Ropivacaine Protects against Memory Impairment and Hippocampal Damage in a Rat Neurodegeneration Model

Pharmacology ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 102 (5-6) ◽  
pp. 307-315 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kuan-Ming Chiu ◽  
Tzu-Yu Lin ◽  
Ming-Yi Lee ◽  
Cheng-Wei Lu ◽  
Ming-Jiuh Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Glutamate Release ◽  
Glutamate Excitotoxicity ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Morris Water Maze Test ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Hippocampal Damage ◽  
Fluoro Jade B

Background: Ropivacaine, a long-acting amide local anesthetic agent, has been demonstrated to inhibit glutamatergic transmission. Glutamate neurotoxicity plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of brain disorders. The purpose of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective effect of ropivacaine against brain damage induced by kainic acid (KA), an analogue of glutamate. Methods: Rats were injected with ropivacaine (0.4 or 2 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) 30 min before KA treatment (15 mg/kg, intraperitoneal). KA-induced memory impairment was evaluated using the Morris water maze test. Extracellular hippocampal glutamate levels were assessed using high-performance liquid chromatography. Neuronal death was verified using Fluoro-Jade B and neutral red staining, and apoptosis was determined through terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL). Western blotting was conducted to assay the levels of activated (cleaved) caspase-3 and the phosphorylation of different mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs). ­Results: Ropivacaine pretreatment effectively prevented KA-induced memory impairment. KA-induced elevations of ­glutamate release in rat hippocampi were inhibited by pretreatment with ropivacaine. Histopathological and TUNEL staining analyzes showed that ropivacaine inhibited KA-induced neuronal death and apoptosis in the hippocampal CA3 region. KA-induced caspase-3 activation and MAPKs phosphorylation in the hippocampus were also reduced by ropivacaine pretreatment. Conclusions: This study ­demonstrates that ropivacaine executes a protective action against KA-induced neuronal damage and apoptosis in vivo. Protective effects may be caused by glutamate level reduction, caspase-3 activation suppression, and MAPKs phosphorylation reduction. Our findings indicate that ropivacaine can benefit prevention or treatment of glutamate excitotoxicity-related neurodegenerative diseases.

scholarly journals Calcium-/Calmodulin-Dependent Protein Kinase II (CaMKII) Inhibition Induces Learning and Memory Impairment and Apoptosis

2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-19
Author(s):  
Jialu Wang ◽  
Xiaoxue Xu ◽  
Wanying Jia ◽  
Dongyi Zhao ◽  
Tomasz Boczek ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Hippocampal Neurons ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Camp Response Element Binding ◽  
Morris Water Maze Test ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Protein Activity ◽  
Calcium Calmodulin Dependent ◽  
Cultured Hippocampal Neurons

Objectives. Inhibition of calcium-/calmodulin- (CaM-) dependent kinase II (CaMKII) is correlated with epilepsy. However, the specific mechanism that underlies learning and memory impairment and neuronal death by CaMKII inhibition remains unclear. Materials and Methods. In this study, KN93, a CaMKII inhibitor, was used to investigate the role of CaMKII during epileptogenesis. We first identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in primary cultured hippocampal neurons with or without KN93 treatment using RNA-sequencing. Then, the impairment of learning and memory by KN93-induced CaMKII inhibition was assessed using the Morris water maze test. In addition, Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL staining were performed to determine neuronal death, apoptosis, and the relative signaling pathway. Results. KN93-induced CaMKII inhibition decreased cAMP response element-binding (CREB) protein activity and impaired learning and memory in Wistar and tremor (TRM) rats, an animal model of genetic epilepsy. CaMKII inhibition also induced neuronal death and reactive astrocyte activation in both the Wistar and TRM hippocampi, deregulating mitogen-activated protein kinases. Meanwhile, neuronal death and neuron apoptosis were observed in PC12 and primary cultured hippocampal neurons after exposure to KN93, which was reversed by SP600125, an inhibitor of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). Conclusions. CaMKII inhibition caused learning and memory impairment and apoptosis, which might be related to dysregulated JNK signaling.

