N-methyl D-aspartate channels link ammonia and epithelial cell death mechanisms in Helicobacter pylori Infection.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Helicobacter pylori infection is a risk factor for gastric cancer. Ammonia/ammonium (A/A) is a cytotoxin generated by H pylori that kills gastric epithelial cells. We investigated whether A/A cytotoxicity occurs by activating N-methyl d-aspartate (NMDA) channels, which results in Ca(2+) permeation and epithelial cell death.

Methods

Gastric epithelial cells were cultured to confluence and then incubated with A/A and NMDA channel or cell signaling antagonists. Cells were incubated with wild-type H pylori or mutant strains that do not produce A/A. Changes in intracellular Ca(2+) were examined in living cells by confocal microscopy. Biochemical and histochemical techniques were used to examine the relationship between A/A-induced cell death and intracellular le

SUBMITTER: Seo JH 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3658443 | biostudies-literature | 2011 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature