Made available in DSpace on 2015-05-14T13:00:06Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 parte1.pdf: 1450137 bytes, checksum: 1838bf2efddf0ca147f276df88417bb6 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2009-09-24 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / It was been demonstrated that curine and reticuline, induced a vasodilator effect in the rat small mesenteric arteries through inhibition of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels (VGCC). These compounds, curine and reticuline were isolated from the root barks of Chondrondendron platyphyllum and Ocotea duckei Vattimo, respectively, therefore the aim of this work was to evaluate the vasodilator mechanism of curine and reticuline, bisbenzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BBA), isolated from the root barks of Chondrondendron platyphyllum and Ocotea duckei Vattimo, respectively, using functional and molecular approaches. Tension measurements in aorta rings, whole-cell patch-clamp and confocal techniques were employed to study the action of these alkaloids. The A7r5 smooth muscle derived cell line was used for Ca2+ currents measuring and the intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) were evaluated using confocal microscopy. The main results are as follows: in aortic rings, curine (3 - 300 μM) antagonized KCl (60 mM) and Bay K8644 (3 x 10-7 M) induced contractions. In whole-cell configuration, curine reduced the voltage-activated peak amplitude of ICa,L in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the Ca+2 current density versus voltage relationship and maximal activation voltage of ICa,L were not changed. Moreover curine did not also affect the steady-state activation of ICa,L, but shifted the steady-state inactivation curve of ICa,L for more negative potentials, however this effect was not changed in the presence of IBMX, dbcAMP and 8-brcGMP, suggesting that cyclic mononucleotides, such as cAMP and cGMP, are not involved in curine effect. In confocal experiments, curine inhibited the rise on the [Ca2+]i induced by KCl (60 mM) in dispersed vascular smooth muscle cells. In reference to reticuline (3 300 μM) was verified that alkaloid agonized CaCl2 and KCl-induced contractions and elicited vasorelaxation in aortic rings. In whole-cell configuration, reticuline reduced the voltage-activated peak amplitude of ICa,L in a concentration-dependent manner, but did not change the characteristics of current density versus. voltage relationship. Reticuline shifted leftwards the steady-state inactivation curve of ICa,L, however this effect was not changed after application of dibutyryl cyclic adenosine monophosphate to the cell. In cells pretreated with forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator, the addition of reticuline caused further inhibition of the Ca2+ currents suggesting an additive effect, indicating that cyclic mononucleotides were not involved. Taken together the results have shown that curine and reticuline elicits vasorelaxation due to the blockade of the L-type voltage-dependent Ca2+ current in rat aorta smooth muscle cells. The reported effect may contribute to the potential cardioprotective efficacy of curine and reticuline. / Curina e reticulina são alcalóides isolados das cascas do caule e raízes de Chondrondendron platyphyllum e de Ocotea duckei Vattimo, respectivamente. Estudos anteriores demonstraram que esses alcalóides são capazes de induzir efeito vasodilatador em artéria mesentérica e aorta de rato, respectivamente, devido possível inibição dos canais para Ca2+ dependentes de voltagem (VGCC). O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o mecanismo vasodilatador de curina e reticulina realizando experimentações funcionais e moleculares. Foram utilizadas medidas de tensão em anéis de aorta de rato, e empregadas técnicas de patch-clamp e de microscopia confocal para estudos da ação desses alcalóides. Também foram utilizadas células A7r5, uma linhagem de células musculares lisas embrionária derivada de aorta torácica de rato, que foram usadas para medir as correntes de Ca2+ macroscópicas e a concentração de cálcio intracelular ([Ca2+]i), que foram avaliadas usando a técnicas de patch-clamp e microscopia confocal, respectivamente. Os principais resultados são: em anéis de aorta, curina (3 - 300 μM) antagonizou as contrações induzidas por KCl (60 mM) e Bay K8644 (3 x 10-7 M). Na configuração whole-cell patch clamp , curina reduziu a amplitude da corrente de cálcio do tipo L (ICa,L) de maneira dependente de concentração. Porém, curina não alterou as características das correntes na relação corrente-voltagem. A voltagem de ativação máxima para ICa,L não foi diferente em relação ao