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Manganese-induced hydroxyl radical formation in rat striatum is not attenuated by dopamine depletion or iron chelation in vivo.

The present studies were aimed at investigating the possible roles of dopamine (DA) and iron in production of hydroxyl radicals (OH) in rat striatum after Mn2+ intoxication. For this purpose, DA depletions were assessed concomitant with in vivo 2,3- and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHBA) formation from the reaction of salicylate with OH, of which 2,3-DHBA is a nonenzymatic adduct. Following intrastriatal Mn2+ injection, marked 2,3-DHBA increases were observed in a time- and dose-dependent fashion reaching maximum levels at 6-18 h and a plateau beyond 0.4 micromol (fourfold increase). The delayed increase of 2,3-DHBA levels suggestS that Mn2+ induces OH formation in the living brain by an indirect process. The early DA depletion (2 h) and relatively late OH formation (6 h) indicate independent processes by Mn2+. In addition, depletion of DA (about 90%) by reserpine pretreatment not significantly alter Mn2+-induced 2,3-DHBA formation or the extent of DA depletion, suggesting that DA or DA autoxidation are not participating in Mn2+-induced OH formation in vivo. Furthermore, Mn2+ injection did not significantly alter the low molecular weight weight iron pool in striatum, and co-injections of the iron-chelator deferoxamine with Mn(2+) into striatum did not significantly attenuate Mn(2+)-induced 2,3-DHBA formation. These findings suggest no role of chelatable iron in generation of Mn(2+)-induced OH, but do not exclude a role for mitochondrial heme-iron or peroxynitrite (Fe-indepeNdent) in Mn2+-induced OH formation.

Animals↗

Regional vulnerability to endogenous and exogenous oxidative stress in organotypic hippocampal culture.

Organotypic cultures of the brain provide a unique opportunity to directly examine the regional vulnerability of specific brain regions like the hippocampus. Two well-characterized models of oxidative stress were used to examine the regional vulnerability of the hippocampus. Endogenous oxidative stress was induced by blocking synthesis of the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO). Exogenous oxidative stress was induced with paraquat, an intracellular generator of superoxide. Injury was measured by quantitative fluorescence microscopy using the vital dye propidium iodide. BSO caused dose- and time-dependent injury that took at more than 24 h to develop. Injury began in discrete patches in the culture. In any given culture, each patch increased in size and intensity as incubation continued. The pattern was not clearly correlated with neuronal anatomy and may demonstrate glial vulnerability. Injury caused by BSO could be prevented with the antioxidants trolox or the 21-aminosteroid U-83836E, both of which are vitamin E derivatives. Paraquat also caused dose- and time-dependent injury, but the CA1 region of the hippocampus was most vulnerable. The same pattern of selective CA1 injury was caused by brief exposures to high concentrations and by prolonged exposures to much lower concentrations. Under some conditions, paraquat injury was prevented by iron chelation with deferoxamine or by blockade of either NMDA or AMPA/ kainate glutamate receptors. During paraquat exposure, glutathione concentration in the cultures was reduced prior to onset of propidium staining. The observation that the hippocampus has a similar selective regional pattern of vulnerability to paraquat and ischemia suggests that their mechanisms of injury may be related.

Animals↗

Characterization of exogenous hydroxyl radical effects on myocardial function, metabolism and ultrastructure.

