Rho-associated coiled coil protein kinase 1 involved in amyloid β-protein-induced damage in primary neurons of rats / 上海交通大学学报（医学版）

ABSTRACT

Objective • To investigate the role of Rho-associated coiled coil protein kinase 1 (ROCK1) in amyloid β-protein (Aβ) induced damage of rat hippocampal neurons. Methods • The rat primary neurons were treated with Aβ40 oligopeptides to establish a neurotoxicity model. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of ROCK1. Its activity was detected by the kit. Confocal laser scanning was used to observe the calcium signal in neurons, and apoptosis of neurons was detected by TUNEL assay. Y-27632, an inhibitor of ROCK1, was added into the culture medium in order to observe its effect on Aβ40. Results • Aβ40 (10 μmol/L) could significantly induce calcium overload, increase ROCK1 expression and activity, and promote apoptosis in primary neurons. Furthermore, ROCK1 inhibitor could decrease all the effect induced by Aβ40. Conclusion • ROCK1 is involved in both Aβ- induced neuronal calcium overload and neurotoxicity, and ROCK1 inhibitor can antagonize the toxic effects of Aβ.