Hidroquinona (HQ) é um dos metabólitos do benzeno responsáveis pelos efeitos tóxicos da exposição ao solvente, além de ser componente da dieta, medicamentos, cigarro e poluente do meio ambiente. Considerando a imunotoxicidade desta substância, o grupo de pesquisa do laboratório investiga o papel da exposição à HQ por período prolongado de tempo sobre respostas inflamatórias agudas (RIA). Neste contexto, o presente trabalho avaliou os efeitos desta exposição sobre os mecanismos vasculares e celulares da RIA de diferentes doses diárias de HQ (5, 10 ou 50 mg/kg) em ratos Wistar machos, via i.p., por 17 ou 22 dias, uma vez ao dia, com intervalos de 2 dias a cada 5 doses. Animais controles receberam o veículo (salina com 5% etanol). A resposta inflamatória aguda inata foi induzida pela administração de glicogênio de ostra (1% em PBS, 5 mL) na bolsa subcutânea dorsal ou pela instilação de lipopolissacarídeo de Salmonella abortus (LPS; 100 µL de solução 100 µg/mL); A resposta inflamatória aguda adquirida foi provocada pela inalação de ovalbumina (10 mL de solução de OA 1% PBS, 15 min) em animais previamente sensibilizados (10 µ/100mg AI(OH)3 no décimo dia de exposição). Os resultados obtidos mostraram que: 1) o aumento do número de leucócitos na bolsa dorsal de animais expostos a 50 mg/kg de HQ é dependente, pelo menos em parte, da maior interação de leucócitos circulantes à parede vascular da microcirculação, mas não é decorrente de alterações na reatividade microvascular; o aumento de expressão de moléculas de adesão (β2 integrina), que pode ser a responsável pelo aumento de interaçãoleucócito-endotélio e migração celular; 2) a redução da migração de leucócitos para o pulmão inflamado pelo LPS em animais expostos a HQ, nas menores doses, não foi decorrente de modificações na interação leucócito-endotélio, nem da expressão de moléculas de adesão nos leucócitos circulantes ou na célula endotelial do tecido pulmonar; 3) a redução da migração celular para o pulmão durante a RIA alérgica em animais expostos a 5, 10 ou 50 mglkg de HQ é dependente, pelo menos em parte, da menor concentração de anticorpos anafiláticos circulantes e conseqüentemente da desgranulação reduzida de mastócitos teciduais, visualizados no leito mesentérico após desafio in situ pela OA. A menor produção de anticorpos anafiláticos pode ser decorrente da ação da HQ em diferentes tipos celulares, uma vez que foi observada expressão reduzida de moléculas co-estimulatórias em linfócitos do baço (CD45R e CD6), menor atividade microbicida de macrófagos peritoniais frente a Candida albicans e menor secreção de interferon-γ por células do peritônio. Em conjunto, os resultados apresentados mostram os mecanismos da HQ sobre a resposta do organismo ao trauma de diferentes origens, interferindo com tipos celulares distintos envolvidos nas reações. / Hydroquinone (HQ) is one of the metabolites of benzene responsible for the toxic effects of exposure to solvent, as well as being part of the diet, medicines, tobacco and polluting the environment. Considering the immunotoxicity of this substance, our laboratory has investigated the role of exposure to HQ by prolonged period of time on acute inflammatory responses (AIR). In this context, this study evaluated the effects of this exposure on the vascular and cellular mechanisms of AIR of different daily doses of HQ (5, 10 or 50 mg/kg) in male rats, via ip, for 17 or 22 days, a once a day, with intervals of 2 days every 5 doses. Control animais received the vehicle (saline with 5% ethanol). Innate AIR was induced by the administration of oysters glycogen (1% in PBS, 5 mL) into subcutaneous back pouch or by instillation of lipopolysaccharide of Salmonella aborius (LPS, 100 µL of solução100 µg/mL); Allergic AIR gained was caused by inhalation of ovalbumin (10 mL solution of 1% OA in PBS, 15 min) in previously sensitized animal (10 µ/100mg AI (OH)3 on the tenth day of exposure). Results showed that: 1) the increased number of white blood cells back into the pouch of animais exposed to 50 mg/kg of HQ is dependent, at least in part, of higher interaction of circulating leukocytes to the vascular wall of the microcirculation, but is not due to changes in microvascular reactivity; an increase of expression of molecules of accession (β2 integrin), which may be responsible for the enhanced interaction of leukocyteendothelial and cell migration 2) the reduced migration of leukocytes into the lung inflamed by LPS in animals exposed to 5 or 10 mg/kg was not due to changes in the interactions of leukocyte to endothelium, either the expression of adhesion molecules in circulating white blood cells or in cell endothelial lung tissue, 3) the reduced cell migration to the lungs during the AIR allergic to animais exposed to HQ, in lower doses, is dependent on lower concentration of· circulating anaphylactics antibodies which may be responsible for the mast cell desgranulation. The lower amount of anaphylatic antibodies in the circulation may be due to action of HQ in different cells, as reduced expression of co-stimulatory molecules by Iymphocytes (CD45R and CD6), lower microbicide activity of macrophages and reduced secretion of interferon-γ by peritoneal cells were detected. Together, the results show the toxicity of HQ on the body\'s response to trauma from different sources, interfering with different cell types involved in the reactions.

Elaboration de matériaux métallacalix[4]arènes pour la valorisation des hydrocarbures basée sur un nouveau concept de greffage par voie COMS dont la mise au point par fonctionnalisation de supports silice en faisant réagir l'hydroquinone avec une espèce originale [(SiO)2AliBu.(Et2O)]. La réactivité du complexe W(CtBu)(CH2tBu)3 avec l'hydroquinone supportée [(SiO)2AlO-C6H4-OH.(Et2O)] a permis de générer un nouveau système catalytique bien défini [(SiO)2AlO-C6H4-OW(CtBu)(CH2tBu)2.(Et2O)] entièrement caractérisé. Par cette méthode, l'ancrage du calixarène [[4H]-(OH)3(H)] sur le complexe de surface [(SiO)2AliBu.(Et2O)]SBA-15-(700) a conduit à l'espèce [(SiO)2Al-O-[4H]-(OH)2.(Et2O)]. L'incorporation de complexes organométalliques du groupe IV (Zr) et VI (W) mène à de nouveaux matériaux métallacalix[4]arènes bipodaux. L'élucidation de leurs structures a été appuyée par comparaison avec les données spectroscopiques de leurs homologues solubles ou directement liés à la silice. Ces matériaux, présentant des espaceurs phénoxy, montrent des activités initiales supérieures à celles de leurs homologues supportés sur silice. Avant la préparation des matériaux métallacalix[4]arènes, une série de complexes titana-, zircona- et tantalacalix[4]arenes solubles bi- et tripodaux a été synthétisée et caractérisée à partir de dérivés calix[4]arène présentant des modes de coordination différents pour le métal (podalité, ligands ancillaires, angle OMO). Parallèlement, une relation structure-réactivité dans la polymérisation des oléfines a été établie dans le cas des titanacalix[4]arènes, et pour les tantalacalix[4]arènes, des activations Csp2-H et O-Me intramoléculaires ont été mises en évidence.

O extrato bruto (DCM:MeOH 2:1) das raízes de Piper crassinervium foi submetido a fracionamentos cromatográficos resultando no isolamento e identificação de oito substâncias, sendo estas uma flavanona (5,4\'-diidroxi-7-metoxiflavanona [isosakuranetina]), duas hidroquinonas preniladas (1,4-diidroxi-2-[3\',7\'-dimetil-1\'-oxo-2\'-E-6\'-octadienil]-benzeno e 1,4-diidroxi-2-[3\',7\'-dimetil-1\'-oxo-2\'-Z-6\'-octadienil]-benzeno), um cromeno (ácido-2-metil-2-[4\'-metil-3\'-pentenil]2H-1-benzopirano-6-carboxílico), um derivado prenilado do ácido benzóico (ácido 4-hidroxi-3-[3\',7\'-dimetil-1\'-oxo-octa-2\'-E-6\'-dienil]-benzóico), uma amida isobutílica (piperlonguminina) e duas amidas piperidínicas (piperina e diidropiperina). As substâncias isoladas tiveram suas estruturas químicas determinadas por experimentos de espectrometria de massas, RMN de 1H e 13C e comparadas com os dados da literatura. / The crude extracts of the roots of Piper crassinervium was submitted to chromatographic steps yielding eight compounds including a flavanone (5,4\'-dihydroxy-7-methoxyflavanone [isosakuranetin]), two prenylated hydroquinones (1,4-dihydroxy-2-[3\',7\'-dimethyl-1\'-oxo-2\'-E-6\'-octadienyl]-benzene and 1,4-dihydroxy-2-[3\',7\'-dimethyl-1\'-oxo-2\'-Z-6\'-octadienyl]-benzene), one chromene (2-methyl-2-[4\'-methyl-3\'-pentenyl]-2H-1-benzopyran-6-carboxylic acid), one prenylated derivative of benzoic acid (4-hydroxy-3-[3\',7\'-dimethil-1\'-oxo]2\'-E-6\'-octadienyl-benzoic acid), one isobutyl amide (piperlonguminine) and two piperidine amides (piperine and dihydropiperine). The structures of the isolated compounds were determined by mass spectrometry, 1H and 13C NMR data by comparison with the literature data.

