Isolated Rat Brain Mitochondria Research Articles

Etifoxine Restores Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and Improves Cognitive Recovery Following Traumatic Brain Injury.

The opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) has emerged as a pivotal event following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Evidence showing the impact of the translocator protein (TSPO) over mPTP activity has prompted several studies exploring the effect of TSPO ligands, including etifoxine, on the outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mitochondrial respiration was assessed by respirometry in isolated rat brain mitochondria (RBM) by measurements of oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OXPHOS). The addition of calcium to RBM was used to induce mitochondrial injury and resulted in significant OXPHOS reduction that could be reversed by preincubation of RBM with etifoxine. Sensorimotor and cognitive functions were assessed following controlled cortical impact and compared in vehicle and etifoxine-treated animals. There was no difference between the vehicle and etifoxine groups for sensorimotor functions as assessed by rotarod. In contrast, etifoxine resulted in a significant improvement of cognitive functions expressed by faster recovery in Morris water maze testing. The present findings show a significant neuroprotective effect of etifoxine in TBI through restoration of oxidative phosphorylation capacity associated with improved behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Since etifoxine is a registered drug used in common clinical practice, implementation in a phase II study may represent a reasonable step forward.

JM-20 protects against 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in models of Parkinson’s disease: Mitochondrial protection and antioxidant properties

We have previously shown that JM-20, a new chemical entity consisting of 1,5-benzodiazepine fused to a dihydropyridine moiety, protects against rotenone-induced neurotoxicity in an experimental model of Parkinson’s disease (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of a novel hybrid molecule, named JM-20, in in vitro and in vivo models of PD induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA). PC-12 cells were exposed to 6-OHDA and treated with JM-20. Protection against mitochondrial damage induced by 6-OHDA was also investigated using isolated rat brain mitochondria. We found that JM-20 protected PC-12 cells against cytotoxicity induced by 6-OHDA and inhibited hydrogen peroxide generation, mitochondrial swelling and membrane potential dissipation. For in vivo experiments, adult male Wistar rats were lesioned in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc) by 6-OHDA administration. JM-20 was orally administered (10, 20 or 40 mg/kg), intragastric via gavage, 24 h after surgery and daily for seven days. Treatment with JM-20 significantly reduced the percentage of motor asymmetry and increased vertical exploration. It improved the redox state of the SNpc and the striatal tissue of these animals. Also, JM-20 reduced glial fibrillary acidic protein overexpression and increased tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cell number, both in SNpc. Altogether, these results demonstrate that JM-20 is a potential neuroprotective agent against 6-OHDA-induced damage in both in vitro and in vivo models. The mechanism underlying JM-20 neuroprotection against 6-OHDA appears to be associated with the control of oxidative injury and mitochondrial impairment.

Abstract 355: Effect of Poloxamer 188 on Rat Brain Isolated Mitochondria After Exposure to Hydrogen Peroxide

Introduction: In a pig model of myocardial infarction (MI), intracoronary delivered Poloxamer (P) 188 significantly reduces ischemia/reperfusion (IR) injury when given immediately upon reperfusion, with improved mitochondrial function as a predominant effect. As mitochondria are heavily damaged during IR, a direct effect of P188 on mitochondria may lead to better therapy options during reperfusion. To show not only a similar reduction of IR injury by P188 in the brain, but also a direct P188 effect on mitochondria, we established an in-vitro model of IR that consists of damaging isolated rat brain mitochondria with hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ), one component of ischemia, then applying P188, and analyzing mitochondrial function. Methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rat brains were removed, and the mitochondria isolated by differential centrifugation and Percoll gradients, then kept on ice to slow their bioenergetics prior to any experimental treatments. Mitochondria were exposed to 200 μM H 2 O 2 for 10 min at room temperature with slight agitation; controls received no H 2 O 2 . Samples were then diluted ½ with buffer ± P188 (250 μM after dilution) to simulate reperfusion and treatment, and kept at room temperature for 10 further minutes. ATP synthesis was measured in a luminometer using a luciferase enzymatic assay. Oxygen consumption was measured by closed cell respirometry with an oxygen meter. In both assays, Complex I and Complex II were examined; Complex I substrates glutamate and malate, Complex II substrate succinate plus the Complex I inhibitor rotenone. Statistics: Data are expressed as mean ± SEM. One-Way ANOVA, SNK-Test; Kruskal-Wallis-Test; α=0.05, * vs control. Results: In both Complex I and II, mitochondrial function was significantly impaired by H 2 O 2 , with ATP synthesis affected more at Complex I and oxygen consumption affected more at Complex II. Addition of P188 did not provide any significant improvement in mitochondrial function. Conclusions: Although P188 significantly reduced IR injury when given during reperfusion in a pig model of MI, it does not appear to provide direct protection to mitochondria in this in-vitro model. Whether the exposure to H 2 O 2 causes the appropriate injury for P188 to become effective remains to be elucidated.

