Homotaurine (3 aminopropanesulfonic acid; 3APS) protects from the convulsant and cytotoxic effect of systemically administered kainic acid

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Homotaurine in Patients With Amnestic Mild Cognitive Impairment

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a fatal dementing neurodegenerative disease, currently lacking an efficacious disease-modifying therapy. In the last years, there has been some interest in the use of homotaurine as a potential therapeutic compound for AD, but more work is still needed to prove its efficacy as disease modifier in dementia. Since inflammation is believed to play a key role in AD development, we sought to investigate here the in vivo homotaurine effect on inflammatory response in patients at the earliest stages of AD, i.e., suffering from amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI). Thus, the present study aims to evaluate the effects of homotaurine supplementation on cytokine serum levels and memory performances in MCI patients. Neuropsychological, clinical and cytokine assessment was performed at baseline (T0) and after 1 year (T12) of homotaurine supplementation in 20 patients categorized as carriers (n = 9) or no carriers (n = 11) of the ε4 allele of the apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene, the strongest genetic risk factor for AD. The serum levels of the pro-inflammatory mediators Interleukin (IL) 1β, Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα), IL-6 and IL-18, contextually with the anti-inflammatory molecules IL-18 binding protein (IL-18BP) and Transforming growth factor-beta (TGFβ), were analyzed to explore significant differences in the inflammatory status between T0 and T12 in the two APOE variant carrier groups. No significant differences over time were observed in patients as for most cytokines, except for IL-18. Following homotaurine supplementation, patients carrying the APOEε4 allele showed a significant decrease in IL-18 (both in its total and IL-18BP unbound forms), in turn associated with improved short-term episodic memory performance as measured by the recency effect of the Rey 15-word list learning test immediate recall. Thus, homotaurine supplementation in individuals with aMCI may have a positive consequence on episodic memory loss due, at least in part, to homotaurine anti-inflammatory effects. This study strongly suggests that future research should focus on exploring the mechanisms by which homotaurine controls brain inflammation during AD progression.

Natural products from marine organisms with neuroprotective activity in the experimental models of Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and ischemic brain stroke: their molecular targets and action mechanisms

Continuous increases in the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), and brain stroke demand the urgent development of therapeutics. Marine organisms are well-known producers of natural products with diverse structures and pharmacological activities. Therefore, researchers have endeavored to identify marine natural products with neuroprotective effects. In this regard, this review summarizes therapeutic targets for AD, PD, and ischemic brain stroke and marine natural products with pharmacological activities on the targets according to taxonomies of marine organisms. Furthermore, several marine natural products on the clinical trials for the treatment of neurological disorders are discussed.

Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Taurine against Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke exhibits a multiplicity of pathophysiological mechanisms. To address the diverse pathophysiological mechanisms observed in ischemic stroke investigators seek to find therapeutic strategies that are multifaceted in their action by either investigating multipotential compounds or by using a combination of compounds. Taurine, an endogenous amino acid, exhibits a plethora of physiological functions. It exhibits antioxidative properties, stabilizes membrane, functions as an osmoregulator, modulates ionic movements, reduces the level of pro-inflammators, regulates intracellular calcium concentration; all of which contributes to its neuroprotective effect. Data are accumulating that show the neuroprotective mechanisms of taurine against stroke pathophysiology. In this review, we describe the neuroprotective mechanisms employed by taurine against ischemic stroke and its use in clinical trial for ischemic stroke.

Reduction of brain taurine: Effects on neurotoxic and metabolic actions of kainate

The effects of chronic administration of 2-guanidinoethane sulfonic acid on the levels of intra- and extracellular amino acids in the rat hippocampus were studied. The tissue content of taurine was selectively reduced by almost one third after 9 days of peroral administration of 1% 2-guanidinoethane sulfonate. Extracellular levels of amino acids were monitored with the brain microdialysis method. The taurine concentration in the extracellular fluid was depressed in relation to the decrease in intracellular taurine. Unexpectedly, extracellular (but not intracellular) glutamate was doubled in 2-guanidinoethane sulfonate treated animals. The kainic acid evoked release of taurine was suppressed in the 2-guanidinoethane sulfonate group, whereas the kainate stimulated efflux of glutamate was elevated after 2-guanidinoethane sulfonate administration. The acute metabolic effects of kainate were studied by measuring the efflux of the adenosine triphosphate breakdown products hypoxanthine, xanthine, inosine and adenosine. No differences were found between control and 2-guanidinoethane sulfonate treated rats with respect to basal or kainic acid evoked release of purine catabolites. Also, the neuronal loss caused by kainate injection into the hippocampus was not modified by 2-guanidinoethane sulfonate treatment, suggesting that endogenous taurine does not affect these responses. We conclude that chronic administration of 2-guanidinoethane sulfonate does not sensitize central neurons to the metabolic and toxic actions of kainate.