The fungus growing termite species Macrotermes bellicosus (M. bellicosus) is used in nutrition and traditional medicine in the Republic of Benin for the treatment of infectious and inflammatory diseases. Previous findings demonstrated evidence of anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic properties of M. bellicosus. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antimicrobial potential of different extracts of M. bellicosus samples and determine the chemical profile of an ethanolic M. bellicosus extract. Chemical profiling was conducted using centrifugal partition chromatography and 13C-NMR, followed by MALDI-TOF MS. Major identified compounds include hydroquinone (HQ), methylhydroquinone (MHQ), 3,4-dihydroxyphenethyl glycol (DHPG), N-acetyldopamine (NADA) and niacinamide. The fatty acid mixture of the extract was mainly composed of linoleic and oleic acid and highlights the nutritional purpose of M. bellicosus. Using the Kirby–Bauer disc diffusion and broth microdilution assay, an antibacterial activity of M. bellicosus samples was observed against various clinical strains with a highest growth inhibition of S. aureus. In addition, HQ and MHQ as well as fractions containing DHPG, niacinamide and NADA inhibited S. aureus growth. The reported antimicrobial activity of M. bellicosus and identified active substances provide a rationale for the traditional medicinal use of M. bellicosus.

No description available.

As hiperpigmentações da pele são devidas à abundante produção de melanina pelos melanócitos, sejam estes em número normal ou aumentado. Várias formulações cosméticas e medicamentosas têm sido produzidas nas formas de géis e cremes contendo hidroquinona como único princípio ativo, sendo de forma industrializada e manipulada. Conseqüentemente é necessário o desenvolvimento e validação de metodologias analíticas para determinações quantitativas da hidroquinona nos produtos comercializados a fim de ter métodos confiáveis, de baixo custo e de pouco impacto ambiental. Os objetivos da pesquisa foram caracterizar a hidroquinona matéria-prima para garantir seu uso nas formulações farmacêuticas bem como determiná-la quantitativamente em formulações cosméticas e medicamentos nas formas de géis e cremes. As metodologias propostas foram espectrofotometria derivada no UV e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O método espectrofotométrico no UV derivado foi validado utilizando H2SO4 0,1 N como solvente, as leituras foram feitas a 302,0 nm na derivada de primeira ordem. O coeficiente de correlação foi de 0,9999; a média dos teores de hidroquinona nos géis e cremes foi de 101,7 e 97,6% respectivamente e as médias dos desvios padrões relativos de 0,839% para géis e 0,878% para cremes. A determinação pelo método cromatográfico, foi realizada utilizando uma coluna LiChrospher® 100 RP-18 (5 µm), fase móvel constituída por metanolágua (80:20 v/v), vazão de 1,0 mL/min e detecção UV a 289 nm. O coeficiente de correlação foi de 0,9999; a média dos teores de hidroquinona nos géis e cremes foi de 102,2 e 98,4% respectivamente e as médias dos desvios padrões relativos de 0,882% para géis e 1,252% para cremes. Os resultados das precisões e teores de hidroquinona foram tratados estatisticamente (testes de F e t respectivamente), e não se observou diferença significativa nos dois métodos propostos para um nível de confiança de 95%. / The excessive pigmentation of skin is due to abundant production of melanin by melanocytes located in the skin epidermal layers. Several cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations had been industrialized as well as compounded in pharmacy such as gel and creams containing hydroquinone as a unique active ingredient. The quantitative determination of hydroquinones present in these formulations necessitates validated analytical methods that are reliable, economical and ecologically favorable. The objectives of this research were characterization of hydroquinone raw material to assure its use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations as well as its quantitative determination in gel and cream formulations. A first derivative UV spectrophotometric and a high-performance liquid-chromatographic method are proposed. The UV first derivative spectrophotometric method was validated using H2SO4 0.1 N as solvent and absorptions were taken at 302.0 nm. The linearity data showed a correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The mean hydroquinone content of gels and creams were 101.7 and 97.6% with mean relative standard deviations of 0.839 and 0.878% respectively. The chromatographic method was validated using LiChrospher®, 100 RP-18 (5 µm) column, mobile phase composed of water:methanol (80:20 v/v), at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 289 nm. The linearity correlation coefficient was 0.9999. The mean hydroquinone content of gels and creams were 102.2 and 98.4% with mean relative standard deviations of 0.882 and 1.252% respectively. The precisions and hydroquinone content data were statistically analyzed (F and t tests), no significant difference was observed between results obtained by proposed methods at 95% confidence level.

Made available in DSpace on 2017-07-24T19:38:02Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Giselle Nathaly Calaca.pdf: 1144795 bytes, checksum: 67dd1a377ef4bf40b69d80c46ee27a58 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-02-26 / Fundação Araucária de Apoio ao Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico do Paraná / Kojic Acid (KA) and Hydroquinone (HQ) are depigmenting agents used as skinwhitening cosmetics to treat dyschromias. The need for low cost analytical methodologies that enable quality control of this association is evident. Due to the characteristics such as high sensitivity, low cost and operational simplicity, this work aims to use spectrophotometry in the visible region and multivariate calibration tools, mainly Partial Least Squares Regression (PLSR) for quantitative etermination of KA and HQ. The method is based on the complexation of kojic acid with Fe3+ ion (λ = 494nm), while hydroquinone reduces Fe3+ ions to Fe2+, which complex with 1,10-phenanthroline (λ = 510nm). The quantitative determination of KA and HQ by conventional methods was performed by analytical curve, spectrophotometric additivity principle and first-derivative pectrophotometry, and the average errors were: 20,65% (HQ) and 469,91% (AK), 41,44% (HQ) and 47,11% (AK), 57,59% (HQ) and 156,72% (AK), respectively. The results of conventional methods were compared to PLSR, and the multivariate models with better predictive capacity used: spectral range from 350 to 800 nm, mean center data, 03 and 02 latent variables for kojic acid and hydroquinone, respectively. The mean relative errors obtained from these models were: 4,20% for AK and 6,05% for HQ, indicating that PLSR method showed better results for the quantification of analytes, when compared to conventional methods. The multivariate methodology developed was validated according to ANVISA criteria and then used for quantification of analytes in real samples, obtained from manipulation pharmacies of the region. / O Ácido Kójico (AK) e a Hidroquinona (HQ) são agentes despigmentantes freqüentemente comercializados em associações dermocosméticas de manipulação magistral, utilizadas no tratamento de discromias. A necessidade de metodologias analíticas de baixo custo que viabilizem o controle de qualidade dessa associação é evidente. Em função de características como alta sensibilidade, baixo custo e simplicidade operacional, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo a utilização da espectrofotometria na região do visível associada a métodos de calibração multivariada, principalmente Regressão de Mínimos Quadrados Parciais (PLSR) para determinação de AK e HQ. A metodologia proposta consiste na complexação de ácido kójico com o íon Fe3+ (λ = 494 nm), enquanto a hidroquinona reduz os íons Fe3+ a Fe2+, que por sua vez complexam com 1,10-fenantrolina (λ = 510 nm). A determinação quantitativa de AK e HQ pelos métodos convencionais de análise foi realizada via curva analítica, princípio da aditividade espectrofotométrica e primeira derivada, cujos erros relativos médios foram: 20,65% (HQ) e 469,91% (AK), 41,44% (HQ) e 47,11% (AK), 57,59% (HQ) e 156,72% (AK), respectivamente. Os resultados dos métodos convencionais foram comparados ao PLSR, sendo que os modelos de melhor capacidade preditiva empregaram: faixa espectral de 350 a 800 nm, dados centrados na média, 03 e 02 variáveis latentes para ácido kójico e hidroquinona, respectivamente. Os erros relativos médios obtidos a partir desses modelos foram: 4,20% para AK e 6,05% para HQ, evidenciando que o método PLSR apresentou melhores resultados para a quantificação dos analitos, quando comparado aos métodos convencionais. A metodologia multivariada desenvolvida foi validada segundo critérios da ANVISA e posteriormente utilizada para previsão dos analitos em amostras reais obtidas em farmácias de manipulação da região.

