We investigated the role of NA in the stimulation of BDNF synthesis in astrocytes, an important local neurotrophic cellular source. Using selective ligands for adrenergic receptors and mediators of their intracellular signaling pathways we confirmed that the synthesis is regulated by a dynamic interplay between ?1- and ?1/?2- (but not ?2) adrenergic receptor mechanisms that converge at the level of transcriptional activation. The observed receptor crosstalk represents an adaptation to environmental insults when a convergence between signals becomes necessary for BDNF synthesis stimulation.
COBISS.SI-ID: 23055577
Astrocytes control neuronal activity and synaptic transmission and represent an important local cellular source of neurotrophins in the brain. In the present study we confirmed the ability of astrocytes to synthesize neurotrophin-3 (NT-3), in addition to nerve growth factor (NGF) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and the active involvement of the monoamine neurotransmitters noradrenaline, adrenaline, dopamine (but not serotonin) as well as basic intracellular second messenger systems, in the regulation of NT-3 production in neonatal rat cortical astrocytes.
COBISS.SI-ID: 26449369
We evaluated the functional interplay of HA and its receptors in NT-3 synthesis. HA potently increases astrocytic NT-3 expression and protein levels. In addition to H1 and H2 receptors, cultured astrocytes express H3 receptors. H3 receptors via Gi/o proteins inhibit adenylyl cyclase, modulate PLC/PKC signaling and MAP kinase activity. Using pharmacological tools, selective for histamine receptors and intracelullar systems, we demonstrated that not only H1 and H2 receptors but also H3 histamine receptor significantly contribute to the stimulatory effect of HA on NT-3.
COBISS.SI-ID: 28121305
Bilitranslocase is a membrane protein responsible for transport of flavonoids across the endothelial cell membrane, and is therefore involved in the vasodilation activity. As a source of flavonoids we used bilberries, which are abundant in anthocyanins that show strong affinity for bilitranslocase.
COBISS.SI-ID: 28168665
Bilberries are recognized as a good source of flavonoids, especially anthocyanins, which are widely recognized for their strong antioxidative activity. Our results show that bilberry extract has anti-ischemic and anti-arrhythmic activity in ischemia-reperfusion injury in the isolated rat hearts.
COBISS.SI-ID: 27568345