EFFECTS OF ISOFLURANE ON GLUTAMATE AND TAURINE RELEASES, BRAIN SWELLING AND INJURY DURING TRANSIENT ISCHEMIA AND REPERFUSION

The volatile anesthetic agent isoflurane was thought to provide neuroprotection against ischemic damage; however, this effect remains controversial. Using the middle cerebral artery occlusion model and intracerebral microdialysis, the authors monitored the variations of glutamate and taurine concentrations in the extra-cellular space in male rats anesthetized with pentobarbital or isoflurane. Brain injury and edema were evaluated 24 h after ischemia. Isoflurane prevented the ischemia-induced efflux of glutamate and reduced the release of taurine. No difference in the size of the brain lesions was observed with both anesthetics, and isoflurane induced the formation of a bigger brain edema and reduced taurine release. These results suggest that inhibiting glutamate release during ischemia may not be sufficient to improve brain outcome after transient ischemia.

Influences of different developmental periods of taurine supplements on synaptic plasticity in hippocampal CA1 area of rats following prenatal and perinatal lead exposure

Background

Previous study has demonstrated that dietary taurine supplement protected rats from impairments of synaptic plasticity induced by postnatal lead exposure. However, little is known about the role of taurine in the presence of prenatal and perinatal lead exposure. We investigated the possible effect of taurine supplement on prenatal and perinatal lead-induced synaptic plasticity deficit and determined developmental periods critical for the effect of taurine.

Results

In the present study, taurine was administrated to prenatal and perinatal lead-exposed rats in different developmental periods: from prenatal to weaning (Lead+PW-Tau), from weaning to life (Lead+WL-Tau), and from prenatal to life (Lead+PL-Tau). We examined the input-output (I/O) function, paired-pulse facilitation (PPF) and the long-term potentiation (LTP) of field excitatory postsynaptic potential (fEPSP) in the hippocampal CA1 area of rats on postnatal days 18–25 (P18–25) or days 60–75 (P60–75). We found that (1) on P18–25, taurine had no evident effect on I/O functions and PPF ratios of lead-exposed rats but caused a 12.0% increase in the LTP amplitudes of these animals; (2) on P60–75, taurine significantly elevated lead depressed I/O functions and PPF ratios in Lead+PW-Tau and Lead+PL-Tau rats, but failed in Lead+WL-Tau rats. The amplitudes of LTP of lead-exposed rats were all significantly increased by additional taurine supplement in any developmental period compared with untreated rats. Thus, taurine appeared to have the most effect during the prenatal and lactation periods and its effects on younger rats would not be manifest until the adult life; and (3) the level of lead deposition in hippocampus was evidently reduced by additional treatment of taurine in lead-exposed rats, compared with untreated rats.

Conclusion

Taurine supplement can protect the adult rats from synaptic plasticity deficits following prenatal and perinatal lead exposure, and the protective effects are critical for the prenatal and lactation periods of lead-exposed rats.

Guanidinoacetate Inhibits Glutamate Uptake in Rat Striatum of Rats at Different Ages

Glutamate plays a central role in the excitatory synaptic transmission and is important for brain development and functioning. Increased glutamate levels in the synaptic cleft are related to neuronal damage associated with excitotoxicity. Guanidinoacetate methyltransferase (GAMT) deficiency is an inherited neurometabolic disorder biochemically characterized by tissue accumulation of guanidinoacetate (GAA) and depletion of creatine. Affected patients present epilepsy and mental retardation whose pathogeny is unclear. In the present study we investigated the in vitro and in vivo (intrastriatal administration) effect of GAA on glutamate uptake by striatum slices of developing and adult rats. Results showed that GAA significantly inhibited in vitro glutamate uptake at 50 microM and 100 microM in all ages tested. We also tested the effect of taurine on the inhibition of glutamate uptake caused by GAA. Taurine significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect caused by 50 microM GAA, but did not alter that provoked by 100 microM GAA. Furthermore, intrastriatal administration of a solution of 30 microM GAA (0.06 nmol/striatum) significantly inhibited glutamate uptake by rat striatum slices. Our results suggest that the inhibition of striatal glutamate uptake caused by GAA might be involved in the neuropathology and especially in the acute neurological features present in patients with GAMT-deficiency.

Alterations of taurine in the brain of chronic kainic acid epilepsy model

The aim of the study was to investigate the changes of taurine in the kainic acid (KA, 10 mg/kg, s.c.) chronic model of epilepsy, six months after KA application. The KA-rats used were divided into a group of animals showing weak behavioural response to KA (WDS, rare focal convulsion; rating scale <2 up to 3 h after KA injection) and a group of strong response to KA (WDS, seizures; rating >3 up to 3 h after KA injection). The brain regions investigated were caudate nucleus, substantia nigra, septum, hippocampus, amygdala/piriform cortex, and frontal, parietal, temporal and occipital cortices. KA-rats with rating <2 developed spontaneous WDS which occurred chronically and six months after KA injection increased taurine levels were found in the hippocampus (125.4% of control). KA-rats with rating >3 developed spontaneous recurrent seizures and six months after injection increased taurine levels were found in the caudate nucleus (162.5% of control) and hippocampus (126.6% of control), while reduced taurine levels were seen in the septum (78.2% of control). In summary, increased taurine levels in the hippocampus may involve processes for membrane stabilisation, thus favouring recovery after neuronal hyperactivity. The increased taurine levels in the caudate nucleus could be involved in the modulation of spontaneous recurrent seizure activity.

Relationship between cerebral interstitial levels of amino acids and phosphorylation potential during secondary energy failure in hypoxic-ischemic newborn piglets

The aim of this study was to determine the validity of the hypothesis that excitatory amino acids are related to phosphorylation potential during primary and secondary cerebral energy failure observed in asphyxiated infants. We report here the results of experiments using newborn piglets subjected to severe transient cerebral hypoxia-ischemia followed by resuscitation. We examined cerebral energy metabolism by phosphorus nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and changes in levels of amino acid neurotransmitters in the cortex by microdialysis before, during, and up to 24 h after the hypoxic-ischemic insult. The concentrations of aspartate, glutamate, taurine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid were significantly elevated during the hypoxic-ischemic insult compared with prebaseline values. Shortly after resuscitation, glutamate, taurine, and gamma-aminobutyric acid concentrations decreased but then began to increase again. These secondary elevations were greater than the primary elevations. A negative linear correlation was found between primary interstitial levels of glutamate and taurine and minimum values of phosphocreatine/inorganic phosphate during the secondary energy failure. The cerebral energy state depended on the time course of changes in excitatory amino acids, suggesting that amino acids play distinct roles during the early and delayed phases of injury.

Effects of acute acamprosate and homotaurine on ethanol intake and ethanol-stimulated mesolimbic dopamine release

The purpose of the present study was to determine the acute effects of the anticraving compound acamprosate (calcium acetylhomotaurinate) and the closely related compound homotaurine on ethanol intake and ethanol-stimulated dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens. Male rats were treated with acamprosate (200 or 400 mg/kg intraperitoneally, i.p.) or homotaurine (10, 50, or 100 mg/kg i.p.) 15 min prior to access to 10% ethanol and water for 1 h in a two-bottle choice restricted access paradigm. A separate group of rats was implanted with microdialysis probes in the nucleus accumbens and given an acute injection of ethanol (1.5 g/kg i.p.) that was preceded by saline, acamprosate, or homotaurine. Acamprosate and homotaurine dose-dependently reduced ethanol intake and preference. These compounds also delayed or suppressed ethanol-stimulated increases in nucleus accumbens dopamine release, suggesting that acamprosate and homotaurine may reduce ethanol intake by interfering with the ability of ethanol to activate the mesolimbic dopamine reward system.

Kainic acid (KA)-induced seizures in Sprague-Dawley rats and the effect of dietary taurine (TAU) supplementation or deficiency

Male Sprague-Dawley rats received TAU supplementation (1.5% in drinking water) or TAU deficient diets for 4 weeks to test for a possible neuroprotective role of TAU in KA-induced (10 mg/kg s.c.) seizures. TAU supplementation significantly increased serum and hippocampal TAU levels, but not TAU content in temporal cortex or striatum. TAU deficient diets did not attenuate serum or tissue TAU levels. Dietary TAU supplementation failed to decrease the number or latency of partial or clonic-tonic seizures or wet dog shakes, whereas a TAU deficient diet decreased the number of clonictonic and partial seizures. This study does not support previous observations of an anticonvulsant effect of TAU against KA-induced seizures. KA-treatment decreased alpha 2-adrenergic receptor binding sites and TAU content in the temporal cortex across all dietary treatment groups, supporting previous evidence of severe KA-induced damage and neuronal loss in this brain region.

