Ischemia-induced impairment of 2-deoxyglucose uptake and CA1 field potentials in rat hippocampal slices: protection by 5-HT1A receptor agonists and 5-HT2 receptor antagonists

ENDOTHELIN-1-INDUCED CEREBRAL ISCHEMIA: EFFECTS OF KETANSERIN AND MK-801 ON LIMB PLACING IN RATS

The long-term effects of the 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist ketanserin on deficits in sensorimotor integration (limb placing tests) following transient focal cerebral ischemia in rats were compared to the effects of the NMDA antagonist MK-801. Middle cerebral artery occlusion was induced in conscious rats by microinjection of endothelin-1 in the vicinity of the artery (EMCAO model). The EMCAO/vehicle rats exhibited impaired tactile and proprioceptive limb placing. In contrast to ketanserin, MK-801 exerted severe early behavioral disturbances, but both drugs significantly improved the neurological scores much earlier than the spontaneous recovery of function occurred. The present results suggest that pharmacotherapy by means of ketanserin lacking the severe side effects of the NMDA antagonists can be used to enhance functional recovery after stroke.

Serotoninergic receptors in the anteroventral preoptic region modulate the hypoxic ventilatory response

Hypothalamus is a site of integration of the hypoxic and thermal stimuli on breathing and there is evidence that serotonin (5-HT) receptors in the anteroventral preoptic region (AVPO) mediate hypoxic hypothermia. Once 5-HT is involved in the hypoxic ventilatory response (HVR), we investigated the participation of the 5-HT receptors (5-HT1, 5-HT2 and 5-HT7) in the AVPO in the HVR. To this end, pulmonary ventilation (V(E)) of rats was measured before and after intra-AVPO microinjection of methysergide (a 5-HT1 and 5-HT2 receptor antagonist), WAY-100635 (a 5-HT1A receptor antagonist) and SB-269970 (a 5-HT7 receptor antagonist), followed by 60 min of hypoxia exposure (7% O2). Intra-AVPO microinjection of vehicles or 5-HT antagonists did not change V(E) during normoxic conditions. Exposure of rats to 7% O2 evoked typical hypoxia-induced hyperpnea after vehicle microinjection, which was not affected by methysergide. WAY-100635 and SB-269970 treatment caused an increased HVR, due to a higher tidal volume. Therefore, the current data provide the evidence that 5-HT acting on 5-HT1A and 5-HT7 receptors in the AVPO exert an inhibitory modulation on the HVR.

Stimulation of 5-HT1A receptor with 8-OH-DPAT inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity in cultured rat cortical cells

We investigated the effect of 8-hydroxy-2-(N,N-dipropylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT), a specific 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist, on H(2)O(2)-induced neuronal cell death in cultured rat cortical cells. H(2)O(2) produced a concentration-dependent reduction of cell viability, which was significantly reduced by (5R,10S)-(+)-5-methyl-10,11-dihydro-5H-dibenzo[a,d] cyclohepten-5,10-imine (MK-801), an N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. Pretreatment of 8-OH-DPAT over the concentration range of 1-100 microM significantly inhibited the H(2)O(2) (100 microM)-induced neuronal cell death as assessed by a MTT assay and the number of apoptotic nuclei, evidenced by Hoechst 33342 staining. The protective effect of 8-OH-DPAT (100 microM) was completely blocked by the simultaneous treatment of 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4-[4-(2-phthalimideo)butyl]piperazine (NAN-190, 10muM), a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist, but not in the presence of the dopamine receptor blocker spiperone (10 microM), indicating that the protective effect of 8-OH-DPAT was mediated via 5-HT(1A) receptors. In addition, 8-OH-DPAT inhibited the H(2)O(2)-induced elevation of glutamate release into the medium and cytosolic Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](c)), generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and caspase-3 activity. These results suggest that the activation of 5-HT(1A) receptor with 8-OH-DPAT may ameliorate an oxydative stress-induced apoptosis of neuronal cell by interfering with the increase of [Ca(2+)](c), and then by inhibiting glutamate release, generation of ROS and caspase activity.

