Animals pretreated with flunarizine 0.4 mg/kg had significantly improved neurological recovery scores at 18 hours after ischemia (P = .017) compared with vehicle controls. At 24 hours this effect was lessened (P = .095); however, 60% of flunarizine-treated animals retained their ability to hop, whereas all of the vehicle-treated animals were nonambulatory.

CONCLUSIONS

Flunarizine has a protective effect on neurological recovery after experimental ischemic spinal cord injury. The therapeutic window is narrow, and dosing is limited by untoward hypotension. The mechanism of protection likely involves inhibition of pathological cytosolic calcium accumulation rather than a direct effect on vascular smooth muscle.

Coupling of adenosine receptors to adenylate cyclase in postischemic rat brain

The potential usefulness of adenosine receptor stimulation in the therapy for ischemic brain disease is dependent upon retention of adenosine receptors and their transduction mechanisms after ischemia. The receptors most clearly associated with adenosine-dependent cerebral inhibition are the A1-type (A1-AR), which work via a Gi protein to inhibit adenylate cyclase. In brain membranes from rats recovering at various times after 15 min of complete cardiac arrest-induced ischemia, the levels of A1-AR decreased temporarily to 60% of the control values. However, agonist affinities for A1-AR, as well as guanine nucleotide-sensitive high-affinity binding, remain unchanged. The significant decrease of agonist affinities to A1-AR produced by calcium depletion in control membranes was markedly attenuated after ischemia. Moreover, the A1-AR agonist-induced inhibition of cAMP production parallels the decrease in these receptor numbers. It was blocked in the postischemic membranes but reverts to control levels upon extending the recovery period to one week after the insult. It is concluded that in addition to the lowering of the number of A1-AR binding sites, the coupling of A1 receptor activation to adenylate cyclase response is inhibited after ischemia, but not at the level of receptor-Gi protein interaction.

Ischemia-induced changes in extracellular levels of striatal cyclic AMP: role of dopamine neurotransmission

Dopamine has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of ischemic neuronal damage in the striatum. This detrimental effect of dopamine may involve activation of second messenger systems, such as the cyclic AMP (cAMP) cascade, which may enhance the susceptibility of striatal neurons to ischemia. In the present study, we have evaluated the relationship between ischemia-induced changes in cAMP and dopamine neurotransmission. Microdialysis probes were implanted in both striata, and a D1 antagonist (SCH-23390, 100 microM) was administered through one probe and modified Ringer's solution through the other. After a stabilization period, rats (n = 6) were subjected to 20 min of ischemia by two-vessel occlusion plus hypotension. Extracellular samples were collected from both striata, before, during, and after ischemia, and analyzed for cAMP by radioimmunoassay. Ischemia induced a significant increase in extracellular cAMP (means +/- SE, fmol/microliter; baseline: 4.35 +/- 1.1, ischemia: 12.2 +/- 1.98), which was also observed at 4 h of recirculation (mean level of 8.45 +/- 1.14). Treatment with the D1 antagonist significantly inhibited the rise in extracellular cAMP during ischemia and recirculation. These results indicate that an ischemia-induced surge in dopamine and activation of D1 receptors are involved in the generation of cAMP during ischemia and recirculation. Because activation of the adenylate cyclase cascade may modulate the effects of glutamate, generation of cAMP through this pathway may play a role in facilitating the injurious effects of dopamine during ischemia.

