title: Doxorubicin and congo red effectiveness on prion infectivity in golden Syrian hamster.
abstract: The effect of doxorubicin and Congo Red on prion protein (PrP) infectivity in experimental scrapie was studied to better understand the effect of these compounds in prion diseases and to establish whether a dose-response correlation exists for Congo Red. This was performed in order to test the effectiveness of compounds that may easily be used in human prion diseases. Brain homogenate containing membrane bound PrPSc monomers was used as inoculum and was previously incubated with doxorubicin 10(-3) M and with increasing concentrations of Congo Red ranging from 10(-7) to 10(-2) M. This study shows for the first time that doxorubicin, and confirms that Congo Red, may interact with pathological PrP monomers modifying their infectious properties. Pre-incubation of infected brain homogenate with Congo Red resulted in prolonged incubation time and survival, independently of Congo Red concentration (p<0.05). Doxorubicin and Congo Red effects do not depend upon interaction with PrP amyloid material.
authors: Laboratory of Experimental Neurobiology, Neurological Institute IRCCS C Mondino, Pavia, Italy.
authors: Manuel
authors: M
authors: Corato
authors: Paolo
authors: P
authors: Ogliari
authors: Fabrizio
authors: F
authors: Ceciliani
authors: Emanuela
authors: E
authors: Cova
authors: Vincenzo
authors: V
authors: Bellotti
authors: Cristina
authors: C
authors: Cereda
authors: Giampaolo
authors: G
authors: Merlini
authors: Mauro
authors: M
authors: Ceroni
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003224:Congo Red / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006224:Cricetinae; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008647:Mesocricetus; D011328:Prions / Q000187:drug effects*
chemical_list: D011328:Prions; D003224:Congo Red; D004317:Doxorubicin