Late sodium current: incomplete inactivation triggers seizures, myotonias, arrhythmias, and pain syndromes.

Acquired and inherited dysfunction in voltage-gated sodium channels underlies a wide range of diseases. In addition to defects in trafficking and expression, sodium channelopathies are caused by dysfunction in one or several gating properties, for instance activation or inactivation. Disruption of channel inactivation leads to increased late sodium current, which is a common defect in seizure disorders, cardiac arrhythmias skeletal muscle myotonia and pain. An increase in late sodium current leads to repetitive action potentials in neurons and skeletal muscles, and prolonged action potential duration in the heart. In this Topical Review, we compare the effects of late sodium current in brain, heart, skeletal muscle and peripheral nerves.

Absolute Quantification of Nav1.5 Expression by Targeted Mass Spectrometry.

Nav1.5 is the pore forming α-subunit of the cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel that initiates cardiac action potential and regulates the human heartbeat. A normal level of Nav1.5 is crucial to cardiac function and health. Over- or under-expression of Nav1.5 can cause various cardiac diseases ranging from short PR intervals to Brugada syndromes. An assay that can directly quantify the protein amount in biological samples would be a priori to accurately diagnose and treat Nav1.5-associated cardiac diseases. Due to its large size (>200 KD), multipass transmembrane domains (24 transmembrane passes), and heavy modifications, Nav1.5 poses special quantitation challenges. To date, only the relative quantities of this protein have been measured in biological samples. Here, we describe the first targeted and mass spectrometry (MS)-based quantitative assay that can provide the copy numbers of Nav1.5 in cells with a well-defined lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) and precision. Applying the developed assay, we successfully quantified transiently expressed Nav1.5 in as few as 1.5 million Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. The obtained quantity was 3 ± 2 fmol on the column and 3 ± 2 × 104 copies/cell. To our knowledge, this is the first absolute quantity of Nav1.5 measured in a biological sample.

Distinct effects of calcineurin dependent and independent immunosuppressants on endotoxaemia-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Role of androgens.

Evidence suggests that immunosuppressant therapies protect against harmful effects of endotoxaemia. In this study, we tested whether calcineurin-dependent (cyclosporine/tacrolimus) and -independent (sirolimus) immunosuppressants variably influence nephrotoxicity induced by endotoxaemia and whether this interaction is modulated by testosterone. We investigated the effects of immunosuppressants on renal histopathological, biochemical and inflammatory profiles in endotoxic male rats and the role of androgenic state in the interaction. Six-hour treatment of rats with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 3 mg/kg) increased (i) serum urea/creatinine, (ii) width of proximal/distal tubules, (iii) tubular degeneration and vacuolation, (iv) Western protein expressions of renal toll-like receptor 4, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and NADPH oxidase-2, and (v) serum tumour necrosis factor-α and myeloperoxidase. These endotoxic manifestations were intensified and eliminated upon concurrent exposure to cyclosporine and sirolimus, respectively. The cyclosporine actions appear to be a class rather than a drug effect because similar exacerbation of LPS nephrotoxicity was observed in rats treated with tacrolimus, another calcineurin inhibitor (CNI). Moreover, the deteriorated renal outcomes in LPS/tacrolimus-treated rats were reduced after castration or androgen receptor blockade by flutamide. The data suggest opposite effects for calcineurin-dependent (exaggeration) and -independent immunosuppressants (amelioration) on renal defects of endotoxaemia and implicate androgenic pathways in the worsened endotoxic renal profile induced by CNIs.

Ovariectomy provokes inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of endotoxemia in rats: Dissimilar benefits of hormonal supplements.

The female gender is protected against immunological complications of endotoxemia. Here we investigated whether gonadal hormone depletion by ovariectomy (OVX) uncovers inflammatory and cardiovascular effects of endotoxemia and whether these effects are reversed by hormone replacement therapies. Changes in inflammatory cytokines, blood pressure (BP), left ventricular (LV) function, and cardiac autonomic activity caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in conscious female rats with different hormonal states were determined. In contrast to no effects in sham-operated females, treatment of OVX rats with LPS (i) decreased BP, (ii) increased spectral low-frequency/high-frequency ratio of HRV, denoting enhanced cardiac sympathetic dominance, (iii) attenuated reflex tachycardic responses to sodium nitroprusside, and (iv) increased systolic contractility (dP/dtmax). The developed hypotension was (i) fully eliminated in estrogen (E2)-pretreated OVX rats, (ii) partially counteracted after selective activation of estrogen receptor-α (PPT) or ß (DPN). All estrogenic compounds abrogated LPS enhancement of cardiac sympathetic drive. However, PPT was more successful than E2 or DPN in compromising LPS depression in baroreflex activity and elevation in dP/dtmax. Molecular studies showed that PPT was most effective in attenuating the upregulated myocardial expressions of NF-κB and iNOS in endotoxic OVX rats. Myocardial expression of the defensive HSP70 was comparably increased by all estrogenic products. Except for improved cardiac spectral activity, none of these functional or molecular entities was affected by medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA). Overall, our data suggest diverse therapeutic advantages for gonadal hormones in the worsened endotoxic complications in rats with surgical menopause, with probably more favorable role for ERα agonism within this context.

Restoration of Rostral Ventrolateral Medulla Cystathionine-γ Lyase Activity Underlies Moxonidine-Evoked Neuroprotection and Sympathoinhibition in Diabetic Rats.

We recently demonstrated a fundamental role for cystathionine-γ lyase (CSE)-derived hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in the cardioprotective effect of the centrally acting drug moxonidine in diabetic rats. Whether a downregulated CSE/H2S system in the rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM) underlies neuronal oxidative stress and sympathoexcitation in diabetes has not been investigated. Along with addressing this question, we tested the hypothesis that moxonidine prevents the diabetes-evoked neurochemical effects by restoring CSE/H2S function within its major site of action, the RVLM. Ex vivo studies were performed on RVLM tissues of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg, i.p.) diabetic rats treated daily for 3 weeks with moxonidine (2 or 6 mg/kg; gavage), H2S donor sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) (3.4 mg/kg, i.p.), CSE inhibitor DL-propargylglycine (DLP) (37.5 mg/kg, i.p.), a combination of DLP with moxonidine, or their vehicle. Moxonidine alleviated RVLM oxidative stress, neuronal injury, and increased tyrosine hydroxylase immunoreactivity (sympathoexcitation) by restoring CSE expression/activity as well as heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression. A pivotal role for H2S in moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection is supported by the following: 1) NaHS replicated the moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection, and the restoration of RVLM HO-1 expression in diabetic rats; and 2) DLP abolished moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection in diabetic rats, and caused RVLM neurotoxicity, reminiscent of a diabetes-evoked neuronal phenotype, in healthy rats. These findings suggest a novel role for RVLM CSE/H2S/HO-1 in moxonidine-evoked neuroprotection and sympathoinhibition, and as a therapeutic target for developing new drugs for alleviating diabetes-evoked RVLM neurotoxicity and cardiovascular anomalies.

Endothelin Confers Protection against High Glucose-Induced Neurotoxicity via Alleviation of Oxidative Stress.

Recent findings linked the inhibition in the neuromodulator peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) level to the high glucose-evoked neurotoxicity. However, definitive neuroprotective role for ET-1 and the major neuronal ET (ET-3) against high glucose-evoked toxicity and the implicated neurochemical responses triggered by their ET-A and ET-B receptors remain unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that ET-B activation alleviates high glucose-evoked oxidative stress and cell death. High glucose (100 mM for 48 hours)-evoked cell death was associated with elevation in reactive oxygen species, inhibition of catalase activity, and a paradoxical upregulation of hemeoxygenase-1 expression along with ET-A and ET-B receptors were downregulated and upregulated, respectively. ET-1 or ET-3, in concentrations that had no effect on PC12 cell viability in normal glucose medium, alleviated all high glucose-evoked neurochemical responses, except for the reduction in ET-A receptor expression. Prior (4 hours) incubation with a selective ET-A (BQ123) or ET-B (BQ788) receptor blocker abrogated the neuroprotection conferred by ET-1 or ET-3. However, the ET-B receptor played a greater role because BQ788 abrogated the favorable ET-1- or ET-3-mediated reversal of the ERK1/2 phosphorylation and the inhibition in catalase activity caused by high glucose. These findings suggest that endothelin exerts ET-B receptor-dependent favorable redox and neuroprotective effects against high glucose-evoked oxidative damage and neurotoxicity.

The estrogen-dependent baroreflex dysfunction caused by nicotine in female rats is mediated via NOS/HO inhibition: Role of sGC/PI3K/MAPKERK.

We have previously reported that estrogen (E2) exacerbates the depressant effect of chronic nicotine on arterial baroreceptor activity in female rats. Here, we tested the hypothesis that this nicotine effect is modulated by nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and/or heme oxygenase (HO) and their downstream soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling. We investigated the effects of (i) inhibition or facilitation of NOS or HO on the interaction of nicotine (2mg/kg/day i.p., 2 weeks) with reflex bradycardic responses to phenylephrine in ovariectomized (OVX) rats treated with E2 or vehicle, and (ii) central pharmacologic inhibition of sGC, PI3K, or MAPKs on the interaction. The data showed that the attenuation by nicotine of reflex bradycardia in OVXE2 rats was abolished after treatment with hemin (HO inducer) or l-arginine (NOS substrate). The hemin or l-arginine effect disappeared after inhibition of NOS (Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester hydrochloride, L-NAME) and HO (zinc protoporphyrin IX, ZnPP), respectively, denoting the interaction between the two enzymatic pathways. E2-receptor blockade (ICI 182,780) reduced baroreflexes in OVXE2 rats but had no effect on baroreflex improvement induced by hemin or l-arginine. Moreover, baroreflex enhancement by hemin was eliminated following intracisternal (i.c.) administration of wortmannin, ODQ, or PD98059 (inhibitors of PI3K, sGC, and extracellular signal-regulated kinases, MAPKERK, respectively). In contrast, the hemin effect was preserved after inhibition of MAPKp38 (SB203580) or MAPKJNK (SP600125). Overall, NOS/HO interruption underlies baroreflex dysfunction caused by nicotine in female rats and the facilitation of NOS/HO-coupled sGC/PI3K/MAPKERK signaling might rectify the nicotine effect.

Survey of screw-retained versus cement-retained implant restorations used in both education and private dental practices.

AIMS: In the literature, it is still unclear if the decisions for selecting the type of implant crown-retaining system are based on scientific-based research or if the Universities' choices, Implant marketing trends, or finances could have a major influence on the private dentists' decisions. OBJECTIVES: Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the crown-retaining system (cement- or screw-retained) used in dental schools and private dental practices. METHODS: A 13-item questionnaire was sent to Canadian dental schools (n = 10) and dental offices in London (n = 298), Canada. The questionnaire included demographic questions and questions to reveal the dentists' perspectives on prosthetic implant treatment between the two-retaining systems. Results were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multinomial logistic regression (p = 0.05). RESULTS: Twenty-four private dentists and five dental schools responded to the survey - 62.5% of private practitioners and 60% of universities reported using both systems. A trend was observed in using screw-retained systems by dentists who graduated 5-10 years ago. Straumann, Astra, and Nobel Biocare were the private practices and dental schools' preferred implant systems. The use of platform switching for all cases was selected by 54.2% of the private practitioners and 40% of the dental schools. Resin cement was the private practice's preferred cementation method; the dental schools used glass ionomer and zinc phosphate cement. The multinomial logistic regressions showed no statistical difference between the crown-retaining system chosen and the decision factors. The laboratory technician's recommendations and cost influenced the decision-making process for private dentists. For the universities, perio-restorative outcome, implant position, survival rates, institute preferences, and evidence-based research influenced the crown-retaining system's decision-making process.  CONCLUSION: The Canadian dental schools and private practice reported using both screw- and cement-retaining systems. However, there was a difference in the selection criteria as the universities showed a tendency towards a more research-based approach in their decision, while for the private practices, the technicians' recommendations and cost played a major role in the decision process. It was noted that the implant systems preconized by the Universities were observed to be used in private practices.

Estrogen provokes the depressant effect of chronic nicotine on vagally mediated reflex chronotropism in female rats.

