Jesús M. Hernández-Guijo

Neuroprotectant minocycline depresses glutamatergic neurotransmission and Ca2+ signalling in hippocampal neurons

The mechanism of the neuroprotective action of the tetracycline antibiotic minocycline against various neuron insults is controversial. In an attempt to clarify this mechanism, we have studied here its effects on various electrophysiological parameters, Ca2+ signalling, and glutamate release, in primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons, and in synaptosomes. Spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents and action potential firing were drastically decreased by minocycline at concentrations known to afford neuroprotection. The drug also blocked whole‐cell inward Na+ currents (INa) by 20%, and the whole‐cell Ca2+ current (ICa) by about 30%. Minocycline inhibited glutamate‐evoked elevation of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]c) by nearly 40%, and K+‐evoked glutamate release from synaptosomes by 63%. Minocycline also depressed the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents, but did not affect the whole‐cell inward current elicited by γ‐aminobutyric acid or glutamate. This pharmacological profile suggests that the neuroprotective effects of minocycline might be associated with the mitigation of neuronal excitability, glutamate release, and Ca2+ overloading.

Differential effects of the neuroprotectant lubeluzole on bovine and mouse chromaffin cell calcium channel subtypes.

1 The effects of lubeluzole (a neuroprotective benzothiazole derivative) and its (−) enantiomer R91154 on whole‐cell currents through Ca2+ channels, with 10 mM Ba2+ as charge carrier (IBa), have been studied in bovine and mouse voltage‐clamped adrenal chromaffin cells. Currents generated by applying 50 ms depolarizing test pulses to 0 mV, from a holding potential of −80 mV, at 10 s intervals had an average magnitude of 1 nA. 2 Lubeluzole and R91154 blocked the peak IBa of bovine chromaffin cells in a time and concentration‐dependent manner; their IC50s were 1.94 μM for lubeluzole and 2.54 μM for R91154. In a current‐voltage protocol, lubeluzole (3 μM) inhibited peak IBa at all test potentials. However, no obvious shifts of the I‐V curve were detected. 3 After 10 min exposure to 3 μM lubeluzole, the late current (measured at the end of the pulse) was inhibited more than the peak current. Upon wash out of the drug, the inactivation reversed first and then the peak current recovered. 4 Blockade of peak current was greater at more depolarizing holding potentials (i.e. 35% at −110 mV and 87% at −50 mV, after 10 min superfusion with lubeluzole). Inactivation of the current was pronounced at −110 mV, decreased at −80 mV and did not occur at −50 mV. 5 Intracellular dialysis of bovine voltage‐clamped chromaffin cells with 3 μM lubeluzole caused neither blockade nor inactivation of IBa. The external application of 3 μM lubeluzole to those dialysed cells produced inhibition as well as inactivation of IBa. 6 The effects of lubeluzole (3 μM) on IBa in mouse chromaffin cells were similar to those in bovine chromaffin cells. At −80 mV holding potential, a pronounced inactivation of the current led to greater blockade of the late IBa (66%) as compared with peak IBa (46% after 10 min superfusion with lubeluzole). 7 In mouse chromaffin cells approximately half of the whole‐cell IBa was sensitive to 3 μM nifedipine (L‐type Ca2+ channels) and the other half to 3 μM ω‐conotoxin MVIIC (non‐L‐type Ca2+ channels). In ω‐conotoxin MVIIC‐treated cells, 3 μM lubeluzole caused little blockade and inactivation of IBa. However in nifedipine‐treated cells, lubeluzole caused a pronounced blockade and inactivation of IBa that reversed upon wash out of the compound. 8 The results are compatible with the idea that lubeluzole preferentially blocks non‐L‐types of voltage‐dependent Ca2+ channels expressed by bovine and mouse chromaffin cells. The higher concentrations of the compound also block L‐type Ca2+ channels. The mechanism of inhibition involves the access of lubeluzole to the open channel from the outside of the cell and promotion of its inactivation. The differential blockade of Ca2+ channel subtypes might contribute to the neuroprotective actions of lubeluzole (which exhibit stereoselectivity). However, in view of the lack of stereoselectivity in blocking Ca2+ channels, this effect cannot be the only explanation for the protective activity of lubeluzole in stroke.

Mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+-Exchanger Blocker CGP37157 Protects against Chromaffin Cell Death Elicited by Veratridine

Mitochondrial calcium (Ca2+) dyshomeostasis constitutes a critical step in the metabolic crossroads leading to cell death. Therefore, we have studied here whether 7-chloro-5-(2-chlorophenyl)-1,5-dihydro-4,1-benzothiazepin-2(3H)-one (CGP37157; CGP), a blocker of the mitochondrial Na+/Ca2+-exchanger (mNCX), protects against veratridine-elicited chromaffin cell death, a model suitable to study cell death associated with Ca2+ overload. Veratridine produced a concentration-dependent cell death, measured as lactate dehydrogenase released into the medium after a 24-h incubation period. CGP rescued cells from veratridine-elicited death in a concentration-dependent manner; its EC50 was approximately 10 μM, and 20 to 30 μM caused near 100% cytoprotection. If preincubated for 30 min and washed out for 3 min before adding veratridine, CGP still afforded significant cytoprotection. At 30 μM, CGP blocked the veratridine-elicited free radical production, mitochondrial depolarization, and cytochrome c release. At this concentration, CGP also inhibited the Na+ and Ca2+ currents by 50 to 60% and the veratridine-elicited oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+. This drastic cytoprotective effect of CGP could be explained in part through its regulatory actions on the mNCX.

Differential variations in Ca2+ entry, cytosolic Ca2+ and membrane capacitance upon steady or action potential depolarizing stimulation of bovine chromaffin cells

Aims:  This study looks into the physiology of the exocytosis of catecholamines released by adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. We have comparatively explored the exocytotic responses elicited by two different patterns of depolarizing stimulation: the widely employed square depolarizing pulses (DPs) and trains of acetylcholine‐like action potentials (APs), likely the physiological mode of stimulation in the intact innervated adrenal medulla. APs were applied at 30 Hz, a frequency similar to that produced in a stressful situation.

Synergism between toxin-γ from Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus and veratridine in chromaffin cells

Toxin-γ (Tγ) from the Brazilian scorpion Tityus serrulatus venom caused a concentration- and time-dependent increase in the release of norepinephrine and epinephrine from bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. Tγ was ∼200-fold more potent than veratridine judged from EC50 values, although the maximal secretory efficacy of veratridine was 10-fold greater than that of Tγ (1.2 vs. 12 μg/ml of catecholamine release). The combination of both toxins produced a synergistic effect that was particularly drastic at 5 mM extracellular Ca2+concentration ([Ca2+]o), when 30 μM veratridine plus 0.45 μM Tγ were used. Tγ (0.45 μM) doubled the basal uptake of45Ca2+, whereas veratridine (100 μM) tripled it. Again, a drastic synergism in enhancing Ca2+ entry was seen when Tγ and veratridine were combined; this was particularly pronounced at 5 mM [Ca2+]o. Veratridine induced oscillations of cytosolic Ca2+ concentration ([Ca2+]i) in single fura 2-loaded cells without elevation of basal levels. In contrast, Tγ elevated basal [Ca2+]ilevels, causing only small oscillations. When added together, Tγ and veratridine elevated the basal levels of [Ca2+]iwithout causing large oscillations. Tγ shifted the current-voltage ( I-V) curve for Na+ channel current to the left. The combination of Tγ with veratridine increased the shift of the I-V curve to the left, resulting in a greater recruitment of Na+channels at more hyperpolarizing potentials. This led to enhanced and more rapid accumulation of Na+ in the cell, causing cell depolarization, the opening of voltage-dependent Ca2+ channels, and Ca2+ entry and secretion.