EDTA-chelated ferrous chloride (Fe(2+)-EDTA) mixed with ascorbic acid (VC) was shown in vitro to produce 2,3-dihydroxybenzoic acid (2,3-DHBA), one of the hydroxyl radical (.OH) derivatives formed from reaction with 1 mM salicylic acid. The .OH generating system of Fe(2+)-EDTA (5, 25 and 50 microM) mixed with VC (50, 250 and 500 microM) was perfused for 15 min to the isolated rat hearts to characterize the effect of exogenous .OH on cardiac function, metabolism, and structure. A dose-effect relationship was observed between .OH dosage and ventricular dysfunction, increase in coronary flow, structural damage, decrease in ATP and increase in lipid peroxidation. Catalase (CAT, 500 U/ml) and deferoxamine (DFX, 10 mM) significantly (P < 0.05) reduced .OH formation in vitro, but superoxide dismutase (SOD, 100 U/ml) did not. When these agents were given to the heart perfused with 50 microM Fe(2+)-EDTA plus 500 microM VC, SOD failed to modify any myocardial alterations whereas CAT and DFX completely reversed them. Addition of 500 microM hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) to the 50 microM Fe(2+)-EDTA plus 500 microM VC further caused a 14-fold increase in .OH generation. Addition of H2O2 (500 microM) to the .OH generating mixture induced more conspicuous myocardial changes compared with the mixture without H2O2 addition, but the extent of those changes other than increase in coronary flow was less than that caused by perfusion with 500 microM H2O2 alone. These results further suggest that the cardiac changes induced by the .OH generating system are due to the combined effects of .OH and H2O2 which is formed as an intermediate product.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Copper-metallothionein from the toxic milk mutant mouse enhances lipid peroxidation initiated by an organic hydroperoxide.

The toxic milk mutation is an autosomal recessive mutation found in an inbred C57BL/6J strain of mice which results in an excessive hepatic accumulation of copper (Cu), mostly associated with metallothionein (MT). The possible toxicological significance of elevated levels of hepatic copper-metallothionein (Cu-MT) was assessed. The effects of Cu-MT on lipid peroxidation (LP) initiated by an organic peroxide were investigated in an in vitro rat liver microsomal incubation system. Addition of Cu-MT (3 microM) could significantly enhance (100%) LP induced by addition of tertiary-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP, 0.1 mM). Similar incubations of Cu-MT in the absence of t-BHP showed negligible LP. Addition of copper sulfate at high concentrations (100 microM) also increased t-BHP induced LP, but the enhancement was less pronounced than observed with Cu-MT addition. Chelation of copper with bovine serum albumin and triethylene-tetramine tetrahydrochloride eliminated the enhancement of LP by Cu-MT. Evidence is provided on degradation of MT and release of free Cu in the incubation system. Additions of deferoxamine were also found to prevent LP. Therefore, chelatable Cu, released from Cu-MT, may be responsible for the enhancement of the iron-dependent LP in this system but Cu-MT alone in the absence of iron cannot initiate LP. These in vitro results suggest that conditions resulting in high cellular levels of Cu-MT may exhibit a predisposition to oxidative stress.

Analysis of Variance↗

Aflatoxin B1-induced lipid peroxidation in rat liver.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a potent hepatotoxic and hepatocarcinogenic mycotoxin. The mechanism of cellular damages caused by AFB1 has not been fully elucidated. Lipid peroxidation is one of the main manifestations of oxidative damage and has been found to play an important role in the toxicity and carcinogenesis of many carcinogens. In this study, we investigated the induction of lipid peroxidation by AFB1 in the liver of Fischer 344 rats. Malonaldehyde (MDA) and conjugated dienes, both products of lipid peroxidation, were determined in liver homogenate and subcellular fractions. An increase of MDA and conjugated dienes in liver homogenate was detected 1 day after AFB1 administration. It reached the peak level 3 days after dosing and remained at an elevated level up to 14 days. The induction of MDA by AFB1 was also found to be dose-dependent. Measurements of lipid peroxidation in the subcellular fractions revealed that microsomes had the highest concentration of MDA, followed by those of the nuclear fraction and mitochondria. MDA concentration was not detectable in the cytosolic fraction. Further, it was found that pretreatment with selenium and vitamin E, both antioxidants, and deferoxamine, a specific iron chelator, significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation as well as liver cell damage. These results provide in vivo evidence that AFB1 can cause lipid peroxidation in rat liver. Oxidative damages caused by AFB1 may be one of the underlining mechanisms for AFB1-induced cell injury and DNA damage, which eventually lead to tumorigenesis.

Aflatoxin B1↗

Effects of antioxidants and Ca2+ in cisplatin-induced cell injury in rabbit renal cortical slices.

Effects of antioxidants, reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers, and Ca2+ on cisplatin-induced renal cell injury were studied in rabbit renal cortical slices in vitro. Cisplatin induced LDH release and lipid peroxidation, inhibition of PAH uptake, and GSH depletion. These changes were significantly prevented by thiols (DTT and GSH), antioxidants (DPPD and BHA), and an iron chelator (deferoxamine). Superoxide dismutase partially reduced the cisplatin-induced LDH release without affecting the lipid peroxidation and the GSH depletion. Catalase did not affect the LDH release and the lipid peroxidation induced by cisplatin. Hydroxyl radical scavengers prevented the lipid peroxidation, whereas they did not alter the LDH release, the inhibition of PAH uptake, and the GSH depletion induced by cisplatin. Removal of Ca2+ or addition of EGTA to the incubation medium did not alter cisplatin effects on LDH release and lipid peroxidation. Buffering intracellular Ca2+ with quin-2/AM or inhibition of intracellular Ca2+ release with TMB-8 significantly reduced the cisplatin effect on LDH release without any effect on the lipid peroxidation and the GSH depletion. Ruthenium red attenuated the LDH release, the lipid peroxidation, and the inhibition of PAH uptake mediated by cisplatin. La3+ prevented the cisplatin effect on the LDH release, whereas it did not affect the lipid peroxidation, the inhibition of PAH uptake, and the GSH depletion by cisplatin. These results suggest that cisplatin induces a lethal cell injury by lipid peroxidation-dependent and -independent mechanisms and that the cell injury and the lipid peroxidation by cisplatin are iron-dependent. In addition, the data indicate that the Ca2+ released from intracellular stores, but not the Ca2+ moved from extracellular space, plays a role in the cisplatin-induced cell injury independent of lipid peroxidation.

Animals↗

Cytokine production by human airway epithelial cells after exposure to an air pollution particle is metal-dependent.

Despite the many epidemiological studies supporting the contention that ambient air pollution particles can adversely affect human health, there is no clear agreement as to a biologically plausible mechanism which can explain the acute mortality and morbidity associated with exposure to particles less than 10 microm in size. We tested the hypothesis that metals present in an air pollution particle can induce the synthesis and expression of the inflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-6, and TNFalpha. A residual oil fly ash (ROFA) containing the transition metals vanadium, nickel, and iron was used as a model emission source air pollution particle. Normal human bronchial epithelial (NHBE) cells were exposed for either 2 or 24 hr to 0, 5, 50, or 200 microg/ml ROFA. Concentrations of IL-8, IL-6, and TNF-alpha proteins were measured with commercially available ELISA kits. mRNA for these same cytokines was quantified by RT-PCR. NHBE cells exposed to ROFA produced significant amounts of IL-8, IL-6, and TNF, as well as mRNAs coding for these cytokines. Cytokine production was inhibited by the inclusion of either the metal chelator deferoxamine (1.0 mM) or the free radical scavenger dimethylthiourea (1.0 mM). In addition, vanadium containing compounds, but not iron or nickel sulfates, mimicked the effects of intact ROFA. These results demonstrate that metals present in ROFA may be responsible for production and release of inflammatory mediators by the respiratory tract epithelium and suggest that these mediators may contribute to the toxic effects of particulate air pollutants reported in epidemiology studies.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗

Hepatobiliary effects of tertiary-butylhydroperoxide (tBOOH) in isolated rat hepatocyte couplets.