We recently reported that acute nicotine impairs reflex tachycardic activity in estrogen-depleted, but not estrogen-repleted, female rats, suggesting a restraining influence for estrogen against the nicotine effect. In this study, we tested whether the baroreflex-protective effect of estrogen can be replicated when nicotine was administered chronically. We also report on the dose dependence and autonomic modulation of the nicotine-baroreflex interaction. The effects of nicotine (0.5, 1, or 2 mg/kg/day for 14 days) on baroreflex curves relating changes in heart rate to increases [phenylephrine (PE)] or decreases [sodium nitroprusside (SNP)] in blood pressure were evaluated in sham-operated (SO), ovariectomized (OVX), and estrogen-replaced OVX (OVXE(2)) rats. Slopes of the curves were taken as a measure of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS(PE) and BRS(SNP)). In SO rats, both reflex bradycardic and tachycardic responses were attenuated by nicotine in a dose-related fashion. In nicotine-treated rats, blockade of ß-adrenergic (propranolol), but not muscarinic (atropine), receptors caused additional reductions in reflex chronotropic responses, implying that nicotine selectively impairs reflex vagal activity. OVX selectively decreased BRS(PE) but not BRS(SNP) and abolished the nicotine-induced impairment of either response. These effects of OVX were reversed after treatment with estrogen or the estrogen receptor modulator raloxifene. In atropine-treated rats, comparable BRS values were demonstrated in all rat preparations regardless of the estrogen or nicotine milieu. Collectively, the inhibition of vagal activity accounts for the depressant effect of chronic nicotine on baroreflex activity. Furthermore, contrary to nicotine's acute effects, the baroreflex-attenuating effect of chronic nicotine is exacerbated by estrogen.

Central estrogenic pathways protect against the depressant action of acute nicotine on reflex tachycardia in female rats.

We have previously shown that acute exposure of male rats to nicotine preferentially attenuates baroreceptor-mediated control of reflex tachycardia in contrast to no effect on reflex bradycardia. Here, we investigated whether female rats are as sensitive as their male counterparts to the baroreflex depressant effect of nicotine and whether this interaction is modulated by estrogen. Baroreflex curves relating reflex chronotropic responses evoked by i.v. doses (1-16 µg/kg) of phenylephrine (PE) or sodium nitroprusside (SNP), were constructed in conscious freely moving proestrus, ovariectomized (OVX), and estrogen (50 µg/kg/day s.c., 5 days)-replaced OVX (OVXE2) rats. Slopes of the curves were taken as a measure of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS(PE) and BRS(SNP)). Nicotine (100 µg/kg i.v.) reduced BRS(SNP) in OVX rats but not in proestrus or OVXE2 rats. The attenuation of reflex tachycardia by nicotine was also evident in diestrus rats, which exhibited plasma estrogen levels similar to those of OVX rats. BRS(PE) was not affected by nicotine in all rat preparations. Experiments were then extended to determine whether central estrogenic receptors modulate the nicotine-BRS(SNP) interaction. Intracisteral (i.c.) treatment of OVX rats with estrogen sulfate (0.2 µg/rat) abolished the BRS(SNP) attenuating effect of i.v. nicotine. This protective effect of estrogen disappeared when OVX rats were pretreated with i.c. ICI 182,780 (50 µg/rat, selective estrogen receptor antagonist). Together, these findings suggest that central neural pools of estrogen receptors underlie the protection offered by E2 against nicotine-induced baroreceptor dysfunction in female rats.

Anti-inflammatory effects of cannabidiol against lipopolysaccharides in cardiac sodium channels.

BACKGROUND: Sepsis, caused by a dysregulated response to infections, can lead to cardiac arrhythmias. However, the mechanisms underlying sepsis-induced inflammation, and how inflammation provokes cardiac arrhythmias, are not well understood. We hypothesized that cannabidiol (CBD) may ameliorate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiotoxicity, via Toll-like receptors (TLR4) and cardiac sodium channels (NaV 1.5). METHODS AND RESULTS: We incubated human immune cells (THP-1 macrophages) with LPS for 24 h, then extracted the THP-1 incubation media. ELISA assays showed that LPS (1 or 5 µg·ml-1 ), in a concentration-dependent manner, or MPLA (TLR4 agonist, 5 µg·ml-1 ) stimulated the THP-1 cells to release inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). Prior incubation (4 h) with CBD (5 µM) or C34 (TLR4 antagonist: 5 µg·ml-1 ) inhibited LPS and MPLA-induced release of both IL-6 and TNF-α. Human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (hiPSC-CM) were subsequently incubated for 24 h in the media extracted from THP-1 cells incubated with LPS, MPLA alone, or in combination with CBD or C34. Voltage-clamp experiments showed a right shift in the voltage dependence of NaV 1.5 activation, steady state fast inactivation (SSFI), increased persistent current and prolonged in silico action potential duration in hiSPC-CMs incubated in the LPS or MPLA-THP-1 media. Co-incubation with CBD or C34 rescued the biophysical dysfunction caused by LPS and MPLA. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that CBD may protect against sepsis-induced inflammation and subsequent arrhythmias through (i) inhibition of the release of inflammatory cytokines, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects and/or (ii) a direct effect on NaV 1.5.

