The diagnosis of cancer in early stages is an unmet clinical need, especially in view that current treatments for cancer cannot address metastatic disease. Cancer aberration processes are associated to an increase in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Chemical probes that can specifically detect these species are potentially useful as medical diagnostics and research tools for cancer imaging. One of the aims of my thesis was the design and synthesis of the activatable fluorescent probes based on small molecule fluorophores modified with chemically reactive moieties. The activation of these moieties by defined targets (e.g. ROS) results in the activation of the fluorophore and subsequent emission of a fluorescent signal. Two libraries of fluorescence probes for the detection of ROS have been designed and synthesised: 1) hydrocyanine-based probes as silent fluorophores that can be activated with superoxide ions, 2) coumarin-based hydrogen peroxide probes with red-shifted fluorescent properties and different boronate activatable groups for hydrogen peroxide sensing. We have performed in vitro assays to evaluate the fluorescence response of our probes as well as experiments in relevant live cells to assess their application for detection of ROS in live cells with molecular resolution. Moreover, cancer cells also overexpress Epidermal Growth Factor Receptors (EGFR). Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanotags that can recognize specifically EGFR receptors in cells are promising tools for the enhanced diagnosis of cancer. Two near-infrared cyanine Raman reporters were synthesized with a carboxylic group that was conjugated to cysteamine for derivatization of gold nanoparticles (AuNPs). This work was performed in the CSIR-NIIST (Kerala, India), where I did a 3-month PhD placement. I conjugated the cyanine reporters to spherical AuNPs of 40 nm diameter, and measured their Raman intensity and stability. The best SERS nanotags were selected for encapsulation with PEG and subsequently derivatization with anti-EGFR-EP22 antibodies. In vitro characterization of the SERS nanotags was performed: SERS and absorbance spectra, electron microscopy images as well as SERS imaging experiments in A549 lung cancer cells.

Les biofilms en industries agroalimentaires (IAA) représentent un problème récurrent aux conséquences économiques et de sécurité sanitaire. Le développement de surfaces photoactives aux propriétés antibactériennes pourrait faciliter leur élimination. Une solution serait de déposer une couche mince de dioxyde de titane (TiO2) sur des matériaux rencontrés dans les IAA. Les objectifs de cette thèse ont donc été d’optimiser des couches minces de TiO2 aux propriétés antibactériennes et d’étudier les mécanismes impliqués dans la photocatalyse. Les dépôts sont réalisés par pulvérisation cathodique radiofréquence dans différentes conditions (température, PO2, durée), d’abord sur substrat de verre puis sur acier inoxydable 316La caractérisation des couches minces par microscopie à balayage, diffraction des rayons X, a montré des différences dues au changement de substrat. Les différentes optimisations ont conduit à l’obtention de couches minces possédant une activité photocatalytique et des propriétés antibactériennes sur des souches représentatives de la flore retrouvée dans les IAA de la filière « viande » : L. monocytogenes, Y. enterocolitica et P. fragi. Des diminutions de la population bactérienne entre 1,5Log et 3Log ont été observées. La production d’espèces réactives de l’oxygène (H2O2, ¿OH, O2-¿) a été étudiée par des méthodes spectrocolorimétriques. L’H2O2 à la surface de la couche mince serait converti en ¿OH. L’étude des mécanismes de réponse de L. monocytogenes face à la photocatalyse des couches minces a été initiée par une approche transcriptomique, en suivant l’exp / Biofilms in food industries represent a recurrent problem with economic and health safety implications. The development of photoactive surfaces with antibacterial properties could facilitate