Characteristics of ischemia-induced taurine release in the developing mouse hippocampus

Taurine release in the developing hippocampus is markedly potentiated in ischemia. The mechanisms of the ischemia-induced release were studied in hippocampal slices from seven-day-old mice using a superfusion system. The basal release of [3H]taurine was significantly increased in media under normal conditions, but the ischemia-evoked release decreased in Na+ -free media, indicating the participation of Na+ -dependent transport processes. The involvement of taurine transporters in the release was confirmed with the structural analogs, hypotaurine and beta-alanine. These amino acids potentiated the release by trans-stimulation, but not in Na+ -free media. In the absence of Ca2+, the basal taurine release was markedly increased in normoxia but diminished in ischemia, indicating that a part of basal taurine release in ischemia is Ca2+ dependent. On the other hand, the K+ stimulation of taurine release was preserved in Ca2+ -free medium. The phospholipase and protein kinase inhibitors had no effect on ischemia-induced taurine release, nor did the chloride channel blockers 4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (2 mM) and diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulfonate (0.1 mM) affect the release in ischemia. The increase in extracellular levels of taurine in the immature hippocampus in ischemia may serve as an important protective mechanism against excitotoxicity, to which the developing brain is particularly vulnerable, and contribute to the resistance of the immature brain to hypoxia.

Taurine release is enhanced in cell-damaging conditions in cultured cerebral cortical astrocytes

The release of preloaded [3H]taurine from cultured cerebral cortical astrocytes was studied under various cell-damaging conditions, including hypoxia, ischemia, aglycemia and oxidative stress, and in the presence of free radicals. Astrocytic taurine release was enhanced by K+ (50 mM), veratridine (0.1 mM) and the ionotropic glutamate receptor agonist kainate (1.0 mM). Metabotropic glutamate receptor agonists had only weak effects on taurine release. Similarly to the swelling-induced taurine release the efflux in normoxia seems to be mediated mainly by DIDS-(diisothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate) and SITS-(4-acetamido-4'-isothiocyanostilbene-2,2'-disulphonate) sensitive CI- channels, since these blockers were able to reduce both basal and K+ -stimulated release. The basal release of taurine was moderately enhanced in hypoxia and ischemia, whereas the potentiation in the presence of free radicals was marked. The small basal release from astrocytes signifies that taurine release from brain tissue in ischemia may originate from neurons rather than glial cells. On the other hand, the release evoked by K+ in hypoxia and ischemia was greater than in normoxia, with a very slow time-course. The enhanced release of the inhibitory amino acid taurine from astrocytes in ischemia may be beneficial to surrounding neurons, outlasting the initial stimulus and counteracting overexcitation.

Hypothermia ameliorates ischemic brain damage and suppresses the release of extracellular amino acids in both normo- and hyperglycemic subjects

It has previously been shown that hypothermia markedly reduces cellular release of the excitatory amino acid glutamate and ameliorates ischemic damage. Based on extensive data showing that preischemic hyperglycemia exaggerates brain damage due to transient forebrain ischemia we posed the question whether glutamate release during ischemia in hyperglycemic rats is attenuated or prevented by induced hypothermia, and if such attenuation/prevention correlates with amelioration of the characteristic brain damage observed in hyperglycemic subjects. The experiments were performed in rats subjected to a 15-min period of forebrain ischemia, plasma glucose concentration being maintained at approximately 5 mM (control) or approximately 20 mM (hyperglycemia) prior to ischemia. Extracellular amino acid concentrations were measured by HPLC techniques on microdialysis samples which were collected from left dorsal hippocampus and right neocortex, and tissue damage was assessed by histopathology. Hypothermia (30 degrees C), which was induced 45 min prior to ischemia, reduced the neuronal damage not only in the ischemia-vulnerable regions but also in the normally ischemia-resistant areas that are recruited in the damage process in hyperglycemic subjects. The extracellular glutamate concentration was markedly increased in response to the ischemic insult in normothermic-normoglycemic animals. The concentration of glutamate was further increased in normothermic-hyperglycemic animals. Hypothermia inhibited the rise in glutamate concentrations, as well as in the concentrations of other excitatory and inhibitory amino acids. It is discussed whether hypothermia reduces the hyperglycemia-mediated damage by inhibiting extracellular glutamate release during an ischemic transient.

PNU-151774E protects against kainate-induced status epilepticus and hippocampal lesions in the rat