The organic hydroperoxide, tertiary-butylhydroperoxide (tBOOH), causes oxidative damage in a number of cell types. It is used here in an isolated rat hepatocyte couplet preparation to study adverse hepatobiliary effects of peroxidative damage in vitro. At subcytotoxic concentrations (as determined by lactate dehydrogenase release and maintenance of cytoplasmic ATP concentrations) tBOOH caused decreased accumulation of a fluorescent bile acid analogue, cholyl-lysyl-fluorescein (CLF), in the canalicular vacuole of couplets (a hepatobiliary effect; cholestasis). This was dose dependent in the range 100-200 microM. At the same concentrations it brought about release of preaccumulated CLF, suggesting that its effect was more likely to be on sealing properties of the vacuole than processes of uptake, transcytosis, and secretion. Pretreatment of tBOOH-treated couplets with the antioxidants deferoxamine mesylate (iron chelator) and dimethyl sulfoxide (free radical scavenger) resulted in the prevention of both canalicular vacuolar accumulation (cVA, which assesses canalicular function) and canalicular vacuolar retention (cVR, which assesses the retaining ability of couplets) depression at 100 microM tBOOH but not at higher concentrations. This indicates that the cholestatic effect of tBOOH has a preventable and nonpreventable phase and that free radicals are involved in these processes. By selectively generating the two types of tBOOH radical, peroxyl (tBOO.) and alkoxyl (tBO.), using suitable catalysts, we were able to determine that the peroxyl radical was most probably involved in tBOOH-induced cholestasis. This was further supported by experiments employing specific peroxyl and alkoxyl radical scavengers; only the peroxyl scavenger reduced the effect of tBOOH upon canalicular function under the conditions studied.

Adenosine Triphosphate↗

Cytotoxicity and induction of proinflammatory cytokines from human monocytes exposed to fine (PM2.5) and coarse particles (PM10-2.5) in outdoor and indoor air.

Increased incidence of mortality and morbidity due to cardiopulmonary complications has been found to associate with elevated levels of particulate air pollution (particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter < 10 microm, PM10 and <2.5 microm, PM2. 5). Lung injury and an imbalance of inflammatory mediators are proposed causative mechanisms, while the toxic constituents may be acidity, transition metals, organic, and biogenic materials. To compare the ability of inhalable fine particles (PM2.5), and coarse particles (PM10-2.5) to cause cell injury and cytokine production in monocytes, dichotomous Andersen samplers were used to collect size-fractionated PM10 for in vitro testing of the particle extracts. Particles from both outdoor and indoor air were collected onto Teflon filters, on nine separate occasions. Each filter was water extracted and each extract assessed for ability to cause cell death, as well as interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-8 production in human monocytes. Significant toxicity and cytokine production was induced by outdoor PM10-2.5, but not by outdoor PM2.5 or the particles collected indoors. Outdoor PM10-2.5 induced 20 times the amounts of IL-6 and IL-8 than the fine particles. Cytotoxicity was inhibited by deferoxamine, a chelator of transition metals, while cytokine production was not. On the other hand, lipopolysaccharide binding protein (LBP) completely inhibited cytokine induction by PM10-2.5, suggesting that gram-negative bacteria and/or endotoxins are components of PM10-2.5. The effective proinflammatory effects of endotoxin on macrophages may upset lung homeostasis while metals-induced cytotoxicity/necrosis may set up inflammation independent of macrophage-derived cytokines.

Acute-Phase Proteins↗

2-Amino-5-chlorophenol toxicity in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats: effect of antioxidants and sulfhydryl agents.

2-Amino-5-chlorophenol is nephrotoxic through an unidentified mechanism. This study examined the in vitro toxicity of 2-amino-5-chlorophenol in renal cortical slices from Fischer 344 rats and specifically assessed induction of lipid peroxidation and depletion of renal glutathione. Renal cortical slices exposed to 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM 2-amino-5-chlorophenol exhibited a concentration- and time-dependent increase in lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage. Pyruvate-directed gluconeogenesis was diminished in a concentration-dependent manner following a 90-min incubation with 0, 0.25, 0.5, and 1 mM 2-amino-5-chlorophenol. Lipid peroxidation was induced within 60 min by 1 mM 2-amino-5-chlorophenol in renal slices relative to control tissue. Total glutathione (GSH) levels were decreased below control values within 30 min of exposure to 0.5 and 1 mM 2-amino-5-chlorophenol. These results indicated that GSH levels were decreased prior to the appearance of increased LDH leakage and diminished membrane integrity. 2-Amino-5-chlorophenol toxicity was increased in renal slices isolated from animals pretreated with buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 890 mg/kg ip). Pretreatment of renal slices with the phenolic antioxidant N,N'-diphenyl-1, 4-phenylenediamine (DPPD, 50 microM) or the iron chelator deferoxamine did not reduce 2-amino-5-chlorophenol cytotoxicity. These results suggest that 2-amino-5-chlorophenol toxicity was not mediated through an iron-dependent mechanism. 2-Amino-5-chlorophenol cytotoxicity was reduced by a 15-min pre-incubation with 2 mM ascorbate or a 30-min preincubation with the thiol-containing agents GSH (1 mM) or dithiothreitol (1 mM, DTT). Pretreatment with GSH, DTT, or ascorbate reduced LDH leakage and lipid peroxide generation induced by 2-amino-5-chlorophenol. These results suggest that 2-amino-5-chlorophenol cytotoxicity involved free radical generation through an iron-independent mechanism. Toxicity was reduced by the presence of the antioxidant ascorbate or by addition of glutathione.

Animals↗

Detection of dichromate (VI)-induced DNA strand breaks and formation of paramagnetic chromium in multiple mouse organs.

DNA single-strand breaks (and/or alkali-labile sites) induced by Cr(VI) were evaluated with the alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis (SCG) (Comet) assay in five organs (liver, kidney, spleen, lung, and brain) of male mice dosed with K(2)Cr(2)O(7) (20 mg Cr/kg) by a single ip injection in vivo, and the formation of paramagnetic Cr(V) in these organs was investigated by electron spin resonance (ESR) spectrometry. Furthermore, the in vivo effects of deferoxamine (DFO), an iron chelator, and dimethylthiourea (DMTU), a hydroxyl radical scavenger, on the formation of Cr(V) and DNA strand breaks induced by the metal in the liver and kidney were examined. SCG assay detected DNA strand breaks were detected in the liver and kidney at 15 min and showed that they were being repaired at 3 h after Cr(VI) injection. The ESR spectra of paramagnetic Cr(V) were also observed in the liver and kidney for 15 min to 24 h after Cr(VI) injection. In contrast, there were no significant levels of DNA strand breaks and Cr(V) in the spleen, lung, or brain. The pretreatment of mice with DFO reduced the formation of Cr(VI)-induced DNA strand breaks and Cr(V) complexes as well as the total contents of Cr in the liver and kidney at 15 min after the metal injection. In the case of the pretreatment with DMTU, DNA strand breaks induced by Cr(VI) were suppressed in the liver and kidney at 15 min, without any influence on the levels of Cr(V) complexes and total Cr contents in the organs. The in vitro study showed that DFO decreased the levels of Cr(V)-GSH complexes and Cr(V)-mediated hydroxyl radicals, while DMTU reduced only the levels of Cr(V)-mediated hydroxyl radicals without affecting the formation of Cr(V)-GSH complexes. These results demonstrated that the SCG assay may be useful for detecting DNA strand breaks and/or alkali-labile sites caused by Cr(VI) in vivo. The results also indicated that the in vivo formation of hydroxyl radicals during the reduction of Cr(VI) may play an important role in the induction of the DNA strand breaks caused by this metal and implied that the levels of Cr(V) inside the cells may not always be related to the induction of DNA strand breaks.

Animals↗

DNA-protein crosslinks induced by nickel compounds in isolated rat lymphocytes: role of reactive oxygen species and specific amino acids.