The Mitochondrial Targets of Neuroprotective Drug Vinpocetine on Primary Neuron Cultures, Brain Capillary Endothelial Cells, Synaptosomes, and Brain Mitochondria

Vinpocetine is considered as neuroprotectant drug and used for treatment of brain ischemia and cognitive deficiencies for decades. A number of enzymes, channels and receptors can bind vinpocetine, however the mechanisms of many effects’ are still not clear. The present study investigated the effects of vinpocetine from the mitochondrial bioenergetic aspects. In primary brain capillary endothelial cells the purinergic receptor-stimulated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake and efflux were studied. Vinpocetine exerted a partial inhibition on the mitochondrial calcium efflux. In rodent brain synaptosomes vinpocetine (30 μM) inhibited respiration in uncoupler stimulated synaptosomes and decreased H2O2 release from the nerve terminals in resting and in complex I inhibited conditions, respectively. In isolated rat brain mitochondria using either complex I or complex II substrates leak respiration was stimulated, but ADP-induced respiration was inhibited by vinpocetine. The stimulation of oxidation was associated with a small extent of membrane depolarization. Mitochondrial H2O2 production was inhibited by vinpocetine under all conditions investigated. The most pronounced effects were detected with the complex II substrate succinate. Vinpocetine also mitigated both Ca2+-induced mitochondrial Ca2+-release and Ca2+-induced mitochondrial swelling. It lowered the rate of mitochondrial ATP synthesis, while increasing ATPase activity. These results indicate more than a single mitochondrial target of this vinca alkaloid. The relevance of the affected mitochondrial mechanisms in the anti ischemic effect of vinpocetine is discussed.

Single-walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes induce oxidative stress in isolated rat brain mitochondria.

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) and multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) are broadly applicable across a variety of industrial fields. Despite their usefulness in many different applications, oxidative stress-induced toxicity of SWCNTs and MWCNTs has not been widely investigated. The present study examined the effects of SWCNTs and MWCNTs on rat brain mitochondria using the 3,4 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and indices of reactive oxygen species (ROS), based on measurements of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial membrane potential. Based on the MTT assay, exposure to SWCNTs and MWCNTs decreased mitochondrial survival and viability in a dose-dependent manner. Findings also indicated that MWCNTs and SWCNTs could damage mitochondrial membranes and induce the formation of ROS, as indicated by increased levels of MDA and decreased GSH content. The results of this study suggest that SWCNTs and MWCNTs likely damage brain tissue mitochondria by increasing oxidative stress and possibly activating the apoptosis pathway as well as other pathways of cytotoxicity.

Mitochondrial toxicity of aluminium nanoparticles in comparison to its ionic form on isolated rat brain mitochondria.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the toxic effect of AlNPs on rat brain mitochondria and compare it with that of aluminium's ionic form. Mitochondria were isolated from rat brain. Isolated mitochondria were treated with normal saline (Control) and different concentrations of aluminium ions (AlIs) and AlNPs (50, 100 and 200 μM). Then, the effect of AlNPs on electron transport chain complexes as well as various endpoints such as mitochondrial oxidative damage (reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, glutathione, and protein carbonyl) and mitochondrial function were assessed. Also, apoptosis was evaluated by cytochrome c release, mitochondrial membrane potential and swelling. When compared to the control group, the exposure to AlNPs showed a marked elevation in oxidative stress markers and inhibition of complex III which was accompanied by disturbance in mitochondrial function. Also, AlNPs induced a significant collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential, mitochondrial swelling, and cytochrome c release. The comparison of mitochondrial toxicity markers between both forms of aluminium revealed that the toxic effect of AlNPs on isolated brain mitochondria was substantially greater than that that caused by AlIs, which can probably be ascribed to its higher reactivity (Tab. 1, Fig. 8, Ref. 45).

Alpha-synuclein mitochondrial interaction leads to irreversible translocation and complex I impairment

α-synuclein is involved in both familial and sporadic Parkinson's disease. Although its interaction with mitochondria has been well documented, several aspects remains unknown or under debate such as the specific sub-mitochondrial localization or the dynamics of the interaction. It has been suggested that α-synuclein could only interact with ER-associated mitochondria. The vast use of model systems and experimental conditions makes difficult to compare results and extract definitive conclusions. Here we tackle this by analyzing, in a simplified system, the interaction between purified α-synuclein and isolated rat brain mitochondria. This work shows that wild type α-synuclein interacts with isolated mitochondria and translocates into the mitochondrial matrix. This interaction and the irreversibility of α-synuclein translocation depend on incubation time and α-synuclein concentration. FRET experiments show that α-synuclein localizes close to components of the TOM complex suggesting a passive transport of α-synuclein through the outer membrane. In addition, α-synuclein binding alters mitochondrial function at the level of Complex I leading to a decrease in ATP synthesis and an increase of ROS production.

Mitochondrial BK Channel Openers CGS7181 and CGS7184 Exhibit Cytotoxic Properties.

Potassium channel openers (KCOs) have been shown to play a role in cytoprotection through the activation of mitochondrial potassium channels. Recently, in several reports, a number of data has been described as off-target actions for KCOs. In the present study, we investigated the effects of BKCa channel openers CGS7181, CGS7184, NS1619, and NS004 in neuronal cells. For the purpose of this research, we used a rat brain, the mouse hippocampal HT22 cells, and the human astrocytoma U-87 MG cell line. We showed that CGS7184 activated the mitochondrial BKCa (mitoBKCa) channel in single-channel recordings performed on astrocytoma mitoplasts. Moreover, when applied to the rat brain homogenate or isolated rat brain mitochondria, CGS7184 increased the oxygen consumption rate, and can thus be considered a potentially cytoprotective agent. However, experiments on intact neuronal HT22 cells revealed that both CGS7181 and CGS7184 induced HT22 cell death in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. By contrast, we did not observe cell death when NS1619 or NS004 was applied. CGS7184 toxicity was not abolished by BKCa channel inhibitors, suggesting that the observed effects were independent of a BKCa-type channel activity. CGS7184 treatment resulted in an increase of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration that likely involved efflux from internal calcium stores and the activation of calpains (calcium-dependent proteases). The cytotoxic effect of the channel opener was partially reversed by a calpain inhibitor. Our data show that KCOs under study not only activate mitoBKCa channels from brain tissue, but also induce cell death when used in cellular models.

Physiological Levels of Nitric Oxide Diminish Mitochondrial Superoxide. Potential Role of Mitochondrial Dinitrosyl Iron Complexes and Nitrosothiols.

Mitochondria are the major source of superoxide radicals and superoxide overproduction contributes to cardiovascular diseases and metabolic disorders. Endothelial dysfunction and diminished nitric oxide levels are early steps in the development of these pathological conditions. It is known that physiological production of nitric oxide reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, however, the precise mechanism of “antioxidant” effect of nitric oxide is not clear. In this work we tested the hypothesis that physiological levels of nitric oxide diminish mitochondrial superoxide production without inhibition of mitochondrial respiration. In order to test this hypothesis we analyzed effect of low physiological fluxes of nitric oxide (20 nM/min) on superoxide and hydrogen peroxide production by ESR spin probes and Amplex Red in isolated rat brain mitochondria. Indeed, low levels of nitric oxide substantially attenuated both basal and antimycin A-stimulated production of reactive oxygen species in the presence of succinate or glutamate/malate as mitochondrial substrates. Furthermore, slow releasing NO donor DPTA-NONOate (100 μM) did not change oxygen consumption in State 4 and State 3. However, the NO-donor strongly inhibited oxygen consumption in the presence of uncoupling agent CCCP, which is likely associated with inhibition of the over-reduced complex IV in uncoupled mitochondria. We have examined accumulation of dinitrosyl iron complexes and nitrosothiols in mitochondria treated with fast-releasing NO donor MAHMA NONOate (10 μM) for 30 min until complete release of NO. Following treatment with NO donor, mitochondria were frozen for direct detection of dinitrosyl iron complexes using Electron Spin Resonance (ESR) while accumulation of nitrosothiols was measured by ferrous-N-Methyl-D-glucamine dithiocarbamate complex, Fe(MGD)2, in lysed mitochondria. Treatment of mitochondria with NO-donor gave rise to ESR signal of dinitrosyl iron complexes while ESR spectra of Fe(MGD)2 supplemented mitochondrial lysates showed presence of both dinitrosyl iron complexes and nitrosothiols. We suggest that nitric oxide attenuates production of mitochondrial superoxide by post-translational modifications by nitrosylation of protein cysteine residues and formation of protein dinitrosyl iron complexes with thiol-containing ligands and, therefore, nitric oxide reduction in pathological conditions associated with endothelial dysfunction may increase mitochondrial oxidative stress.

Effects of partial inhibition of respiratory complex I on H2O 2 production by isolated brain mitochondria in different respiratory states.

The aim of this work was to characterize the effects of partial inhibition of respiratory complex I by rotenone on H2O2 production by isolated rat brain mitochondria in different respiratory states. Flow cytometric analysis of membrane potential in isolated mitochondria indicated that rotenone leads to uniform respiratory inhibition when added to a suspension of mitochondria. When mitochondria were incubated in the presence of a low concentration of rotenone (10nm) and NADH-linked substrates, oxygen consumption was reduced from 45.9±1.0 to 26.4±2.6nmol O2mg(-1)min(-1) and from 7.8±0.3 to 6.3±0.3nmol O2mg(-1)min(-1) in respiratory states 3 (ADP-stimulated respiration) and 4 (resting respiration), respectively. Under these conditions, mitochondrial H2O2 production was stimulated from 12.2±1.1 to 21.0±1.2pmol H2O2mg(-1)min(-1) and 56.5±4.7 to 95.0±11.1pmol H2O2mg(-1)min(-1) in respiratory states 3 and 4, respectively. Similar results were observed when comparing mitochondrial preparations enriched with synaptic or nonsynaptic mitochondria or when 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium ion (MPP(+)) was used as a respiratory complex I inhibitor. Rotenone-stimulated H2O2 production in respiratory states 3 and 4 was associated with a high reduction state of endogenous nicotinamide nucleotides. In succinate-supported mitochondrial respiration, where most of the mitochondrial H2O2 production relies on electron backflow from complex II to complex I, low rotenone concentrations inhibited H2O2 production. Rotenone had no effect on mitochondrial elimination of micromolar concentrations of H2O2. The present results support the conclusion that partial complex I inhibition may result in mitochondrial energy crisis and oxidative stress, the former being predominant under oxidative phosphorylation and the latter under resting respiration conditions.