Kainic acid-induced multifocal status epilepticus in the rat is a model of medically intractable complex partial seizures and neurotoxicity. The exact mechanisms of kainic acid epileptogenic and neurotoxic effects are unknown, but enhanced glutamate release seems to be an important factor. PNU-151774E ((S)-(+)-2-(4-(3-fluorobenzyloxy) benzylamino) propanamide, methanesulfonate) is a broad-spectrum new anticonvulsant with Na+ channel-blocking and glutamate release inhibiting properties. We have examined the effect of pretreatment with this compound on both seizure activity and hippocampal neuronal damage induced by systemic injection of kainic acid in rats. Lamotrigine, a recently developed anticonvulsant with similar glutamate release inhibitory properties, was tested for comparison, together with diazepam as reference standard, on the basis of its anticonvulsant and neuroprotectant properties in this animal model. PNU-151774E, lamotrigine (10, 30 mg/kg; i.p.) and diazepam (20 mg/kg; i.p.) were administered 15 min before kainic acid (10 mg/kg; i.p.). In the vehicle-treated group, kainic acid injection caused status epilepticus in 86% of animals. Hippocampal neuronal cell loss was 66% in the CA4 hippocampal area at 7 days after kainic acid administration. Diazepam inhibited both seizures and neurotoxicity. Lamotrigine reduced hippocampal neuronal cell loss at both doses, even when it did not protect from seizures, although it showed a trend toward protection. On the other hand PNU-151774E protected from both hippocampal neurodegeneration and status epilepticus. Thus, these data support the concept that seizure prevention and neuroprotection might not be tightly coupled. Glutamate release inhibition may play a major role in neuroprotection, but an additional mechanism(s) of action might be relevant for the anticonvulsant activity of PNU-151774E in this model.

Potassium-stimulated taurine release and nitric oxide synthase activity during quinolinic acid lesion of the rat striatum

The microdialysis technique was used to study the effect of nitric oxide synthase (NOS) activity on taurine release. Taurine release was characterized in rat striatum that was excitotoxically lesioned compared to normal conditions. The basal taurine level of the dialysate decreased during quinolinate (QUIN) lesion in parallel to the cell degeneration process. The K+-stimulated taurine concentration also decreased during QUIN-lesion, but to an extent that was different from that of basal values. K+-stimulated taurine levels were further markedly lowered by coapplication of the NOS inhibitor L-NAME in control and in lesioned animals up to 30 days after QUIN-injection. Postdegenerative tissue did not show any NOS-dependency in K+-induced taurine release. We conclude that a substantial part of K+-induced taurine release depends on NOS-activity both in normal brain tissue and in excitotoxically induced neurodegeneration. The main source of K+-induced taurine release in control rats are neurons but in lesioned animals are activated astroglial cells.

Magnesium taurate and fish oil for prevention of migraine

Although the pathogenesis of migraine is still poorly understood, various clinical investigations, as well as consideration of the characteristic activities of the wide range of drugs known to reduce migraine incidence, suggest that such phenomena as neuronal hyperexcitation, cortical spreading depression, vasospasm, platelet activation and sympathetic hyperactivity often play a part in this syndrome. Increased tissue levels of taurine, as well as increased extracellular magnesium, could be expected to dampen neuronal hyperexcitation, counteract vasospasm, increase tolerance to focal hypoxia and stabilize platelets; taurine may also lessen sympathetic outflow. Thus it is reasonable to speculate that supplemental magnesium taurate will have preventive value in the treatment of migraine. Fish oil, owing to its platelet-stabilizing and antivasospastic actions, may also be useful in this regard, as suggested by a few clinical reports. Although many drugs have value for migraine prophylaxis, the two nutritional measures suggested here may have particular merit owing to the versatility of their actions, their safety and lack of side-effects and their long-term favorable impact on vascular health.

Changes in the extracellular concentrations of amino acids in the rat striatum during transient focal cerebral ischemia

Although considerable evidence supports a role for amino acids in transient global cerebral ischemia and permanent focal cerebral ischemia, effects of transient focal cerebral ischemia on the extracellular concentrations of amino acids have not been reported. Accordingly, our study was undertaken to examine the patterns of changes of extracellular glutamate, aspartate, GABA, taurine, glutamine, alanine, and phosphoethanolamine in the striatum of transient focal cerebral ischemia, as evidence to support their pathogenic roles. Focal ischemia was induced using the middle cerebral artery occlusion model, with no need for craniotomy. Microdialysis was used to sample the brain's extracellular space before, during, and after the ischemic period. One hour of middle cerebral artery occlusion followed by recirculation caused neuronal damage that was common in the frontoparietal cortex and the lateral segment of the caudate nucleus. During 1 h of ischemia, the largest increase occurred for GABA and moderate increases were observed for taurine, glutamate, and aspartate. Alanine, which is a nonneuroactive amino acid, increased little. After recirculation, the levels of glutamate and aspartate reverted to normal baseline values right after reperfusion. Despite these rapid normalizations, neuronal damage occurred. Therefore, uptake of excitatory amino acids can still be restored after 1 h of middle cerebral artery occlusion, and tissue damage occurs even though high extracellular levels of glutamate are not maintained.