Increased cell death in osteopontin-deficient cardiac fibroblasts occurs by a caspase-3-independent pathway

2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (4) ◽  
pp. H1730-H1739 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ron Zohar ◽  
Baoqian Zhu ◽  
Peter Liu ◽  
Jaro Sodek ◽  
C. A. McCulloch
Keyword(s):  
Cell Death ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Cardiac Fibroblasts ◽  
Chromatin Condensation ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Wild Type ◽  
Nuclear Fragmentation ◽  
A Cell

Reperfusion-induced oxidative injury to the myocardium promotes activation and proliferation of cardiac fibroblasts and repair by scar formation. Osteopontin (OPN) is a proinflammatory cytokine that is upregulated after reperfusion. To determine whether OPN enhances fibroblast survival after exposure to oxidants, cardiac fibroblasts from wild-type (WT) or OPN-null (OPN−/−) mice were treated in vitro with H2O2to model reperfusion injury. Within 1 h, membrane permeability to propidium iodide (PI) was increased from 5 to 60% in OPN−/−cells but was increased to only 20% in WT cells. In contrast, after 1–8 h of treatment with H2O2, the percent of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)-stained cells was more than twofold higher in WT than OPN−/−cells. Electron microscopy of WT cells treated with H2O2showed chromatin condensation, nuclear fragmentation, and cytoplasmic and nuclear shrinkage, which are consistent with apoptosis. In contrast, H2O2-treated OPN−/−cardiac fibroblasts exhibited cell and nuclear swelling and membrane disruption that are indicative of cell necrosis. Treatment of OPN−/−and WT cells with a cell-permeable caspase-3 inhibitor reduced the percentage of TUNEL staining by more than fourfold in WT cells but decreased staining in OPN−/−cells by ∼30%. Although the percentage of PI-permeable WT cells was reduced threefold, the percent of PI-permeable OPN−/−cells was not altered. Restoration of OPN expression in OPN−/−fibroblasts reduced the percentage of PI-permeable cells but not TUNEL staining after H2O2treatment. Thus H2O2-induced cell death in OPN-deficient cardiac fibroblasts is mediated by a caspase-3-independent, necrotic pathway. We suggest that the increased expression of OPN in the myocardium after reperfusion may promote fibrosis by protecting cardiac fibroblasts from cell death.

scholarly journals The Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Apoptotic Activities of the Bauhinia Championii Flavone are Connected with Protection Against Myocardial Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

2016 ◽  
Vol 38 (4) ◽  
pp. 1365-1375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jie Jian ◽  
Feifei Xuan ◽  
Feizhang Qin ◽  
Renbin Huang
Keyword(s):  
Myocardial Ischemia ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Myocardial Infarct ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Myocardial Infarct Size ◽  
Myocardial Ischemia Reperfusion

Background/Aims: Previous studies have demonstrated that Bauhinia championii flavone (BCF) exhibits anti-oxidative, anti-hypoxic and anti-stress properties. This study was designed to investigate whether BCF has a cardioprotective effect against myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injuries in rats and to shed light on its possible mechanism. Methods: The model of I/R was established by ligating the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min, then reperfusing for 180 min. Hemodynamic changes were continuously monitored. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities were assessed. The release of interleukin-6 (IL-6) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Apoptosis of cardiomyocytes was determined by caspase-3 activity and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The expression of TLR4, NF-κBp65, Bcl-2 and Bax were detected by western blotting. Results: Pretreatment with BCF significantly reduced the serum levels of LDH, MDA and IL-6, but increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px. It also attenuated myocardial infarct size, reduced the apoptosis rate and preserved cardiac function. Furthermore, BCF inhibited caspase-3 activity and the expression of TLR4, phosphorylated NF-κBp65 and Bax, but enhanced the expression of Bcl-2. Conclusion: These results provide substantial evidence that BCF exerts a protective effect on myocardial I/R injury, which may be attributed to attenuating lipid peroxidation, the inflammatory response and apoptosis.