controle. Além disso, curina também não afetou a ativação no estado estacionário das ICa,L, mas deslocou a curva da inativação estacionária para potenciais mais negativos. No entanto, esse efeito promovido por curina não foi alterado na presença de IBMX, dbcAMP e 8- brcGMP, sugerindo que os mononucleotídeos cíclicos, como APMc e GMPc, não estão envolvidos no efeito da curina. Em experimentos com microscopia confocal curina inibiu os transientes de cálcio intracelulares, e reduziu o aumento de [Ca2+]i induzidos por KCl (60 mM) em células de músculo liso vascular. Em relação à reticulina (3 300 μM), foi verificado que esse alcalóide antagonizou as contrações induzidas por CaCl2 e KCl, provocando vasorelaxamento em anéis de aorta. Na configuração whole-cell patch clamp , reticulina também reduziu a amplitude das ICa,L de maneira dependente de concentração, mas não mudou as características da corrente na relação corrente-voltagem. A reticulina deslocou para potenciais mais negativos a curva de inativação estacionária para as ICa,L. Porém, esse efeito não foi alterado após a aplicação de dbcAMP e 8-brcGMP. Em células pré-tradadas com forskolina, um ativador da adenilil ciclase, a adição da reticulina causou uma inibição adicional das correntes de Ca2+ que sugere um efeito aditivo da reticulina, indicando que os mononucleotídeos cíclicos não estão envolvidos. Dessa forma, curina e reticulina provocaram vasorelaxamento, devido ao bloqueio das correntes de Ca2+ dependentes de voltagem do tipo-L em células de músculo liso, em cultura e recémdispersas, de aorta de rato, revelando que esses alcalóides têm um importante potencial como modelo químico para a concepção e posterior desenvolvimento de novos fármacos com propriedade protetora cardiovascular.

Teas and infusions from C. spiralis leaf have largely been used by folk medicine as diuretic, hypotensor, cytotoxic, immunomodulator, antilithiasic, antidiarrheic, antispasmodic, antiurolitic, antimicrobian, antifungic, antioxidant, antileishmania activity, antiinflamatory, and antiedematogenic activity. In spite of these biological effects attributed to the extracts of C. spiralis, nothing so far could be found in the scientific literature dealing with its effects on the mammalian myocardium.The present study aimed to describe the inotropic effects produced by extracts from the C. spiralis leaf on isolated guinea pig atrium, as well as to contribute for a better understanding about its mechanism of action in that tissue. In isolated mouse cardiomyocytes, the effect produced by those extracts on the intracellular calcium transient and on the sarcolemal L-type calcium current were also measured. Experiments performed to evaluate the contractile effects were carried out on isolated atrium from guinea pig (Cavia porcellus). Firstly, our purpose was to determine the most potent fraction obtained from the C. spiralis leaf. This was done by comparing the hydroalchoolic crude extract with the following ones: aqueous, chloroform, and ethyl acetate. A phytochemical analysis was performed on the fraction exhibiting the greater potency. This evaluation followed the procedures proposed by Matos (1997). The content of sodium and potassium in the most potent fraction was determined by flame photometry. In the contractile experiments, the atrial force was measured isometrically. Biological signals were captured, amplified, and then stored in computer to be processed off line. Intracellular calcium transients were studied by confocal microscopy with laser scanning by using the fluorescent dye FLUO 4AM. Calcium inward currents were measured in mouse cardiomyocytes by using patch clamp technique in the whole cell configuration. Yield percentage of the aqueous fraction (AqF) was 69,40%. This fraction showed the most potent depressor effect on the myocardial contractility (EC50 = 305 ± 41,00 mg/L, Hill constant = 1,46 ± 0,19). The following metabolites were found in the AqF: tannins, saponins, and polifenols (flavonol, flavononol, flavone, xanthone, phenol, and flavonoid). The potassium and sodium contents in 1 g/L of AqF were 1,91 and 0,15 mM, respectively. This was not enough to change the myocardial inotropism, even in the highest concentration of AqF used in the experiments. The contraction and the relaxation time, as well as the time related to the excitation-contraction coupling (stimulus-response) were not modified by adding AqF to the organ bath. However, AqF reduced the Efficiency Index for the contraction and relaxation phases. The Neyler & Merrillees protocol was employed to evaluate the AqF effect on the calcium inward current in myocardial cells. Our results showed that AqF is able to completely abolish the Bowditch phenomenon, suggesting