Browsing by Author "Becerra, Alvaro"
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Item Fibrotic response induced by angiotensin-II requires NAD(P)H oxidase-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) in skeletal muscle cells(2011) Cabello-Verrugio, Claudio; Acuña, Maria José; Morales, Maria Gabriela; Becerra, Alvaro; Simon, Felipe; Brandan, EnriqueFibrotic disorders are typified by excessive connective tissue and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition that precludes normal healing processes in different tissues. Angiotensin-II (Ang-II) is involved in the fibrotic response. Several muscular dystrophies are characterized by extensive fibrosis. However, the exact role of Ang-II in skeletal muscle fibrosis is unknown. Here we show that myoblasts responded to Ang-II by increasing protein levels of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF/CCN2), collagen-III and fibronectin. These Ang-II-induced pro-fibrotic effects were mediated by AT-1 receptors. Remarkably, Ang-II induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) via a NAD(P)H oxidase-dependent mechanism, as shown by inhibition of ROS production via the NAD(P)H oxidase inhibitors diphenylene iodonium (DPI) and apocynin. This increase in ROS is critical for Ang-II-induced fibrotic effects, as indicated by the decrease in Ang-II-induced CTGF and fibronectin levels by DPI and apocynin. We also show that Ang-II-induced ROS production and fibrosis require PKC activity as indicated by the generic PKC inhibitor chelerythrine. These results strongly suggest that the fibrotic response induced by Ang-II is mediated by AT-I receptor and requires NAD(P)H-induced ROS in skeletal muscle cells. (C) 2011 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.Item Release of gliotransmitters through astroglial connexin 43 hemichannels is necessary for fear memory consolidation in the basolateral amygdala(Federation of American Societies for Experimental Biology, 2012) Stehberg, Jimmy; Moraga-Amaro, Rodrigo; Salazar, Christian; Becerra, Alvaro; Echeverría, Cesar; Orellana, Juan; Bultynck, Geert; Ponsaerts, Raf; Leybaert, Luc; Simon, Felipe; Sáez, Juan; Retamal, MauricioRecent in vitro evidence indicates that astrocytes can modulate synaptic plasticity by releasing neuroactive substances (gliotransmitters). However, whether gliotransmitter release from astrocytes is necessary for higher brain function in vivo, particularly for memory, as well as the contribution of connexin (Cx) hemichannels to gliotransmitter release, remain elusive. Here, we microinfused into the rat basolateral amygdala (BLA) TAT-Cx43L2, a peptide that selectively inhibits Cx43-hemichannel opening while maintaining synaptic transmission or interastrocyte gap junctional communication. In vivo blockade of Cx43 hemichannels during memory consolidation induced amnesia for auditory fear conditioning, as assessed 24 h after training, without affecting short-term memory, locomotion, or shock reactivity. The amnesic effect was transitory, specific for memory consolidation, and was confirmed after microinfusion of Gap27, another Cx43-hemichannel blocker. Learning capacity was recovered after coinfusion of TAT-Cx43L2 and a mixture of putative gliotransmitters (glutamate, glutamine, lactate, d-serine, glycine, and ATP). We propose that gliotransmitter release from astrocytes through Cx43 hemichannels is necessary for fear memory consolidation at the BLA. Thus, the present study is the first to demonstrate a physiological role for astroglial Cx43 hemichannels in brain function, making these channels a novel pharmacological target for the treatment of psychiatric disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder.