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The Copper Chelator d‐Penicillamine Delays Onset of Disease and Extends Survival in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

The Copper Chelator d‐Penicillamine Delays Onset of Disease and Extends Survival in a Transgenic... A subpopulation of familial cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been linked to mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). There is in vitro evidence that certain SOD1 mutants, in addition to their normal dismutation function, show increased ability of the enzyme to act as a peroxidase. This reaction is sensitive to inhibition by copper chelators. To test this hypothesis in vivo, we administered the copper chelator d‐penicillamine to a transgenic mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis overexpressing a mutated form of human SOD1. We demonstrate that oral administration of d‐penicillamine is able to delay the onset of the disease and extend the survival of these mice. Histological studies also showed a decreased loss of facial motor neurons in d‐penicillamine‐treated transgenic mice, corroborating the slower evolution of the disease in these animals. These results suggest that copper chelators may benefit patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis linked to mutations in the SOD1 gene. http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png European Journal of Neuroscience Wiley

The Copper Chelator d‐Penicillamine Delays Onset of Disease and Extends Survival in a Transgenic Mouse Model of Familial Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

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References (21)

Publisher
Wiley
Copyright
Copyright © 1997 Wiley Subscription Services, Inc., A Wiley Company
ISSN
0953-816X
eISSN
1460-9568
DOI
10.1111/j.1460-9568.1997.tb01511.x
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

A subpopulation of familial cases of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis has been linked to mutations in the gene encoding Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). There is in vitro evidence that certain SOD1 mutants, in addition to their normal dismutation function, show increased ability of the enzyme to act as a peroxidase. This reaction is sensitive to inhibition by copper chelators. To test this hypothesis in vivo, we administered the copper chelator d‐penicillamine to a transgenic mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis overexpressing a mutated form of human SOD1. We demonstrate that oral administration of d‐penicillamine is able to delay the onset of the disease and extend the survival of these mice. Histological studies also showed a decreased loss of facial motor neurons in d‐penicillamine‐treated transgenic mice, corroborating the slower evolution of the disease in these animals. These results suggest that copper chelators may benefit patients with familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis linked to mutations in the SOD1 gene.

Journal

European Journal of Neuroscience – Wiley

Published: Jul 1, 1997

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