Intracerebroventricular administration of an endothelin ET(B)-receptor agonist increases expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 in rat brain

Roles of Astrocytic Endothelin ETB Receptor in Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an intracranial injury caused by accidents, falls, or sports. The production of endothelins (ETs) is increased in the injured brain. ET receptors are classified into distinct types, including ET_A receptor (ET_A-R) and ET_B receptor (ET_B-R). ET_B-R is highly expressed in reactive astrocytes and upregulated by TBI. Activation of astrocytic ET_B-R promotes conversion to reactive astrocytes and the production of astrocyte-derived bioactive factors, including vascular permeability regulators and cytokines, which cause blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption, brain edema, and neuroinflammation in the acute phase of TBI. ET_B-R antagonists alleviate BBB disruption and brain edema in animal models of TBI. The activation of astrocytic ET_B receptors also enhances the production of various neurotrophic factors. These astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factors promote the repair of the damaged nervous system in the recovery phase of patients with TBI. Thus, astrocytic ET_B-R is expected to be a promising drug target for TBI in both the acute and recovery phases. This article reviews recent observations on the role of astrocytic ET_B receptors in TBI.

Endothelin ETB Receptor-Mediated Astrocytic Activation: Pathological Roles in Brain Disorders

In brain disorders, reactive astrocytes, which are characterized by hypertrophy of the cell body and proliferative properties, are commonly observed. As reactive astrocytes are involved in the pathogenesis of several brain disorders, the control of astrocytic function has been proposed as a therapeutic strategy, and target molecules to effectively control astrocytic functions have been investigated. The production of brain endothelin-1 (ET-1), which increases in brain disorders, is involved in the pathophysiological response of the nervous system. Endothelin B (ET_B) receptors are highly expressed in reactive astrocytes and are upregulated by brain injury. Activation of astrocyte ET_B receptors promotes the induction of reactive astrocytes. In addition, the production of various astrocyte-derived factors, including neurotrophic factors and vascular permeability regulators, is regulated by ET_B receptors. In animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, brain ischemia, neuropathic pain, and traumatic brain injury, ET_B-receptor-mediated regulation of astrocytic activation has been reported to improve brain disorders. Therefore, the astrocytic ET_B receptor is expected to be a promising drug target to improve several brain disorders. This article reviews the roles of ET_B receptors in astrocytic activation and discusses its possible applications in the treatment of brain disorders.

Down-regulation of astrocytic sonic hedgehog by activation of endothelin ETB receptors: Involvement in traumatic brain injury-induced disruption of blood brain barrier in a mouse model

In the adult brain, sonic hedgehog acts on cerebral microvascular endothelial cells to stabilize the blood-brain barrier. The expression of sonic hedgehog by astrocytes is altered during brain injury, and this change has been shown to affect permeability of blood-brain barrier. However, much remains unknown about the regulation of astrocytic sonic hedgehog production. Our results showed that endothelin-1 reduced sonic hedgehog mRNA expression and extracellular protein release in mouse cerebral cultured astrocytes, but had no effect in bEnd.3, a mouse brain microvascular endothelial-derived cell line. The effect of endothelin-1 on astrocyte sonic hedgehog expression was suppressed by an ET_B antagonist BQ788, but was unchanged by the ET_A antagonist FR139317. In cultured astrocytes and bEnd.3, endothelin-1 did not affect the expression of the sonic hedgehog receptor-related molecules, patched-1 and smoothened. In an animal model of traumatic brain injury, fluid percussion injury on the mouse cerebrum increased the expression of sonic hedgehog, patched-1, and smoothened. Repeated administration of BQ788 enhanced sonic hedgehog expression at 5 days after fluid percussion injury. Histochemical examination revealed sonic hedgehog expression in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes in the cerebrum after fluid percussion injury. Administration of exogenous sonic hedgehog and BQ788 suppressed Evans blue extravasation, an indicator of blood vessel permeability, induced by fluid percussion injury. The effects of BQ788 on fluid percussion injury-induced Evans blue extravasation were reduced by the administration of jervine, a sonic hedgehog inhibitor. Altogether, these results suggest that endothelin-1 down-regulates astrocytic sonic hedgehog to promote disruption of the blood-brain barrier during traumatic brain injury.