Carbenoxolone induces permeability transition pore opening in rat mitochondria via the translocator protein TSPO and connexin43

Ca2+-induced permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening in isolated rat brain mitochondria is promoted through targeting of connexin43. After a threshold Ca2+ load, mitochondrial membrane potential drops and efflux of accumulated Ca2+ from the mitochondrial matrix occurs, indicating the mPTP opening. Specific antibodies were used to assess the role of the translocator protein (18kDa; TSPO) and connexin43 in swelling of isolated rat liver and brain mitochondria induced by carbenoxolone and the endogenous TSPO ligand protoporphyrin IX. Mitochondrial membrane potential, Ca2+ transport and oxygen consumption were determined using selective electrodes. All the parameters were detected simultaneously in a chamber with the selective electrodes. The phosphorylation state of mitochondrial protein targets was assessed. We report that Ca2+-induced mitochondrial swelling was strengthened in the presence of both carbenoxolone and protoporphyrin IX. The carbenoxolone- and protoporphyrin IX-accelerated mPTP induction in brain mitochondria was completely prevented by antibodies specific for the mitochondrial translocator protein (TSPO). The anti-TSPO antibodies were more effective than anti-сonnexin43 antibodies. Moreover, carbenoxolone-stimulated phosphorylation of mitochondrial proteins was inhibited by anti-TSPO antibodies. Taken together, the data suggests that, in addition to acting via connexion43, carbenoxolone may exert its effect on mPTP via mitochondrial outer membrane TSPO.

Hemin inhibits the large conductance potassium channel in brain mitochondria: A putative novel mechanism of neurodegeneration

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a pathological condition that accompanies certain neurological diseases like hemorrhagic stroke or brain trauma. Its effects are severely destructive to the brain and can be fatal. There is an entire spectrum of harmful factors which are associated with the pathogenesis of ICH. One of them is a massive release of hemin from the decomposed erythrocytes. It has been previously shown, that hemin can inhibit the large-conductance Ca2+-regulated potassium channel in the plasma membrane. However, it remained unclear whether this phenomenon applies also to the mitochondrial large-conductance Ca2+-regulated potassium channel. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of hemin on the activity of the large conductance Ca2+-regulated potassium channel in the brain mitochondria (mitoBKCa). In order to do so, we have used a patch-clamp technique and shown that hemin inhibits mitoBKCa in human astrocytoma U-87 MG cell line mitochondria. Since opening of the mitochondrial potassium channels is known to be cytoprotective, we have elucidated whether hemin can attenuate some of the beneficiary effects of potassium channel opening. We have studied the effect of hemin on reactive oxygen species synthesis, and mild mitochondrial uncoupling in isolated rat brain mitochondria. Taken together, our data show that hemin inhibits mitoBKCa and partially abolishes some of the cytoprotective properties of potassium channel opening. Considering the role of the mitoBKCa in cytoprotection, it can be presumed that its inhibition by hemin may be a novel mechanism contributing to the severity of the ICH symptoms. However, the validity of the presented results shall be further verified in an experimental model of ICH.

Respiratory Substrates Regulate S-Nitrosylation of Mitochondrial Proteins through a Thiol-Dependent Pathway

S-Nitrosylation is a reversible post-translational modification on cysteinyl thiols that can modulate the function of redox-sensitive proteins. The S-nitrosylation of mitochondrial proteins has been shown to regulate various mitochondrial activities involved in energy-transducing systems and mitochondrion-driven apoptosis. In isolated rat brain mitochondria, we demonstrate that mitochondrial protein S-nitrosylation is regulated by respiratory substrates (glutamate/malate) through a thiol-dependent pathway. Mitochondrial proteins become susceptible to S-nitrosoglutathione (GSNO)-induced S-nitrosylation in mitochondria with an oxidized environment (low glutathione (GSH), NADH, and NADPH, and high GSSG, NAD+, and NADP+) caused by isolation of mitochondria using a discontinuous Percoll gradient. Activation of mitochondrial respiration by respiratory substrates leads to increased NAD(P)H and GSH levels, which in turn reduces mitochondrial S-nitrosylated proteins. 1-Chloro-2,4-dinitrobenzene (CDNB), which depletes mitochondrial GSH and inhibits the thioredoxin–thioredoxin reductase system, prevented the denitrosylation of mitochondrial proteins caused by respiratory substrate treatment. Using biotin-switch coupled with LC-MS/MS, several mitochondrial proteins were identified as targets of S-nitrosylation including adenine nucleotide translocase (ANT) and voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC), important components of the mitochondria permeability transition pore (MPTP), as well as ATP synthase. The S-nitrosylation of ATP synthase by GSNO was found to inhibit its activity. These findings emphasize the importance of respiratory substrates in regulating S-nitrosylation through a thiol-dependent (GSH and/or thioredoxin) pathway, with implications for mitochondrial bioenergetics and mitochondrion-driven apoptosis.