A review of the neuroprotective properties of the 5-HT1A receptor agonist repinotan HCl (BAYx3702) in ischemic stroke

Repinotan HCl (repinotan, BAYx3702), a highly selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist with a good record of safety was found to have pronounced neuroprotective effects in experimental models that mimic various aspects of brain injury. Repinotan caused strong, dose-dependent infarct reductions in permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, transient middle cerebral artery occlusion, and traumatic brain injury paradigms. The specific 5-HT1A receptor antagonist WAY 100635 blocked these effects, indicating that the neuroprotective properties of repinotan are mediated through the 5-HT1A receptor. The proposed neuroprotective mechanisms of repinotan are thought to be the result of neuronal hyperpolarization via the activation of G protein-coupled inwardly rectifying K+ channels upon binding to both pre- and post-synaptic 5-HT1A receptors. Hyperpolarization results in inhibition of neuron firing and reduction of glutamate release. These mechanisms, leading to protection of neurons against overexcitation, could explain the neuroprotective efficacy of repinotan per se, but not necessarily the efficacy by delayed administration. The therapeutic time window of repinotan appeared to be at least 5 h in in vivo animal models, but may be even longer at higher doses of the drug. Experimental studies indicate that repinotan affects various mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of brain injury. In addition to the direct effect of repinotan on neuronal hyperpolarization and suppression of glutamate release this compound affects the death-inhibiting protein Bcl-2, serotonergic glial growth factor S-100beta and Nerve Growth Factor. It also suppresses the activity of caspase-3 through MAPK and PKCalpha; this effect may contribute to its neuroprotective efficacy. The dose- and time-dependent neuroprotective efficacy of repinotan indicates that the drug is a promising candidate for prevention of secondary brain damage in brain-injured patients suffering from acute ischemic stroke. Unfortunately, however, the first, randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial did not demonstrate the efficacy of repinotan in acute ischemic stroke.

Protective effect of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline on in vitro ischemia-induced neuronal damage in the hippocampus: putative neurotransmitter receptors involved in their action

Rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline are major tetracyclic oxindole alkaloid components of Uncaira species, which have been long used as medicinal plants. In this study we examined the protective effects of rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline on in vitro ischemia-induced neuronal damage in the hippocampus and interaction of these alkaloids with neurotransmitter receptors in a receptor expression model of Xenopus oocytes. In vitro ischemia was induced by exposing the hippocampal slices to oxygen- and D-glucose-deprived medium over 8 min. The resultant neuronal damage was elucidated as deterioration of population spike (PS) amplitudes evoked trans-synaptically by electrical stimulation of Schaffer collaterals and recorded in the CA1 area. Rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline, as well as the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) antagonist (+/-)-2-amino-5-phosphono-valeric acid (APV), the muscarinic M1 receptor antagonist pirenzepine, and the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist ketanserin, attenuated the in vitro ischemia-induced neuronal damage in a concentration-dependent manner. There was no difference in the extent of protection against the neuronal damage between rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline treatment. In Xenopus oocytes expressing the rat brain receptors encoded by total RNA, both rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline reduced muscarinic receptor- and 5-HT2 receptor-mediated current responses in a competitive manner. Together with our previous findings that rhynchophylline and isorhynchophylline have a non-competitive antagonistic effect on the NMDA-type ionotropic glutamate receptors, the present results suggest that these alkaloids exert their protective action against ischemia-induced neuronal damage by preventing NMDA, muscarinic M1, and 5-HT2 receptors-mediated neurotoxicity during ischemia.

Transient focal ischemia affects the cAMP second messenger system and coupled dopamine D1 and 5-HT1A receptors in the living monkey brain: a positron emission tomography study using microdialysis

Using positron emission tomography (PET) and microdialysis, the present study showed that neuronal damages after transient focal ischemia was partly induced by hyperactivation of the cyclic adenosine 3',5'-monophosphate (cAMP) second messenger system through modulations of dopamine D, and serotonin 5-HT1A receptors in the living brains of cynomolgus monkeys. Occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery for 3 hours suppressed CBF in the striatum, and reperfusion induced hyperperfusion in the neocortex and striatum of the occluded side. Six hours after reperfusion, the activity of the cAMP second messenger system assayed with [11C]rolipram was significantly facilitated in the neocortex and striatum where CBF was lowered more than 40% of normal during occlusion ("ischemic" area). Seven days later, impaired dopamine D1 and 5-HT1A receptor binding, measured with [11C]SCH23390 and [carbonyl-11C]WAY-100635, respectively, was observed in the ischemic area. Microdialysis analysis revealed that the striatal dopamine level provided a transient and marked increased during occlusion and after reperfusion, whereas the cortical serotonin level transiently increased only after reperfusion, and was at an undetectable level thereafter. Administration of rolipram (0.1 and 1 mg/kg, intravenously) during occlusion facilitated reduction of dopamine D1 binding, whereas rolipram administration 6 hours after reperfusion induced a further decrease in 5-HT1A receptor binding. These results suggest that the activation of cAMP second messenger system modulated by dopamine D1 and 5-HT1A receptors could be involved in the neuronal degeneration after transient cerebral ischemic insult.