As hiperpigmentações da pele são devidas à abundante produção de melanina pelos melanócitos, sejam estes em número normal ou aumentado. Várias formulações cosméticas e medicamentosas têm sido produzidas nas formas de géis e cremes contendo hidroquinona como único princípio ativo, sendo de forma industrializada e manipulada. Conseqüentemente é necessário o desenvolvimento e validação de metodologias analíticas para determinações quantitativas da hidroquinona nos produtos comercializados a fim de ter métodos confiáveis, de baixo custo e de pouco impacto ambiental. Os objetivos da pesquisa foram caracterizar a hidroquinona matéria-prima para garantir seu uso nas formulações farmacêuticas bem como determiná-la quantitativamente em formulações cosméticas e medicamentos nas formas de géis e cremes. As metodologias propostas foram espectrofotometria derivada no UV e cromatografia líquida de alta eficiência. O método espectrofotométrico no UV derivado foi validado utilizando H2SO4 0,1 N como solvente, as leituras foram feitas a 302,0 nm na derivada de primeira ordem. O coeficiente de correlação foi de 0,9999; a média dos teores de hidroquinona nos géis e cremes foi de 101,7 e 97,6% respectivamente e as médias dos desvios padrões relativos de 0,839% para géis e 0,878% para cremes. A determinação pelo método cromatográfico, foi realizada utilizando uma coluna LiChrospher® 100 RP-18 (5 µm), fase móvel constituída por metanolágua (80:20 v/v), vazão de 1,0 mL/min e detecção UV a 289 nm. O coeficiente de correlação foi de 0,9999; a média dos teores de hidroquinona nos géis e cremes foi de 102,2 e 98,4% respectivamente e as médias dos desvios padrões relativos de 0,882% para géis e 1,252% para cremes. Os resultados das precisões e teores de hidroquinona foram tratados estatisticamente (testes de F e t respectivamente), e não se observou diferença significativa nos dois métodos propostos para um nível de confiança de 95%. / The excessive pigmentation of skin is due to abundant production of melanin by melanocytes located in the skin epidermal layers. Several cosmetic and pharmaceutical formulations had been industrialized as well as compounded in pharmacy such as gel and creams containing hydroquinone as a unique active ingredient. The quantitative determination of hydroquinones present in these formulations necessitates validated analytical methods that are reliable, economical and ecologically favorable. The objectives of this research were characterization of hydroquinone raw material to assure its use in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations as well as its quantitative determination in gel and cream formulations. A first derivative UV spectrophotometric and a high-performance liquid-chromatographic method are proposed. The UV first derivative spectrophotometric method was validated using H2SO4 0.1 N as solvent and absorptions were taken at 302.0 nm. The linearity data showed a correlation coefficient of 0.9999. The mean hydroquinone content of gels and creams were 101.7 and 97.6% with mean relative standard deviations of 0.839 and 0.878% respectively. The chromatographic method was validated using LiChrospher®, 100 RP-18 (5 µm) column, mobile phase composed of water:methanol (80:20 v/v), at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and UV detection at 289 nm. The linearity correlation coefficient was 0.9999. The mean hydroquinone content of gels and creams were 102.2 and 98.4% with mean relative standard deviations of 0.882 and 1.252% respectively. The precisions and hydroquinone content data were statistically analyzed (F and t tests), no significant difference was observed between results obtained by proposed methods at 95% confidence level.