Endothelin receptor antagonists alleviate blood-brain barrier disruption and cerebral edema in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury: A comparison between bosentan and ambrisentan

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is induced by the immediate physical disruption of brain tissue. TBI causes disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and brain edema. In the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of TBI patients, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is increased, suggesting that ET-1 aggravates TBI-induced brain damage. In this study, the effect of bosentan (ET_A/ET_B antagonist) and ambrisentan (ET_A antagonist) on BBB dysfunction and brain edema were examined in a mouse model of TBI using lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI). FPI to the mouse cerebrum increased the expression levels of ET-1 and ET_B receptors. Administration of bosentan (3 or 15 mg/kg/day) and ambrisentan (0.1 or 0.5 mg/kg/day) at 6 and 24 h after FPI ameliorated BBB disruption and cerebral brain edema. Delayed administration of bosentan from 2 days after FPI also reduced BBB disruption and brain edema, while ambrisentan had no significant effects. FPI-induced expression levels of ET-1 and ET_B receptors were reduced by bosentan, but not by ambrisentan. In cultured mouse astrocytes and brain microvessel endothelial cells, ET-1 (100 nM) increased prepro--ET-1 mRNA, which was inhibited by bosentan, but not by ambrisentan. FPI-induced alterations of the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-9, vascular endothelial growth factor-A, and angiopoietin-1 in the mouse cerebrum were reduced by delayed administration of bosentan, while ambrisentan had no significant effects. These results suggest that ET antagonists are effective in improving BBB disruption and cerebral edema in TBI patients and that an ET_A/ET_B non-selective type of antagonists is more effective.

Endothelin receptors in the brain modulate autonomic responses and arrhythmogenesis during acute myocardial infarction in rats

AIMS

Endothelin has been implicated in various processes in the brain, including the modulation of sympathetic responses. The present study examined the pathophysiologic role of brain endothelin-receptors in the setting of acute myocardial infarction, characterized by high incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias.

MAIN METHODS

We investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of antagonists of endothelin-receptors ET_A, ET_B, or both, during a 24 h-observation period post-coronary ligation in (n = 70) rats. Continuous recording was performed via implanted telemetry transmitters, followed by arrhythmia-analysis and calculation of autonomic indices derived from heart rate variability. The regional myocardial electrophysiologic properties were assessed by monophasic action potentials and multi-electrode recordings.

KEY FINDINGS

Sympathetic-activity was decreased and vagal-activity was enhanced after intracerebroventricular ET_A-receptor blockade, thus attenuating regional myocardial repolarization inhomogeneity. As a result, the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmias was markedly lower in this group. Such effects were also observed after intracerebroventricular blockade of ET_B-, or both, ET_A- and ET_B-receptors, although to a lesser extent.

SIGNIFICANCE

ET_A-receptors in the brain modulate sympathetic and vagal responses and alter arrhythmogenesis during evolving myocardial necrosis in rats. These findings provide insights into arrhythmogenic mechanisms during acute myocardial infarction and call for further investigation on the role of endothelin in the central autonomic network.

Montelukast, a Cysteinyl Leukotriene Receptor 1 Antagonist, Induces M2 Macrophage Polarization and Inhibits Murine Aortic Aneurysm Formation

Background

The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is characterized by atherosclerosis with chronic inflammation in the aortic wall. Montelukast is a selective cys-LT 1 receptor antagonist that can suppress atherosclerotic diseases. We evaluated the in vitro properties of montelukast and its in vivo activities in an angiotensin II–infused apolipoprotein E–deficient (apoE^−/−) AAA mouse model.

Methods

The mouse monocyte/macrophage cell line J774A.1 was used in vitro. M1 macrophages were treated with montelukast, and gene expressions of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Macrophages were cultured with montelukast, then gene expressions of arginase-1 and IL (interleukin)-10 were assessed by quantitative polymerase chain reaction, arginase-1 was measured by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and IL-10 concentration was analyzed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In vivo, one group (Mont, n=7) received oral montelukast (10 mg/kg/day) for 28 days, and the other group (Saline, n=7) was given normal Saline as a control for the same period. Aortic diameters, activities of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), cytokine concentrations, and the number of M2 macrophages were analyzed.

Results

Relative to control, montelukast significantly suppressed gene expressions of MMP-2, MMP-9, and IL-1β, induced gene expressions of arginase-1 and IL-10, enhanced the expression of the arginase-1 cell surface protein, and increased the protein concentration of IL-10. In vivo, montelukast significantly decreased aortic expansion (Saline vs Mont; 2.44 ± 0.15 mm vs 1.59 ± 0.20 mm, P<.01), reduced MMP-2 activity (Saline vs Mont; 1240 μM vs 755 μM, P<.05), and induced infiltration of M2 macrophages (Saline vs Mont; 7.51 % vs 14.7 %, P<.05).

Conclusion

Montelukast induces M2 macrophage polarization and prevents AAA formation in apoE^−/− mice.