Detrimental role of corticotropin-releasing factor on the decrease of CA1 field potential induced by in vitro ischemia in rat hippocampal slices

This experiment was designed to test the hypothesis that endogenous corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) contributes to the neurodegenerative process following an ischemic insult. To test this hypothesis, the effects of chronic intracerebroventricular administration of CRF or astressin, a CRF-receptor antagonist, on the decrease in the Schaffer collateral-CA1 field potential induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia (ischemia), were tested in rat hippocampal slices. The chronic treatment with CRF had a significant exacerbating effect on the 10-min ischemia, a condition that did not affect the evoked synaptic response in the hippocampal CA1 area, as compared to vehicle-treated rats. On the other hand, astressin had a significant ameliorative effect on the 15-min ischemia-induced reduction of the evoked synaptic response in the hippocampal CA1 area. These findings suggest that CRF accelerates hippocampal ischemic vulnerability induced by hypoxia and hypoglycemia.

Effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A receptor agonist BAY X 3702 on BCL-2 and BAX proteins level in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex of rats after transient focal ischaemia

The proto-oncogene B-cell lymphoma protein 2 (BCL-2) and its homologues are important modulators of cellular survival after transient brain ischaemia. In the present study we used western blotting to elucidate if the stimulation of 5-hydroxytryptamine 1A type receptors with their agonist BAY X 3702 results in regulation of BCL-2 family proteins. Treatment with BAY X 3702 resulted in elevated BCL-2 protein level in the ipsilateral cerebral cortex of animals as early as at 6 and 12 h of reperfusion, this effect becoming more pronounced at 24 h. BAY X 3702 administration caused no change in BCL-2-associated protein X content during reperfusion. The effect of BAY X 3702 on the level of death-inhibiting protein BCL-2 in the brain during ischaemia/reperfusion could contribute to the neuroprotective potency of the drug.

Attenuation of ischemic efflux of endogenous amino acids by the novel 5-HT(1A)/5-HT(2) receptor ligand adatanserin

Using sodium azide (NaN3)-induced anoxia plus aglycaemia as a model of chemically-induced ischemia in the hippocampal slice, we have evaluated the effects of the novel 5-HT(1A) partial agonist/5-HT(2) receptor antagonist adatanserin and the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist BAYx3702 on the efflux of endogenous glutamate, aspartate and GABA. BAYx3702 (10-1000 nM) produced a significant (P<0.05) dose-related attenuation of ischemic efflux of both glutamate and GABA with maximum decrease being observed at 100 nM (73 and 69%, respectively). This attenuation was completely reversed by the addition of the 5-HT(1A) antagonist, WAY-100635 (100 nM). Similarly, adatanserin (10-1000 nM) produced a significant (P<0.05) dose-related attenuation in glutamate and GABA efflux with a maximum of 72 and 81% at 100 nM, respectively. This effect was completely reversed by the 5-HT(2A/C) receptor agonist, DOI but unaffected by WAY-100635. The 5-HT(2A) receptor antagonist MDL-100907 produced a comparable attenuation of glutamate when compared to adatanserin, while the 5-HT(2C) receptor antagonist, SB-206553, had no effect on ischemic efflux. None of these compounds significantly altered aspartate efflux from this preparation. In conclusion, the 5-HT(1A) receptor partial agonist 5-HT(2) receptor antagonist, adatanserin is able to attenuate ischemic amino acid efflux in a comparable manner to the full 5-HT(1A) agonist BAYx3702. However, in contrast to BAYx3702, adatanserin appears to produce it effects via blockade of the 5-HT(2A) receptor. This suggests that adatanserin may be an effective neuroprotectant, as has been previously demonstrated for full 5-HT(1A) receptor agonists such as BAYx3702.

Blockade of voltage-sensitive Na(+) channels by the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT: possible significance for neuroprotection

The present study was undertaken to determine whether 5-hydroxytryptamine(1A) (5-HT(1A)) receptor agonists interact with voltage-sensitive Na(+) or N- and P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels to reduce the influx of Na(+) and/or Ca(2+). The 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) inhibited both [3H]batrachotoxinin binding to neurotoxin site 2 of the Na(+) channel in rat cortical membranes (IC(50)=5.1 microM) and veratridine-stimulated Na(+) influx into rat synaptosomes (EC(50)=20. 8 microM). The 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist flesinoxan and the 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist N-(2-(4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl)ethyl)-N-(2-pyridinyl) cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY-100635) also displaced [3H]batrachotoxinin binding with similar affinities to 8-OH-DPAT, but were much less effective in reducing veratridine-stimulated Na(+) influx. All three serotonergic agents also increased [3H]saxitoxin binding to neurotoxin site 1 of the Na(+) channel. In contrast, none of these agents interacted with radioligand binding to N- or P/Q-type Ca(2+) channels. These data show that 8-OH-DPAT directly interacts with voltage-sensitive Na(+) channels to reduce Na(+) influx so providing an additional mechanism to explain how it functions as a neuroprotectant.

Neuroprotective effect of 8-OH-DPAT in global cerebral ischemia assessed by stereological cell counting

The neuroprotective effect of the 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin (8-OH-DPAT) was tested in a 2-vessel occlusion model in rats. The post-ischemic core temperature was carefully monitored for 24 h. After 7 days of survival, the viable CA1 neurons were counted in an 8-OH-DPAT (125 microg/kg/h) and vehicle-treated group using the optical fractionator method. The vehicle-treated ischemic rats had a median number of dorsal CA1 neurons of 49,900 whereas the 8-OH-DPAT-treated ischemic rats had a significant lower median number of dorsal CA1 neurons 105,200 (P=0. 018). 8-OH-DPAT significantly lowered the core temperature compared to the vehicle-treated group during the 24-h post-ischemic period. Hypothermia is proposed as a possible explanation of the neuroprotective effect of 8-OH-DPAT.

Neurotransmitters and neuromodulators controlling the hypoxic respiratory response in anaesthetized cats

1. The contributions of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators to the responses of the respiratory network to acute hypoxia were analysed in anaesthetized cats. 2. Samples of extracellular fluid were collected at 1-1.5 min time intervals by microdialysis in the medullary region of ventral respiratory group neurones and analysed for their content of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), serotonin and adenosine by high performance liquid chromatography. Phrenic nerve activity was correlated with these measurements. 3. Levels of glutamate and GABA increased transiently during early periods of hypoxia, coinciding with augmented phrenic nerve activity and then fell below control during central apnoea. Serotonin and adenosine increased slowly and steadily with onset of hypoxic depression of phrenic nerve activity. 4. The possibility that serotonin contributes to hypoxic respiratory depression was tested by microinjecting the 5-HT-1A receptor agonist 8-OH-DPAT into the medullary region that is important for rhythmogenesis. Hypoxic activation of respiratory neurones and phrenic nerve activity were suppressed. Microinjections of NAN-190, a 5-HT-1A receptor blocker, enhanced hypoxic augmentation resulting in apneustic prolongation of inspiratory bursts. 5. The results reveal a temporal sequence in the release of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and suggest a specific role for each of them in the sequential development of hypoxic respiratory disturbances.

Neuroprotective effect of 5-HT1A receptor agonist, Bay X 3702, demonstrated in vitro and in vivo

It has been shown recently that Bay X 3702 ((-)-(R)-2-[4-[[(3,4-dihydro-2H-1-benzopyran-2-yl)methyl]amino]butyl]-1, 2,-benzisothiazol-3(2H)-one 1,1-dioxide monohydrochloride), a highly potent and selective 5-HT1A receptor agonist, has a neuroprotective potency associated with its ability to inhibit ischemia-induced excessive release of glutamate. 5-HT1A receptors are highly expressed in brain areas, such as the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex, sensitive to neuronal damage induced by ischemic stroke or brain trauma. Therefore, we investigated whether Bay X 3702 can rescue cultured hippocampal neurons subjected to excitotoxic damage. The hippocampal neurons exposed to 0.5 mM L-glutamate for 1 h had pronounced damage characteristic of neuronal necrosis as evaluated 18 h later by trypan blue staining and morphological criteria. However, treatment with Bay X 3702 (0.001 to 1 microM) reduced the number of damaged neurons, and preserved cell morphology and integrity of the neuronal network. Bay X 3702 was added immediately after the end of exposure to glutamate and was present until the evaluation of neuronal damage. Furthermore, the neuroprotective activity of Bay X 3702 (0.1 microM) was abolished by WAY 100635 (N-[2-[4-(methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-2-pyridinyl cyclo-hexanecarboxamide) (1 microM), a selective 5-HT1A receptor antagonist, indicating that the neurorescuing activity of Bay X 3702 was mediated via stimulation of 5-HT1A receptors. Additionally, we attempted to find whether the drug could protect rat brain tissue from ischemic insult due to permanent occlusion of the middle cerebral artery in rats. Bay X 3702 (12 and 40 microg/kg), infused within a period of 4 h, immediately after induction of ischemia greatly reduced cortical infarct volume (57 and 55% of controls, respectively) suggesting that this drug might be useful for the treatment of acute cerebral infarction.