An adenosine uptake blocker, propentofylline, reduces glutamate release in gerbil hippocampus following transient forebrain ischemia

In the present study, the effect of the adenosine uptake blocker, propentofylline (HWA 285) on the extracellular concentration of several amino acids including glutamate, glycine and taurine following 10 min of forebrain ischemia in gerbil hippocampus was investigated using in vivo microdialysis. Pretreatment with HWA 285 (20 mg/kg i.p.) significantly reduced the extracellular concentration of glutamate following ischemia but did not significantly alter levels of other amino acids such as glycine and taurine. These findings suggest that the neuroprotective effect of HWA 285 may be associated with inhibition of glutamate release in the gerbil hippocampus.

Spinal cord ischemia-induced elevation of amino acids: extracellular measurement with microdialysis

Excitatory amino acids have been implicated in the production of calcium mediated neuronal death following central nervous system ischemia. We have used microdialysis to investigate changes in the extracellular concentrations of amino acids in the spinal cord after aortic occlusion in the rabbit. Glutamate, aspartate, glutamine, asparagine, glycine, taurine, valine, and leucine were measured in the microdialysis perfusate by high pressure liquid chromatography. The concentrations of glutamate, glycine, and taurine were significantly higher during ischemia and reperfusion than controls. Delayed elevations in the concentrations of asparagine and valine were also detected. The elevation of glutamate is consistent with the hypothesis that excitotoxins may mediate neuronal damage in the ischemic spinal cord. Increased extracellular concentrations of asparagine and valine may reflect preferential use of amino acids for energy metabolism under ischemic conditions. The significance of increased concentrations of inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters is unclear.

Potentiation of kainic acid epileptogenicity and sparing from neuronal damage by an NMDA receptor antagonist

The time course and severity of the excitotoxic syndrome induced in rats by s.c. injection of 10 mg/kg kainic acid (KA) was modified by pretreatment with MK801, a non-competitive inhibitor of the NMDA receptor, at doses of 0.1, 1 and 10 mg/kg. A dose-dependent increase in the severity of the KA-induced electrographic (EEG) manifestations of epilepsy was seen after MK801. This consisted of an earlier appearance and higher number of EEG seizures, longer time spent in seizures, and an earlier onset of status epilepticus. In contrast, behavioral seizures were increased only in the 0.1 mg/kg MK801 group, but abolished by higher doses. On the contrary, wet dog shakes were progressively reduced with increasing doses of MK801. Four of the 9 animals receiving KA-only group and 3 of the 10 animals in the 1 and 10 mg MK801 groups were sacrificed 5 days after KA. The brain of the KA-only rats presented diffuse gross and microscopic evidence of hemorrhagic necrosis and neuronal damage; the MK801 rats showed only minimal neuronal loss in the CA3 hippocampal sector. This study demonstrates that neuronal damage and epileptiform activity can be dissociated. Furthermore, it confirms the protective effect of MK801 against neuronal damage caused by multiple factors. Lastly, it emphasizes the need for EEG monitoring in order to accurately assess any epileptic/antiepileptic effect.

Stimulus-coupled taurine efflux from cerebellar neuronal cultures: on the roles of Ca++ and Na+

Primary cultures of cerebellar neurons obtained from 7-9-day-old rats and grown 7-9 days in vitro (DIV) were used to study the effects of Na+ and Ca++ on K+-evoked taurine release. These cultures, made up largely of granule neurons (90%) and inhibitory interneurons (5-7%), produced a dose-dependent, depolarization-evoked taurine release that was Ca++-dependent at 40 mM K+, and Ca++-independent at K+ concentrations above 40 mM. The dihydropyridine Ca++ channel agonist BAY K 8644 (1 microM) augmented 30 mM K+-evoked release, while the antagonist nifedipine (5 microM) abolished both the BAY K 8644- and K+-enhanced release. Depolarization with the Na+ channel agonist veratridine (50 microM) stimulated taurine efflux, which was completely blocked by pretreatment with tetrodotoxin (2 microM). However, 50 mM K+-evoked taurine release was not affected by tetrodotoxin pretreatment. Substitution of choline Cl for NaCl partially antagonized 50 mM K+-evoked release, and by itself, the Na+ ionophore monensin (50 microM) stimulated release. These results suggest that both K+-evoked and basal taurine release from primary cerebellar neuronal cultures are sensitive to the levels of both intracellular and extracellular Na+ and Ca++. In contrast to previous findings using cerebellar astrocytes, neuronal L-type Ca++ channels, but not voltage-dependent Na+ channels, also appear to be necessary. The implications of these results on taurine's status as a putative neurotransmitter are discussed.

