Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects nigral dopaminergic neurons via dual mechanisms involving haem oxygenase-1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor.

ABSTRACT:

Background and purpose

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) is a component of honey bee propolis that can induce expression of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Because HO-1 induction has been suggested to protect dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra, we examined the effect of CAPE in experimental models of dopaminergic neurodegeneration.

Experimental approach

Neuroprotective effect of CAPE was investigated in rat organotypic midbrain slice cultures and in vivo, using a mouse model of dopaminergic neurodegeneration induced by intranigral injection of LPS and intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine.

Key results

CAPE protected dopaminergic neurons in slice cultures from IFN-γ/LPS-induced injury. The effect of CAPE was inhibited by zinc protoporphyrin IX, an HO-1 inhi

SUBMITTER: Kurauchi Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3417436 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature