Embryonic cerebellar granule cells are resistant to necrosis induced by homocysteine.
Hyperhomocysteinemia is a risk factor for a range of neurodegenerative conditions, yet its effects in the developing nervous system have been poorly elucidated. We studied the in vitro response of cerebellar granule neurons (CGCs) to homocysteine. We have shown that embryonic CGCs are resistant to homocysteine-induced neurotoxicity, whilst postnatal CGCs are not. This is the first demonstration of a neuronal population undergoing a developmental switch in their response to homocysteine. Greater understanding of this change may have important implications for both neurodegenerative conditions and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Foister
Nicola S L
NS
School of Biology, University of St. Andrews, Bute Medical Buildings, St. Mary's Quad, St. Andrews, Fife KY16 9TS, Scotland.
Oldreive
Ceri E
CE
Mackie
John B
JB
Doherty
Gayle H
GH
D000375:Aging / Q000378:metabolism*; D000818:Animals; D000831:Animals, Newborn; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004198:Disease Susceptibility / Q000378:metabolism / Q000503:physiopathology; D006710:Homocysteine / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000633:toxicity; D020138:Hyperhomocysteinemia / Q000150:complications*; D051379:Mice; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D009336:Necrosis / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000503:physiopathology; D009474:Neurons / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology
D006710:Homocysteine