Extracellular adenosine, inosine, hypoxanthine, and xanthine in relation to tissue nucleotides and purines in rat striatum during transient ischemia

Extracellular (EC) adenosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and inosine concentrations were monitored in vivo in the striatum during steady state, 15 min of complete brain ischemia, and 4 h of reflow and compared with purine and nucleotide levels in the tissue. Ischemia was induced by three-vessel occlusion combined with hypotension (50 mm Hg) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. EC purines were sampled by microdialysis, and tissue adenine nucleotides and purine catabolites were extracted from the in situ frozen brain at the end of the experiment. ATP, ADP, and AMP were analyzed with enzymatic fluorometric techniques, and adenosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, and inosine with a modified HPLC system. Ischemia depleted tissue ATP, whereas AMP, adenosine, hypoxanthine, and inosine accumulated. In parallel, adenosine, hypoxanthine, and inosine levels increased in the EC compartment. Adenosine reached an EC concentration of 40 microM after 15 min of ischemia. Levels of tissue nucleotides and purines normalized on reflow. However, xanthine levels increased transiently (sevenfold). In the EC compartment, adenosine, inosine, and hypoxanthine contents normalized slowly on reflow, whereas the xanthine content increased. The high EC levels of adenosine during ischemia may turn off spontaneous neuronal firing, counteract excitotoxicity, and inhibit ischemic calcium uptake, thereby exerting neuroprotective effects.

Monitoring of sensory evoked potentials is highly reliable and helpful in the operating room

Because short-latency evoked potentials are relatively resistant to anesthetic agents, they can be used to monitor neural pathways during surgical procedures. The use of median nerve somatosensory evoked potentials to localize the central sulcus is an established aid of indisputable value in neurosurgical procedures involving cortical incisions for resection of certain epileptic foci, vascular malformations, or neoplasms near the central area of the brain. Likewise, recording of intraoperative nerve action potentials is currently regarded as indispensable in management of the neuroma-incontinuity after peripheral nerve trauma, as this evoked potential monitoring technique provides the only reliable method of distinguishing between axonotmetic and neurotmetic lesions. Evoked potential monitoring has been of value during many other types of surgical procedures, including cerebral aneurysm clipping, carotid endarterectomy, aortic procedures, microvascular decompression for trigeminal neuralgia and hemifacial spasm, acoustic neuroma resection, and a variety of spinal procedures. A detailed review of the literature is presented on the use of evoked potential monitoring for one of the more common indications: scoliosis surgery. Many orthopedic surgeons use the "wake-up test" only if the somatosensory evoked potentials change during surgery. A detailed review of the few reported cases of "false negative" evoked potentials is presented. The dearth of convincing reports of such phenomena in the face of so many positive experiences should persuade even the skeptical that monitoring of evoked potentials is a highly reliable and helpful intraoperative tool.

Terminal anoxic depolarization proceeds more slowly in the olfactory bulb than in the cerebral cortex of rats

The time course of terminal anoxic depolarization and of the concomitant [K+]e increase was compared in the cerebral cortex and olfactory bulb of rats anesthetized with pentobarbital. Respiration arrest elicited by (+)-tubocurarine induced a negative slow potential shift which reached 50% of maximum after 90 s in the cortex and after 180 s in the olfactory bulb (n = 10). Bulbar [K+]e increased slowly to 16 mmol/l, then more rapidly to 40 60 mmol/l and reached 90 mmol/l after 10 min asphyxia (n = 10). While the resting and maximal [K+]e levels were the same in the cortex and olfactory bulb, the fast [K+]e rise started in the olfactory bulb at a higher level (16 mmol/l) and proceeded at a slower rate (doubling time 14 s) than in the cortex, where the same values were 11 mmol/l and 5 s, respectively. It is argued that the olfactory bulb resistance to asphyxia is due to a powerful GABAergic inhibition which counteracts the autoregenerative ionic shift and accounts for the absence of spreading depression in this structure.

Activation of beta-adrenergic receptors stimulates release of an inhibitory transmitter from astrocytes

Activation of beta-adrenergic receptors on astrocytes in primary cell culture results in the release of taurine, an inhibitory transmitter. Taurine release occurs via a cyclic AMP-mediated intracellular pathway, because (a) taurine release and intracellular cyclic AMP accumulation have similar pharmacologies and time courses of activation and (b) N6,O2'-dibutyryl cyclic AMP stimulates release with a time course similar to that observed with the beta-adrenergic agonist isoproterenol. These results describe a previously unrecognized physiological function of astrocytes in the CNS-receptor-mediated release of the neuroactive amino acid taurine. This observation indicates that astrocytes may function as local regulators of neuronal activity.