Dual Roles of Astrocyte-Derived Factors in Regulation of Blood-Brain Barrier Function after Brain Damage

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major functional barrier in the central nervous system (CNS), and inhibits the extravasation of intravascular contents and transports various essential nutrients between the blood and the brain. After brain damage by traumatic brain injury, cerebral ischemia and several other CNS disorders, the functions of the BBB are disrupted, resulting in severe secondary damage including brain edema and inflammatory injury. Therefore, BBB protection and recovery are considered novel therapeutic strategies for reducing brain damage. Emerging evidence suggests key roles of astrocyte-derived factors in BBB disruption and recovery after brain damage. The astrocyte-derived vascular permeability factors include vascular endothelial growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, nitric oxide, glutamate and endothelin-1, which enhance BBB permeability leading to BBB disruption. By contrast, the astrocyte-derived protective factors include angiopoietin-1, sonic hedgehog, glial-derived neurotrophic factor, retinoic acid and insulin-like growth factor-1 and apolipoprotein E which attenuate BBB permeability resulting in recovery of BBB function. In this review, the roles of these astrocyte-derived factors in BBB function are summarized, and their significance as therapeutic targets for BBB protection and recovery after brain damage are discussed.

Delayed Administration of BQ788, an ETB Antagonist, after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury Promotes Recovery of Blood-Brain Barrier Function and a Reduction of Cerebral Edema in Mice

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is induced by immediate physical disruption of brain tissue, and causes death and disability. Studies on experimental TBI animal models show that disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) underlies brain edema and neuroinflammation during the delayed phase of TBI. In neurological disorders, endothelin-1 (ET-1) is involved in BBB dysfunction and brain edema. In this study, the effect of ET antagonists on BBB dysfunction and brain edema were examined in a mouse focal TBI model using lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI). ET-1 and ET_B receptors were increased at 2-7 days after FPI, which was accompanied by extravasation of Evans blue (EB) and brain edema. Repeated intracerebroventricular administration of BQ788 (15 nmol/day), an ET_B antagonist, from 2 days after FPI promoted recovery of EB extravasation and brain edema, while FR 139317, an ET_A antagonist, had no effect. Delayed intravenous administration of BQ788 also promoted recovery from FPI-induced EB extravasation and brain edema. While FPI caused decreases in claudin-5, occludin, and zonula occludens-1 proteins, BQ788 reversed FPI-induced reductions of them. Immunohistochemical observation of the cerebrum after FPI showed that ET_B receptors are predominantly expressed in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive astrocytes. BQ788 reduced FPI-induced increases in GFAP-positive astrocytes. GFAP-positive astrocytes produced vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). FPI-induced increases in VEGF-A and MMP-9 production were reversed by BQ788. These results suggest that ET_B receptor antagonism during the delayed phase of focal TBI promotes recovery of BBB function and reduction of brain edema.

Dexamethasone Downregulates Endothelin Receptors and Reduces Endothelin-Induced Production of Matrix Metalloproteinases in Cultured Rat Astrocytes

In brain disorders, astrocytes change phenotype to reactive astrocytes and are involved in the induction of neuroinflammation and brain edema. The administration of glucocorticoids (GCs), such as dexamethasone (Dex), reduces astrocytic activation, but the mechanisms underlying this inhibitory action are not well understood. Endothelins (ETs) promote astrocytic activation. Therefore, the effects of Dex on ET receptor expressions were examined in cultured rat astrocytes. Treatment with 300 nM Dex for 6-48 hours reduced the mRNA expression of astrocytic ET_A and ET_B receptors to 30-40% of nontreated cells. Levels of ET_A and ET_B receptor proteins became about 50% of nontreated cells after Dex treatment. Astrocytic ET_A and ET_B receptor mRNAs were decreased by 300 nM hydrocortisone. The effects of Dex and hydrocortisone on astrocytic ET receptors were abolished in the presence of mifepristone, a GC receptor antagonist. Although Dex did not decrease the basal levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) 3 and MMP9 mRNAs, pretreatment with Dex reduced ET-induced increases in MMP mRNAs. The effects of ET-1 on the release of MMP3 and MMP9 proteins were attenuated by pretreatment with Dex. ET-1 stimulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) in cultured astrocytes. Pretreatment with Dex reduced the ET-induced increases in ERK1/2 phosphorylation. In contrast, pretreatment with Dex did not affect MMP production or ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by phorbol myristate acetate, a protein kinase C activator. These results indicate that Dex downregulates astrocytic ET receptors and reduces ET-induced MMP production.