Postreceptor modulation of cAMP accumulation in rat brain particulate fraction after ischemia— Involvement of protein kinase C

The brain cyclic AMP generation was studied in rats subjected to 15 min of cardiac arrest. We have used a particulate, synaptoneurosomal fraction to demonstrate the effect of ischemia in vivo on the responsiveness of adenylate cyclase (AC) system. It has been shown that, although there is a slight decrease in AC activity after ischemia, the in vitro fractions produce more cAMP in response to a variety of stimuli, suggesting an indirect, nonadenylate cyclase activation mechanism. For elucidation of this mechanism we have probed phorbol-12,13-dibutyrate (PDBu) as a direct PKC activator, forskolin to activate the catalytic subunit of AC, and cholera toxin (CT) for stabilizing the active, GTP-bound form of stimulatory guanine nucleotide binding protein (Gs). All these postreceptor AC modulators as well as the receptor activators such as adenosine and alpha 1-adrenergic agonists markedly enhanced cAMP production in the rat brain particulate fraction, although the postischemic hyperactive response to these stimuli was still present. However, when AC was stimulated by the combination of CT and PDBu, cAMP responses were identical in both control and postischemic fractions. The data, taken together, support the hypothesis that ischemia increases cAMP accumulation by facilitating the postreceptor AC activation through a PKC-involving pathway and by promoting the stronger coupling of membrane AC receptors with G-protein. Protein kinase C (PKC) activity during cerebral ischemia was also investigated. In contradistinction to our expectation PKC decreased significantly in the ischemic brain to 85% of the control activity in the cytosol and 72% in the membranes. However, in the incubated post-ischemic brain particulate fraction a relative increase in the membrane-bound form of the enzyme, from 30% for control to 53% for ischemia, was observed. This may suggest that ischemia-induced membrane changes could promote the enzyme translocation/activation during recovery, resulting in the sensitization of cAMP producing system.

Ultrastructural changes in the hippocampal CA1 region following transient cerebral ischemia: evidence against programmed cell death

The ultrastructural changes in the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 region of the hippocampus were studied 6 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h following a transient 10 min period of cerebral ischemia induced by common carotid occlusion combined with hypotension. The pyramidal neurons showed delayed neuronal death (DND), i.e. at 24 h and 48 h postischemia few structural alterations were noted in the light microscope, while at 72 h extensive neuronal degeneration was apparent. The most prominent early ultrastructural changes were polysome disaggregation, and the appearance of electron-dense fluffy dark material associated with tubular saccules. Mitochondria and nuclear elements appeared intact until frank neuronal degeneration. The dark material accumulated with extended periods of recirculation in soma and in the main trunks of proximal dendrites, often beneath the plasma membrane, less frequently in the distal dendrites and seldom in spines. Protein synthesis inhibitors (anisomycin, cycloheximide) and an RNA synthesis inhibitor (actinomycin D), administered by intrahippocampal injections or subcutaneously, did not mitigate neuronal damage. Therefore, DND is probably not apoptosis or a form of programmed cell death. We propose that the dark material accumulating in the postischemic period represents protein complexes, possibly aggregates of proteins or internalized plasma membrane fragments, which may disrupt vital cellular structure and functions, leading to cell death.

Fasting prior to transient cerebral ischemia reduces delayed neuronal necrosis

A transient brain ischemia of 30-min duration was induced by the four-vessel occlusion technique in normally fed and in 48-hr-fasted rats. Evaluation of brain damage 72 hr after ischemia showed that fasting reduced neuronal necrosis in the striatum, the neocortex, and the lateral part of the CA1 sector of hippocampus. Signs of status spongiosis in the pars reticulata of the substantia nigra were seen in 75% of fed rats and in only 19% of fasted rats. The protective effect was associated with reduction in mortality and in postischemic seizure incidence. The metabolic changes induced by fasting were evaluated before and during ischemia. After 30 min of four-vessel occlusion, fasted rats showed a marked decrease in brain lactate level (14.7 vs 22.5 mumol/g in fed rats; P less than 0.001). The decrease in brain lactate concentration might explain the beneficial effect of fasting by minimizing the neuropathological consequences of lactic acidosis. Several factors may account for lower lactate production during ischemia in fasted rats: hypoglycemia, reduction in preischemic stores of glucose and glycogen, or increased utilization of ketone bodies aiming at reducing the glycolytic rate.

Effect of cerebral ischemia on synaptosomal uptake and release of 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine in adult and young Mongolian gerbils

Cerebral ischemia induced by bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (15 min) with and without release (1 hr) served as a model for comparative regional studies of synaptosomal 3H-5-hydroxytryptamine (3H-5-HT) uptake and release in adult and young gerbils. A decreased uptake and an increased release of 5-HT was observed in the adult after ischemia alone and/or ischemia with reflow. At the same time, 5-HT uptake was not affected except in the cortex and the release was reduced in the young. These findings indicate that the same ischemic insults affect differently the synaptosomal uptake and/or release of 5-HT in adult and young brain.

Noradrenaline metabolism in neocortex and hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia in rats: relation to development of selective neuronal necrosis

Noradrenaline (NA) metabolism in the neocortex and hippocampus was examined in rats at 1, 24, and 48 h following 15 min of reversible forebrain ischemia. As assessed by the ratio of accumulated 3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine (DOPA) to the tissue NA level after inhibition of DOPA decarboxylase, the NA turnover rates were markedly increased (120-148% above the control) at 1 h postischemia in both the neocortex and hippocampal formation (CA1 and CA3 plus dentate gyrus). The DOPA:NA ratio went back to control levels after longer postischemic survival times. The ratio between levels of the deaminated NA metabolite, 3,4-dihydroxyphenylethyleneglycol (DOPEG), and NA, which gives another measure of NA turnover rate, showed similar changes. In the neocortex and the CA3 plus dentate gyrus, the DOPEG:NA ratio was markedly increased (89-118%) 1 h after the ischemia, but this change had disappeared at 24 and 48 h. Thus, both the DOPA accumulation experiments and the NA and DOPEG measurements indicate that following transient forebrain ischemia, there is an increased NA turnover in the hippocampus and cortex only in the early recirculation period and not after longer postischemic survival times. The degree of neuronal necrosis in the CA1 region was examined light microscopically on celestine blue-acid fuchsin-stained sections at 24, 48, and 96 h following the ischemic insult. The neuronal damage in CA1 was sparse after 24 h of recovery, had increased markedly after 48 h, and was very pronounced at 96 h.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Regulation of glycogen in the dentate gyrus of the in vitro guinea pig hippocampus; effect of combined deprivation of glucose and oxygen

Mammalian brain glycogen is adequate to support oxidative metabolism for several minutes. The present studies were done primarily to develop the guinea pig hippocampal slice as a model for studying the function and regulation of that glycogen. Slice glycogen falls to 6 nmol/mg dry wt. during the first hour of incubation at 36 degrees C but during the next 3 h recovers to 20 nmol/mg dry wt., similar to in situ values. Glycogen concentration in the dentate gyrus molecular layer is double its value in the whole hippocampal slice, suggesting its distribution is related to metabolic demand. When both glucose and oxygen are removed from the medium, glycogen and ATP fall to 50% within 6 min. The glycogen fall is unaffected by prolonged calcium depletion or by 3-isobutyl 1-methylxanthine, an adenosine antagonist. It is markedly slowed by preincubating the slice with creatine, which also slows the fall in ATP. It is concluded that ATP breakdown and subsequent increased 5'-AMP is activating glycogen mobilization in this in vitro model of ischemia.

Cerebral ischemia: changes in monoamines are independent of energy metabolism

The relationship of neurotransmitters and neuroeffectors to the energy state of the brain was examined in the gerbil model of ischemia after 5 and 15 min of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion only or with 1 hr of reperfusion. The gerbil brains were fixed by microwave irradiation and a total of 15 metabolites were measured from a single piece of tissue from either the hippocampus or the striatum. The rapid alterations in energy-related compounds and cyclic nucleotides appeared to be directly related both to the loss of oxygen and glucose during ischemia and the resupply of these nutrients during reflow. Significant reduction in the level of monoamines occurred principally during reflow, at a time when the energy-related metabolites were restored. It is proposed that the changes in monoamines were triggered by other ischemic-induced events unrelated to energy depletion.