their elimination. One solution would be to deposit a thin layer of titanium dioxide (TiO2) on conventional materials used in food plants. The objectives of this thesis were the optimization of thin films of TiO2 with antibacterial properties and to study the mechanisms involved in photocatalysis. Deposits were made by radio-frequency sputtering under different conditions (temperature, oxygen partial pressure, duration), first on a glass substrate and then on 316 stainless steel. Characterization of thin layers by scanning microscopy, diffraction of X-ray, showed differences due to substrate changeTiO2 thin layers obtained either on glass or stainless steel showed photocatalytic and antibacterial properties on representative strains of the flora found in the meat industry: Listeria monocytogenes, Yersinia enterocolitica and Pseudomonas fragi. Decreases in the bacterial population between 1.5Log and 3Log were observed. The production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was studied by spectrocolorimetric methods. It seems that H2O2 on the surface is converted in another ROS, ¿OH. Finally, the study of the bacterial response mechanisms to photocatalysis, especially for L. monocytogenes, was initiated by a transcriptomic approach by following the expression of genes involved in the response to oxidative stress. However, the method used requires an optimization in order to be used for the bac

Submitted by Luciana Ferreira (lucgeral@gmail.com) on 2014-08-15T11:21:25Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertacao Sebastiao Antonio Mendanha Neto.pdf: 1242328 bytes, checksum: d0f39ae03faaec981292f99cefebb8ea (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-08-15T11:21:25Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Dissertacao Sebastiao Antonio Mendanha Neto.pdf: 1242328 bytes, checksum: d0f39ae03faaec981292f99cefebb8ea (MD5) Previous issue date: 2010-03-26 / Conselho Nacional de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico - CNPq / The oxidative stress effects promoted by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and 2,2 -Azobis(2- methylpropionamidine)dihydrochloride (AAPH) in proteins and lipids of the erythrocyte membrane were investigated by testing the oxidative hemolysis, the formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) in addition to spectroscopic electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) of lipid spin label 5-DOXIL stearic acid (5-DSA) and 3-maleimide proxyl (5-MSL) that binds covalently to erythrocyte s membrane proteins. The spectral parameter 2Ak obtained directly from the EPR spectra of spin label 5-DSA structured in the lipid bilayer of the erythrocyte membrane was sensitive to changes in the dynamics of lipids resulting on the oxidation of membrane proteins. The oxidation of proteins observed for very low concentrations of H2O2 (starting at 100 μM) were confirmed with spin label 5-MSL. Lipid peroxidation indicated the oxidative hemolysis and formation of MDA occurred at concentrations of H2O2 about 8 times larger (starting at 800 μM). Ascorbic acid and -tocopherol protect the membrane by hemolysis and MDA tests, but did not prevent the stiffening of the erythrocyte membrane. The spectra of the spin label 5-MSL revealed the existence of two distinct thiol groups in erythrocyte membrane proteins that differ in their structural configurations and sensitivity to oxidative attack. The SH site that has higher exposure to solvent and less reactivity to spin label 5-MSL was the most vulnerable to oxidation. It is well known that upon oxidation hemoglobin binds to the membrane and the results of this study suggest that this effect may be accompanied by a further increase in the parameter 2Ak of the spin label 5-DSA. Catalase present in erythrocytes proved to be an effective protector of lipid peroxidation and oxidation of membrane proteins induced by hydrogen peroxide. / Os efeitos do estresse oxidativo promovido pelo peróxido de hidrogênio (H2O2) e pelo 2,2 -Azobis(2-metilpropanamida) dicloridrato (AAPH) nas prote´ınas e lipídios da membrana de eritrócito foram investigados através do teste da hemólise oxidativa, da formação do malondialde ıdo (MDA) além da espectroscopia de ressonância paramagnética eletrônica (RPE) do marcador de spin lipídico 5-DOXIL estearato (5-DSA) e do marcador de spin 3-maleimida proxil (MAL-5) que se liga covalentemente `as proteínas da membrana de eritrócito. O parâmetro espectral 2Ak obtido diretamente dos espectros de RPE do marcador de spin 5-DSA estruturado na bicamada lipídica da membrana de eritrócito foi sensíıvel `as alterações na dinâmica dos lipídios resultantes da oxidação das proteínas da membrana. A oxidação das proteínas observada para concentrações baixas de H2O2 (a partir de 100 μM) foram confirmadas com o marcador MAL-5. A peroxidação lipídica indicada pela hemólise oxidativa e formação de MDA ocorreu em concentrações de H2O2 cerca de 8 vezes maiores (a partir de 800 μM). O ácido ascórbico e alfa-tocoferol protegem a membrana pelos testes de hemólise e MDA, mas não evitaram o enrijecimento da membrana do eritrócito. Os espectros do marcador MAL-5 revelaram a existência de dois grupos tióis distintos nas proteínas da membrana de eritrócito que diferem quanto a suas configurações estruturais e sensibilidade aos ataques oxidativos. O sítio SH de maior exposiçãoo ao solvente e menor reatividade ao marcador MAL-5 foi o mais vulnerável `a oxidação. É bem conhecido que neste processo oxidativo a hemoglobina se liga à membrana e os resultados deste trabalho sugerem que este efeito pode ser acompanhado por um aumento adicional no parâmetro 2Ak do marcador 5-DSA. A catalase presente nos eritrócitos se revelou como um eficiente protetor da oxidação lipídica e protéica da membrana induzidas por H2O2.

A obesidade desencadeia mudanças estruturais e funcionais no tecido adiposo perivascular (PVAT), levando a um desequilíbrio em favor de substâncias vasoconstritoras e pró- inflamatórias, bem como alterações em suas vias de sinalização no vaso. Um importante mecanismo proposto para explicar a perda do efeito anticontrátil do PVAT na obesidade é o estresse oxidativo. Espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) possuem papel importante na modulação da função vascular mediada pelo PVAT. Considerando que a mitocôndria representa fonte potencial de EROs nas células, o presente estudo testou a hipótese que a disfunção mitocondrial no PVAT está envolvida na perda do efeito anticontrátil do PVAT em modelo experimental de obesidade. Este estudo avaliou se a matriz mitocondrial nas células que compõem o tecido adiposo periaórtico representa fonte importante de EROs, e se as mesmas contribuem para as alterações na regulação, pelo PVAT, da reatividade vascular. Nosso estudo demonstrou que animais obesos apresentaram disfunção vascular e perda do efeito anticontrátil do PVAT. O estresse oxidativo está envolvido na disfunção do PVAT, com participação significativa da mitocôndria na geração de EROs, capazes de modular a reatividade vascular. A obesidade favoreceu a disfunção mitocondrial, reduzindo o consumo de oxigênio. Estes eventos favoreceram o aumento na geração de peróxido de hidrogênio mitocondrial no PVAT, o qual prejudica a ação anticontrátil deste tecido por ser ativador direto da via de contração RhoA/Rho cinase / Obesity promotes structural and functional changes in the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), favoring the release of vasoconstrictor and proinflammatory substances, as well as altering the vascular signaling pathways activated by PVAT-derived factors. Oxidative stress is an important mechanism proposed to explain the loss of anticontractile effects of the PVAT in obesity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the modulatory effects of PVAT on vascular function. Considering that mitochondria are a potential source of ROS in the cells, the present study tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction leads to the loss of the anticontractile effects of PVAT in obesity. We evaluated whether the mitochondrial matrix of the cells that make up the periaortic fat tissue constitute a major source of ROS, and if mROS contribute to defective regulation of vascular reactivity by the PVAT. Our study shows that obese animals exhibit vascular dysfunction and loss of anticontractile effects of PVAT. Oxidative stress is involved in PVAT dysfunction, with a significant contribution of mitochondria to ROS generation. Obesity promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing oxygen consumption. These events increase the generation of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide in the PVAT, which impairs the anticontractile effects of this tissue via direct activation of the RhoA / Rho kinase pathway

A obesidade desencadeia mudanças estruturais e funcionais no tecido adiposo perivascular (PVAT), levando a um desequilíbrio em favor de substâncias vasoconstritoras e pró- inflamatórias, bem como alterações em suas vias de sinalização no vaso. Um importante mecanismo proposto para explicar a perda do efeito anticontrátil do PVAT na obesidade é o estresse oxidativo. Espécies reativas de oxigênio (EROs) possuem papel importante na modulação da função vascular mediada pelo PVAT. Considerando que a mitocôndria representa fonte potencial de EROs nas células, o presente estudo testou a hipótese que a disfunção mitocondrial no PVAT está envolvida na perda do efeito anticontrátil do PVAT em modelo experimental de obesidade. Este estudo avaliou se a matriz mitocondrial nas células que compõem o tecido adiposo periaórtico representa fonte importante de EROs, e se as mesmas contribuem para as alterações na regulação, pelo PVAT, da reatividade vascular. Nosso estudo demonstrou que animais obesos apresentaram disfunção vascular e perda do efeito anticontrátil do PVAT. O estresse oxidativo está envolvido na disfunção do PVAT, com participação significativa da mitocôndria na geração de EROs, capazes de modular a reatividade vascular. A obesidade favoreceu a disfunção mitocondrial, reduzindo o consumo de oxigênio. Estes eventos favoreceram o aumento na geração de peróxido de hidrogênio mitocondrial no PVAT, o qual prejudica a ação anticontrátil deste tecido por ser ativador direto da via de contração RhoA/Rho cinase / Obesity promotes structural and functional changes in the perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT), favoring the release of vasoconstrictor and proinflammatory substances, as well as altering the vascular signaling pathways activated by PVAT-derived factors. Oxidative stress is an important mechanism proposed to explain the loss of anticontractile effects of the PVAT in obesity. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the modulatory effects of PVAT on vascular function. Considering that mitochondria are a potential source of ROS in the cells, the present study tested the hypothesis that mitochondrial dysfunction leads to the loss of the anticontractile effects of PVAT in obesity. We evaluated whether the mitochondrial matrix of the cells that make up the periaortic fat tissue constitute a major source of ROS, and if mROS contribute to defective regulation of vascular reactivity by the PVAT. Our study shows that obese animals exhibit vascular dysfunction and loss of anticontractile effects of PVAT. Oxidative stress is involved in PVAT dysfunction, with a significant contribution of mitochondria to ROS generation. Obesity promotes mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing oxygen consumption. These events increase the generation of mitochondrial hydrogen peroxide in the PVAT, which impairs the anticontractile effects of this tissue via direct activation of the RhoA / Rho kinase pathway

