hypoxia research::blog

Abstract
Purpose
Hypoxia (reduced oxygen availability) induces a series of adaptive physiological responses. At the cellular level, the adaptation includes a switch of energy metabolism from oxidative phosphorylation to anaerobic glycolysis, increased glucose uptake, and the expression of stress proteins related to cell survival One of the most important transcription factors that activate the expression of oxygen-regulated genes is hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). We previously reported that the volatile anesthetics halothane inhibits the hypoxia-induced HIF-1 activation. These evidence prompted us to investigate the effect of local anesthetics on the HIF-1 activation and its downstream gene expressions.
Methods
The established cell line Hep3B and SK-N-MC cells were exposed to 1% O2 with or without treatment by either of lidocaine or bupivacaine. Expression of subunits of HIF-1, HIF-1α and HIF-1β were examined by Western blot using the specific antibodies. Expression of mRNA of HIF-1 and the HIF-1-dependent genes were investigated by RT-PCR and reporter assay.
Results
Neither of the local anesthetics tested affected the accumulation of HIF-1α induced by hypoxia. They did not affect NOC18-induced HIF-1α accumulation. Moreover, they had no effects on HIF-1-mediated hypoxia-induced gene expressions.
Conclusion
The local anesthetics lidocaine or bupivacaine does not affect the HIF-1-dependent cellular hypoxia-induced gene responses.