Isolated rat lymphocytes in salts-glucose medium (pH 7.2) were incubated with nickel chloride, nickel acetate, nickel sulfate, and a soluble form of nickel subsulfide (0-2 mM) at 37 degrees C for 2 h. The soluble form of nickel subsulfide induced a significant increase in DNA-protein crosslinks (DPXLs) (111%) beginning at 0.5 mM and a maximum increase of 700% from that of the control value was reached at a 2 mM concentration, whereas nickel sulfate produced only a 65% increase of such crosslinks at the 2 mM concentration only. No significant reduction in viability of rat lymphocytes (as measured by trypan blue exclusion) due to these nickel compounds was observed at any concentration used. Time-course studies of DPXLs and cellular viability due to 2 mM nickel subsulfide indicate that DPXL formation may not be due in part to cellular necrosis. Coincubation of nickel subsulfide (2 mM) with l-histidine (16 mM), l-cysteine (4 or 8 mM), or l-aspartic acid (24 mM) significantly reduced the DPXLs induced by 2 mM nickel subsulfide. But Mg(2+) even at 24 mM failed to antagonize nickel subsulfide-induced increase in DPXLs. High concentrations of these amino acids significantly decreased the accumulation of Ni(2+) from nickel subsulfide in lymphocytes, suggesting that such reduction of cellular uptake of Ni(2+) by these amino acids is partly responsible for the potent protective effects of these amino acids against such genotoxicity of nickel subsulfide. In vitro exposure of lymphocytes to nickel subsulfide (0-2 mM) increased the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, coincubation of 2 mM nickel subsulfide with catalase, dimethylthiourea, mannitol, or vitamin C at 37 degrees C for 2 h resulted in a significant decrease of nickel subsulfide-induced formation of DPXLs, suggesting that nickel subsulfide-induced DPXLs formation in isolated rat lymphocytes is caused by the formation of ROS. The amino acid treatment also abrogated Ni(3)S(2)-induced generation of ROS. Deferoxamine (a highly specific iron chelator) treatment prevented nickel subsulfide-induced DNA-protein crosslink formation, suggesting that Ni(2+)-induced DPXL formation in rat lymphocytes is caused by the induction of Fenton/Haber-Weiss reaction, generating hydroxyl radicals. The potent protective effects of these specific amino acids against nickel subsulfide-induced DPXL formation in isolated rat lymphocytes may be due in part to impaired cellular uptake of Ni(2+), inhibition of the binding of Ni(2+) to deproteinized DNA, and a reduction in reactive oxygen species.

Acetates↗

Cleavage of the fifth component of human complement and release of a split product with C5a-like activity by crystalline silica through free radical generation and kallikrein activation.

The effects of the same form of crystalline silica variously modified were compared to investigate the mechanisms by which silica activates C5 molecules. After incubation in human plasma, silica generated C5a-type fragments that stimulated polymorphonuclear leukocyte chemotaxis. This activity was totally abolished when plasma, adsorbed with antiserum against C5a or thermally inactivated, was used. Pretreatment of plasma with deferoxamine, 1,3 dimethyl-2-thiourea, or aprotinin markedly inhibited or totally abolished C5 activation. Finally, a significant increase in kallikrein activity was detected after incubation of silica particles in plasma. The results seem to indicate that the activation of C5 by crystalline silica occurs through a complex mechanism: the redox-active iron possibly present at the silica surface catalyzes, via Haber-Weiss cycles, the production of hydroxyl radicals, which in turn convert native C5 to an oxidized C5-like form. This product is then cleaved by kallikrein, activated by the same silica particles, yielding oxidized C5a with the same functional properties as C5a. The different types of the same form of silica exhibited different reactivity. Two separate properties of the dusts seem to contribute to C5 activation: the potential to release hydroxyl radicals and the extent of C5 adsorption at the surface. The degree of surface hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity appeared sufficient to explain the different responses.

Adult↗

Severity of oxygen free radical effects after ischemia and reperfusion in intestinal tissue and the influence of different drugs.

The influence of different drugs on ischemia induced oxygen free radical damage was examined in intestinal tissue of rats by determination of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Some methodical aspects of this method were considered. Experiments were done with and without the use of polymerized stromafree hemoglobin (PHb) as an additional oxygen carrier. Reversible total occlusion of the superior mesenteric artery was performed for 90 min, reperfusion time was 2.5 hours. Despite higher O2 availability PHb did not increase the TBARS level any further. Superoxide dismutase with catalase; allopurinol; ciprofloxacin; and deferoxamine produced a highly significant reduction of TBARS, even if used together with PHb.

Allopurinol↗

Mitochondrial dysfunction via disruption of complex II activity during iron chelation-induced senescence-like growth arrest of Chang cells.

