Selective loss of neurofilament proteins after exposure of differentiated human IMR-32 neuroblastoma cells to oxidative stress.
Millimolar concentrations of ascorbate in the presence of iron can cause neuronal cell death. This study shows that the human neuronal cell line IMR-32 is sensitive to ascorbate and that cytotoxicity can be blocked by the antioxidant enzymes Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase and catalase. There was a selective loss of neurofilament proteins after exposure to 5 or 10 mM ascorbate, as assessed by immunostaining and by Western blotting. Loss of actin or tubulin was not seen, suggesting that loss of neurofilaments is a sensitive and selective marker for free radical damage in these cells.
Cookson
M R
MR
MRC Neurochemical Pathology Unit, Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK.
Thatcher
N M
NM
Ince
P G
PG
Shaw
P J
PJ
D001205:Ascorbic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology; D015153:Blotting, Western; D002374:Catalase / Q000494:pharmacology; D016923:Cell Death; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007158:Immunologic Techniques; D016900:Neurofilament Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000502:physiology*; D013194:Staining and Labeling; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000494:pharmacology; D013997:Time Factors; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure
D016900:Neurofilament Proteins; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase; D001205:Ascorbic Acid