ZTTA, a postproline cleaving enzyme inhibitor, improves cerebral ischemia-induced deficits in a three-panel runway task in rats

We investigated the effect of N-benzyloxycarbonyl-thioprolyl-thioprolinal-dimethylaceta l (ZTTA), a novel postproline cleaving enzyme (prolyl endopeptidase, PPCE) inhibitor, on the in vitro activity of rat brain PPCE and memory impairment induced by cerebral ischemia. ZTTA noncompetitively inhibited rat brain PPCE (ki = 2.9 microM). Cerebral ischemia for 5 min increased the number of errors in a working memory task with a three-panel runway paradigm. ZTTA at 6 mg/kg, administered immediately after blood flow reperfusion, significantly reduced the increase in working memory errors expected to occur 24 h after 5 min of ischemia. The antiamnesic action of ZTTA may be ascribable to a neuroprotective effect on the central nervous system due to some neuropeptides that are substrates of PPCE in the brain.

Ischemia and lesion induced imbalances in cortical function

Cortical structures are often critically affected by ischemic and traumatic lesions which may cause transient or permanent functional disturbances. These disorders consist of changes in the membrane properties of single cells and alterations in synaptic network interactions within and between cortical areas including large-scale reorganizations in the representation of the peripheral input. Prominent functional modifications consisting of massive membrane depolarizations, suppression of intracortical inhibitory synaptic mechanisms and enhancement of excitatory synaptic transmission can be observed within a few minutes following the onset of cortical hypoxia or ischemia and probably represent the trigger signals for the induction of neuronal hyperexcitability, irreversible cellular dysfunction and cell death. Pharmacological manipulation of these early events may therefore be the most effective approach to control ischemia and lesion induced disturbances and to attenuate long-term neurological deficits. The complexity of secondary structural and functional alterations in cortical and subcortical structures demands an early and powerful intervention before neuronal damage expands to intact regions. The unsatisfactory clinical experience with calcium and N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists suggests that this result might be achieved with compounds that show a broad spectrum of actions at different ligand-activated receptors, voltage-dependent channels and that also act at the vascular system. Whether the same therapy strategies developed for the treatment of ischemic injury in the adult brain may be applied for the immature cortex is questionable, since young cortical networks with a high degree of synaptic plasticity reveal a different response pattern to hypoxic and ischemic insults. Age-dependent molecular biological, morphological and physiological parameters contribute to an enhanced susceptibility of the immature brain to these noxae during early ontogenesis and have to be investigated in more detail for the development of adequate clinical therapy.

Methylcobalamin attenuates the hypoxia/hypoglycemia- or glutamate-induced reduction in hippocampal fiber spikes in vitro

The effects of methylcobalamin, a vitamin B12 analogue, on the hypoxia/hypoglycemia- or glutamate-induced reduction in hippocampal CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes elicited by Schaffer collateral stimulation in rat brain slices were evaluated. Hippocampal slices were exposed to 15 min of hypoxia/hypoglycemia, and then these slices were returned to oxygenated and glucose-containing buffer for 3 h. Hypoxia/hypoglycemia reduced CA1 presynaptic potentials in vitro. Treatment with 10 microM methylcobalamin attenuated the impairment of CA1 presynaptic potentials induced by hypoxia/hypoglycemia or glutamate application (10 mM). Daily injection of methylcobalamin (0.5 mg/kg i.p./day) for 3 days in vivo also attenuated the hypoxia/hypoglycemia- or glutamate-induced reduction in presynaptic potentials in hippocampal slices. Pretreatment with cyanocobalamin at 10 microM failed to attenuate the impairment of CA1 presynaptic potentials. However, daily injection of cyanocobalamin (0.5 mg/kg i.p./day) for 3 days caused a protective action against the hypoxia/hypoglycemia- or glutamate-induced functional deficit. Furthermore, co-treatment of L-arginine (100 microM), a substrate for nitric oxide synthase, with methylcobalamin in vitro reversed the methylcobalamin-induced functional recovery. The present results demonstrate that methylcobalamin application in vivo or in vitro leads to functional recovery from hypoxia/hypoglycemia- or glutamate-induced impairment of CA1 presynaptic potentials. Neuroprotection was obtained by in vivo application of cyanocobalamin, but not by its in vitro application. It is reported that in vivo injected cyanocobalamin converted to methylcobalamin in the hepatic cells. Therefore, the results suggest that a transmethylation reaction in the hippocampal regions may be involved in the methylcobalamin-induced functional recovery from ischemic impairment.

kappa-Opioid receptor agonist protects against ischemic reduction of 2-deoxyglucose uptake in morphine-tolerant rats

We examined the effects of mu-opioid receptor agonist and antagonists, and kappa-opioid receptor agonist on the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced reduction in 2-deoxyglucose uptake of rat hippocampal slices. Naloxone, a mu-opioid receptor antagonist and (5,7,8)-(+)-3,4-dichloro-N-methyl-N-(7,8,1-pyrrolidinyl)-1-oxaspirol+ ++ (4,5)dec-8-yl)-benzeneacetamide methanesulfonate, U-62,066E, a kappa-opioid receptor receptor agonist, showed neuroprotective actions against the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced deficit in glucose uptake. In contrast, morphine exhibited an exacerbating action. These results suggest that blockade of mu-opioid receptor- and stimulation of kappa-opioid receptor-mediated functions has a protective role against the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decreases in glucose metabolism in hippocampal slices. Chronic administration of morphine (10 mg/kg) for 9 days affected neither the basal nor the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced reduction in 2-deoxyglucose uptake. Rats treated with morphine chronically exhibited not only tolerance to the analgesic effect but also tolerance to the exacerbating action. However, chronic morphine did not modify U-62,066E-induced neuroprotection. These findings indicate that the receptor mechanisms of neuroprotection produced by the activation of kappa-opioid receptors may not be involved in mu-opioid receptor function.

Effects of serotonin1A agonists on anoxia-induced impairment of protein synthesis in rat brain slices

Earlier in vivo experiments suggest that serotonin1A (5-HT1A) agonists are new tools for the treatment of experimental cerebral ischemia. The present study examined this idea in an in vitro system. Incubation of rat brain slices under anoxic conditions for 30 min decreased protein synthesis that was assayed in a normoxic medium by measuring the incorporation of [14C]lysine into trichloroacetic acid-insoluble tissue extracts. The 5-HT1A agonists 8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino) tetralin (10-100 microM) and buspirone (50 microM) attenuated the anoxia-induced decrease in protein synthesis in the slices. Although the degree of the effect is small, it may be relevant to the neuroprotective effect in the in vivo experiments.

Calcium channel blockers improve hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced impairment of rat hippocampal 2-deoxyglucose uptake in vitro after ethanol withdrawal

The aim of the present study was to determine whether calcium channel antagonists attenuated hypoxia/hypoglycemia- or glutamate-induced reduction in 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake of hippocampal slices obtained from ethanol withdrawal rats. Ethanol withdrawal significantly potentiated the hypoxia/hypoglycemia- and glutamate-induced reductions in 2-DG uptake of hippocampal slices. Both nifedipine and flunarizine exhibited attenuating effects on ethanol withdrawal-induced potentiation of impairment of 2-DG uptake caused by hypoxia/hypoglycemia or glutamate. Hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced deficit of 2-DG uptake was prevented by ethanol, but chronic consumption of ethanol resulted in the development of tolerance to neuroprotective effect. These findings suggest that the increased sensitivity of neurons to ischemic damage by ischemia may involve in the increased activity of calcium channels in the hippocampus.

NG-nitro-L-arginine protects against hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in CA1 presynaptic spikes in rat hippocampal slices

The effects of nitric oxide (NO) synthase inhibitors on the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes elicited by stimulation of the Schaffer collaterals were investigated using rat hippocampal slices. Drugs were added to normal medium for 10 min before incubation under hypoxic/hypoglycemic conditions (15 min), and after a 3-h washout, the CA1 presynaptic potential was measured. Treatment with NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester but not with NG-nitro-D-arginine methyl ester produced a concentration-dependent attenuation of the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in presynaptic fiber spikes. In contrast, treatment with precursors of NO in the arginine-to-NO pathway, such as sodium nitroprusside, S-nitro-N-acetylpenicillamine and N-morpholino sydnonimine exacerbated the 15-min hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in the CA1 presynaptic potential. The neuroprotective effect of NG-nitro-L-arginine methyl aster was significantly attenuated by co-treatment with L-arginine. The present results suggest a facilitatory role of NO production in hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced presynaptic dysfunction in CA1 regions of hippocampal slices.

A role of sigma receptors on hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes in rat hippocampal slices

Effects of sigma receptor agonists or antagonists on hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes elicited by the stimulation of Schaffer collaterals were investigated using rat hippocampal slices. Treatment with sigma receptor antagonists such as haloperidol, NE-100 and rimcazole produced a concentration-dependent attenuation of the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes. The order of potency of protection against hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced reduction in CA1 presynaptic potential was: NE-100 = haloperidol > rimcazole. Treatment with sigma receptor agonist DTG potentiated the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in the CA1 presynaptic potential, whereas SKF10047 which possesses an affinity for phencyclidine site attenuated the decrease of potential. NE-100 antagonized a functional deficit induced by DTG, but unaffected the improving effect induced by SKF10047. The present results suggest a facilitatory role of sigma receptor stimulation in hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced an impairment of neurophysiological functions in CA1 presynaptic regions of hippocampal slices.

Glutathione protects against hypoxic/hypoglycemic decreases in 2-deoxyglucose uptake and presynaptic spikes in hippocampal slices

The effects of glutathione, its analogue: YM737 (N-(N-gamma-L-glutamyl-L- cysteinyl) glycine l-isopropyl ester sulfate monohydrate), a monoester of glutathione, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine on hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decreases in CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes and 2-deoxyglucose uptake were investigated using rat hippocampal slices. The drugs were added to normal medium for 30 min before the incubation under hypoxic/hypoglycemic conditions (20 min), and, after a 3-h washout, presynaptic potential or 2-deoxyglucose uptake in hippocampal slices was measured. Treatment with glutathione, YM737 and N-acetyl-L-cysteine produced an attenuation of the hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decrease in presynaptic fiber spikes and 2-deoxyglucose uptake. The order of potency for neuroprotective action was YM737 > or = N-acetyl-L-cysteine > glutathione. The present results suggest a role for glutathione in improving hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced dysfunction of hippocampal regions.

Effects of naloxone, morphine and kappa-opioid receptor agonists on hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced reduction of 2-deoxyglucose uptake in hippocampal slices from U-50,488H-tolerant rats

The aim of the present study was to determine whether U-50,488H and U-62,066E, kappa-opioid receptor agonists cause a neuroprotective action against hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced reduction in 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake of hippocampal slices from U-50,488H-tolerant rats. Both U-50,488H and U-62,066E exhibited an attenuating effect on hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced reduction in 2-DG uptake of hippocampal slices. Hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced deficit of 2-DG uptake was prevented by cotreatment with naloxone, an opioid receptor antagonist, but potentiated by cotreatment with morphine, a mu-opioid receptor agonist. Chronic administration of U-50,488H resulted in the development of tolerance to the analgesic effect as well as the neuroprotective effect whereas this treatment affected neither basal- nor hypoxia/hypoglycemia-induced decreases in 2-DG uptake. Chronic administration of U-50,488H did not modify naloxone-induced attenuation of 2-DG uptake deficit but slightly potentiated the morphine-induced exacerbation. These findings suggest that the tolerance to kappa-opioid receptors does not affect the mu-opioid receptor-mediated neuroprotective or neurotoxic action.

Protein synthesis and energy metabolism in hippocampal slices during extended (24 hours) recovery following different periods of ischemia

Hippocampal slices were successfully maintained for 24 hours in vitro in a flow-through chamber by using a modified artificial CSF (amino acids included). Measurement of energy metabolism parameters (adenine nucleotides) and the slice response to KCl-induced depolarization (release of GABA and aspartate) indicated that hippocampal slices were metabolically stable for at least 24 hours. The preparation was used to study recovery of protein synthesis after different periods of in vitro ischemia (5, 10, or 15 min). Protein synthesis inhibition was only partly reversed after 15 min of ischemia, but fully reversible after 5- or 10-min ischemia at 24 hours of recovery. Furthermore, the model was used to study a possible role of glutamate in postischemic inhibition of protein synthesis. Glutamate receptor agonists (glutamate or quinolinic acid) or antagonist (kynurenic acid) were applied during ischemia. Neither treatment affected the late (24 hours) outcome of ischemia, arguing against the critical role of glutamate in ischemic cell damage. The present approach allows use of the hippocampal slice preparation in the study of delayed effects of ischemia of different duration.

Facilitatory effect of vasopressin on the ischemic decrease of the CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes in rat hippocampal slices

We investigated the effects of vasopressin-related neuropeptides on the hypoxia/hypoglycemia (ischemia)-induced decrease of the CA1 presynaptic potential elicited by stimulation of Schaffer collaterals in rat hippocampal slices. Treatment with arginine-vasopressin (AVP) potentiated the ischemic decrease of the CA1 presynaptic potential. In contrast, a V1 receptor antagonist produced a dose-dependent neuroprotective effect, whereas a V2 receptor antagonist had no effect. The AVP-induced decrease of the CA1 presynaptic potential was completely blocked by simultaneous application of the V1 receptor antagonist. Because AVP4-9 is regarded as the major proteolytic product of AVP in the rat brain, we examined its effect on the ischemic decrease of the CA1 presynaptic potential. Treatment with AVP4-9 produced a more marked reduction of the potential than treatment with AVP itself. The present study demonstrates that stimulation of the V1 receptor has a detrimental effect on the development of ischemic damage whereas V1 receptor blockade has a neuroprotective effect, suggesting that AVP may potentiate ischemic neuronal deficits via V1 receptor stimulation.