As espécies reativas de oxigênio são capazes de influenciar a secreção de insulina, porém ainda não está clara a influência da glicose, principal secretagogo deste hormônio, sobre a homeostase redox das células beta pancreáticas. Incubações por 1 e 48 horas com diferentes concentrações de glicose (2,8; 5,6; 8,3; 11,1; 16,7 e 20 mM) demonstraram que esta é capaz de alterar não só o conteúdo de superóxido, produzido pela mitocôndria e NADPH oxidase, mas também o sistema antioxidante, alterando a concentração de GSH e a expressão das enzimas antioxidantes. Além disso, aumenta a interação Rac1/Sod1, que mantém a NADPH oxidase ativa. Porém, não apresenta endossomas de sinalização redox, os redoxossomas, em resposta a glicose. Estas alterações podem afetar eventos chave para este tecido endócrino, como a secreção de insulina e a morte celular. / ROS production in pancreatic beta cells has been associated with the insulin secretion process but the mechanism by which glucose affects the redox state in these cells remains unknown. In order to address this issue, we evaluated the effect of 1 or 48 hours incubation of pancreatic beta cells with various glucose concentrations (2.8, 5.6, 8.3, 11.1, 16.7 and 20 mM). Glucose loading induced superoxide production by mitochondria and NADPH oxidase complex, and enhanced the antioxidant capacity by increasing GSH content and modulate expression of antioxidant enzymes. Glucose also promoted Rac1/Sod1 interaction that maintains NADPH oxidase activated. These cells however did not present redox endosomes, the redoxosomes, in response to glucose loading. These effects might be associated with the process of insulin secretion and pancreatic beta cell death.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da suplementação de vitamina C nos biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo induzido por exercício físico exaustivo. A amostra foi composta por 13 indivíduos do sexo masculino, fisicamente ativos, com idades entre 18 e 33 anos, IMC médio 23,65 ± 3,5 kg/m² e VO2max de 50,94 ± 5,2 ml.kg-1.min-1. Estes indivíduos foram submetidos a um protocolo de exercício exaustivo (40 minutos de corrida a 70-75% do VO2max, e aumento da velocidade para 90% do VO2max até a exaustão), randomizados duplo cego em duas fases (placebo X vitamina C). Na fase vitamina C eles ingeriram 500 mg de vitamina C por dia, durante 7 dias, antes do protocolo exaustivo, e na fase placebo eles ingeriram por sete dias placebo antes do mesmo protocolo. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue antes do exercício, logo após, 1h, 2h, 4h e 24h após para determinação dos biomarcadores de estresse oxidativo. As duas fases foram homogêneas, os indivíduos apresentaram consumo alimentar similar e não houve diferença na duração e intensidade do exercício. Os resultados mostram que o uso de suplemento de vitamina C favoreceu maiores níveis séricos de ácido ascórbico em relação ao placebo logo depois do exercício até 4 horas após, e por isso poupou a eliminação dos outros antioxidantes, -tocoferol e retinol, que estavam em menores concentrações séricas até 2 horas após o exercício, e do GSH, que se manteve em menores concentrações até 24 horas após. Enquanto com uso de placebo, já que os níveis de ácido ascórbico eram menores, houve uma maior liberação destes outros antioxidantes, e o -tocoferol e retinol começaram a ser consumidos 1 hora após o exercício, para combater os radicais livres formados, até 24 horas após. Apesar da CAT não ser alterada nem pela suplementação nem pelo exercício exaustivo, o FRAP foi maior na fase vitamina C e se manteve estável nas 24h após o exercício. O ácido úrico não apresentou diferença significativa, e seu uso foi poupado por outros antioxidantes séricos nas duas intervenções. Nas duas fases os indivíduos conseguiram combater os radicais livres formados pelo exercício exaustivo, já que os marcadores de peroxidação lipídica (MDA, TBARS e FOX) não aumentaram após o exercício em nenhuma das intervenções, não houve aumento de oxidação protéica (AOPP e PC). Os marcadores de lesão hepática (TGO), lesão muscular (CK) e tecidual (LDH) se comportaram de maneira igual com ou sem uso de vitamina C. As vantagens do uso adicional de vitamina C são: a maior proteção antioxidante desde o ínicio do exercício, já que apresenta maiores concentrações séricas de vitamina C e de FRAP, o menor grau de peroxidação