PROTECTION AGAINST CELL-DAMAGE DUE TO HYPOXIA AND REOXYGENATION - THEROLE OF TAURINE AND THE INVOLVED MECHANISMS

The effect of taurine on cell viability and metabolism of human colon and porcine renal cells was investigated during and after hypoxia. Tau rine administered during hypoxia markedly reduced cellular deteriorati on due to hypoxia and reoxygenation and led to a significantly greater recovery of cellular function following the hypoxic insult. The respo nsible mechanisms for the beneficial effects were an improvement in os motic status and calcium homeostasis and an induction in cellular grow th despite oxygen deficiency and reoxygenation. Free oxygen radical ge neration and lipid membrane peroxidation were not reduced by taurine. Taurine acted as a potent endogenous agent with multifactorial effects against cellular damage due to hypoxia and reoxygenation.