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A peptide derived from acetylcholinesterase induces neuronal cell death: characterisation of possible mechanisms

A peptide derived from acetylcholinesterase induces neuronal cell death: characterisation of... Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) exhibits functions unrelated to the catalysis of acetylcholine (ACh) in particular during development. Although the underlying mechanism(s) is presently unknown, a candidate peptide fragment (AChE-peptide) has recently been identified, and been shown to induce a continuum of apoptotic and necrotic neuronal cell death in rat hippocampal organotypic cultures. The aim of this study was to trace the cell death pathway initiated by AChE-peptide. Using specific antagonists, it was possible to track a series of cellular events following application of 1 nM AChE-peptide: NMDA receptor activation, opening of the L-type voltage gated calcium channel, activation of calcium/calmodulin kinase II, generation of reactive oxygen species and caspase activation. Pharmacological interception at any stage of this cascade blocked the effect of 1 nM AChE-peptide on neurite retraction. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, a marker for cell lysis, was unaffected by 1 nM AChE-peptide. In contrast, cell death induced by 1 mM AChE-peptide, monitored as neurite retraction and increased LDH efflux, was not offset by any drug treatment. These data suggest that nanomolar concentrations of AChE-peptide exhibit pathophysiological activity via an apoptotic pathway that could play an important role in neuronal development and neurodegeneration. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Experimental Brain Research Springer Journals

A peptide derived from acetylcholinesterase induces neuronal cell death: characterisation of possible mechanisms

Experimental Brain Research , Volume 153 (3) – Dec 1, 2003

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References (73)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 by Springer-Verlag
Subject
LifeSciences
ISSN
0014-4819
eISSN
1432-1106
DOI
10.1007/s00221-003-1567-5
pmid
13680041
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) exhibits functions unrelated to the catalysis of acetylcholine (ACh) in particular during development. Although the underlying mechanism(s) is presently unknown, a candidate peptide fragment (AChE-peptide) has recently been identified, and been shown to induce a continuum of apoptotic and necrotic neuronal cell death in rat hippocampal organotypic cultures. The aim of this study was to trace the cell death pathway initiated by AChE-peptide. Using specific antagonists, it was possible to track a series of cellular events following application of 1 nM AChE-peptide: NMDA receptor activation, opening of the L-type voltage gated calcium channel, activation of calcium/calmodulin kinase II, generation of reactive oxygen species and caspase activation. Pharmacological interception at any stage of this cascade blocked the effect of 1 nM AChE-peptide on neurite retraction. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, a marker for cell lysis, was unaffected by 1 nM AChE-peptide. In contrast, cell death induced by 1 mM AChE-peptide, monitored as neurite retraction and increased LDH efflux, was not offset by any drug treatment. These data suggest that nanomolar concentrations of AChE-peptide exhibit pathophysiological activity via an apoptotic pathway that could play an important role in neuronal development and neurodegeneration.

Journal

Experimental Brain ResearchSpringer Journals

Published: Dec 1, 2003

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