Received for publication September 14, 2006.
Revised November 9, 2006.
Accepted for publication November 10, 2006.

Concurrent administration of Neu2000 and lithium produces marked improvement of motor neuron survival, motor function, and mortality in a mouse model of ALS

Abstract

The Fas pathway and oxidative stress mediate neuronal death in stroke and may contribute to neurodegenerative disease. We tested the hypothesis that these two factors synergistically produce spinal motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Levels of reactive oxygen species were increased in motor neurons from ALS mice compared to wild-type mice at age 10 weeks, before symptom onset. The proapoptotic proteins Fas, FADD, caspase 8, and caspase 3 were also elevated. Oral administration of Neu2000, a potent antioxidant, blocked the increase in reactive oxygen species but only slightly reduced activation of proapoptotic proteins. Administration of lithium carbonate (Li⁺), a mood stabilizer that prevents apoptosis, blocked the apoptosis machinery without preventing oxidative stress. Neu2000 or Li⁺ alone significantly enhanced survival time and motor function and together had an additive effect. These findings provide evidence that jointly targeting oxidative stress and Fas-mediated apoptosis can prevent neuronal loss and motor dysfunction in ALS.

Key words: Apoptosis, Oxidative stress/antioxidants, Excitotoxicity, neurodegeneration

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