When cells are deprived of iron, their growth is invariably inhibited. However, the mechanism involved remains largely unclear. Recently, we have reported that subcytotoxic concentration of deferoxamine mesylate (DFO), an iron chelator, specifically inhibited transition of Chang cell, a normal hepatocyte cell line, from G1 to S phase, which was accompanied by irreversible appearance of senescent biomarkers. To investigate factors responsible for the irreversible arrest, we examined mitochondrial activities because they require several irons for their proper structure and function. After exposure to 1 M DFO, total cellular ATP level was irreversibly decreased with concurrent disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential (DeltaPsim), implying that it might be one of the crucial factors involved in the arrest. DFO did not directly inhibit the mitochondrial respiratory activities in vitro. Among the respiratory activities, complex II activity was specifically inhibited through a down-regulation of the expression of its iron-sulfur subunit. We also observed that mitochondrial morphology was drastically changed to highly elongated form. Our results suggest that mitochondrial function is sensitive to cellular iron level and iron deprivation might be involved in inducing the senescent arrest. In addition, complex II, which is a part of both oxidative phosphorylation and the Krebs cycle, could be one of the critical factors that regulate mitochondrial function by responding to iron levels.

Biomarkers↗

Comparative effects of direct and indirect hydroxyl radical scavengers on traumatic brain oedema.

The effects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and dimethylthiourea (DMTU) and deferoxamine (DFO) were investigated in cats during a standard cortical freezing method for the production of vasogenic brain oedema. Hydroxyl radical scavenging activity was studied by electron spin resonance assay using DMPO as the trap. The hydroxyl radical spin adduct was extinguished by DFO and a large dose of DMTU. Evans blue dye extravasation was reduced in DFO and DMSO treated groups as well. DFO appears to be an effective agent for the prevention of cold induced oedema. DMSO and DMTU are direct hydroxyl radical scavengers. These studies suggest that scavenging the hydroxyl radicals has a beneficial effect in the treatment of traumatic brain oedema.

Animals↗

Active removal of radioactivity in the blood circulation using biotin-bearing liposomes and avidin for rapid tumour imaging.

In order to shorten the delay between the administration of tumour-imaging agents and obtainment of scintigrams, rapid delivery of radionuclide to tumours followed by rapid clearance from the blood is required. We used liposomes with biotin bound on their surface (B-liposomes) as carriers for rapid delivery. For rapid blood clearance, we employed avidin in the expectation that the strong affinity between biotin and avidin would result in the aggregation of B-liposomes in the blood circulation, and that these aggregates would be taken up rapidly by the reticuloendothelial system, resulting in the rapid elimination of liposomes and the radionuclide encapsulated in them. When B-liposomes encapsulating gallium-67 deferoxamine were intravenously administered to mice bearing sarcoma 180, large amounts of 67Ga were delivered to tumours by 4 h after injection, though the 67Ga blood level remained high. On the other hand, administration of avidin 4 h after administration of the B-liposomes dramatically reduced the blood level so that it was only 5% of that in the non-treated group 1 h later. As a result, the tumour-to-blood ratio reached nearly 14 at 5 h after radionuclide administration, suggesting that rapid tumour-imaging will be feasible by means of this method.

Animals↗

Role of proliferation in LAK cell development.

Lymphokine-activated killer (LAK) cell activity may be largely the result of activation and/or expansion of peripheral blood natural killer cells by culture with interleukin-2 (IL-2). We have examined the role of proliferation in LAK cell development by either inhibiting or enhancing the proliferative potential of peripheral blood lymphocytes. Inhibition of proliferation was accomplished using irradiation, mitomycin C, or the iron chelator deferoxamine. For each of these agents, a dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation was observed. At doses of inhibitor which nearly completely blocked thymidine uptake, the development of LAK activity was only partially impaired. The mitogenic lectins phytohemagglutinin (PHA) and concanavalin A (Con A) augmented the proliferative response of peripheral blood lymphocytes to IL-2. However, augmentation by PHA, but not Con A, consistently resulted in a decrease in LAK activity. This inhibition of LAK activity by PHA did not appear to be due to inhibition of the effector cell, nor to preferential expansion of irrelevant cells. These data suggests that not all LAK activity is dependent on proliferation, and that high levels of proliferation in the presence of IL-2 do not necessarily lead to LAK activity.

Cell Separation↗