Coordinate interactions of cyclic nucleotide and phospholipid metabolizing pathways in calcium-dependent cellular processes

It is hoped that his review enables the reader to appreciate the complexities implicit in the interactions among Ca2+, cyclic nucleotides, and phospholipid-metabolizing pathways in cell signal transduction. The interactions are varied and intricate, often involving several levels of cell amplification mechanisms. Upsetting the balance of fatty acids in membrane phospholipids can have detrimental effects on adenylate cyclase. Thus, n - 3 fatty acid enrichment of phospholipids suppresses adenylate cyclase activity. The effects of significant alterations in dietary fatty acids, such as might occur with the current vogue for n - 3 eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid (fish oil) dietary enrichment regimens, will need to be assessed more fully with regard to stimulus-induced changes in cyclic nucleotide production in various tissues. Since the n - 3 fatty acids have not been demonstrated to affect guanylate cyclase activity, dietary changes in certain of these fatty acids would not be expected to contribute to changes in cGMP generation as much as in cAMP production. Moreover, the ingestion of large quantities of these n - 3 fatty acids can alter the profile of cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase products produced in cells. According to the paradigm developed in this article, changes in the metabolism of fatty acids are amplified by alterations in cyclic nucleotide production and phospholipase activities, with the eventual physiological impact predicated on the tissue type and the specific stimulus response. There appears to be a rather clear distinction between the regulatory properties of eicosanoids regarding adenylate and guanylate cyclase activities. Whereas prostaglandins often stimulate adenylate cyclase activity, they have little effect on guanylate cyclase activity. On the other hand, the HETE compounds seem to play an important role in guanylate cyclase regulation in certain cells. Moreover, arachidonic acid affects adenylate cyclase activity without prior peroxidation, whereas endoperoxides and hydroperoxides are more effective than arachidonic acid with regard to guanylate cyclase stimulation. However, in the intact cell there is a strong implication that the dual stimulation of guanylate cyclase by Ca2+ and fatty acid evokes optimal enzyme activity. An advantage of multidimensional response mechanisms in cells includes the ability to recognize different stimuli and to respond with specific, coordinated responses modulated in their intensity and/or duration by messenger interaction. Few cell types respond to receptor stimulation in an all-or-none fashion, and the "milieu interior" depends on specific, graded responses to the autonomic nervous system and endocrine stimuli.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

Role of arachidonic acid and other free fatty acids in mitochondrial dysfunction in brain ischemia

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate the possible role of arachidonic acid and other free fatty acids in ischemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Respiratory activities were measured in mitochondria isolated from rat brains subjected to 15-30 min of decapitation ischemia. Addition of bovine serum albumin (BSA) to the mitochondria, isolated in BSA-free media, abolished an ischemia-induced increase in substrate-stimulated (state 4) respiration but only partly reversed a marked inhibition of substrate-, phosphate-, and ADP-stimulated (state 3) respiration caused by the ischemia. Individual free fatty acids were measured in aliquots of the same mitochondrial preparations before and after treatment with BSA. There was a significant increase in arachidonic (20:4), stearic (18:0), palmitic (16:0), and docosahexaenoic (22:6) acid during ischemia. BSA treatment removed all 20:4 and reduced the amount of 18:0 and 16:0, but had no significant effect on 22:6. The main conclusions were 1) that 20:4, 18:0, and 16.0 were responsible for the partial uncoupling (increase in state 4 respiration) of mitochondrial respiration during ischemia, 2) that the inhibition of state 3 respiration caused by ischemia could only partly be attributed to an effect of FFAs, and 3) that the ischemia-induced mitochondrial dysfunction was caused by a combination of factors including 20:4.