that it could be acting by reducing the sarcolemal calcium current. Supported by those experimental evidences, experiments were proposed to better understand the relationship between AqF and calcium mechanisms in cardiac cells. The following results were obtained with 1,5 g/L AqF: 1) AqF completely abolished the positive inotropic effect induced by isoproterenol (10-1 to 103 pM); 2) AqF shifted rightwardly the concentration-effect curve for CaCl2 (0.5 to 7.0 mM) and increased the EC50 from 1.12 ± 0.07 (Hill = 1.5) to 7.23 ± 0.47 mM (Hill = 7.4) (n = 3; p < 0.05); 3) AqF completely abolished the positive inotropic effect of (-) BAY K8644 (5 to 2000 nM); 4) AqF reduced the intracellular fluorescence from 4.66 ±1.17 to 3.74 ± 1.0 a.u. (n = 30 cells, 4 mice, p < 0.05); 5) AqF did not modify the decay rate of the fluorescent signal (892 ± 37 to 930 ± 30 ms, n = 30 cells, 4 mice, p > 0.05), indicating that it does not interfiere with the calcium removal from the sarcoplasm; 6) AqF reduced the calcium inward current through L-type calcium channels from 6,29 ± 0,34 to 4,9 ± 0,2 A/F (23% , n = 5 animals, p < 0,05). This study brought us unto the following conclusions: 1) AqF is the most potent fraction obtained from C. spirallis leaves; 2) AqF contains the following secondary metabolites: tannins, saponins, and poliphenols; 3) AqF reduces the contraction force of the guinea pig left atrium; 4) AqF acts on the myocardium contractility by reducing the calcium entry in myocardial cells during contraction. / Preparados de Costus spiralis têm sido usados pela medicina popular (diurético, hipotensor, citotóxico, imunomodulador, antilitiásico, antidiarréico, antiespasmódico, antiurolítico, antimicrobiano, antifúngico, antioxidante, antileishmânia, anti-inflamatório e antiedematogênico). Apesar da gama de ações a eles atribuídas, nada pôde ser encontrado na literatura científica com respeito ao possível efeito dos Este trabalho visou determinar os efeitos inotrópicos obtidos das folhas de C. spiralis, que apresentava maior potência, bem como contribuir para o mecanismo de ação desse preparado no miocárdio de mamíferos. Os experimentos sobre contração foram realizados em átrio esquerdo de cobaia (Cavia porcellus), enquanto que as medidas de transiente de cálcio intracelular e de corrente de membrana foram feitas em cardiomiócitos de camundongo. A investigação fitoquímica do preparado mais ativo foi conduzida segundo Matos (1997). Os teores de sódio e de potássio presentes na fração mais potente, foram determinados por fotometria de chama. A força de contração atrial foi captada isometricamente e, depois amplificada, foi armazenada em computador. O transiente de cálcio intracelular foi avaliado com microscopia confocal de varredura a laser. As correntes de cálcio sarcolemais foram medidas em cardiomiócitos submetidos à técnica do patch clamp ( whole cell ). A fração aquosa (FAq) foi a que apresentou maior rendimento (69,40%) e a que exerceu maior efeito inotrópico negativo (CE50 = 305 ± 41,00 mg/L, Hill = 1,46 ± 0,19). Na sua constituição foram detectadas as seguintes classes de metabólitos secundários: taninos e saponinas, com reação fortemente positiva, e os polifenóis, com reação positiva (flavonóis, flavononóis, flavonas, xantonas, fenóis e flavonóides). Em 1 g/L de FAq foram encontrados 1,91 mM de potássio e 0,15 mM de sódio. A adição de FAq ao Tyrode não modificou significativamente a concentração desses íons. Os tempos de contração e de relaxamento, bem como o tempo de acoplamento eletromecânico não foram alterados pela FAq. Contudo, ela reduziu os Índices de Eficiência da contração e do relaxamento. A FAq aboliu completamente o fenômeno de Bowditch induzido por alta frequência de estimulação, indicando que ela reduz a entrada desse íon nas células. Com base nessa evidência, foram realizados protocolos para aprofundar o conhecimento sobre a participação das correntes de cálcio no mecanismo cardiodepressor da FAq. Esta fração produziu os seguintes resultados: 1) aboliu completamente o efeito inotrópico positivo do isoproterenol (10-1 a 103 pM); 2) deslocou para a direita a curva concentração-efeito para o CaCl2 (0,5 a 7,0 mM), aumentando a CE50 de 1,12 ± 0,07 (Hill = 1,5) para 7,23 ± 0,47 mM (Hill = 7,4) (n = 3; p < 0,05); 3) aboliu completamente o efeito inotrópico positivo do (-) BAY K8644 (5 a 2000 nM); 4) reduziu em cerca de 20% o pico da fluorescência intracelular correspondente ao transiente de cálcio citoplasmático (controle: n = 30 células; teste: n = 27 células; 4 animais); 5) não modificou a velocidade de decaimento do sinal de fluorescência, o que significa que ela não interfere com o funcionamento da bomba de cálcio do retículo sarcoplasmático; 6) reduziu em 23% a densidade de corrente de cálcio tipo-L que variou de -6,29 ± 0,34 para -4,9 ± 0,2 A/F (n = 5 animais, p < 0,05). 1) a FAq foi a fração com maior potência inotrópica; 2) os principais metabólitos secundários presentes na FAq foram taninos, saponinas e polifenóis; 3) a FAq reduz a força de contração do átrio; 4) o mecanismo da ação cardiodepressora da FAq sobre a contratilidade miocárdica se deve à diminuição da disponibilização do cálcio durante a contração.

A desnutrição proteica continua sendo um dos principais problemas nutricionais do mundo. Trabalhos de nosso laboratório e de outros autores evidenciam que entre as alterações presentes na desnutrição proteica, está a alteração do tecido hemopoético, com modificações em componentes da matriz extracelular, alterações no ciclo celular da célula tronco/progenitora hemopoética, redução da produção de precursores hemopoéticos, tanto na série eritrocitária como na série leucocitária, levando a anemia e leucopenia. Os mecanismos de participação do Ca2+ nas células da medula óssea são pouco conhecidos, porém, sabe-se que ele atua no processo de hemopoese. Têm sido descrito que elevações da concentração de Ca2+ citoplasmático induzem a proliferação e diferenciação de células mielóides. A ação dessa via em indivíduos desnutridos também é pouco conhecida. Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar o estabelecimento da celularidade medular in vitro, bem como investigar mecanismos moleculares envolvidos na proliferação e diferenciação dessa celularidade, além de avaliar a ação do cálcio na presença da interleucina-3 em células-tronco hemopoéticas murinas e sua modulação para avaliar alterações na via das MAPKs. Camundongos C57BL/6, machos e adultos foram submetidos à desnutrição proteica e, após a perda de aproximadamente 20% de seu peso corporal, as células da medula óssea foram colhidas. Essas células foram imunofenotipadas, além de reagirem com anticorpos específicos para caracterização da célula-tronco hemopoética e proteínas da via de sinalização de cálcio intracelular. Observamos que a celularidade do estroma medular em cultura de longa duração de animais desnutridos é alterada, principalmente em células de origem mesenquimal, que aparecem em maior número em desnutridos ao longo dos dias de cultura. Além disso, as ondas de cálcio intracelular estavam diminuídas em animais desnutridos, bem como as proteínas p-PKC, p-PLCy, CAMKII, p-AKT e p-STAT5 não respondem ao estímulo de IL-3, levando a uma deficiência da expressão das MAPK: ERK 1/2, JNK e p38. A desnutrição proteica pode causar alterações na celularidade estromal da medula óssea e na diferenciação das células tronco hemopoéticas pela via das MAPKs estimulada por IL-3. / Protein malnutrition remains one of the world\'s major nutritional problems. Studies from our laboratory and others shown that alterations in protein malnutrition include hemopoietic tissue alterations, changes in extracellular matrix components, changes in the hemopoietic stem/progenitor cell tissue, reduction in the production of hemopoietic precursors, in the erythroid series as in the mieloyd series, leading to anemia and leukopenia. Mechanisms of Ca2+ participation in bone marrow cells are poorly understood, but no hemopoiesis has been developed. Elevations of cytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration in proliferation and differentiation of myeloid cells were included. Such an action through malnourished animals is also a little known. This study aims to evaluate the establishment of cellularity in vitro as well as investigate the molecular involvement in cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as to evaluate the action of calcium in the presence of IL-3 in hemopoietic stem cells and its modulation by analytical evaluations in the MAPKs pathway. C57BL/6, male adult mices were subjected to protein restriction and, after loss of approximately 20% of their body weight, bone marrow cells were harvested. These were immunophenotyped in addition to specific activation terms for the hemopoietic stem cell and intracellular signaling pathway proteins. We observed that the bone marrow cells in long-term culture of malnourished animals is altered, mainly in cells of mesenchymal origin, which appears in greater numbers in undernourished throughout the days of culture. In addition, as intracellular calcium waves decreased in malnourished animals, as well as the p-PKC, p-PLC, CAMKII, p-AKT and p-STAT5 proteins did not respond to IL-3, sugesting expression of the expression of MAPK: ERK 1/2, JNK and p38. Protein malnutrition may have changes in bone marrow capacity and differentiation of hemopoietic stem cells through IL-3-stimulated MAPKs.

