Vitamin E protects nerve cells from amyloid beta protein toxicity.
The amyloid beta protein (ABP) is a 40 to 42 amino acid peptide which accumulates in Alzheimer's disease plaques. It has been demonstrated that this peptide and a fragment derived from it are cytotoxic for cultured cortical nerve cells. It is shown here that ABP and an internal fragment encompassing residues 25 to 35 (beta 25-35) are cytotoxic to a clone of PC12 cells at concentrations above 1 x 10(-9)M and to several other cell lines at higher concentrations. Between 10(-9) and 10(-11) M beta 25-35 protects PC12 cells from glutamate toxicity. The antioxidant and free radical scavenger vitamin E inhibits ABP induced cell death. These results have implications regarding the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease.
Behl
C
C
Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, CA 92186-5800.
Davis
J
J
Cole
G M
GM
Schubert
D
D
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000633:toxicity; D000818:Animals; D002460:Cell Line; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects*; D002490:Central Nervous System; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D005910:Glioma; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D009447:Neuroblastoma; D009474:Neurons; D016716:PC12 Cells; D010446:Peptide Fragments / Q000494:pharmacology*; D010455:Peptides / Q000138:chemical synthesis / Q000494:pharmacology; D011435:Propyl Gallate / Q000494:pharmacology; D014810:Vitamin E / Q000494:pharmacology*
D016229:Amyloid beta-Peptides; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D010446:Peptide Fragments; D010455:Peptides; D014810:Vitamin E; D011435:Propyl Gallate