Glutamate AMPA receptors change in motor neurons of SOD1G93A transgenic mice and their inhibition by a noncompetitive antagonist ameliorates the progression of amytrophic lateral sclerosis-like disease.
J Neurosci Res
; 83(1): 134-46, 2006 Jan.
Article
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| MEDLINE
| ID: mdl-16323214
ABSTRACT
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder involving the selective degeneration of motor neurons. In a small proportion of patients, ALS is caused by mutations in copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), and mice overexpressing SOD1(G93A) mutant develop a syndrome that closely resembles the human disease. Excitotoxicity mediated by glutamate AMPA receptors has been suggested to be implicated in the selective susceptibility of motor neurons occurring in ALS. In SOD1(G93A) mice, we found that levels of GluR2 AMPA subunit, which plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of calcium impermeability of AMPA receptors, are decreased in spinal motor neurons before symptom onset in concomitance with a modest increase of GluR3 expression, a calcium-permeable AMPA subunit. This effect can result in a higher number of calcium-permeable AMPA receptors on motor neurons of SOD1(G93A) mice, predisposing these cells to be injured by AMPA-mediated glutamate firing. In support of this, we showed that treatment with a new noncompetitive AMPA antagonist, ZK 187638, partially protected motor neurons, improved motor function, and prolonged the survival of SOD1(G93A) mice.
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Colección:
01-internacional
Base de datos:
MEDLINE
Asunto principal:
Superóxido Dismutasa
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Benzodiazepinas
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Receptores AMPA
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Antagonistas de Aminoácidos Excitadores
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Dioxoles
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Esclerosis Amiotrófica Lateral
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Neuronas Motoras
Límite:
Animals
/
Humans
Idioma:
En
Revista:
J Neurosci Res
Año:
2006
Tipo del documento:
Article
País de afiliación:
Italia