Effects of status epilepticus on extracellular amino acids in the hippocampus

Extracellular amino acids were followed in the hippocampus during sustained seizures induced by systemic administration of kainic acid (KA) or bicuculline (BC). KA epilepsy was associated with marked increases in phosphoethanolamine (PEA) and taurine. Alanine and ethanolamine were moderately raised while other amino acids were unaffected. BC seizures encompassed a slightly different pattern of alterations. In contrast to KA seizures, BC epilepsy had no effect on taurine. Significant increments were observed for PEA and alanine while elevations of ethanolamine were subtle. In both types of seizures, glutamate and GABA remained unaffected extracellularly, probably due to efficient recapture mechanisms.

Ischemia-induced shift of inhibitory and excitatory amino acids from intra- to extracellular compartments

Brain ischemia was induced for 10 or 30 min by clamping the common carotid arteries in rabbits whose vertebral arteries had previously been electrocauterized. EEG and tissue content of high energy phosphates were used to verify the ischemic state and to evaluate the degree of postischemic recovery. Extracellular levels and total contents of amino acids were followed in the hippocampus during ischemia and 4 h of recirculation. At the end of a 30-min ischemic period, GABA had increased 250 times, glutamate 160 times, and aspartate and taurine 30 times in the extracellular phase. The levels returned to normal within 30 min of reflow. A delayed increase of extracellular phosphoethanolamine and ethanolamine peaked after 1-2 h of reflow. Ten minutes of ischemia elicited considerably smaller but similar effects. With respect to total amino acids in the hippocampus, glutamate and aspartate decreased to 30-50% of control while GABA appeared unaffected after 4 h of reflow. Alanine, valine, phenylalanine, leucine, and isoleucine increased severalfold. The importance of toxic extracellular levels of excitatory amino acids, as well as of high extracellular levels of inhibitory amino acids, are considered in relation to the pathophysiology of neuronal cell loss during cerebral ischemia.

In vivo brain dialysis of amino acids and simultaneous EEG measurements following intrahippocampal quinolinic acid injection: evidence for a dissociation between neurochemical changes and seizures

The extracellular content of taurine, glutamate, glutamine, and glycine was measured by the novel method of brain dialysis in the acute phases following an intrahippocampal injection of the excitotoxic convulsant brain metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN). Using bilaterally implanted depth electrodes physically combined with hollow fibers for dialysis, it was possible to collect continuously brain perfusates while simultaneously monitoring brain activity in the unanesthetized rat. In separate animals, hippocampal amino acid tissue levels were measured 2 h after an intracerebral injection of a convulsant dose (156 nmol) of QUIN. When compared with those in animals receiving the nonconvulsant decarboxylation product of QUIN, nicotinic acid, no differences in tissue levels were detected. In contrast, the same dose of QUIN caused a selective increase (2.24-fold) in taurine levels in perfusates from the injected hippocampus. These changes were apparent prior to the onset of electrographic seizures and did not occur in the contralateral hippocampus where seizure activity was equally severe. Thus, increases in extracellular taurine, triggered by the presence of QUIN in the hippocampus, may reflect a selective tissue response to the neurotoxic (rather than the convulsant) effects of this excitotoxin.

A role for taurine in the maintenance of homeostasis in the central nervous system during hyperexcitation?

Employing the brain dialysis technique, we demonstrate that the aspartate congener N-methyl-D,L-aspartic acid (NMA) stimulates the release of endogenous taurine in vivo in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Furthermore, exogenous taurine (1-10 mM) inhibits the NMA-induced Ca2+ influx into intracellular compartments. This suggests that the extracellular taurine concentration may control Ca2+ movement and thereby provide a homeostatic mechanism in situations of excessive excitation.

Penicillin spikes in rats. Limitations of a simple model for the study of anticonvulsants

Direct GABA agonists that suppress spikes induced by penicillin in cats failed to do so in rats. Phenytoin and large doses of THIP increased the rate of spiking activity of the penicillin focus. Only progabide caused marked, initial, short-lasting suppression and a modest reduction of frequency of spikes for 1 hr. Homotaurine (3APS) reduced the amplitude and changed the morphology of the contralateral "mirror" spike. Antagonism of penicillin-induced spikes in rats is considered to be an unsuitable parameter for the screening of anticonvulsant agents.

The perspective of GABA replenishment therapy in the epilepsies: a critical evaluation of hopes and concerns

Impaired GABA-mediated inhibition is probably one of the cellular abnormalities leading to Focal Epilepsy. The role of GABA in generalized seizures, particularly of Petit Mal type, is unknown. Various approaches are available to potentiate GABA function. Merits and flaws of each one of them are critically evaluated. In some forms of epilepsy, GABA agonists may replenish depleted pools, and in some others may nonspecifically raise the general excitability threshold of the brain, yet in other forms they may exert a glutamate/aspartate antagonistic effect. The available experimental evidence suggests that in bilaterally synchronous spike and wave epilepsies, GABA agonists are either ineffective or pejorative.