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:

scopusscopus

Tipo de documento:

Article

Estado:

Acceso restringido

Áreas de conocimiento:

  • Neurología
  • Neuropsicología

Áreas temáticas:

  • Enfermedades
  • Temas específicos de historia natural de los animales