Role of adenosine A2A receptor signaling in the nicotine-evoked attenuation of reflex cardiac sympathetic control.

Baroreflex dysfunction contributes to increased cardiovascular risk in cigarette smokers. Given the importance of adenosinergic pathways in baroreflex control, the hypothesis was tested that defective central adenosinergic modulation of cardiac autonomic activity mediates the nicotine-baroreflex interaction. Baroreflex curves relating changes in heart rate (HR) to increases or decreases in blood pressure (BP) evoked by i.v. doses (1-16µg/kg) of phenylephrine (PE) and sodium nitroprusside (SNP), respectively, were constructed in conscious rats; slopes of the curves were taken as measures of baroreflex sensitivity (BRS). Nicotine (25 and 100µg/kg i.v.) dose-dependently reduced BRS(SNP) in contrast to no effect on BRS(PE). BRS(SNP) was also attenuated after intracisternal (i.c.) administration of nicotine. Similar reductions in BRS(SNP) were observed in rats pretreated with atropine or propranolol. The combined treatment with nicotine and atropine produced additive inhibitory effects on BRS, an effect that was not demonstrated upon concurrent exposure to nicotine and propranolol. BRS(SNP) was reduced in preparations treated with i.c. 8-phenyltheophylline (8-PT, nonselective adenosine receptor antagonist), 8-(3-Chlorostyryl) caffeine (CSC, A(2A) antagonist), or VUF5574 (A(3) antagonist). In contrast, BRS(SNP) was preserved after blockade of A(1) (DPCPX) or A(2B) (alloxazine) receptors or inhibition of adenosine uptake by dipyridamole. CSC or 8-PT abrogated the BRS(SNP) depressant effect of nicotine whereas other adenosinergic antagonists were without effect. Together, nicotine preferentially impairs reflex tachycardia via disruption of adenosine A(2A) receptor-mediated facilitation of reflex cardiac sympathoexcitation. Clinically, the attenuation by nicotine of compensatory sympathoexcitation may be detrimental in conditions such as hypothalamic defense response, posture changes, and ventricular rhythms.

Protein Kinases Mediate Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Cannabidiol and Estradiol Against High Glucose in Cardiac Sodium Channels.

Background: Cardiovascular anomalies are predisposing factors for diabetes-induced morbidity and mortality. Recently, we showed that high glucose induces changes in the biophysical properties of the cardiac voltage-gated sodium channel (Nav1.5) that could be strongly correlated to diabetes-induced arrhythmia. However, the mechanisms underlying hyperglycemia-induced inflammation, and how inflammation provokes cardiac arrhythmia, are not well understood. We hypothesized that inflammation could mediate the high glucose-induced biophyscial changes on Nav1.5 through protein phosphorylation by protein kinases A and C. We also hypothesized that this signaling pathway is, at least partly, involved in the cardiprotective effects of cannabidiol (CBD) and 17ß-estradiol (E2). Methods and Results: To test these ideas, we used Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells transiently co-transfected with cDNA encoding human Nav1.5 α-subunit under control, a cocktail of inflammatory mediators or 100 mM glucose conditions (for 24 h). We used electrophysiological experiments and action potential modeling. Inflammatory mediators, similar to 100 mM glucose, right shifted the voltage dependence of conductance and steady-state fast inactivation and increased persistent current leading to computational prolongation of action potential (hyperexcitability) which could result in long QT3 arrhythmia. We also used human iCell cardiomyocytes derived from inducible pluripotent stem cells (iPSC-CMs) as a physiologically relevant system, and they replicated the effects produced by inflammatory mediators observed in CHO cells. In addition, activators of PK-A or PK-C replicated the inflammation-induced gating changes of Nav1.5. Inhibitors of PK-A or PK-C, CBD or E2 mitigated all the potentially deleterious effects provoked by high glucose/inflammation. Conclusion: These findings suggest that PK-A and PK-C may mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of CBD and E2 against high glucose-induced arrhythmia. CBD, via Nav1.5, may be a cardioprotective therapeutic approach in diabetic postmenopausal population.

