The effect of hormone replacement therapy on Ca2+ mobilization and P-selectin (CD62P) expression in platelets examined under flow cytometry.

A series of events, such as increase of cytoplasmic free calcium (Ca 2+ ) and expression of P-selectin (CD62P), an adhesion molecule, on the platelet surface, are significant indicators of platelet activation. We have used flow cytometry to examine Ca 2+ mobilization and CD62P expression in platelets in whole blood obtained in women prior to, and after, different forms of hormone replacement therapy. Thirty-two women completed a protocol consisting of two consecutive 1-month periods under oestradlol (E 2 ), administered orally (2 mg/day) or transdermally (50 μg/day) in random order, followed by a 4-week transdermal sequential regime, in which, during the last 14 days, either progesterone (3…

Maintenance of GSH content in primary astrocyte cultures under oxidative stress conditions.

Biosynthesis and maintenance of GSH in primary astrocyte cultures: role of L-cystine and ascorbate.

Abstract We have studied the optimal conditions to maintain the astrocyte GSH levels under normal and oxidative stress conditions. The rate of GSH synthesis from l -methionine was statistically lower than from l -cystine or N -acetyl-cysteine in astrocytes treated with diethyl-maleate, which is substrate of GSH S-transferases. This is in accordance with the fact that cystathionase activity was not detectable. The transport of l -cystine mediated by the Na + -independent system Xc − is the limiting step in GSH synthesis in astrocytes. Incubation with tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-booH) reduced GSH concentration in astrocytes. This reduction was ameliorated in part by the addition of ascorbate …

Angiotensin II induces leukocyte-endothelial cell interactions in vivo via AT(1) and AT(2) receptor-mediated P-selectin upregulation.

Background —Angiotensin II (Ang II) plays a critical role in the development of vascular lesions in hypertension, atherosclerosis, and several renal diseases. Because Ang II may contribute to the leukocyte recruitment associated with these pathological states, the aim of the present study was to assess the role of Ang II in leukocyte–endothelial cell interactions in vivo. Methods and Results —Intravital microscopy of the rat mesenteric postcapillary venules was used. Sixty minutes of superfusion with 1 nmol/L Ang II induced a significant increase in leukocyte rolling flux (83.8±20.7 versus 16.4±3.1 cells/min), adhesion (11.4±1.0 versus 0.8±0.5 cells/100 μm), and emigration (4.0±0.7 versus …