Resveratrol modulates GSH system in C6 astroglial cells through heme oxygenase 1 pathway.

Resveratrol is a dietary polyphenol that displays neuroprotective properties in several in vivo and in vitro experimental models, by modulating oxidative and inflammatory responses. Glutathione (GSH) is a key antioxidant in the central nervous system (CNS) that modulates several cellular processes, and its depletion is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation. Therefore, this study sought to investigate the protective effects of resveratrol against GSH depletion pharmacologically induced by buthionine sulfoximine (BSO) in C6 astroglial cells, as well as its underlying cellular mechanisms.

Characterization of Amino Acid Profile and Enzymatic Activity in Adult Rat Astrocyte Cultures.

Astrocytes are multitasking players in brain complexity, possessing several receptors and mechanisms to detect, participate and modulate neuronal communication. The functionality of astrocytes has been mainly unraveled through the study of primary astrocyte cultures, and recently our research group characterized a model of astrocyte cultures derived from adult Wistar rats. We, herein, aim to characterize other basal functions of these cells to explore the potential of this model for studying the adult brain.

Gap Junction Intercellular Communication Mediates Ammonia-Induced Neurotoxicity.

Astrocytes are important brain targets of ammonia, a neurotoxin implicated in the development of hepatic encephalopathy. During hyperammonemia, the pivotal role of astrocytes in brain function and homeostasis is impaired. These cells are abundantly interconnected by gap junctions (GJ), which are intercellular channels that allow the exchange of signaling molecules and metabolites.

Lipoic acid and N-acetylcysteine prevent ammonia-induced inflammatory response in C6 astroglial cells: The putative role of ERK and HO1 signaling pathways.

Hyperammonemia induces significant changes in the central nervous system (CNS) in direct association with astroglial functions, such as oxidative damage, glutamatergic excitotoxicity, and impaired glutamine synthetase (GS) activity and pro-inflammatory cytokine release. Classically, lipoic acid (LA) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities by increasing glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis and decreasing pro-inflammatory mediator levels in glial cells. Thus, we evaluated the protective effects of LA and NAC against ammonia cytotoxicity in C6 astroglial cells.