Cannabidiol inhibits the skeletal muscle Nav1.4 by blocking its pore and by altering membrane elasticity.

Cannabidiol (CBD) is the primary nonpsychotropic phytocannabinoid found in Cannabis sativa, which has been proposed to be therapeutic against many conditions, including muscle spasms. Among its putative targets are voltage-gated sodium channels (Navs), which have been implicated in many conditions. We investigated the effects of CBD on Nav1.4, the skeletal muscle Nav subtype. We explored direct effects, involving physical block of the Nav pore, as well as indirect effects, involving modulation of membrane elasticity that contributes to Nav inhibition. MD simulations revealed CBD's localization inside the membrane and effects on bilayer properties. Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) confirmed these results, showing CBD localizing below membrane headgroups. To determine the functional implications of these findings, we used a gramicidin-based fluorescence assay to show that CBD alters membrane elasticity or thickness, which could alter Nav function through bilayer-mediated regulation. Site-directed mutagenesis in the vicinity of the Nav1.4 pore revealed that removing the local anesthetic binding site with F1586A reduces the block of INa by CBD. Altering the fenestrations in the bilayer-spanning domain with Nav1.4-WWWW blocked CBD access from the membrane into the Nav1.4 pore (as judged by MD). The stabilization of inactivation, however, persisted in WWWW, which we ascribe to CBD-induced changes in membrane elasticity. To investigate the potential therapeutic value of CBD against Nav1.4 channelopathies, we used a pathogenic Nav1.4 variant, P1158S, which causes myotonia and periodic paralysis. CBD reduces excitability in both wild-type and the P1158S variant. Our in vitro and in silico results suggest that CBD may have therapeutic value against Nav1.4 hyperexcitability.

Estrogen-dependent hypersensitivity to diabetes-evoked cardiac autonomic dysregulation: Role of hypothalamic neuroinflammation.

AIMS: To investigate if autonomic dysregulation is exacerbated in female rats, subjected to diabetes mellitus (DM), via a paradoxical estrogen (E2)-evoked provocation of neuroinflammation/injury of the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). MAIN METHODS: We measured cardiac autonomic function and conducted subsequent PVN neurochemical studies, in DM rats, and their respective controls, divided as follows: male, sham operated (SO), ovariectomized (OVX), and OVX with E2 supplementation (OVX/E2). KEY FINDINGS: Autonomic dysregulation, expressed as sympathetic dominance (higher low frequency, LF, band), only occurred in DM E2-replete (SO and OVX/E2) rats, and was associated with higher neuronal activity (c-Fos) and higher levels of TNFα and phosphorylated death associated protein kinase-3 (p-DAPK3) in the PVN. These proinflammatory molecules likely contributed to the heightened PVN oxidative stress, injury and apoptosis. The PVN of these E2-replete DM rats also exhibited upregulations of estrogen receptors, ERα and ERß, and proinflammatory adenosine A1 and A2a receptors. SIGNIFICANCE: The E2-dependent autonomic dysregulation likely predisposes DM female rats and women to hypersensitivity to cardiac dysfunction. Further, upregulations of proinflammatory mediators including adenosine A1 and A2 receptors, TNFα and DAPK3, conceivably explain the paradoxical hypersensitivity of DM females to PVN inflammation/injury and the subsequent autonomic dysregulation in the presence of E2.

