Vitamin E protects nerve cells from amyloid beta protein toxicity. |
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Authors: | C Behl J Davis G M Cole D Schubert |
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Affiliation: | Salk Institute for Biological Studies, San Diego, CA 92186-5800. |
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Abstract: | The amyloid beta protein (ABP) is a 40 to 42 amino acid peptide which accumulates in Alzheimer's disease plaques. It has been demonstrated that this peptide and a fragment derived from it are cytotoxic for cultured cortical nerve cells. It is shown here that ABP and an internal fragment encompassing residues 25 to 35 (beta 25-35) are cytotoxic to a clone of PC12 cells at concentrations above 1 x 10(-9)M and to several other cell lines at higher concentrations. Between 10(-9) and 10(-11) M beta 25-35 protects PC12 cells from glutamate toxicity. The antioxidant and free radical scavenger vitamin E inhibits ABP induced cell death. These results have implications regarding the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease. |
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