lipídica, avaliado pelo MDA, o menor grau de oxidação protéica, avaliado pelas PC e a menor dependência do GSH como antioxidante endógeno. Sendo assim, uso de uma dose modesta de vitamina C, por um curto período de tempo, foi capaz de auxiliar na proteção antioxidante, sem nenhum efeito danoso aos indivíduos. / The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of vitamin C supplementation on oxidative stress biomarkers induced by exhaustive exercise. The sample consisted of 13 males, physically active, aged 18 to 33 years, mean BMI 23.65 ± 3.5 kg/m² and 50.94 ± 5.2 VO2max ml.kg-1. min-1. These individuals were subjected to an exhaustive exercise protocol (40 minutes of running at 70-75% of VO2max, and increased speed to 90% VO2max until exhaustion), randomized double-blind in 2 phases (placebo X vitamin C). In vitamin C phase they ingested 500 mg vitamin C per day for 7 days before exhausting protocol and the placebo phase, they ingested placebo for 7 days prior to the same protocol. Blood samples were taken before exercise, immediately after, 1h, 2h, 4h and 24h after for determination of biomarkers of oxidative stress. The two phases were homogeneous, the subjects had similar food consumption and no difference in the duration and intensity of exercise. The results show that the use of vitamin C supplement favored higher serum levels of ascorbic acid relative to placebo soon after exercise to 4 hours after, and therefore spared the elimination of other antioxidants, -tocopherol and retinol, which were lower serum concentrations up to 2 hours after exercise, and GSH, which remained at lower levels within 24 hours. As with the use of placebo, as the ascorbic acid levels were lower, there was a greater release of these other antioxidants, and -tocopherol and retinol began to be consumed in 1 hour of exercise to combat free radicals formed by 24 hours. Despite the CAT not be altered or by supplementation or by exhaustive exercise, the FRAP was higher in vitamin C phase and remained stable in the 24 hours after exercise. Uric acid showed no significant difference, and its use has been spared by other serum antioxidants in 2 interventions. In 2 phases individuals able combat free radicals formed by exhaustive exercise, since the lipid peroxidation markers (MDA, TBARS and FOX) did not increase after exercise in any of the interventions, there was no increase in protein oxidation (AOPP and PC) . The markers of liver injury (AST), muscle damage (CK) and tissue (LDH) behaved equally with or without use of vitamin C. The advantages of the additional use of vitamin C are: the highest antioxidant protection since the beginning of exercise, since it has higher serum concentrations of vitamin C and FRAP, the lowest degree of lipid peroxidation, measured by MDA, the lowest level of protein oxidation, rated by PC and less dependent on GSH as an endogenous antioxidant. Thus, use of a modest dose of vitamin C, for a short period of time, was able to assist in antioxidant protection, with no harmful effect on individuals.

It is known that histones and other DNA-binding polycations protect DNA from radiation damage mediated by hydroxyl radicals. Until recently, this protection of DNA has mainly been attributed to compaction and aggregation. It was hypothesized that chemical repair of DNA sugar radicals by donation of hydrogen atom from polycations also significantly contributes to DNA protection. To test this hypothesis, the relative yields of low-molecular weight characteristic products of oxidation of DNA sugar were compared in X-irradiated samples of naked DNA and DNA complexes with a number of polycations by using an HPLC-based method of DNA damage product quantification. The variation in the percent contribution of the C1„ sugar damage product ongoing from free DNA to DNA-polycations complexes is in agreement with the hypothesis that chemical repair of DNA sugar radicals by donation of hydrogen atom from polycations contributes to the overall DNA protection against hydroxyl radical-mediated damage.

This study investigated the neurotoxic effects of rotenone and 6-hyroxydopamine (6 OHDA), two compounds which have been implicated in Parkinson’s disease (PD). PD is a neurodegenerative disorder that results in the impairment of movement. During the disease process, a group of dopamine-containing cells in the brain region called the Substantia Nigra pars compacta (SNc), degenerate. Whilst genetic factors contribute to approximately 5% of PD cases, the causes of the remaining 95% are unknown. What does seem clear is the pivotal role of mitochondrial dysfunction as observed in post-mortem human tissue. Mitochondrial dysfunction leads to energy depletion and the generation of harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, despite the fact that the involvement of mitochondria in the disease process has been well established, the cellular events that lead to, and result from, mitochondrial dysfunction remain poorly understood. Rotenone and 6 OHDA have been implicated in PD for two reasons: (1) both toxins can relatively selectively kill SNc neurons in animal models of PD, and (2) there is evidence for both compounds having a potential causative role in the etiology of the disease in humans. When 6 OHDA is injected into the brain, or rotenone applied systemically, both toxins cause degeneration of SNc neurons. This ability makes them excellent tools for studying mechanisms of PD in animal models. In addition, both toxins inhibit mitochondrial function. Despite extensive use in models of PD, the mechanisms by which each toxin cause cell damage remains elusive. The first part of this study investigated the acute responses of dopaminergic SNc neurons to rotenone exposure (5 nM – 1 µM). The experiments were conducted on brain slices obtained from rats. Electrophysiological recordings (whole-cell patch-clamp technique) were used to detect activation of specific membrane channels as well as cell firing and changes to the membrane potential. In addition, imaging of several fluorescent dyes sensitive to specific cellular events was carried out. In voltage-clamp experiments, acute rotenone (200 nM – 1 µM) application evoked a concentration-dependent outward current which was mediated by tolbutamide-sensitive KATP channels. The current was associated with a drop in cell input resistance (Rm) and, in current-clamp, membrane hyperpolarization and inhibition of spontaneous action potentials. The mechanisms by which rotenone activates KATP channels is controversial, with some studies suggesting activation by ATP depletion and others by elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS). To address this issue, experiments were conducted with high levels of ATP in the pipette solution. Since the rotenone-induced outward current was unaffected by high ATP levels, it was concluded that KATP channel activation was due to oxidative stress. Indeed, the antioxidant Trolox significantly attenuated the current response. Confirmation of elevated ROS production was obtained by recording increased mitochondrial superoxide production, using the fluorescent dye MitoSOX. In addition, rotenone evoked depolarization of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm). Measurements of intracellular Ca2+ and Na+ were performed using the fluorescent dyes Fura 2 and SBFI, respectively. Rotenone evoked increases to both [Ca2+]i and [Na+]i in a concentration-dependent manner. The rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i rise was unaffected by blocking KATP channels with Cs+. The elevation of [Ca2+]i is particularly important in relation to cell death, since [Ca2+]i overload is known to activate pathways leading to necrosis and apoptosis. There has been growing interest in the synergistic action of rotenone with other toxins/conditions which also enhance [Ca2+]i. This concept was explored in the present study by testing the relationship between the baseline [Ca2+]i level and the rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i increase. Two approaches were taken. Firstly, baseline [Ca2+]i was deliberately raised by activation of voltage-gated calcium channels. When rotenone was applied in the presence of this raised baseline calcium level, the rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i rise was significantly greater. The second approach involved post-hoc analysis of the relationship between the normal cellular variation in baseline [Ca2+]i and the rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i elevation. This analysis also revealed a dependency of the rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i elevation on the baseline calcium level. From this finding, as well as the observation that rotenone evoked ROS production, Transient Receptor Protein subtype M2 (TRPM2) channels were proposed as the likely underlying mechanism. The potentiation of the rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i rise by an elevation in baseline calcium level can be attributed to the calcium-dependence of ROS-sensitive TRPM2 channels, known to respond with increased channel opening to increased [Ca2+]i. Recent findings from our laboratory have confirmed TRPM2 involvement in rotenone toxicity, since blockade of these channels with ACA reduced the rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i rise (K. Chung, unpublished). Imaging using the fluorescent dye propidium iodide (PI) to label cells with compromised membrane integrity was also conducted in acute midbrain slices. SNc neurons were retrograde-labelled with FluoroGold and then exposed to various toxic insults. The detergent Triton-X100 caused an increase in PI labelling, whilst rotenone and high concentrations of glutamate were ineffective over the period of time investigated (up to 40 min). The second part of this study, also conducted on acute rat midbrain slices, investigated the acute responses of SNc neurons to 6 OHDA (0.2 – 2 mM) exposure. Extracellular recordings of action potential firing were conducted on SNc neurons. 6 OHDA evoked rapid inhibition of firing in a similar manner to dopamine (100 µM). In the presence of D2 dopamine receptor blocker sulpiride, the inhibition of firing evoked by 6 OHDA was delayed, and an initial increase of firing was observed. Blockade of the dopamine transporter with nomifensine reduced the 6 OHDA-induced inhibition of firing, and prevented the persistent inhibition of firing after 6 OHDA washout. For comparison, the response to 6 OHDA of non-dopaminergic neurons in the subthalamic nucleus was also studied. In the subthalamic nucleus, 6 OHDA evoked an increase of spontaneous action potential firing. Rapid application of 6 OHDA (using the picospritz application technique) in voltage-clamp recorded SNc neurons evoked an outward current, similar to that observed after dopamine application. In the presence of sulpiride, 6 OHDA induced an inward current, consistent with the initial increase of firing activity observed in extracellular recordings. Microfluorometric experiments with Fura 2, showed that 6 OHDA evokes an increase in [Ca2+]i. Loading cells with the fluorescent dye Lucifer Yellow enabled visualization of 6 OHDA-induced swelling of the cell body and damage to proximal dendrites. Imaging of SNc neurons loaded with dextran-rhodamine revealed 6 OHDA-induced damage of distal dendrites. The last part of the study was performed on organotypic cultures obtained from slices of the ventral midbrain. These cultures were prepared from newborn transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) under the tyrosine hydroxylase-promoter. This fluorescent marker enabled easy identification of dopamine-containing cells (including SNc neurons). Only preliminary experiments were carried out using this preparation. GFP-positive neurons did not show the classic membrane hyperpolarization in response to dopamine. For comparison, recordings from GFP-positive SNc neurons in acute slices obtained from age-matched animals did show a typical hyperpolarizing response to dopamine. GFP-neurons from organotypic cultures also lacked the Ih current – another characteristic feature of SNc neurons in vivo or in acute brain slices. In addition, atypical responses to CNQX (blocker of NMDA receptors) and baclofen (blocker of GABAB receptors) application were identified in GFP-positive neurons. These results demonstrate that the culturing process used in this study alters the functional ‘phenotype’ of dopaminergic neurons, a change which needs to be considered in future studies using this preparation. Chronic exposure of organotypic cultures to low concentration of rotenone (50 nM) evoked a delayed increase of PI labelling indicative of cell death, however technical limitations prevented detection of PI co-localization with GFP was observed. In conclusion, this study identified several key aspects of 6 OHDA and rotenone toxicity in SNc neurons. The most significant novel findings include evidence for ROS activation of KATP channels, presumed involvement of TRPM2 channels in rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i rise, and dopamine-analogous effects of 6 OHDA. The controversial role of KATP channels in neuroprotection was addressed. Findings from this study suggest therapies targeting this channel alone would be of little benefit. The proposed involvement of TRPM2 channels in rotenone-induced [Ca2+]i overload in SNc neurons is particularly interesting as it provides a mechanism for synergism between rotenone and other factors that disrupt [Ca2+]i homeostasis.

Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) is upregulated in a number of cardiomyopathies. This thesis investigates TNF in triggering the expression and activation of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in pressure overload cardiac disease, and explores the role of superoxide. Cardiac pressure overload was generated in adult wild-type and TNF-/- mice by transverse aortic constriction. Isolated cardiomyocytes and cardiofibroblasts from neonatal mice ventricles were treated with recombinant TNF (rTNF), and MMP induction and activation were assessed, with and without apocynin (a NADPH-oxidase inhibitor). TNF-/- mice showed less superoxide production and MMP activation, compared to wild-type mice, following pressure overload. rTNF upregulated the production of NADPH-dependent superoxide in cardiomyocytes as early as 1 hour (24 hours in cardiofibroblasts). rTNF also increased the expression of MMP-9 and MMP-12 in cardiomyocytes more than in cardiofibroblasts, and MMP-8 and MMP-13 more in cardiofibroblasts. This induction in both cardiac cell types was concomitant with superoxide production.