Discovery of the neuroprotective effects of alvespimycin by computational prioritization of potential anti‐parkinson agents

Based on public gene expression data, we propose a computational approach to optimize gene expression signatures for the use with Connectivity Map (CMap) to reposition drugs or discover lead compounds for Parkinson's disease. This approach integrates genetic information from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database, the Parkinson's disease gene expression database (ParkDB), the Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database and the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD), with the aim of identifying a set of interesting genes for use in computational drug screening via CMap. The results showed that CMap, using the top 20 differentially expressed genes identified by our approach as a gene expression signature, outperformed the same method using all differentially expressed genes (n = 535) as a signature. Utilizing this approach, the candidate compound alvespimycin (17-DMAG) was selected for experimental evaluation in a model of rotenone-induced toxicity in human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and isolated rat brain mitochondria. The results showed that 17-DMAG significantly attenuated rotenone-induced toxicity, as reflected by the increase of cell viability, the reduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species generation and a reduction in mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction. In conclusion, this computational method provides an effective systematic approach for drug repositioning or lead compound discovery for Parkinson's disease, and the discovery of the neuroprotective effects of 17-DMAG supports the practicability of this method.

Schizophrenia induces oxidative stress and cytochrome C release in isolated rat brain mitochondria: a possible pathway for induction of apoptosis and neurodegeneration.

Schizophrenia is a chronic and often debilitating illness which affects about 1% of the world population. Some reagents have been used to simulate schizophrenic disorders in laboratory animals, such as amphetamine and ketamine. Previous studies have suggested that reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, reduced levels of ATP, mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis are involved in the pathophysiology and etiology of schizophrenia. In this study we divided Wistar rats in to 2 groups; control group received normal saline and test group received ketamine 30 mg/Kg daily for five consecutive days. Then, locomotor activity including side to side head rocking and arcing of neck, proved schizophrenia in the test group rats. Rats in both control and test groups were then decapitated and brain mitochondria were isolated. Our results showed increased ROS formation, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, mitochondrial swelling and cytochrome c release in mitochondria of schizophrenic test group. Our findings suggested that mitochondrial ROS formation and apoptosis signaling are likely involved in cellular pathology of Schizophrenia. To our knowledge this is the first report that provides a mechanistic justification between mitochondrial events and neuodegeneration in the Schizophrenia.

Depleted uranium induces disruption of energy homeostasis and oxidative stress in isolated rat brain mitochondria

Depleted uranium (DU) is emerging as an environmental pollutant primarily due to its military applications. Gulf War veterans with embedded DU showed cognitive disorders that suggest that the central nervous system is a target of DU. Recent evidence has suggested that DU could induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in brain tissue. However, the underlying mechanisms of DU toxicity in brain mitochondria are not yet well understood. Brain mitochondria were obtained using differential centrifugation and were incubated with different concentrations (50, 100 and 200 μM) of uranyl acetate (UA) as a soluble salt of U(238) for 1 h. In this research, mitochondrial ROS production, collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial swelling were examined by flow cytometry following the addition of UA. Meanwhile, mitochondrial sources of ROS formation were determined using specific substrates and inhibitors. Complex II and IV activity and also the extent of lipid peroxidation and glutathione (GSH) oxidation were detected via spectroscopy. Furthermore, we investigated the concentration of ATP and ATP/ADP ratio using luciferase enzyme and cytochrome c release from mitochondria which was detected by ELISA kit. UA caused concentration-dependent elevation of succinate-linked mitochondrial ROS production, lipid peroxidation, GSH oxidation and inhibition of mitochondrial complex II. UA also induced mitochondrial permeability transition, ATP production decrease and increase in cytochrome c release. Pre-treatment with antioxidants significantly inhibited all the above mentioned toxic effects of UA. This study suggests that mitochondrial oxidative stress and impairment of oxidative phosphorylation in brain mitochondria may play a key role in DU neurotoxicity as reported in Gulf War Syndrome.

Mitochondrial Glutaminase Release Contributes to Glutamate-Mediated Neurotoxicity during Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Infection

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) induces a neurological disease culminating in frank dementia referred to as HIV-associated dementia (HAD). Neurotoxins from HIV-1-infected and activated mononuclear phagocytes contribute to the neuropathogenesis of HAD. Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) and functions through activation of multiple receptors. Excessive glutamate production by HIV-infected macrophages in HAD may contribute to neuronal injury. Our previous studies have suggested that mitochondrial glutaminase is responsible for the excessive production of glutamate. However, how HIV-1 infection regulates glutamate over-production remains unclear. In this study, we propose that HIV infection-induced oxidative stress contributes to mitochondrial glutaminase release, which results in the excessive production of glutamate and subsequent neuronal injury. We collected conditioned media from HIV-1 infected macrophages and analyzed glutamate concentration in the media by RP-HPLC, and found that the cyclosporine A (CsA), an inhibitor of HIV-1 replication and mitochondrial permeability transition pore, and N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a remover of reactive oxygen species (ROS), not only blocked the excessive glutamate production, but also decreased the glutamate-mediated neurotoxicity. In addition, HIV-infection-induced ROS generation was accompanied with the excessive glutamate production, suggesting that oxidative stress was involved in glutamate regulation. Using the isolated rat brain mitochondria as an ex vivo model and over-expressing GFP-glutaminase fusion protein in mammalian cells as a cell model, we confirm oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial glutaminase release during HIV-1 infection contributes to glutamate over-production and the subsequent neurotoxicity. These results may provide insight into HAD pathogenesis and a therapeutic strategy for HAD treatment.

Methylmalonate impairs mitochondrial respiration supported by NADH‐linked substrates: Involvement of mitochondrial glutamate metabolism

The neurodegeneration that occurs in methylmalonic acidemia is proposed to be associated with impairment of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism resulting from methylmalonate (MMA) accumulation. The present study evaluated the effects of MMA on oxygen consumption by isolated rat brain mitochondria in the presence of NADH-linked substrates (α-ketoglutarate, citrate, isocitrate, glutamate, malate, and pyruvate). Respiration supported either by glutamate or glutamate plus malate was significantly inhibited by MMA (1-10 mM), whereas no inhibition was observed when a cocktail of NADH-linked substrates was used. Measurements of glutamate transport revealed that the inhibitory effect of MMA on respiration maintained by this substrate is not due to inhibition of its mitochondrial uptake. In light of this result, the effect of MMA on the activity of relevant enzymes involved in mitochondrial glutamate metabolism was investigated. MMA had minor inhibitory effects on glutamate dehydrogenase and aspartate aminotransferase, whereas α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase was significantly inhibited by this metabolite (K(i) = 3.65 mM). Moreover, measurements of α-ketoglutarate transport and mitochondrial MMA accumulation indicated that MMA/α-ketoglutarate exchange depletes mitochondria from this substrate, which may further contribute to the inhibition of glutamate-sustained respiration. To study the effect of chronic in vivo MMA treatment on mitochondrial function, young rats were intraperitoneally injected with MMA. No significant difference was observed in respiration between isolated brain mitochondria from control and MMA-treated rats, indicating that in vivo MMA treatment did not lead to permanent mitochondrial respiratory defects. Taken together, these findings indicate that the inhibitory effect of MMA on mitochondrial oxidative metabolism can be ascribed to concurrent inhibition of specific enzymes and lower availability of respiratory substrates.

