Sublytic complement attack increases intracellular sodium in rat skeletal muscle

Intracellular ATP Concentration and Implication for Cellular Evolution

Crystalline lens and striated muscle exist at opposite ends of the metabolic spectrum. Lens is a metabolically quiescent tissue, whereas striated muscle is a mechanically dynamic tissue with high-energy requirements, yet both tissues contain millimolar levels of ATP (>2.3 mM), far exceeding their underlying metabolic needs. We explored intracellular concentrations of ATP across multiple cells, tissues, species, and domains to provide context for interpreting lens/striated muscle data. Our database revealed that high intracellular ATP concentrations are ubiquitous across diverse life forms including species existing from the Precambrian Era, suggesting an ancient highly conserved role for ATP, independent of its widely accepted view as primarily "metabolic currency". Our findings reinforce suggestions that the primordial function of ATP was non-metabolic in nature, serving instead to prevent protein aggregation.

Role of sepsis in the development of limb muscle weakness in a porcine intensive care unit model

Severe muscle wasting and loss of muscle function in critically ill mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients have significant negative consequences on their recovery and rehabilitation that persist long after their hospital discharge; moreover, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Mechanical ventilation (MV) and immobilization-induced modifications play an important role in these consequences, including endotoxin-induced sepsis. The present study aims to investigate how sepsis aggravates ventilator and immobilization-related limb muscle dysfunction. Hence, biceps femoris muscle gene expression was investigated in pigs exposed to ICU intervention, i.e., immobilization, sedation, and MV, alone or in combination with sepsis, for 5 days. In previous studies, we have shown that ICU intervention alone or in combination with sepsis did not affect muscle fiber size on day 5, but a significant decrease was observed in single fiber maximal force normalized to cross-sectional area (specific force) when sepsis was added to the ICU intervention. According to microarray data, the addition of sepsis to the ICU intervention induced a deregulation of >500 genes, such as an increased expression of genes involved in chemokine activity, kinase activity, and transcriptional regulation. Genes involved in the regulation of the oxidative stress response and cytoskeletal/sarcomeric and heat shock proteins were on the other hand downregulated when sepsis was added to the ICU intervention. Thus, sepsis has a significant negative effect on muscle function in critically ill ICU patients, and chemokine activity and heat shock protein genes are forwarded to play an instrumental role in this specific muscle wasting condition.

Decay-accelerating factor mitigates controlled hemorrhage-instigated intestinal and lung tissue damage and hyperkalemia in swine

BACKGROUND

Activation of complement system has been associated with tissue injury after hemorrhage and resuscitation in rats and swine. This study investigated whether administration of human recombinant decay-accelerating factor (DAF; a complement regulatory protein that inhibits classical and alternative pathways) reduces tissue damage in a porcine model of hemorrhagic shock.

METHODS

Male Yorkshire swine assigned to four groups were subjected to controlled, isobaric hemorrhage over 15 minutes to a target mean arterial pressure of 35 mm Hg. Hypotension was maintained for 20 minutes followed by a bolus intravenous injection of DAF or vehicle and then animals were observed for 200 minutes. Blood chemistry and physiologic parameters were recorded. Tissue samples from lung and small intestine were subjected to histopathological evaluation and detection of tissue deposition of complement proteins by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyses.

RESULTS

Administration of DAF significantly reduced intestinal and lung tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner (5, 25, and 50 μg/kg). In addition, DAF treatment improved hemorrhage-induced hyperkalemia. The protective effects of DAF appear to be related to its ability to reduce tissue complement activation and deposition on affected tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

DAF treatment decreased tissue complement activation and deposition in hemorrhaged animals and attenuated tissue damage at 200 minutes after treatment. The observed beneficial effects of DAF treatment on tissue injury after 20 minutes of severe hypotension presents an attractive model of small volume resuscitation, particularly in situations with a restrictive medical logistical footprint such as far-forward access to first responders in the battlefield or in remote rural or mountainous environments.

Ginsenoside-Rg1 protects podocytes from complement mediated injury

AIM OF THE STUDY

Podocytes injury mediated by complement complex C5b-9 is the main feature of membranous nephropathy (MN). Little work has been done to prove that ginsenoside-Rg1 could inhibit this process. Our study aims to investigate the efficacy of ginsenoside-Rg1 in protecting the podocyte from complement mediated injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We chose sublethal C5b-9 induced podocyte injury as the model of MN in vitro. Ginsenoside-Rg1 was given as an intervention. Morphological changes were observed by electron microscope and fluorescence microscope. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was detected by flow cytometry. The expression of the mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) including JNK, ERK and P38 was detected by western-blot technique.

RESULTS

Ginsenoside-Rg1 could protect foot processes of podocytes, suppress the damage of F-actin, decrease the production of ROS, and inhibit the activation of P38 kinase pathway.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that ginsenoside-Rg1 could protect podocyte from sMAC-induced injury partly because of its antioxidant property and inhibit the activation of P38 kinase pathway.

Activation of multiple signaling pathways by terminal complement complexes involved in myocellular sodium homeostasis

Soluble C5b-9 complexes (SC5b-9), hemolytically inactive end-products of complement activation have long been considered to be irrelevant. Recent investigations, however, have demonstrated that SC5b-9 induces numerous biological effects via a series of intracellular signal transduction events. We have previously demonstrated that SC5b-9 enriched sera increased intracellular Na+ in rat skeletal muscles. This study was purposed to determine if the protein kinase C (PKC) or mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway mediates the effects of SC5b-9. Fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles isolated from infant rats were incubated at 30 degrees C for 60 minutes with 10% zymosan-activated rat sera (ZARS) as a source of complement. Heat-inactivated rat sera (HIRS) were used as a control. The muscles were also incubated with ZARS or HIRS in the presence of specific inhibitors against PKC (GF109203X) or MAPK (PD98059 and SB202190). Intracellular Na+ and K+ contents were then measured. ZARS significantly increased intracellular Na+ and the Na+/K+ ratio in EDL muscles as compared to HIRS. GF109203X, PD98059 and SB202190 markedly attenuated increase in myocellular Na+ induced by ZARS, respectively. We concluded that SC5b-9 enriched sera alter myocellular Na+ homeostasis, at least in part, via the mechanisms linked to PKC and MAPK signal transduction pathways.

Does endotoxin-activated complement alter myocellular sodium homeostasis during sepsis?

BACKGROUND

Inappropriate complement activation is closely related to tissue injury and organ dysfunction during systemic infection. It is not clear, however, if endotoxin-induced complement activation is responsible for changes in myocellular sodium homeostasis during sepsis.

METHODS

Rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham operation. Twenty-four hours after operation, fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) muscles were isolated, incubated at 30 degrees C for 1 hour in Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB) (pH 7.4), and used to measure intracellular Na+ and K+ contents. Blood samples were collected to measure serum hemolytic complement activity and endotoxin levels. In addition, EDL muscles isolated from normal animals were incubated at 30 degrees C for 1 hour with zymosan-activated (10 mg/mL at 37 degrees C for 1 hour) rat sera, with lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated (LPS from Escherichia coli 055:B5, 10 or 200 microg/mL at 37 degrees C for 30 minutes) rat sera, with heat-inactivated (56 degrees C for 30 minutes) rat sera, with LPS (1 or 20 microg/mL), or in KHB. EDL muscles isolated from normal animals were also incubated with septic sera collected 6 or 24 hours after CLP with or without administration of soluble complement receptor type 1 (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Myocellular Na+ and K+ contents ([Na+]i and [K+]i) were assayed using "washout" technique. Soluble C5b-9 complex levels in zymosan-activated or LPS-activated human sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the degree of complement activation induced by zymosan or LPS.

RESULTS

Myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios increased significantly 24 hours after CLP as compared with sham operation and were associated with decreased serum hemolytic complement activity and increased serum endotoxin levels. Zymosan-activated rat sera at sublytic concentrations markedly increased [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios in isolated EDL muscles relative to heat-inactivated rat sera. LPS-activated rat sera, however, did not alter these two indices. In addition, myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios were equivalent among normal EDL muscles incubated with septic sera, soluble complement receptor type 1-treated septic sera, or KHB.

CONCLUSION

These results collectively suggest that polymicrobial sepsis, as produced by CLP, alters sodium homeostasis in fast-twitch skeletal muscles in association with changes in systemic complement activation and circulating endotoxin levels. Although endotoxin can activate the complement cascade, endotoxin-induced complement activation does not appear to be responsible for changes in myocellular sodium homeostasis observed during sepsis in rats.

Complement activation alters myocellular sodium homeostasis during polymicrobial sepsis

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether complement activation alters sodium homeostasis in fast-twitch skeletal muscles during sepsis, and if protein kinase-C is involved in this process.

DESIGN

Prospective, randomized, controlled animal study.

SETTING

Research laboratory.

SUBJECTS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 60-75 g.