Abstract Cytosolic Ca2+, [Ca2+]I , has a key role in intracellular signalling during excitation-contraction coupling (E-C coupling) in cardiac myocytes. The sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) is a main intracellular Ca2+ store and the Na+-Ca2+ exchanger (NaCaX) is a major mechanism to extrude Ca2+ for balancing the Ca2+ influx via L-type Ca2+ channels during excitation. Furthermore, [Ca2+]I also affects the configuration of the action potential (AP). The present study, by combination of animal experiments and computer simulations, investigated the roles of [Ca2+]I, SR and NaCaX in cardiac myocytes, in Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release (CICR) and in modulation of APs. The following were studied: (I) the stretch-induced effects on rat atrium and the role of [Ca2+]I in modulation of AP; (II) the role of the SR in modulation in rat atrium by stretch; (III) the role of NaCaX; (IV) the role of [Ca2+]I in modulation of action potential duration (APD) in myocytes with short and long action potential duration. In isolated rat atrial preparations, the physiological or moderate stretch stimulus caused two- phasic rise of developed contraction, rapid and slow phases, accompanied with slow increments of [Ca2+]I and prolongations of action potentials durations in continuous recordings. In sustained stretch, the APD and [Ca2+]I were all increased significantly when intra-atrial pressure increased from 1 to 3 mmHg. In computer simulations, employing a rat atrial model (RA model), it was found that stretch-activated channels and increased Tn C affinity for Ca2+ alone could not produce the changes in the experiments. Only after both mechanisms applied to model cells, the main experimental findings could be mimicked (I). The prolongation of APD induced by stretch in rat atrial preparations was reversed after depleting the Ca2+ content of the SR by application of the SR functional inhibitors, ryanodine, thapsigargin and caffeine (II). In the computer simulation using modified guinea pig ventricular model, the Ca2+ entry via the reversal of NaCaX was found to be accounting 25% of the total activator Ca2+ for triggering Ca2+ release from the SR during normal excitation. This contribution increases with elevated [Na+]i (III). In a guinea pig ventricular model (GPV model) and a RA model were employed for investigating the regulation of APD by [Ca2+]I-dependent membrane currents. Increased SR Ca2+ content produced an elevated [Ca2+]I in both model cells, leading to prolongation of APD in the RA model but shortening in the GPV model. Increased [Ca2+]I enhances the NaCaX current in the same scale in both models, but inhibits L-type Ca current much more in the GPV model than the RA model (IV). In conclusion, (I) Stretch-induced [Ca2+]I increase prolongs the rat atrial AP by enhancing the NaCaX inward current. Stretch-activated channels (SACs) and increased affinity of TnC for Ca2+ are main general factors responsible for the variety of changes of cardiac muscles induced by stretch. (II) The SR plays a crucial role in the modulation of myocytes by accumulating the additional Ca2+ influx via sarcolemma during stretch. (III) The NaCaX contributes a small part for activator Ca2+ for calcium release from the SR during normal cardiac E-C coupling. However, this contribution is [Na]i-dependent, and in some pathological conditions, it may be a potential factor for cardiac arrhythmogenesis. (IV) Different effects on the NaCaX and L-type channels induced by increased [Ca2+]I leads to the dispersion of the change of APD in myocytes with long and short AP during inotropic interventions that increase the [Ca2+]I.