Cannabidiol protects against high glucose-induced oxidative stress and cytotoxicity in cardiac voltage-gated sodium channels.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Cardiovascular complications are the major cause of mortality in diabetic patients. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying diabetes-associated arrhythmias are unclear. We hypothesized that high glucose could adversely affect Nav 1.5, the major cardiac sodium channel isoform of the heart, at least partially via oxidative stress. We further hypothesized that cannabidiol (CBD), one of the main constituents of Cannabis sativa, through its effects on Nav 1.5, could protect against high glucose-elicited oxidative stress and cytotoxicity. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH: To test these ideas, we used CHO cells transiently co-transfected with cDNA encoding human Nav 1.5 α-subunit under control and high glucose conditions (50 or 100 mM for 24 hr). Several experimental and computational techniques were used, including voltage clamp of heterologous expression systems, cell viability assays, fluorescence assays and action potential modelling. KEY RESULTS: High glucose evoked cell death associated with elevation in reactive oxygen species (ROS) right shifted the voltage dependence of conductance and steady-state fast inactivation, and increased persistent current leading to computational prolongation of action potential (hyperexcitability) which could result in long QT3 arrhythmia. CBD mitigated all the deleterious effects provoked by high glucose. Perfusion with lidocaine (a well-known sodium channel inhibitor with antioxidant effects) or co-incubation of Tempol (a well-known antioxidant) elicited protection, comparable to CBD, against the deleterious effects of high glucose. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: These findings suggest that, through its favourable antioxidant and sodium channel inhibitory effects, CBD may protect against high glucose-induced arrhythmia and cytotoxicity.

Nicotine uncovers endotoxic-like cardiovascular manifestations in female rats: Estrogen and nitric oxide dependency.

Endotoxic manifestations are diminished in female populations due to immune boosting actions of sex steroids. Considering that tobacco constituents including nicotine inhibit estrogen synthesis, we tested the hypothesis that nicotine exposure unveils cardiovascular anomalies of endotoxemia in female rats. Studies were undertaken in conscious female rats treated with i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg) in absence and presence of nicotine. In contrast to no effects for LPS when used alone, dose-related decreases in blood pressure (BP) and serum estrogen were noted in endotoxic rats treated consequently with nicotine (25, 50, or 100 µg/kg i.v.). Signs of cardiac autonomic dysfunction appeared in LPS/nicotine-treated rats such as (i) decreased time-domain indices of heart rate variability (HRV), e.g. standard deviation of R-R intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive differences in R-R interval durations (rMSSD), and (ii) reduced total power of the frequency spectrum and shifted cardiac sympathovagal balance toward sympathetic dominance. Nicotine reversed the LPS-evoked modest rises in serum TNFα and IL-1ß while had no effect on associated arterial baroreflex dysfunction, inferring no roles for inflammation or baroreflexes in LPS-nicotine interaction. Estrogen or aminoguanidine (iNOS inhibitor), but not pentoxifylline (TNFα inhibitor), abolished LPS/nicotine hypotension. Together, nicotine acts probably via reducing estrogen availability to uncover nitric oxide-dependent hypotension and autonomic dysregulation in endotoxic female rats.

Brainstem cholinergic pathways diminish cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory actions of endotoxemia in rats: Role of NFκB/α7/α4ß2AChRs signaling.

Nicotine improves endotoxic manifestations of hypotension and cardiac autonomic dysfunction in rats. Here, we test the hypothesis that brainstem antiinflammatory pathways of α7/α4ß2 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) modulate endotoxic cardiovascular derangements. Pharmacologic and molecular studies were performed to determine the influence of nicotine or selective α7/α4ß2-nAChR ligands on cardiovascular derangements and brainstem neuroinflammation caused by endotoxemia in conscious rats. The i.v. administration of nicotine (50 µg/kg) abolished the lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 10 mg/kg i.v.)-evoked: (i) falls in blood pressure and spectral measure of cardiac sympathovagal balance (ratio of the low-frequency to high-frequency power, LF/HF), (ii) elevations in immunohistochemical protein expressions of NFκB and α4ß2-nAChR in medullary neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) and rostral ventrolateral medulla (RVLM), and (iii) decreases in medullary α7-nAChR protein expression. These favorable nicotine influences were replicated in rats treated intracisternally (i.c.) with PHA-543613 (selective α7-nAChR agonist) or 5-iodo-A-85380 (5IA, selective α4ß2-nAChRs agonist). Measurement of arterial baroreflex activity by the vasoactive method revealed that nicotine, PHA, or 5IA reversed the LPS depression of reflex bradycardic, but not tachycardic, activity. Moreover, the counteraction by nicotine of LPS hypotension was mostly inhibited after treatment with i.c. methyllycaconitine (MLA, α7-nAChR antagonist) in contrast to a smaller effect for dihydro-ß-erythroidine (DHßE, α4ß2-nAChR antagonist), whereas the associated increases in LF/HF ratio remained unaltered. The data signifies the importance of brainstem α7, and to a lesser extent α4ß2, receptors in the nicotine counteraction of detrimental cardiovascular and neuroinflammatory consequences of endotoxemia.

Amelioration of perivascular adipose inflammation reverses vascular dysfunction in a model of nonobese prediabetic metabolic challenge: potential role of antidiabetic drugs.

The onset of vascular impairment precedes that of diagnostic hyperglycemia in diabetic patients suggesting a vascular insult early in the course of metabolic dysfunction without a well-defined mechanism. Mounting evidence implicates adipose inflammation in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance and diabetes. It is not certain whether amelioration of adipose inflammation is sufficient to preclude vascular dysfunction in early stages of metabolic disease. Recent findings suggest that antidiabetic drugs, metformin, and pioglitazone, improve vascular function in prediabetic patients, without an indication if this protective effect is mediated by reduction of adipose inflammation. Here, we used a prediabetic rat model with delayed development of hyperglycemia to study the effect of metformin or pioglitazone on adipose inflammation and vascular function. At the end of the metabolic challenge, these rats were neither obese, hypertensive, nor hyperglycemic. However, they showed increased pressor responses to phenylephrine and augmented aortic and mesenteric contraction. Vascular tissues from prediabetic rats showed increased Rho-associated kinase activity causing enhanced calcium sensitization. An elevated level of reactive oxygen species was seen in aortic tissues together with increased Transforming growth factor ß1 and Interleukin-1ß expression. Although, no signs of systemic inflammation were detected, perivascular adipose inflammation was observed. Adipocyte hypertrophy, increased macrophage infiltration, and elevated Transforming growth factor ß1 and Interleukin-1ß mRNA levels were seen. Two-week treatment with metformin or pioglitazone or switching to normal chow ameliorated adipose inflammation and vascular dysfunction. Localized perivascular adipose inflammation is sufficient to trigger vascular dysfunction early in the course of diabetes. Interfering with this inflammatory process reverses this early abnormality.

Gonadal hormone receptors underlie the resistance of female rats to inflammatory and cardiovascular complications of endotoxemia.

The male gender is more vulnerable to immunological complications of sepsis. Here, we tested the hypotheses that female rats are protected against endotoxemia-evoked hypotension and cardiac autonomic dysfunction, and that gonadal hormone receptors account for such protection. Changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac sympathovagal balance caused by i.v. lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were determined. In male rats, LPS elevated serum TNFα together with falls in blood pressure and rises in heart rate. The spectral index of cardiac sympathovagal balance (low-frequency/high-frequency ratio, LF/HF) was reduced by LPS, suggesting an enhanced parasympathetic dominance. Remarkably, none of these LPS effects was evident in female rats. We also report that pretreatment of female rats with fulvestrant (nonselective estrogen receptor blocker), PHTPP (estrogen receptor ß blocker), or mifepristone (progesterone receptor blocker) uncovered clear inflammatory (increased serum TNFα), hypotensive and tachycardic responses to LPS. However, these female rats, contrary to their male counterparts, exhibited increases in LF/HF ratio. On the other hand, LPS failed to modify inflammatory or cardiovascular states in rats pretreated with MPP (estrogen receptor α blocker). In females treated with formestane (aromatase inhibitor), LPS increased LF/HF ratio but had no effect on blood pressure. In male rats, the hypotensive and cardiac autonomic effects of LPS were (i) eliminated after treatment with estrogen, and (ii) intensified and inhibited, respectively, in flutamide (androgen receptor blocker)-pretreated rats. These findings highlight important roles for female gonadal hormones and functional estrogen receptor ß and progesterone receptors in offsetting inflammatory and cardiovascular derangements caused by endotoxemia in female rats.