Original Research: The expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of newborn mice under maternal lead exposure

The current study focused on the MMP2 and MMP9 expression in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of newborn mice under maternal lead exposure. Lead exposure was initiated from gestation to weaning. Lead acetate was dissolved in deionized water with concentration of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5% and was absorbed through daily drinking. On day 21 after birth, lead in blood and tissue levels was examined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrum (GFAAS). The protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 in hippocampus and cerebral cortex tissues were tested by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Compared to the control group, blood, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus lead levels of newborn mice in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5% lead exposure groups were markedly high (P < 0.05), and mice within the 0.2 and 0.5% lead exposure groups performed much worse than that of the control group in Water Maze test (P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, MMP2 and MMP9 expressions in hippocampus were up-regulated in the lead exposure groups (P < 0.05), and the MMP2 and MMP9 expressions in cerebral cortex were also higher (P < 0.05). The increased expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex may lead to the neurotoxicity in the context of maternal lead exposure.

Stimulation of nuclear receptor REV-ERBs regulates tumor necrosis factor-induced expression of proinflammatory molecules in C6 astroglial cells

Under physiological conditions, astrocytes maintain homeostasis in the CNS. Following inflammation and injury to the CNS, however, activated astrocytes produce neurotoxic molecules such as cytokines and chemokines, amplifying the initial molecular-cellular events evoked by inflammation and injury. Nuclear receptors REV-ERBα and REV-ERBβ (REV-ERBs) are crucial in the regulation of inflammation- and metabolism-related gene transcription. The current study sought to elucidate a role of REV-ERBs in rat C6 astroglial cells on the expression of inflammatory molecules following stimulation with the neuroinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF). Stimulation of C6 cells with TNF (10 ng/ml) significantly increased the mRNA expression of CCL2, interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and matrix metalloprotease (MMP)-9, but not fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and MMP-2. Treatment with either REV-ERB agonists GSK4112 or SR9009 significantly blocked TNF-induced upregulation of CCL2 mRNA and MMP-9 mRNA, but not IL-6 mRNA and iNOS mRNA expression. Furthermore, treatment with RGFP966, a selective histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3) inhibitor, potently reversed the inhibitory effects of GSK4112 on TNF-induced expression of MMP-9 mRNA, but not CCL2 mRNA. Expression of Rev-erbs mRNA in C6 astroglial cells, primary cultured rat cortical and spinal astrocytes was confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Together, the findings demonstrate an anti-inflammatory effect, downregulating of MMP-9 and CCL2 transcription, of astroglial REV-ERBs activation through HDAC3-dependent and HDAC3-independent mechanisms.

Pathogenesis of brain edema and investigation into anti-edema drugs

Brain edema is a potentially fatal pathological state that occurs after brain injuries such as stroke and head trauma. In the edematous brain, excess accumulation of extracellular fluid results in elevation of intracranial pressure, leading to impaired nerve function. Despite the seriousness of brain edema, only symptomatic treatments to remove edema fluid are currently available. Thus, the development of novel anti-edema drugs is required. The pathogenesis of brain edema is classified as vasogenic or cytotoxic edema. Vasogenic edema is defined as extracellular accumulation of fluid resulting from disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and extravasations of serum proteins, while cytotoxic edema is characterized by cell swelling caused by intracellular accumulation of fluid. Various experimental animal models are often used to investigate mechanisms underlying brain edema. Many soluble factors and functional molecules have been confirmed to induce BBB disruption or cell swelling and drugs targeted to these factors are expected to have anti-edema effects. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms and involvement of factors that induce brain edema formation, and the possibility of anti-edema drugs targeting them.

Amelioration of cold injury-induced cortical brain edema formation by selective endothelin ETB receptor antagonists in mice

Brain edema is a potentially fatal pathological condition that often occurs in stroke and head trauma. Following brain insults, endothelins (ETs) are increased and promote several pathophysiological responses. This study examined the effects of ET_B antagonists on brain edema formation and disruption of the blood-brain barrier in a mouse cold injury model (Five- to six-week-old male ddY mice). Cold injury increased the water content of the injured cerebrum, and promoted extravasation of both Evans blue and endogenous albumin. In the injury area, expression of prepro-ET-1 mRNA and ET-1 peptide increased. Intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of BQ788 (ET_B antagonist), IRL-2500 (ET_B antagonist), or FR139317 (ET_A antagonist) prior to cold injury significantly attenuated the increase in brain water content. Bolus administration of BQ788, IRL-2500, or FR139317 also inhibited the cold injury-induced extravasation of Evans blue and albumin. Repeated administration of BQ788 and IRL-2500 beginning at 24 h after cold injury attenuated both the increase in brain water content and extravasation of markers. In contrast, FR139317 had no effect on edema formation when administrated after cold injury. Cold injury stimulated induction of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive reactive astrocytes in the injured cerebrum. Induction of reactive astrocytes after cold injury was attenuated by ICV administration of BQ788 or IRL-2500. These results suggest that ET_B receptor antagonists may be an effective approach to ameliorate brain edema formation following brain insults.