Bcl-2 is a novel interacting partner for the 2-oxoglutarate carrier and a key regulator of mitochondrial glutathione

Despite making up only a minor fraction of the total cellular glutathione, recent studies indicate that the mitochondrial glutathione pool is essential for cell survival. Selective depletion of mitochondrial glutathione is sufficient to sensitize cells to mitochondrial oxidative stress (MOS) and intrinsic apoptosis. Glutathione is synthesized exclusively in the cytoplasm and must be actively transported into mitochondria. Therefore, regulation of mitochondrial glutathione transport is a key factor in maintaining the antioxidant status of mitochondria. Bcl-2 resides in the outer mitochondrial membrane where it acts as a central regulator of the intrinsic apoptotic cascade. In addition, Bcl-2 displays an antioxidant-like function that has been linked experimentally to the regulation of cellular glutathione content. We have previously demonstrated a novel interaction between recombinant Bcl-2 and reduced glutathione (GSH), which was antagonized by either Bcl-2 homology-3 domain (BH3) mimetics or a BH3-only protein, recombinant Bim. These previous findings prompted us to investigate if this novel Bcl-2/GSH interaction might play a role in regulating mitochondrial glutathione transport. Incubation of primary cultures of cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs) with the BH3 mimetic HA14-1 induced MOS and caused specific depletion of the mitochondrial glutathione pool. Bcl-2 was coimmunoprecipitated with GSH after chemical cross-linking in CGNs and this Bcl-2/GSH interaction was antagonized by preincubation with HA14-1. Moreover, both HA14-1 and recombinant Bim inhibited GSH transport into isolated rat brain mitochondria. To further investigate a possible link between Bcl-2 function and mitochondrial glutathione transport, we next examined if Bcl-2 associated with the 2-oxoglutarate carrier (OGC), an inner mitochondrial membrane protein known to transport glutathione in liver and kidney. After cotransfection of CHO cells, Bcl-2 was coimmunoprecipitated with OGC and this novel interaction was significantly enhanced by glutathione monoethyl ester. Similarly, recombinant Bcl-2 interacted with recombinant OGC in the presence of GSH. Bcl-2 and OGC cotransfection in CHO cells significantly increased the mitochondrial glutathione pool. Finally, the ability of Bcl-2 to protect CHO cells from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide was significantly attenuated by the OGC inhibitor phenylsuccinate. These data suggest that GSH binding by Bcl-2 enhances its affinity for the OGC. Bcl-2 and OGC appear to act in a coordinated manner to increase the mitochondrial glutathione pool and enhance resistance of cells to oxidative stress. We conclude that regulation of mitochondrial glutathione transport is a principal mechanism by which Bcl-2 suppresses MOS.

Ethylmalonic acid impairs brain mitochondrial succinate and malate transport

Tissue accumulation and high urinary excretion of ethylmalonic acid (EMA) occur in ethylmalonic encephalopathy (EE) and short chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase deficiency (SCADD). Although these autosomal recessive disorders are clinically characterized by neurological abnormalities, the mechanisms underlying the brain damage are poorly known. Considering that little is known about the neurotoxicity of EMA and that hyperlacticacidemia occurs in EE and SCADD, we evaluated the effects of this metabolite on important parameters of oxidative metabolism in isolated rat brain mitochondria. EMA inhibited either ADP-stimulated or uncoupled mitochondrial respiration supported by succinate and malate, but not by glutamate plus malate. In addition, EMA mildly stimulated oxygen consumption by succinate-respiring mitochondria in resting state. Methylmalonic acid (MMA), malonic acid (MA) and butylmalonic acid (BtMA) had a similar effect on ADP-stimulated or uncoupled respiration. Furthermore, EMA-, MMA- and BtMA-induced inhibitory effects on succinate oxidation were significantly minimized by nonselective permeabilization of the mitochondrial membranes by alamethicin, whereas MA inhibitory effect was not altered. In addition, MA was the only tested compound that reduced succinate dehydrogenase activity. We also observed that EMA markedly inhibited succinate and malate transport through the mitochondrial dicarboxylate carrier. Mitochondrial membrane potential was also reduced by EMA and MA, but not by MMA, using succinate as electron donor, whereas none of these compounds was able to alter the membrane potential using glutamate plus malate as electron donors. Taken together, our results strongly indicate that EMA impairs succinate and malate uptake through the mitochondrial dicarboxylate carrier.