title: Microinjection of catalase cDNA prevents hydrogen peroxide-induced motoneuron death.
abstract: Oxidative stress is believed to play a central role in the pathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the protective effects of overexpression of catalase in primary cultures of rat spinal motoneurons against the oxidative stress of hydrogen peroxide. Using microinjection, catalase-encoding cDNA was transferred into the motoneurons. In another approach, motoneurons were injected with a catalase solution. Both procedures elevated the intracellular antioxidant status of the cultured motoneurons as evidenced by a significant protection against H2O2 toxicity. We conclude that modulating the expression of enzymes involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress can render cells more resistant to oxidant toxicity.
authors.affiliation: Laboratory for Experimental Neurology, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: Herpers
authors.forename: L H
authors.initials: LH
authors.lastname: Schrama
authors.forename: E C
authors.initials: EC
authors.lastname: Kaal
authors.forename: E A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Joosten
authors.forename: P R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Dop Bär
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001253:Astrocytes / Q000187:drug effects; D002374:Catalase / Q000235:genetics*; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects*; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D018920:Coculture Techniques; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics*; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D008845:Microinjections; D009046:Motor Neurons / Q000187:drug effects*; D009457:Neuroglia / Q000187:drug effects; D009498:Neurotoxins / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors*; D018384:Oxidative Stress / Q000187:drug effects; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar
chemical_list: D018076:DNA, Complementary; D009498:Neurotoxins; D006861:Hydrogen Peroxide; D002374:Catalase