Neuroprotective effect of cholecystokininB receptor antagonist on ischemia-induced decrease in CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes in rat hippocampal slices

The effects of cholecystokinin (CCK) receptor agonists and antagonists on hypoxia/hypoglycemia (ischemia)-induced decrease in CA1 presynaptic fiber spikes elicited by the stimulation of Schaffer collaterals were investigated using rat hippocampal slices. Treatment with the CCKB receptor agonist CCK tetrapeptide (CCK4, 0.01-10 microM) exacerbated the ischemia-induced decrease in the CA1 presynaptic potential in a concentration-dependent manner. Whereas, treatment with the CCKB receptor antagonist [(3R(+)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-3-yl)-N1-(3-methylphenyl)-urea] (L365260), and not with CCKA receptor antagonist [(3S(-)-N-(2,3-dihydro-1-methyl-2-oxo-5-phenyl-1H-1,4- benzodiazepin-3-yl)-1H-indole-2-carboxamide] (L364718), produced a concentration-dependent attenuation of the ischemia-induced decrease. The magnitude of recovery of the CA1 field potentials in L365260-treated groups at 10 and 100 nM was 34% and 45%, respectively. The neuroprotective effect of L365260 (0.01 and 0.1 microM) was completely blocked by co-treatment with CCK4 (0.1 microM), a concentration that did not affect the decreased presynaptic potential induced by ischemia. These results demonstrated that the stimulation of the CCKB receptor played a detrimental role in the development of ischemic damage, whereas the blockade of CCKB receptors played a neuroprotective role in ischemic damage, suggesting a facilitatory role of CCK receptor-operated function in ischemia-induced neuronal deficits.

A neuroprotective effect of histamine H1 receptor antagonist on ischemia-induced decrease in 2-deoxyglucose uptake in rat hippocampal slices

The effects of histamine (HA) receptor antagonists on hypoxia + hypoglycemia (ischemia)-induced impairment of 2-deoxyglucose (2-DG) uptake by rat hippocampal slices was evaluated. Hippocampal slices were exposed to 20-min ischemia and then returned to oxygenated and glucose-containing Krebs-Ringer solution for 6 h. Ischemia reduced 2-DG uptake in the hippocampal slices. The ischemia-induced reduction in 2-DG uptake was attenuated by pretreatment with H1 receptor antagonist but not with H2 receptor antagonist. Treatment with HA exacerbated the ischemia-induced decrease. The H1 receptor antagonist-induced neuroprotective effect was blocked by co-treatment with HA. The present study suggests that the blockade of H1 receptor-mediated function has a protective role in ischemia-induced decreases in glucose metabolism in hippocampal slices.

Neuroprotective effect of 5-HT3 receptor antagonist on ischemia-induced decrease in CA1 field potential in rat hippocampal slices

The effect of 5-HT3 receptor agonists and antagonists on the hypoxia/hypoglycemia (ischemia)-induced decrease in CA1 field potential elicited by stimulation of Schaffer collaterals was investigated using rat hippocampal slices. Treatment with the 5-HT3 receptor agonist, 2-methyl-5-HT (1-10 microM), exacerbated the ischemia-induced decreased in CA1 field potential, whereas treatment with the 5-HT3 receptor antagonist, Y-25130 (0.1-100 microM), or the 5-HT2 receptor antagonist, ketanserin (10, 100 microM), produced dose-dependent neuroprotection against the ischemia-induced decrease. However, in normal non-ischemic solution these treatments did not significantly change the CA1 field potential. The protective action of Y-25130 was blocked by co-treatment with 2-methyl-5-HT. The magnitude of protection in the Y-25130-treated group (EC50, 1.8 microM) was about 20 times greater than that in the ketanserin-treated group (EC50, 33 microM). The present study demonstrated that stimulation of 5-HT3 receptors plays a detrimental role in the development of ischemic damage, whereas blockade of the 5-HT3 receptor plays a neuroprotective role in ischemic damage, suggesting a facilitatory role of 5-HT neurons in ischemia-induced neuronal deficits.