Abstract Heart muscle has to work constantly throughout the life and its energy metabolism is heavily dependent on a continuous supply of oxygen. Energy metabolism must be effectively regulated to meet the demands of changing workloads in different circumstances. If the oxygen supply is interrupted, the function of the heart is easily disturbed and cells injured. Calcium metabolism is of great importance in these pathological conditions. In this thesis respiratory regulation was studied by non-destructive optical methods in mouse heart. The myoglobin-deficient mouse was used as an experimental model to avoid the artefact caused by intracellular myoglobin. Results show that increased consumption of energy and oxygen lead to concomitant reduction of cytochrome aa3 and oxidation of flavoproteins. This finding supports the view that cell respiration in intact myocardium is dominantly regulated at the level of the respiratory chain. The intracellular Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia is one of the major causes of irreversible ischemia-reperfusion injury. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been shown to protect the heart muscle significantly from ischemic damage. In this thesis Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia and reperfusion was studied in perfused rat heart using Fura-2 as a fluorescent Ca2+ indicator. As there is a significant decrease in intracellular pH during prolonged ischemia, the pH-dependency of Fura-2 signal was taken into account. It was found that IPC attenuates Ca2+accumulation during ischemia and this was connected to a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential. Both IPC and the pharmacologically induced preconditioning with the mitoKATP opener diaxozide were shown to be associated with increased production of superoxide monitored by means of lucigenin chemiluminescence. The superoxide production correlated with the oxidation-reduction state of flavoproteins. We also describe here a method for measuring of intracellular free Ca2+ in mouse heart during ischemia by simultaneous monitoring of Fura-2 and the pH probe BCECF fluorescence by means of dual wavelength excitation of both probes. The paradoxical decrease of Fura-2 fluorescence during ischemia indicating decreasing intracellular Ca2+ concentration was due to the pH effect on the dissociation constant of the Fura-2-Ca2+ complex. When the pH-dependency of Fura-2 was compensated, an extensive Ca2+ accumulation during ischemia was detected. Much of the previous literature on this subject must be re-evaluated because the pH-dependency of intracellular Ca2+ probes has been largely overlooked.

Cationic lipids are efficient tools to introduce nucleic acids and proteins into cells. Elucidation of the mechanism and cellular pathways associated to such a transport has been relatively slow, even though significant progress has been made in the characterization of the intracellular trafficking of cationic lipid/DNA complexes. Surprisingly, little is known about the effects of these delivery vectors on cell functioning. In the present thesis, we show that cationic lipids and cationic lipid/DNA complexes strongly increase the intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The end point of the Ca2+ increase was ~400 nM from a basal level of ~100 nM. The [Ca2+]i increase was studied using K562 and Jurkat cells cultured in vitro. This effect is weakened following addition of DNA to cationic liposomes, although remaining very large at cationic lipid/DNA ratios commonly used for cell transfection experiments. Removal of extracellular Ca2+ did not abolish this effect significantly and preincubating K562 cells with the Ca2+-ATPase inhibitor thapsigargin strongly abolished intracellular Ca2+ concentration increase, indicating that Ca2+ was released mainly from internal Ca2+ stores sensitive to thapsigargin. Pretreatment of the cells with the phospholipase C inhibitor U73122 blocked the intracellular Ca2+ concentration rise, suggesting an inositol pathway-dependent mechanism. LDH release assay indicates that in the conditions used for fluorescence measurement and in those used to transfer DNA into