Lithium prevents colchicine-induced apoptosis in rat cerebellar granule neurons
Abstract:
Objectives: Here we evaluated the neuroprotective effects of two well-known mood stabilizers, lithium and valproic acid (VPA), against colchicine neurotoxicity in cerebellar granule cells (CGNs). Methods: The CGNs were differentiated for 7 days, pretreated with lithium or VPA for 24 h and after colchicine 1 μM was added. Cellular damage was assessed with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) method and apoptosis in CGNs was characterized by chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. Results: Incubation with lithium (1-5 mM) attenuated this apoptosis markedly, in a dose-dependent way however, the addition of VPA (0.5-2 mM) did not protect CGNs. Colchicine-induced apoptosis is mediated through the activation of caspase-3. An increase in caspase-3 activity was detected within 18 h and was blocked in presence of lithium 5 mM. Conclusions: Our data indicate that lithium treatment is selectively neuroprotective; however, in our experimental conditions VPA did not protect CGNs from apoptosis induced by colchicine. Our results support the hypothesis that distinct pathways mediate the neuroprotective effects of lithium and VPA. © Blackwell Munksgaard, 2004.
Año de publicación:
2004
Keywords:
- apoptosis
- neuroprotection
- colchicine
- Lithium
Fuente:
Tipo de documento:
Article
Estado:
Acceso restringido
Áreas de conocimiento:
- Neurología
- Neuropsicología
Áreas temáticas:
- Enfermedades
- Temas específicos de historia natural de los animales