Effects of arachidonic acid on respiratory activities in isolated brain mitochondria

The present investigation was designed to examine the effects of free arachidonic acid (20:4), in concentrations relevant to cerebral ischemia, on brain mitochondrial respiratory activities and the reversibility of these effects. Incubation of brain mitochondria with 20:4 caused a dose-dependent increase in substrate-supported (state 4) respiration (i.e., uncoupling) and a concomitant inhibition of substrate-, phosphate-, and ADP-supported (state 3) or dinitrophenol-supported state (3u) respiration. The temperature dependence of the 20:4 effects on mitochondrial respiration was also studied. It was found that the uncoupling and the respiratory inhibition were at least as pronounced at physiological temperatures as at room temperature. Arrhenius plots of the state 3 respiratory rates suggested that 20:4 did not cause a significant change in membrane fluidity. Addition of bovine serum albumin to the reaction medium following preincubation with 20:4 reversed the uncoupling effect but only partly reversed the inhibition of state 3 respiration. The results suggest 1) that 20:4 may inhibit mitochondrial ATP production during conditions of incomplete cerebral ischemia and 2) that 20:4 may limit the postischemic recovery of mitochondrial function.

Excitatory amino acid receptors and ischemic brain damage in the rat

The excitatory amino acid glutamate has been suggested to be an important mediator of the selective CA1 hippocampal damage which follows transient cerebral ischemia. In order to evaluate the possible involvement of altered glutamate receptor regulation in the expression of the delayed neuronal necrosis following ischemia, we have determined the density of glutamate receptor subtypes in the rat hippocampus following transient ischemia. We report a transient reversible decrease in [3H]AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid) binding sites (presumably representing quisqualate receptors) followed by a long term loss of binding at 2 days postischemia which precedes neuronal loss. In contrast, no change was noted in the N-methyl-D-aspartate or kainic acid binding sites over this time period.

Cerebral acidosis in focal ischemia: II. Nimodipine and verapamil normalize cerebral pH following middle cerebral artery occlusion in the rat

The effects of prostacyclin, nimodipine, and verapamil on local cerebral pH (LCpH) and CBF (LCBF) in middle cerebral artery (MCA)-occluded rats were compared with those in controls and others receiving nimodipine carrier. LCpH and LCBF were determined simultaneously by a double-label autoradiographic technique. The infusions were intravenous, started 15 min following the occlusion, and ended at decapitation 4 h postocclusion. The dosages were 0.5 micrograms/kg/min for nimodipine, 40 micrograms/kg/min for verapamil, and 5 ng/kg/min for prostacyclin. Cortical LCpH in the MCA territory of control and carrier-infused rats varied between 6.72 +/- 0.05 and 6.76 +/- 0.05 (means +/- SEM). These values were significantly lower than the LCpH in the same structures in the contralateral hemisphere (7.09 +/- 0.06; p less than 0.05). LCBF on the side of occlusion varied between 54 +/- 5 ml/100 g/min for the parietal and 57 +/- 7 ml/100 g/min for the sensorimotor cortex, while on the contralateral side, LCBF in these same structures was 190 +/- 18 and 191 +/- 4 ml/100 g/min, respectively. LCpH was not modified by prostacyclin treatment following MCA occlusion, but the pH in the structures that were acidotic in the controls became indistinguishable from contralateral values in nimodipine- and verapamil-treated animals. In contrast, LCBF was statistically higher than controls in many structures only in rats treated with prostacyclin. This suggested that the correction of LCpH produced by calcium blockers was not related to an effect they had on blood flow. Animals receiving calcium blockers tended to have smaller areas of infarction. These results may have therapeutic implications in cerebral ischemia.

