Abundant evidence indicates that ATP and adenosine act as neurotransmitters or co-transmitters, influencing nerve cell physiology in various ways. Therefore, regulation of ATP-metabolizing enzymes is essential for the normal development and function of neuronal tissue. In the present study we have examined the effect of gonadal (OVX) or adrenal (ADX) steroid hormone deprivation on the activity and expression of synaptic membrane ecto-ATPase in three extrahypothalamic brain areas of female rats, primarily not associated with reproductive function. It was shown that OVX significantly increased ecto-ATPase activity and the relative abundance of this enzyme in the hippocampal (Hip) and caudate nucleus (CN), but not in brain stem (BS) membrane preparations. ADX was followed by an upregulation of the enzyme activity and its relative abundance in all the brain areas investigated. The highest enzyme activity and the most profound effects of OVX and ADX were detected in the CN. The results obtained indicate that ADX and OVX upregulate the expression of ecto-ATPase, potentiating the production of adenosine in synaptic cleft thus modulating the activity of numerous neurotransmitter systems in distinct areas of the CNS., N. Nedeljkovic, V. Djordjevic, A. Horvat, G. Nikezic, D.T. Kanazir., and Obsahuje bibliografii
Recent data suggest that there is interaction between peripheral angiotensin II and nitric oxide. However, sparse information is available on the mutual interaction of these two compounds in the brain. The potential intercourse of nitric oxide with brain neuropeptides needs to be substantiated by assessing its local production and gene expression of the synthesizing enzymes involved. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether the gene expression of brain nitric oxide synthase (bNOS) is related to the sites of gene expression of different components of the rat brain renin angiotensin system (renin, angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) or angiotensin receptors of AT1 and AT2 subtypes). The levels of corresponding mRNAs were measured and correlated in nine structures of adult rat brain (hippocampus, amygdala, septum, thalamus, hypothalamus, cortex, pons, medulla and cerebellum). As was expected, positive correlation was observed between renin and angiotensin-converting enzyme mRNAs. Moreover, a significant correlation was found between brain NO synthase and AT1 receptor mRNAs, but not with mRNA of the AT2 receptor, ACE and renin. Parallel distribution of mRNAs coding for bNOS and AT1 receptors in several rat brain structures suggests a possible interaction between brain angiotensin II and nitric oxide, which remains to be definitely demonstrated by other approaches., O. Križanová, A. Kiss, Ľ. Žáčiková, D. Ježová., and Obsahuje bibliografii
The effect of normobaric oxygen atmosphere on hypoxia-enhanced lipid peroxidation in the brain cortex, subcortical structures, medulla oblongata and in the cerebellum was observed in 7- and 21-day-old and adult rats. The production of free oxygen radicals causing lipid peroxidation was assessed by the method described by Ohkawa et al. (1979). The rats were exposed for 30 min to 100 % oxygen atmosphere which significantly stimulated the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) in all the studied regions of the brain in 7- and 21-day-old male rats, and in the brain cortex and subcortical structures of adult males. Higher levels of MDA were found in the brain cortex of 7-day-old female rats only. Reoxygenation with pure oxygen after 30 min hypobaric hypoxia corresponding to 9000 m increased MDA production in all studied parts of the brain on both male and female rats 7- and 21-day-old. In adult rats significantly increased MDA production was only found in the brain cortex of male and female rats and in the subcortical structures of males. The exposition to hypobaric hypoxia followed by reoxygenation by atmospheric air enhanced MDA production in all studied regions of the brain in 7-day-old males and in the cerebellum of females; in 21-day-old rats of both sexes a significant increase of MDA was detected in all parts of the brain. In adult rats were found higher MDA levels in the cerebral cortex of both males and females.