Blockade by agmatine of catecholamine release from chromaffin cells is unrelated to imidazoline receptors

The blockade of exocytosis induced by the putative endogenous ligand for imidazoline receptors, agmatine, was studied by using on-line measurement of catecholamine release in bovine adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. Agmatine inhibited the acetylcholine-evoked release of catecholamines in a concentration-dependent manner (IC(50)=366 microM); the K(+)-evoked release of catecholamines was unaffected. Clonidine (100 microM) and moxonidine (100 microM) also inhibited by 75% and 50%, respectively, the acetylcholine-evoked response. In cells voltage-clamped at -80 mV, the intermittent application of acetylcholine pulses elicited whole-cell inward currents (I(ACh)) that were blocked 63% by 1 mM agmatine. The onset of blockade was very fast (tau(on) = 31 ms); the recovery of the current after washout of agmatine also occurred very rapidly (tau(off = 39 ms). Efaroxan (10 microM) did not affect the inhibition of I(ACh) elicited by 1 mM agmatine. I(ACh) was blocked 90% by 100 microM clonidine and 50% by 100 microM moxonidine. The concentration-response curve for acetylcholine to elicit inward currents was shifted to the right in a non-parallel manner by 300 microM agmatine. The blockade of I(ACh) caused by agmatine (100 microM) was similar at various holding potentials, around 50%. When intracellularly applied, agmatine did not block I(ACh). At 1 mM, agmatine blocked I(Na) by 23%, I(Ba) by 14%, I(K(Ca)) by 16%, and I(K(VD)) by 18%. In conclusion, agmatine blocks exocytosis in chromaffin cells by blocking nicotinic acetylcholine receptor currents. In contrast to previous views, these effects seem to be unrelated to imidazoline receptors.

Multi-target novel neuroprotective compound ITH33/IQM9.21 inhibits calcium entry, calcium signals and exocytosis

Compound ITH33/IQM9.21 (ITH/IQM) belongs to a new family of l-glutamic acid derivatives with antioxidant and neuroprotective properties on in vitro and in vivo models of stroke. Because neuronal damage after brain ischemia is tightly linked to excess Ca2+ entry and neuronal Ca2+ overload, we have investigated whether compound ITH/IQM antagonises the elevations of the cytosolic Ca2+ concentrations ([Ca2+]c) and the ensuing exocytotic responses triggered by depolarisation of bovine chromaffin cells. In fluo-4-loaded cell populations, ITH/IQM reduced the K+-evoked [Ca2+]c transients with an IC50 of 5.31 μM. At 10 μM, the compound decreased the amplitude and area of the Ca2+ transient elicited by challenging single fura-2-loaded cells with high K+, by 40% and 80%, respectively. This concentration also caused a blockade of K+-induced catecholamine release at the single-cell level (78%) and cell populations (55%). These effects are likely due to blockade of the whole-cell inward Ca2+ currents (IC50=6.52 μM). At 10 μM, ITH/IQM also inhibited the Ca2+-dependent outward K+ current, leaving untouched the voltage-dependent component of IK. The inward Na+ current was unaffected. Inhibition of depolarisation-elicited Ca2+ entry, [Ca2+]c elevation and exocytosis could contribute to the neuroprotective effects of ITH/IQM in vulnerable neurons undergoing depolarisation during brain ischemia.

Effects of the neuroprotectant lubeluzole on the cytotoxic actions of veratridine, barium, ouabain and 6‐hydroxydopamine in chromaffin cells

1 Incubation of bovine adrenal chromaffin cells with veratridine (10–100 μm) during 24 h, caused a concentration‐dependent release of the cytosolic lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) into the bathing medium, an indicator of cell death. Lubeluzole or its R(−) enantiomer, R91154, did not enhance LDH release. Both lubeluzole and R91154 (0.3–10 μm) decreased the veratridine‐induced LDH release. 2 Penfluridol did not increase LDH release at concentrations 0.003–1 μm; 3–10 μm increased LDH release to 50–60%, after 24 h exposure. Penfluridol (0.03–0.3 μm) did not protect against the cytotoxic effects of veratridine; at 1 μm, 15% protection was produced. Higher concentrations (3–10 μm) enhanced the cytotoxic effects of veratridine. 3 Ba2+ ions caused a concentration‐dependent increase of LDH release. This cytotoxic effect was partially prevented by 3 μm lubeluzole and fully counteracted by 1 μm penfluridol. R91154 was less potent than lubeluzole and only protected against the lesion induced by 0.5 mm Ba2+. 4 Ouabain (10 μm during 24 h) increased LDH release to about 30%. Both lubeluzole (0.3–10 μm) and the lower concentrations of penfluridol (0.003–0.3 μm) prevented the ouabain cytotoxic effects. At higher concentrations (3 μm), penfluridol increased drastically the ouabain cytotoxic effects. 5 6‐Hydroxydopamine (6‐OHDA) caused significant cytotoxic effects at 30 and 100 μm. Lubeluzole (3–10 μm) or penfluridol (0.03–0.3 μm) had no cytoprotective effects against 6‐OHDA. 6 Lubeluzole (3 μm), R91154 (3 μm) and penfluridol (1 μm) blocked the current through Na+ channels in voltage‐clamped chromaffin cells (INa) by around 20–30%. Ca2+ current through Ca2+ channels (ICa) was inhibited 57% by lubeluzole and R91154 and 50% by penfluridol. The effects of penfluridol were not washed out, but those of lubeluzole and R91154 were readily reversible. 7 Lubeluzole (3 μm) induced reversible blockade of the oscillations of the cytosolic Ca2+, [Ca2+]i, in fura‐2‐loaded cells exposed to 30 or 100 μm veratridine. Penfluridol (1 μm) inhibited those oscillations in an irreversible manner. 8 The results suggest that lubeluzole and its R‐isomer caused cytoprotection against veratridine cell damage, by blocking the veratridine stimulated Na+ and Ca2+ entry, as well as the [Ca2+]i oscillations. The Ba2+ and ouabain cytotoxic effects were prevented more efficiently by penfluridol, likely by blocking the plasmalemmal Na+/Ca2+ exchanger. It remains dubious whether these findings are relevant to the reported neuroprotective action of lubeluzole in stroke; the doubt rests in the stereoselective protecting effects of lubeluzole in in vivo stroke models, as opposed to its lack of stereoselectivity in the in vitro model reported here.

Discovery of the first dual GSK3β inhibitor/Nrf2 inducer. A new multitarget therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease

The formation of neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs), oxidative stress and neuroinflammation have emerged as key targets for the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder. These pathological hallmarks are closely related to the over-activity of the enzyme GSK3β and the downregulation of the defense pathway Nrf2-EpRE observed in AD patients. Herein, we report the synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a new family of multitarget 2,4-dihydropyrano[2,3-c]pyrazoles as dual GSK3β inhibitors and Nrf2 inducers. These compounds are able to inhibit GSK3β and induce the Nrf2 phase II antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathway at micromolar concentrations, showing interesting structure-activity relationships. The association of both activities has resulted in a remarkable anti-inflammatory ability with an interesting neuroprotective profile on in vitro models of neuronal death induced by oxidative stress and energy depletion and AD. Furthermore, none of the compounds exhibited in vitro neurotoxicity or hepatotoxicity and hence they had improved safety profiles compared to the known electrophilic Nrf2 inducers. In conclusion, the combination of both activities in this family of multitarget compounds confers them a notable interest for the development of lead compounds for the treatment of AD.

Altered regulation of calcium channels and exocytosis in single human pheochromocytoma cells

We established primary cultures of human pheochromocytoma chromaffin cells. We then tried to find what mechanism of their secretory apparatus could be altered to produce the massive release of catecholamines into the circulation and the subsequent hypertensive crisis observed in patients suffering this type of tumor. Their whole-cell Ca2+ channel currents could be pharmacologically separated into components similar to those found in normal human adrenal chromaffin cells: 20% L-type, 30% N-type, and 50% P/Q-type Ca2+ channels. However, modulation of the channels by exogenous or endogenous ATP and opioids, via a G-protein membrane-delimited pathway, was deeply altered; some cells having no modulation or very little modulation alternated with others having normal modulation. This may be the cause of the uncontrolled secretory response, measured amperometrically at the single-cell level. Some cells secreted for long time periods and were insensitive to nifedipine (L-type channel blocker) or to ω-conotoxin MVIIC (N/P/Q-type channel blocker), while others were highly sensitive to nifedipine and partially sensitive to ω-conotoxin MVIIC. Alteration of the autocrine/paracrine modulation of Ca2+ channels may lead to indiscriminate Ca2+ entry and exacerbate catecholamine release responses in human pheochromocytoma cells.