Cerebral phosphoinositide, triacylglycerol, and energy metabolism in reversible ischemia: origin and fate of free fatty acids

Levels of phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2), phosphatidylinositol 4-phosphate (PIP), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidic acid, diacylglycerol (DAG), triacylglycerol (TAG), and free fatty acids (FFAs), as well as their fatty acid composition, were determined in rat forebrain during ischemia and postischemic recirculation. Cerebral energy state and electroencephalograms (EEGs) were also studied. Fifteen minutes of ischemia resulted in a decrease in PIP2 and PIP contents but not in PI content, concurrent with an enlargement of the FFA and DAG pools. The latter were enriched in stearate and arachidonate. Prolongation of ischemia did not produce further changes in content of any of the inositol phospholipids, but the increase in levels of FFAs and DAG continued. At the end of 45 min of ischemia, levels of both PIP2 and PIP decreased by 45-50%, and the total phosphoinositide content (PIP2 + PIP + PI) decreased by 21%, whereas levels of FFAs and DAG increased to 14- and 3.6-fold of control levels, respectively. During ischemia, the TAG-palmitate level decreased, but the TAG-arachidonate level increased; the tissue energy state deteriorated severely; and the EEG was suppressed. A 30-min recirculation period after 15 or 45 min of ischemia led to increases in PIP2, PIP, and total phosphoinositide contents, whereas levels of FFAs and DAG promptly decreased toward control values. The TAG-arachidonate level peaked and the TAG-palmitate level returned to a low control value during early recirculation. The ischemic changes in tissue lipids were completely reversed within 3 h of recirculation after both periods of ischemia. Adenylates were fully phosphorylated with as little as 30 min of reflow. The EEG activity partially recovered during reflow after 15 min of ischemia, whereas it remained depressed after prolonged ischemia. Thus, phosphodiesteric cleavage of PIP2 and PIP followed by deacylation of DAG is likely to contribute to the production of FFAs in early ischemia. Deacylation of undetermined lipids plays a role for the increment in levels of FFAs in the later period of ischemia. The rapid postischemic increase in levels of PIP2 and PIP indicates active synthesis not only from existing PI, but probably also by means of accumulated FFAs and DAG. These results indicate that the impaired resynthesis of inositol phospholipids cannot be a cause of the poor EEG activity after prolonged ischemia. Degradation and resynthesis of polyphosphoinositides and formation of TAG-arachidonate may be important for modulation of free arachidonic acid levels in the brain during temporary ischemia.

Extra- and intracellular pH during near-complete forebrain ischemia in the rat

The objective of the present study was to estimate extracellular pH (pHe) and intracellular pH (pHi) during near-complete forebrain ischemia in the rat, and to evaluate the relative importance of lactic acidosis and rise in tissue Pco2 (Ptco2) in causing pHe and pHi to fall. The animals, which were ventilated, normoxic, normocapnic, and normothermic, were subjected to 15 min of ischemia, either without or with 30-60 min of recirculation. Ptco2 was measured with a tissue electrode, pHe with a double-barrel liquid ion-exchanger microelectrode, changes in extracellular fluid (ECF) volume by impedance measurements, tissue CO2 content by a microdiffusion technique, and labile tissue metabolites by enzymatic fluorometric methods. Ischemia caused Ptco2 to rise to between 95 and 190 mm Hg (mean 149 mm Hg), and pHe to fall by 0.45-1.05 units (mean 0.70 units). During recovery, Ptco2 normalized within 5 min and pHe after 15-30 min. During ischemia, high-energy phosphates were depleted and tissue lactate content increased to 15 mumol X g-1. The total CO2 content (Tco2) was minimally or moderately reduced (normal, 11.9 mumol X g-1; range of ischemic values, 7.9-12.1 mumol X g-1), this range probably reflecting variable amounts of remaining blood flow. Impedance measurements demonstrated that ECF volume during ischemia was reduced to 55% of control, with gradual normalization during the first 15-30 min of recirculation. From values for Ptco2, Tco2, [HCO3-]e, and ECF volume, [HCO3-]i and pHi could be calculated. These values pertain to an idealized homogeneous intracellular compartment, and the methods used cannot detect whether different intracellular compartments diverge in their acid-base responses.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ischemic brain damage in rats following cardiac arrest using a long-term recovery model