INTERVENTIONS

Rats underwent cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham-operation with or without soluble complement receptor-1 treatment. Soluble complement receptor-1 (20 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally 5 mins before operation. Twenty-four hours after operation, fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles were isolated and incubated in normal Krebs-Henseleit buffer (pH 7.4). In addition, extensor digitorum longus muscles isolated from normal rats were incubated for 1 hr in the Krebs-Henseleit buffer media containing normal rat sera, zymosan-activated (4 or 10 mg/mL) rat sera, or heat-inactivated rat sera. Ten percent diluted rat sera were used as a complement source in all groups. Last, extensor digitorum longus muscles isolated from normal rats were incubated for 1 hr in the Krebs-Henseleit buffer media containing zymosan-activated or heat-inactivated rat sera in the presence of protein kinase-C inhibitors (i.e., 4 microM GF109203X or 5 microM rottlerin). Soluble C5b-9 complex concentrations in zymosan-activated human sera were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to evaluate the degree of complement activation induced by zymosan.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Incubated extensor digitorum longus muscles from CLP, sham-operated, or normal rats were used to measure intracellular Na+ and K+ contents ([Na+]i or [K+]i). Polymicrobial sepsis, as produced by CLP, markedly increased [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios in fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus muscles 24 hrs after CLP compared with sham operation. Administration of soluble recombinant complement receptor 1 before operation significantly decreased myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios. Zymosan profoundly elevated soluble C5b-9 concentrations in human sera in vitro. Sublytic zymosan-activated rat sera significantly increased myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios relative to heat-inactivated rat sera. No difference in myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios was observed when we used 4 mg/mL compared with 10 mg/mL of zymosan for activation. Last, incubation of extensor digitorum longus muscles with GF109203X or rottlerin significantly attenuated increases in myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios induced by sublytic zymosan-activated rat sera.

CONCLUSIONS

Polymicrobial sepsis alters sodium homeostasis in fast-twitch skeletal muscles, which is significantly attenuated by administration of soluble complement receptor 1. Protein kinase-C inhibition completely blocks changes in myocellular [Na+]i and [Na+]i/[K+]i ratios induced by sublytic zymosan-activated rat sera. Collectively, these results suggest that an inappropriate activation of complement is, at least in part, responsible for changes in skeletal muscle sodium homeostasis during sepsis, and activation of PKC is one of the intracellular signaling pathways by which complement activation alters myocellular sodium homeostasis.

In vitro complement activation favoring soluble C5b-9 complex formation alters myocellular sodium homeostasis

BACKGROUND

Deranged Na(+) homeostasis in skeletal muscle is closely associated with excessive complement activation that is encountered during sepsis. Recent evidence suggests that soluble C5b-9 complexes (SC5b-9), which are readily detected in plasma during sepsis and have long been considered irrelevant nonmembrane binding end products of complement activation, may have numerous biologic effects. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine the effects of SC5b-9 on myocellular ion homeostasis and its mechanism(s) of action.

METHODS

Hindlimb fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) was freshly isolated from rats weighing 50 to 70 g and then incubated at 30 degrees C for 60 minutes in normal Krebs-Henseleit buffer (KHB, pH 7.4) containing 10% zymosan-activated rat serum (10 mg/mL at 37 degrees C for 60 minutes) as a source of SC5b-9. Zymosan particles were removed by centrifugation after activation to exclude any noncomplement direct effects. Heat-inactivated rat serum (56 degrees C for 30 minutes) was used as control. EDL muscle was also incubated with pertussis toxin (1 microg/mL), in Ca(2+)-free KHB, with thapsigargin (0.3 or 3 micromol/L), or with ouabain (0.01, 0.1 or 1 micromol/L) before and/or during incubation with 10% zymosan-activated or heat-inactivated rat serum. Intracellular Na(+) and K(+) contents ([Na(+)](i) or [K(+)](i)) of EDL muscle were determined by using flame photometry after washing in ice-cold Na(+)-free Tris-sucrose buffer. SC5b-9 in zymosan-activated human serum was determined by SC5b-9 enzyme-linked immunoassay.

RESULTS

SC5b-9 in zymosan-activated human serum significantly increased by 400% as compared with nonactivated, normal human serum. Zymosan-activated rat serum markedly increased [Na+]i without affecting [K(+)](i) in fast-twitch EDL muscle, which was completely inhibited by pertussis toxin, removal of extracellular Ca(2+) or depletion of intracellular Ca(2+) with thapsigargin. The addition of ouabain (at micromolar concentrations) increased myocellular [Na(+)](i) and decreased myocellular [K(+)](i) in both the zymosan-activated and the heat-inactivated rat serum groups. The effects of ouabain on myocellular [Na(+)](i) and [K(+)](i) were equivalent in these 2 groups. Zymosan-activated and heat-inactivated rat serum had similar effects on myocellular [K(+)](i) in the presence or absence of pertussis toxin, removal of extracellular Ca(2+) or depletion of intracellular Ca(2+).

CONCLUSIONS

Zymosan-activated rat serum (presumed SC5b-9 enriched) selectively alters Na(+) homeostasis in isolated fast-twitch skeletal muscle. The mechanisms for such effects may be linked to G-proteins, Ca(2+) flux and Na(+),K(+)-adenosine triphosphatase pump binding site blockade.