title: Neoechinulin A protects PC12 cells against MPP+-induced cytotoxicity.
abstract: Neoechinulin A, an alkaloid from Eurotium rubrum, can protect neuronal PC12 cells against cytotoxicity of a potent oxidant, peroxynitrite. Because involvement of peroxynitrite has been suggested in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, we assessed whether this alkaloid could also protect PC12 cells from the cytocidal action of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridine (MPP+), a neurotoxin capable of provoking acute Parkinson's-like neurodegeneration in humans. Neoechinulin A could protect PC12 cells from MPP+ cytotoxicity without protecting against mitochondrial complex I dysfunction, suggesting the alkaloid can ameliorate downstream events of mitochondrial failure. Thus, neoechinulin A has the potential to intervene in this progressive neurodegeneration.
authors.forename: Yoshihito
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Kajimura
authors.forename: Toshiaki
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Aoki
authors.forename: Kouji
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Kuramochi
authors.forename: Susumu
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kobayashi
authors.forename: Fumio
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Sugawara
authors.forename: Nobuo
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Watanabe
authors.forename: Takao
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Arai
mesh_terms: D015655:1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000633:toxicity*; D000818:Animals; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D042967:Electron Transport Complex I / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism; D026121:Indole Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016716:PC12 Cells; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000633:toxicity; D010879:Piperazines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats
chemical_list: D026121:Indole Alkaloids; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D010879:Piperazines; C490266:neoechinulin A; D030421:Peroxynitrous Acid; D042967:Electron Transport Complex I; D015655:1-Methyl-4-phenylpyridinium