Angeli's salt induces neurotoxicity in dopaminergic neurons in vivo and in vitro

In this study, we investigated the hypothesis that the pro-oxidative properties of Angeli's salt (AS), a nitroxyl anion (HNO/NO -) releasing compound, cause neurotoxicity in dopaminergic neurons. The pro-oxidative properties were demonstrated in vitro by measuring hydroxylation products of salicylate and peroxidation of lipids under various redox conditions. AS (0-1000 μM) released high amounts of hydroxylating species in a concentration dependent manner. AS also increased lipid peroxidation in brain homogenates at concentrations below 100 μM, while inhibiting it at 1000 μM concentration. The AS induced pro-oxidative effects were completely suppressed by copper (II), which converts nitroxyl anion to nitric oxide, as well as by a potent nitroxyl anion scavenger glutathione. Neurotoxicity towards dopaminergic neurons was tested in rat nigrostriatal dopaminergic system in vivo and by using primary mesencephalic dopaminergic neuronal cultures in vitro . Intranigral infusion of AS (0-400 nmol) caused neurotoxicity reflected as a dose dependent decrease of striatal dopamine seven days after treatment. The effect of the 100 nmol dose was more pronounced when measured 50 days after the infusion. Neurotoxicity was also confirmed as a decrease of tyrosine hydroxylase positive neurons in the substantia nigra. Neither sulphononoate, a close structural analog of AS, nor sodiumnitrite caused changes in striatal dopamine, thus reflecting lack of neurotoxicity. In primary dopaminergic neuronal cultures AS reduced [ 3 H] dopamine uptake with concentrations over 200 μM confirming neurotoxicity. In line with the quite low efficacy to increase lipid peroxidation in vitro , infusion of AS into substantia nigra did not cause increased formation of fluorescent products of lipid peroxidation. These results support the hypothesis that AS derived species oxidize critical thiol groups, rather than membrane lipids, potentially leading to protein oxidation/dysfunction and demonstrated neurotoxicity. These findings may have pathophysiological relevance in case of excess formation of nitroxyl anion.