cells, cationic liposomes diC14-amidine and DOTAP had no massive cytotoxic effects. Cationic liposomes showed more toxicity than their corresponding complexes; this toxicity decreases in the presence of serum. The effect of cationic lipids on phosphatidylinositol-specific phospholipase C (PI-PLC) was quantitatively assessed using phosphatidylinositol (PI) and radiolabeled phosphatidylinositol ([3H]-PI). Incorporation of diC14-amidine into PC/PI vesicle activated PI-PLC and was shown to activate the hydrolysis of PI and [3H]-PI. Our data may suggest that mobilization of intracellular Ca2+ by complex could have an effect on the transfection process itself. These results indicate for the first time that cationic lipids and cationic lipid/DNA complexes are not inert and can affect the functioning of the cells by increasing their intracellular Ca2+. <p><p> / Doctorat en sciences, Spécialisation chimie / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

Les ions Ca2+ responsables de la contraction musculaire sont extrudés du réticulum sarcoplasmique (RS) via le récepteur de la ryanodine de type 1 (RyR1). Des mutations du gène de RyR1 sont responsables chez l’homme de l’hyperthermie maligne (HM) et de la myopathie à cores centraux (MCC). Nous avons caractérisé les altérations de l’efflux calcique du RS dues à de telles mutations dans la fibre musculaire de souris par électrophysiologie et imagerie confocale. L’expression des formes Y523S, R615C et R2163H de RyR1, associées à l’HM, provoque une hypersensibilité de l’efflux vis-à-vis du potentiel membranaire alors que les formes I4897T et G4896V associées à la MCC provoquent une réduction chronique de l’efflux sans modification de densité des RyR1 s ainsi que des protéines Cav1.1 et SERCA1. L’expression de la forme R4892W associée à la MCC ne modifie pas l’efflux calcique suggérant une plus faible pénétrance fonctionnelle de cette forme. Dans tous les cas, aucune indication de changement du contenu en calcium RS n’a été observée. Les résultats suggèrent que les modifications pathologiques de l’efflux calcique sont la conséquence directe de l’altération de fonction des canaux. Le deuxième objectif du travail s’est intéressé au rôle de certains phosphoinositides (PtdInsPs) dans la régulation de l’efflux calcique du RS. La surexpression de la PtdInsPs-phosphatase Mtm 1 n’a aucun effet sur l’efflux calcique alors que l’application intracellulaire de ses deux principaux substrats inhibe l’efflux, suggérant que leur accumulation dans les fibres musculaires déficientes en Mtm1 pourrait contribuer aux altérations pathologiques associées du couplage excitation-contraction / Ca2+ ions that trigger muscle contraction are released from the sarcoplasmic reticulum (SR) through the type 1 ryanodine receptor (RyR1) channel. Mutations of the gene encoding RyR1 are responsible for malignant hyperthermia (MH) and central core disease (CCD) in human. We characterized the alterations of SR Ca2+ release due to such mutations in mouse fibers using electrophysiology and confocal imaging. Expression of each of the MH-associated Y523S, R615C and R2163H mutant forms of RyR1 increases the sensitivity of Ca2+ release to membrane potential whereas forms I4897T and G4896V that are associated to CCD provoke a chronic depression of Ca2+ release with no concurrent alteration of RyR1, Cav1.1 and SERCA1 density. Expression of the CDD-associated R4892W form of RyR1 has no effect on Ca2+ release suggesting a weaker functional penetrance of this mutant form. In all cases we found no indication for a change in SR calcium content. Results suggest that pathological changes in Ca2+ release are the direct consequence of the functional alteration of the channels. The second goal of this work focused on the role of certain phosphoinositides (PtdInsPs) in the control of SR Ca2+ release. Over-expression of the PtdInsPs-phosphatase Mtm 1 does not affect Ca2+ release whereas intracellular application of its two main substrates inhibits Ca2+ release, suggesting that accumulation of these molecules in Mtm 1-deficient fibers could contribute to the associated alterations of excitation-contraction coupling

No description available.

