HIV neuropathogenesis and therapeutic strategies

Abstract Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-l neuropathogenesis can be divided into three important components: (i) virus entry into the nervous system; (ii) the role of viral proteins and/or cellular products in neural tissue damage; and (iii) the mechanisms of neuronal injury/death. Both blood derived macrophages or trafficking HIV-1 infected T-lymphocytes have been implicated in viral entry to the central nervous system (CNS). The major cell type harboring productive HIV-1 infection in the nervous system is the perivascular macrophage/ microglia. The HIV-1 infection of brain astrocytes, restricted to the expression of regulatory gene products, may cause astrocyte dysfunction and contribute to neuronal injury or to disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Studies of cerebrospinal fluid and postmortem tissues reveal chronic inflammation/immune activation in the nervous system during the later stages of HIV-1 infection associated with disruption of BBB integrity. Blood-brain barrier damage may underlie the white matter pallor described in HIV-1 infection and could result in further entry into the CNS of toxic viral or cellular products, or additional HIV-1 infected cells. The HIV infected and activated macrophages/microglia produce excessive amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor alpha, and platelet activating factor. These products are directly toxic to human neurons in vitro. The HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein, gp 120 may stimulate the release of toxic factors from brain macrophages. Blocking N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA; or AMPA) glutamate receptors can antagonize candidate toxins of both viral and cellular origin. It has been postulated that (weak) excitotoxicity leads to oxidative stress in neurons and ultimately to apoptosis. Neuronal apoptosis occurs in the brains of both children and adults with HIV-1 infection. This understanding of HIV neuropathogenesis implies that therapeutic strategies should include: (i) anti-retroviral medications to decrease systemic and CNS virus load, and possibly to prevent perinatal transmission of HIV; (ii) anti-inflammatory compounds to decrease the chronic immune activation in microglia and allow the restoration of BBB integrity; and (iii) neuroprotective compounds to reduce neuronal injury and apoptotic death.     

Chlormethiazole, dizocilpine and haloperidol prevent the degeneration of serotonergic nerve terminals induced by administration of MDMA (‘Ecstasy’) to rats

An investigation has been made into the effect of 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA or ‘Ecstasy’) administration on the concentration of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), uptake of [³H]5-HT and [³H]paroxetine binding in rat cerebral cortex tissue. Four days after 2 injections of MDMA (20 mg/kg i.p., 6 hr apart) the concentrations of 5-HT and its metabolite 5-HIAA were reduced by 60%. The binding of [³H]paroxetine to the presynaptic 5-HT transporter was decreased and high affinity uptake of [³H]5-HT was reduced by a similar amount, indicating neurodegeneration of 5-HT terminals. Pretreatment with chlormethiazole (100 mg/kg i.p.), 10 min before each MDMA injection prevented the decrease in both [³H]parotextine binding and uptake of [³H]5-HT. The loss in 5-HT and 5-HIAA content was also attenuated. Pretreatment with dizocilpine (1 mg/kg i.p.) or haloperidol (2 mg/kg i.p.) also prevented the MDMA-induced loss of [³H]paroxetine binding and attenuated the loss of 5-HT and 5-HIAA content. All three compounds also decreased the degree of hyperthermia that follows MDMA administration, although previous studies suggest that the long term neurodegeneration is not associated with the acute hyperthermic response. These data support the findings of others that MDMA injection produces degeneration of 5-HT nerve terminals in the cortex, confirm that chlormethiazole, dizocilpine and haloperidol attenuate MDMA-induced neurotoxic loss of 5-HT and demonstrate for the first time that these compounds prevent the neurodegeneration of 5-HT nerve terminals that follows MDMA administration.     

Neuroprotective effect of estrogen after chronic spinal cord injury in ovariectomized rats

BACKGROUND: At present, there is still lack of effective drugs for chronic spinal cord injury, whereas it is found recently that estrogen has a neuroprotective effect on brain and spinal cord injuries. OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of estrogen on the apoptosis of nerve cells after gradual chronic spinal cord injury in ovariectomized rats. DESIGN: A randomized controlled animal trial. SETTING: Institute of Orthopaedics, the Second Hospital of Lanzhou University. MATERIALS: Sixty-five female Wistar rats of common degree, weighing 220–250 g, were provided by the experimental animal center of Lanzhou University. The rats were randomly divided into sham-operated group (n =5), estrogen-treated group (n =30) and saline control group (n =30), and the latter two groups were observed at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 60 days respectively, and 5 rats for each time point. METHODS: All the rats were treated with bilateral oophorectomy 2 weeks before the experiment. T10 vertebral lamina was revolved into using plastic screw. The spinal canal impingement was not induced initially. After that, the original incision was opened to expose the screw every 7–10 days. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The apoptosis and Caspase-3 positive cells in the damaged spinal cord were detected using terminal deoxynucleotidal transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL) method and Caspase-3 immunohistochemical staining at 1, 3, 7, 14, 28 and 60 days after chronic spinal cord injury respectively. RESULTS: Totally 65 rats were used, and the deleted ones during the experiment were supplemented by others. Changes of Caspase-3 expression after spinal cord injury: In the sham-operated group, only a small amount of Caspase-3 proteins were observed in the rat spinal cord, mainly located in motor neurons of spinal cord anterior horn. In the estrogen-treated group and saline control group, positive cells expressed occasionally at 1 day postoperatively, began to increase obviously at 7 days after injury, strongly expressed at 14 and 28 days, but decreased at 60 days, mainly located in the neurons of spinal cord gray matter anterior horn, and they expressed fewer in the motor neurons and white matter of ventral horn, and there were obvious differences between the estrogen-treated group and saline control group at 7, 14, 28 and 60 days (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Estrogen can reduce the apoptosis of nerve cells and promote the recovery of neurological function following gradual chronic spinal cord injury.     

