Effect of naftidrofuryl on metabolism and survival of cultured neurons.

The direct influence of Naftidrofuryl, a drug widely used for the treatment of cerebrovascular diseases, on the metabolism and survival of neurons was investigated in 8-day-old chick embryo forebrain cultures. Interaction of Naftidrofuryl with neurons resulted in the increase of the intracellular cyclic AMP levels. Naftidrofuryl stimulated deoxyglucose uptake and lactate production in a time- and dose-dependent fashion. These effects were observed after a few minutes following the beginning of the treatment with Naftidrofuryl. In parallel to the action on the metabolic activities, Naftidrofuryl was able to increase the survival rate of a significant proportion of the neuronal population. These data support the notion that Naftidrofuryl may act as a neuroprotective agent.