Angiotensin II-induced mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cell apoptosis was inhibited by propofol: Role of neuronal nitric oxide synthase and metallothinonein-3.

BACKGROUND

The activation of renin angiotensin system is involved in multiple pathological processes. The neuroprotective effect of propofol has been reported. We hypothesized that propofol may attenuate Angiotensin II (Ang II)-induced apoptosis in mouse hippocampal HT22 cells and aimed to identify the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Mouse hippocampal HT22 cells were pre-treated with propofol, and stimulated with Ang II. Apoptosis was examined by transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining and caspase-3 activity assay. The effect of propofol on Ang II-modulated neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO) production, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase expression and activity, caspase activity and metallothinonein-3 (MT-3) expression were measured.

RESULTS

Compared with control, Ang II concentration- and time-dependently induced apoptosis, which was attenuated by propofol in a concentration-dependent manner. Ang II (1 μM, 3 h) induced the expression of nNOS and NADPH oxidase, caused NO and superoxide anion accumulation, thus leading to excessive oxidative stress. Ang II also induced cytochrome C release and the activation of caspase 9 as well as caspase 3. In addition, Ang II reduced the expression of MT-3. Importantly, these effects were alleviated by 50 μM propofol, nNOS inhibitor S-methyl-l-thiocitrulline (SMTC) and angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R) blocker losartan, but not AT2R blocker PD123319.

CONCLUSIONS

Ang II via AT1R induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in hippocampal HT22 cells, and the neuroprotective anti-apoptotic effect of propofol was mediated through inhibiting oxidative stress.