A model is described in which transient complete cerebral ischemia is induced in rats by intracardiac injection of potassium chloride. The animals were intubated and mechanically ventilated with a nitrous oxide/oxygen (70:30) mixture. Cardiac arrest was achieved following a brief period of ventricular fibrillation. After 5-6 min, the circulation was restored by cardiopulmonary resuscitation and partial exchange transfusion. Local CBF (LCBF) during ischemia and cardiac resuscitation was studied by injection of [14C]iodoantipyrine into the right auricle at various periods during cardiac arrest, and was subsequently analyzed by autoradiography. No radioactive tracer could be visualized in any brain structure, demonstrating the absence of CBF during the cardiac standstill. LCBF was also studied at 5 min and 6.5 h after cardiac resuscitation. Five minutes of recirculation showed an increase in blood flow in all brain structures studied, ranging between 130 and 400% of control values. After 6.5 h of recirculation, the CBF was decreased in 13 of 24 brain structures by 20-50%, concomitantly with the depressed rate of glucose utilization found in 15 brain structures. The neocortical, hippocampal, and striatal concentrations of labile phosphates, lactate, pyruvate, phosphocreatine, glucose, and glycogen were measured 5 min after cardiac arrest. Extensive energy failure and elevation of lactate levels were observed and were similar to earlier reported values. One week following recovery from the ischemic insult, the animals were perfusion-fixed with formaldehyde. The brains were embedded in paraffin, subserially sectioned, and stained with cresyl violet/acid fuchsin. Histopathological changes were assessed by light microscopy as the number of acidophilic or pyknotic neurons. Morphological changes were observed in the hilus of the dentate gyrus, the hippocampal CA1 and subicular regions, the dorsal and lateral septum, the olfactory tubercle, the primary olfactory cortex, the entorhinal cortex, the amygdaloid nuclei, and the reticular nucleus of the thalamus. The distribution of the morphological changes suggests a transsynaptic mechanism, causing neuronal necrosis primarily in the limbic brain areas.

Lesions of the locus coeruleus system aggravate ischemic damage in the rat brain

The possibility that the noradrenergic locus coeruleus system influences brain damage following ischemia was explored in rats. Bilateral lesions of the locus coeruleus projections to the forebrain aggravated the neuronal necrosis in the hippocampal CA1 region and neocortex following complete cerebral ischemia induced by transient cardiac arrest. These findings provide evidence that the postischemic activation of the inhibitory locus coeruleus system could counteract a possible detrimental neuronal hyperexcitation, thereby limiting neuronal necrosis.

Lactic acidosis and recovery of mitochondrial function following forebrain ischemia in the rat

The effect of different degrees of lactic acidosis on the recovery of brain mitochondrial function, measured as respiratory activity in isolated mitochondria or cortical concentrations of labile phosphates and carbohydrate substrates, was studied during 30 min of recirculation following 15 min of near-complete forebrain ischemia in rats. During ischemia, there was a marked decrease in mitochondrial State 3 respiration in vitro and a depletion of energy stores (i.e., phosphocreatine, ATP, glucose, and glycogen) in vivo that was similar in the high- and low-lactate ischemia groups. However, lactate concentrations differed markedly (20 and 10 mumol g-1, respectively). During recirculation, there was a near-complete recovery of both respiratory activity in vitro and adenylate energy charge (EC) in vivo regardless of the differences in lactic acidosis during ischemia. Respiratory activity and EC were well correlated. The changes in Ca2+ homeostasis during ischemia, an increase in tissue and a decrease in mitochondrial Ca2+ content, were reversed rapidly after ischemia in both high- and low-lactate ischemia animals and did not hinder an early recovery of mitochondrial function. It is concluded that lactic acidosis, with lactate levels reaching 20 mumol g-1 during 15-min ischemia, does not adversely affect early postischemic recovery of mitochondrial function.