Heme oxygenase-1 derived carbon monoxide suppresses Aβ_1-42 toxicity in astrocytes.

ABSTRACT: Neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's disease (AD) is extensively studied, and the involvement of astrocytes and other cell types in this process has been described. However, the responses of astrocytes themselves to amyloid β peptides ((Aβ; the widely accepted major toxic factor in AD) is less well understood. Here, we show that Aβ_(1-42) is toxic to primary cultures of astrocytes. Toxicity does not involve disruption of astrocyte Ca²⁺ homeostasis, but instead occurs via formation of the toxic reactive species, peroxynitrite. Thus, Aβ_(1-42) raises peroxynitrite levels in astrocytes, and Aβ_(1-42) toxicity can be inhibited by antioxidants, or by inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) formation (reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NO combine to form peroxynitrite

SUBMITTER: Hettiarachchi NT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5520931 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature