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The Journal of Neuroscience, July 15, 1998, 18(14):5112-5123
Neuroprotective Actions of Dipyridamole on Cultured CNS
Neurons
Stephen E.
Farinelli1,
Lloyd A.
Greene1, and
Wilma
J.
Friedman1, 2
1 Department of Pathology and Center for Neurobiology
and Behavior and 2 Taub Center for Alzheimer's Disease
Research, Columbia University, College of Physicians and Surgeons, New
York, New York 10032
We report that dipyridamole is neuroprotective for a variety of rat
embryonic CNS neurons cultured in serum-free basal medium lacking
trophic factors or other additives. We also describe the mechanism
underlying this action. Neurons died rapidly in basal medium but were
rescued in large measure by 10 µM dipyridamole. The
protective action of dipyridamole seems to be attributable to its
antioxidant property. Vitamin E and N-acetylcysteine
provided comparable neuroprotection in basal medium, whereas an array
of compounds that mimic other actions of dipyridamole (inhibition of
phosphodiesterases, blockade of nucleoside and chloride transport, interference with the multidrug resistance protein, and enhancement of
prostacyclin synthesis) failed to promote survival. Thus, a major cause
of neuronal death in this system seems to be oxidative stress that is
relieved by dipyridamole. Iron plays a significant role in generation
of such stress, as indicated by the observations that addition of
apotransferrin or iron chelators to basal medium or use of iron-free
medium also afforded protection. Although oxidative stress was a major
determinant of neuronal death, it was not the only factor. Dipyridamole
or other antioxidant measures did not provide sustained
neuroprotection. However, provision of insulin, which was not
protective alone in basal medium, along with dipyridamole significantly
enhanced long-term neuronal survival. Hence, optimal protection
requires both trophic support and relief from oxidative stress. These
findings lend credence to the potential use of dipyridamole or its
derivatives in prevention and/or treatment of CNS injuries and
degenerative disorders in which oxidative stress is a significant
component.
Key words:
dipyridamole; transferrin; iron; oxidative stress; neuronal death; trophic factors
Copyright © 1998 Society for Neuroscience 0270-6474/98/18145112-12$05.00/0
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