Modulation of glial cell signaling by adenosine and pharmacological reinforcement

In view of the increasing evidence that a pathological glial activation plays a significant role in the development of neurodegenerative diseases, we investigated the underlying molecular signaling as a possible target for a pharmacological therapy. Here, we are particularly focusing on the endogenous modulation of the Ca²⁺ and cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling by the nucleoside adenosine and its reinforcement by the xanthine derivative propentofylline (PPF). As an experimental model, we used cultured rat microglial cells and astrocytes that are immature, show a high proliferation rate, and resemble in several aspects pathologically activated glial cells. A prolonged increase of the cellular cAMP level favored the differentiation of cultured astrocytes and associated properties required for the physiological nerve cell function. On the other hand, a strengthening of the cyclic nucleotide-dependent signaling inhibited potentially neurotoxic properties of cultured microglial cells. Similar effects were obtained by treatment with propentofylline, which mimicked modulatory adenosine effects and increased the intracellular level of cAMP and cGMP. Such a pharmacological glial cell conditioning, obtained by modifying the strength and the timing of these second messengers, may provide a therapy of neurodegenerative diseases in which a pathological activation of microglial cells and astrocytes is discussed to play a pathogenic role.     

Effects of ciliary neurotrophic factor on excitotoxicity and calcium-ionophore A23187-induced cell death in cultured embryonic striatal neurons

Ciliary neurotrophic factor (CNTF) has a protective effect on the striatum in animal models of Huntington's disease. However, the mechanism through which it exerts its effect is not clear. In this study, we show that there is a concentration-dependent direct protective effect of CNTF against N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated excitotoxicity on striatal neurons in vitro. The CNTF has to be added more than half an hour before the insult for the effect to occur and its effect is eliminated by the presence of the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide. This suggests that the protective mechanism of CNTF does not involve acute interference with the glutamate receptors, but probably requires gene/protein expression. We have also shown that the effect of CNTF against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity is dependent on the concentration of glutamate with a protective effect more evident at a low grade excitotoxic insult. Finally, we saw no effect of CNTF on calcium ionophore A23187-induced toxicity in striatal cultures, indicating that the growth factor does not promote survival by enhancing general defenses against raised intracellular levels of calcium.     

1-Aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid and (S)-(+)-2-(3'-carboxybicyclo[1.1.1] pentyl)-glycine, two mGlu1 receptor-preferring antagonists, reduce neuronal death in in vitro and in vivo models of cerebral ischaemia

Metabotropic glutamate (mGlu) receptors have been implicated in a number of physiological and pathological responses to glutamate, but the exact role of group I mGlu receptors in causing postischaemic injury is not yet clear. In this study, we examined whether the recently-characterized and relatively selective mGlu1 receptor antagonists 1-aminoindan-1,5-dicarboxylic acid (AIDA) and (S)-(+)-2-(3'-carboxybicyclo[1.1.1]pentyl)-glycine (CBPG) could reduce neuronal death in vitro, following oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in murine cortical cell and rat organotypic hippocampal cultures, and in vivo, after global ischaemia in gerbils. When present in the incubation medium during the OGD insult and the subsequent 24 h recovery period, AIDA and CBPG significantly reduced neuronal death in vitro. The extent of protection was similar to that observed with the nonselective mGlu receptor antagonist (+)-alpha-methyl-4-carboxyphenylglycine [(+)MCPG] and with typical ionotropic glutamate (iGlu) receptor antagonists. Neuroprotection was also observed when AIDA or CBPG were added only after the OGD insult was terminated. Neuronal injury was not attenuated by the inactive isomer (-)MCPG, but was significantly enhanced by the nonselective mGlu receptor agonist (1S,3R)-1-aminocyclopentane-1, 3-dicarboxylic acid [(1S,3R)-ACPD] and the group I mGlu receptor agonist 3,5-dihydroxyphenylglycine (3,5-DHPG). The antagonists (+)MCPG, AIDA and CBPG were also neuroprotective in vivo, because i. c.v. administration reduced CA1 pyramidal cell degeneration examined 7 days following transient carotid occlusion in gerbils. Our results point to a role of mGlu1 receptors in the pathological mechanisms responsible for postischaemic neuronal death and propose a new target for neuroprotection.     