Les parasporines sont des toxines Cry du bacille de Thuringe actives contre des cellules tumorales. Ce travail montre que la parasporine PS1Aa2 (Cry31Aa2) forme des pores dans des membranes artificielles, comme de nombreuses toxines Cry. Ceux-ci ont plusieurs niveaux de conductance dont les plus fréquents étaient de 11, 16 et 21 pS dans une solution de 150 mM KCl. Nos résultats de microspectrofluorométrie avec la sonde Fura-2 montrent que la présence de la PS1Aa2 peut produire des augmentations du calcium intracellulaire, la plupart du temps sous la forme d’oscillations calciques et parfois des augmentations soutenues. Ces réponses ont été observées en présence et en absence de calcium extracellulaire, dans les lignées tumorales HeLa et HepG2 et dans la lignée non tumorale HEK 293. Bien que quelques études aient montré que le calcium semble intervenir dans leur mode d’action, de telles oscillations calciques n’ont jamais été décrites auparavant pour des toxines Cry. Les expériences ont dû être faites à des concentrations beaucoup plus élevées de toxine que prévues sur la base des résultats publiés de cytotoxicité. Malgré la présence des fragments identifiés auparavant comme actifs, sa faible efficacité semble liée à la présence d’ADN dans les préparations qui entraîne la précipitation de la protéine. Les travaux futurs sur cette toxine seraient donc grandement facilités par une amélioration de sa méthode de préparation. / Parasporins are Cry toxins from Bacillus thuringiensis that are active against tumor cells. This work shows that parasporin PS1Aa2 (Cry31Aa2) forms pores in artificial membranes like many Cry toxins. These pores have several levels of conductance; the most frequently seen in 150 mM KCl solutions were of 11, 16 and 21 pS. Our microspectrofluorometric results with the Fura-2 probe showed that the presence of PS1Aa2 can induce changes in intracellular calcium levels, most often in the form of calcium oscillations and sometimes as sustained increases. Such responses were observed in the presence and absence of extracellular calcium, with the tumor cell lines HeLa and HepG2, and with the non-tumorous cell line HEK 293. Calcium oscillations have not been described previously for Cry toxins even though some studies have shown that calcium appears to be involved in their mode of action. Our experiments required the use of much higher concentrations of toxin than suggested from the published cytotoxicity results. Despite the presence of fragments previously identified as active, its low efficacy appears to be related to the presence of DNA in the preparations causing the protein to precipitate. Future work on this toxin would therefore be greatly facilitated by an improvement in its method of preparation.

L’exposition à une situation d’hypokinésie induit une atrophie fonctionnelle et phénotypique du musclesquelettique. Différents mécanismes sont suggérés contribuer à ce phénomène de plasticité musculaire,incluant en particulier des modifications de l’homéostasie calcique et de la production d’espèces réactivesde l’oxygène qui, en relation avec certains processus inflammatoires, activeraient des voies d’apoptose etde protéolyse musculaire. Le présent travail a porté un intérêt spécifique à ces phénomènes dans le cadrede l’atrophie musculaire induite par une hypokinésie ainsi que dans la récupération après cessation de ceprotocole. À l’aide d’approches cellulaires nous montrons que l’extrusion du calcium cytoplasmique estconsidérablement ralentie dans les fibres musculaires atrophiées. Cet effet, lié au moins en partie à unecontribution altérée des mitochondries, pourrait jouer un rôle dans l’activation de voies protéolytiquescalcium-dépendantes. Dans un deuxième temps, nous avons étudié l’évolution du niveau de stressoxydant et de l’expression de différentes cytokines ainsi que de marqueurs de la voie apoptotiquecaspase-dépendante et de la protéolyse musculaire au cours du phénomène de récupération après la fin del’hypokinésie. Les résultats montrent que le retour à la normale de la masse musculaire est facilité lors dela phase précoce (1-5 jours) de récupération via la modulation de l’apoptose mitochondriale et de laprotéolyse musculaire. Par contre le stress oxydant et la voie apoptotique impliquant TNF-a persistentjusqu’à 14 jours de récupération, alors que la masse musculaire est déjà reconstituée. / Exposure to hypokinesia induces a functional and phenotypic atrophy of skeletal muscle. Several types ofmechanisms have been suggested to contribute to this plasticity phenomenon, including changes inintracellular calcium handling and in production of reactive oxygen species which, together withinflammatory processes, would activate muscle apoptosis and proteolysis pathways. The present workspecifically focussed on these mechanisms within the framework of a model of hypokinesia-inducedatrophy and of recovery from this atrophy. Measurements on isolated muscle cells revealed that the rateof myoplasmic calcium extrusion was considerably reduced in atrophied muscle fibres. This effect whichappears to be, at least in part, related to an altered mitochondrial contribution, may play a pivotal role inthe activation of calcium-dependent proteolysis pathways. We then studied the time course of changes inoxidative stress as well as in the expression level of several cytokines and proteins specifically involvedin proteolysis and caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways, along the course of recovery from atrophy. Ourresults demonstrate that, at early stages (1-5 days) of recovery, muscle re-growth is mediated via themodulation of mitochondrial-driven apoptosis and muscle proteolysis. In contrast, oxidative stress and theTNF-a related apoptotic pathway remain activated until late stages (14 days) of recovery, at a time whenmuscle mass has already recovered.