Pentachlorophenol, (PCP) is an organochlorine compound which was first developed in the 1930’s. PCP is said to be the most toxic of the chlorophenols and is classified as a hazardous substance and a probable human carcinogen. PCP has proven to be cytotoxic to a number of cell lines translating to its effect on various organs. The aim of the study was to assess organochlorine-induced hepatotoxicity in a mechanistic manner using an in-house developed procedure. Also, the possible hepatoprotective effect of methanolic extracts of the bark of two medicinal plants, Burkea africana (BA) and Syzygium cordatum (SC), as well as the known hepatoprotective agent, N-acetyl cysteine (NAC), were investigated. In addition to PCP, two of its major metabolites, tetrachloro-1,2-hydroquinone (TCHQ) and tetrachloro-1,4-benzoquinone (TCBQ) were also evaluated. A hepatocarcinoma cell line (HepG2) was used to investigate the effect of these compounds on different parameters of cellular function. Cytotoxicity was assessed using the neutral red uptake assay. Cytochrome P4501A1 (CYP1A1) activity was determined using ethoxy-resorufin-O-deethylation as surrogate. Generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was investigated by measuring dichlorofluorescein diacetate cleavage. Effects on mitochondrial membrane potential were determined using JC-1 staining, whilst necrosis was investigated by assessing plasma membrane integrity using propidium iodide (PI)staining. The degree of apoptotic death was determined by quantifying caspase-3 activity. Assays were repeated with an additional 1 h pre-treatment of the cells with either NAC, SC or BA in order to investigate whether these compounds were able to protect against the toxicity induced by PCP and its metabolites. The IC50 values of PCP, TCHQ and TCBQ were 68.0, 144.0 and 129.4 μM, respectively. All three test compounds induced CYP1A1 activity with PCP being the most potent. TCBQ produced extensive ROS generation. TCHQ also induced ROS generation, whilst PCP appeared to have no significant effect on ROS generation. All test compounds caused mitochondrial depolarization. None of the test compounds caused an increase in necrotic cell death. PCP, TCHQ and TCBQ had negligible effects on apoptosis. Both SC and BA alleviated the toxic effects observed in cells treated with PCP. Minor increases in viability occurred in cells pre-treated with plant extracts prior to exposure to both metabolites. NAC, as well as both plant extracts, greatly reduced CYP 1A1 activity induced by PCP. NAC, SC and BA exacerbated CYP1A1 induction in cells exposed to concentrations of TCBQ and TCHQ that initially produced little or no effect on CYP1A1 activity. Contrarily, decreased CYP1A1 activity was observed in cells exposed to concentrations of TCBQ and TCHQ where extensive induction of CYP1A1 occurred. NAC, as well as both plant extracts, suppressed ROS generation in cells exposed to all test compounds. In cells exposed to PCP and TCBQ more extensive mitochondrial depolarization was seen when pre-treated with NAC and plant extracts than when exposed to the compounds alone. Negligible effects were seen in pre-treated cells exposed to TCHQ. BA and SC caused increases in necrotic death in cells exposed to the test compounds. NAC, BA and SC had negligible effects on the changes in caspase-3 activity induced by the test compounds. From the results it is proposed that PCP induces its own metabolism by increasing CYP1A1 activity. It also causes mitochondrial insult which could lead to the opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore and subsequent release of cytochrome C, activation of caspases and eventually apoptotic cell death. With regard to TCHQ and TCBQ, results suggest that extensive ROS generation caused damage to various cellular macromolecules and that this could be the main cause of their toxicity. NAC, SC and BA appeared to alleviate toxicity in certain instances. Further investigation is required in order to assess them as possible hepatoprotective agents. Copyright / Dissertation (MSc)--University of Pretoria, 2011. / Pharmacology / unrestricted

Acrolein is produced endogenously after traumatic brain injury (TBI) and is considered a primary mechanism for secondary damage occurring after TBI. We are using frontal cortex networks derived from mouse embryos and grown on microelectrode arrays in vitro to monitor the spontaneous activity of networks and the changes that occur after acrolein application. Networks exposed to acrolein exhibit a biphasic response profile. An initial increase in network activity, followed by a decrease to 100% activity loss in applications ≥ 50 µM. In applications below 50 µM, acrolein was not toxic but generated activity instability with coordinated but irregular population busts lasting for up to 6 days. The increase in activity preceding toxicity may be linked to a decrease in free spermine, a free radical scavenger that modulates Na+, K+, Ca+ channels as well as NMDA, Kainate, and AMPA receptors. Action potential wave shape analysis after 20 and 30 µM acrolein application revealed a concentration-dependent 15-33% increase in peak to peak amplitude within minutes after exposure. For the same concentrations of acrolein (50 µM), the time required to reach 100% activity loss (IT100) was longer in serum-free medium than in medium with 5% serum, in which IT100 values were reduced by a factor of 4. The greater toxicity in the presence of serum may be explained by acrolein adducts on serum proteins. These reaction products have been shown by other labs to be toxic in cell culture. This in vitro system could be used to expand biochemical analyses such as acrolein-induced spermine depletion and may provide an effective platform for investigating cell culture correlates of secondary TBI damage.