兴奋性氨基酸与青光眼

近年来随着对青光眼性视神经病变机制的深入研究,已证实兴奋性氨基酸与青光眼视网膜神经节细胞凋亡密切相关。21世纪青光眼的治疗模式正从传统的单纯降眼压向降眼压的同时从其他途径进一步加强神经保护转变,基础实验及部分临床研究证实干扰兴奋性氨基酸产生神经毒性的各环节均对神经元有保护作用,由此可以推测通过对兴奋性氨基酸的研究有望实现青光眼治疗史上的重大突破。     

灯盏细辛对NMDA所致的大鼠视网膜神经元损伤的保护作用

目的:探讨灯盏细辛(EBHM)是否对N-甲基-D天门冬氨酸(NMDA)导致的大鼠视网膜神经节细胞层(RGCL)神经元兴奋毒性损伤有保护作用。方法:60只健康SD大鼠随机分为4组,其中6只为正常对照组(A组),其余54只随机分为3组,分别为B组(EBHM组),C组(生理盐水加NMDA组),D组(EBHM加NMDA组),每组各18只大鼠。C、D两组大鼠右眼玻璃体内注射NMDA 10 nmol/2 μl制成视网膜损伤模型,左眼玻璃体内注射相同剂量PBS液作为自身对照。B组及D组均在NMDA注射前7d起按15 mg·100 g-1·d-1剂量予6％EBHM腹腔内注射,C组予生理盐水0.5 ml腹腔内注射。在NMDA处理后4,7和14 d处死动物剥取视网膜作全层铺片行RGCL神经元计数分析。结果:正常对照组双眼RGCL神经元计数比较差异无显著性意义(P=0.200)。NMDA干预后4、7 d和14 dEBHM组RGCL神经元计数,双眼与正常对照组比较差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。生理盐水加NMDA及EBHM加NMDA组实验眼在以上各时段RGCL神经元计数与正常比较差异均有非常显著性意义(P<0.001),左眼与正常对照组比较差异无显著性意义(P>0.05)。实验眼14 d时RGCL神经元计数EBHM加NMDA组高于生理盐水加NMDA组,两者比较差异有显著性(P=0.044),但仍低于正常对照组(P<0.05)。结论:单独使用EBHM对正常大鼠RGCL神经元计数无影响,EBHM可对N     

热休克蛋白27在实验性青光眼中表达的研究

目的　观察大鼠眼压升高后热休克蛋白 2 7(HSP2 7)在视网膜中的表达。方法　5 0只Wistar大鼠随机分为高眼压组和sham对照 (假手术 )组。采用电凝鼠巩膜表面至少3组静脉及角膜缘周围血管 ,减少房水静脉回流升高眼压。观察手术后 1、2、3、4及 8周大鼠眼压 ,同时免疫组化检测视网膜中HSP2 7的表达及分布情况。结果　高眼压组右眼术后眼压明显升高。术后 1周眼压 :(30 .12± 5 .18)mmHg(1kPa =7.5mmHg) ,1周后眼压基本稳定。术后各时间点高眼压组右眼眼压与术前、左眼及sham对照组右、左眼间比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 0 1)。视网膜中HSP2 7阳性表达主要表现在视网膜神经节细胞的胞浆内及神经纤维层中 ,HSP2 7阳性表达率在术后 1、2、3、4及 8周 ,高眼压组右眼与左眼、sham对照组右、左眼间比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 .0 0 1) ,同时发现视网膜中HSP2 7阳性表达随着眼压升高及高眼压持续时间延长逐渐增强。结论　内源性HSP2 7在青光眼视网膜神经节细胞中表达增强可能在青光眼视神经保护中具有重要作用。     

B族维生素对体外培养大鼠视网膜神经细胞及节细胞的神经营养作用

目的评价维生素B1、B6、B12及其衍生物甲钴胺对视网膜神经细胞及神经节细胞(RGCs)的生存和轴突再生伸长的影响。方法采用新生大鼠视网膜神经细胞体外原代培养技术，与不同浓度的B族维生素共同培养，MTT比色法检测细胞活力，进行HE染色和抗Thy1免疫细胞化学染色，测量视网膜神经细胞和RGCs轴突长度，比较各种维生素对细胞轴突伸长的影响。结果维生素B1、B6、B12和甲钴胺的最有效作用浓度分别为100、100、1．0、1．0μmol／L；高密度培养该营养作用更明显。用该浓度作用于细胞，维生素B6、B12和甲钴胺可促进视网膜神经细胞和RGCs轴突伸长。结论B族维生素在体外短期内能够显著提高视网膜神经细胞和RGCs的活力，促进上述细胞轴突再生伸长。