Soybean Isoflavones Influences Learning and Memory and Caspase-3 Levels in the Hippocampus of Rats after MWM Test

2013 ◽  
Vol 411-414 ◽  
pp. 3178-3180
Author(s):  
Li Hai Jin ◽  
Xing Yu Zhao ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Wei Chen ◽  
Guo Qing Sun ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Learning And Memory ◽  
Morris Water Maze ◽  
Water Maze ◽  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Morris Water Maze Test ◽  
Once Daily ◽  
Soybean Isoflavones ◽  
Maze Test ◽  
Intermediate Dose

We assessed the effectiveness and mechanism of action of Soybean Isoflavones on learning and memory and Caspase-3 levels in the hippocampus of rats after Morris water maze (MWM test). Soybean Isoflavones (200,400 or 800 mg/kg/d) were administered by intragavage once daily for 14 consecutive days. The Morris water maze test was used to evaluate the ability of Soybean Isoflavones to increase learning and memory impairment. The levels of Caspase-3 in hippocampus of rats were detected by Westernblot after MWM test. Compared to untreated controls (P<0.01), MWM could be prolonged after Soybean Isoflavones treatment (P<0.05 for="" low="" and="" intermediate="" dose="" groups="" westernblot="" analysis="" showed="" that="" the="" protein="" expression="" of="" caspase-3="" was="" decreased="" in="" different="" concentration="" soybean="" isoflavones="" i="">P<0.05 and="" i="">P<0.01, respectively). The results suggest that Soybean Isoflavones is effective in improving the learning and memory in rats , the mechanism of which may be related Caspase ways.

scholarly journals The Effect of Intravitreal Azithromycin on the Albino Newborn Rabbit Retina

2016 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 12-16
Author(s):  
Duygu Cam ◽  
Ali Osman Saatci ◽  
Serap Cilaker Micili ◽  
Bekir Ugur Ergur ◽  
Revan Yildirim Karabag ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Light Microscopy ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Rabbit Model ◽  
Study Groups ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Rabbit Retina ◽  
Newborn Rabbit ◽  
The Right

Purpose: To evaluate the effect of intravitreal azithromycin on the retina in a newborn rabbit model. Methods: Twelve, two-week old New Zealand albino rabbits were divided into two groups (six in each). The right eyes of six rabbits received 0.75 mg (0.05 mL) azithromycin and the right eyes of the remaining six rabbits 1.5 mg (0.1 mL) azithromycin intravitreally. Left eyes were served as the control and received the same volume of saline. All eyes were enucleated at the third postinjection week. Retinal histology was examined by light microscopy. Apoptosis of the retinal cells was further evaluated by immunohistochemical staining for caspase-3 and in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotin-deoxyuridine triphosphate nick-end labeling (TUNEL) of DNA fragments. Results: Light microscopy demonstrated no retinal abnormalities in all eyes. However, retinal nuclear DNA fragmentation was evident in both study groups (33.6% with 1.5 mg and 21.4% with 0.75 mg azithromycin) with the TUNEL method. TUNEL staining ratio was statistically higher only in the second group treated with 1.5 mg azithromycin when compared to the control group (p=0.01 Mann Whitney U test). The ratio of caspase-3 positive cells in the two study groups was 21.5% and 20.2%, respectively. Caspase-3 staining ratio was statistically higher in both study groups when compared to the control eyes (p=0.00, p=0.00 respectively). The difference of TUNEL staining ratio between the two study groups was statistically significant (p=0.028), but there were no statistically significant differences in the two study groups by caspase-3 staining (p=0.247). Conclusion: In newborn rabbits, intravitreal azithromycin injection resulted in an apoptotic activity in the photoreceptor, bipolar and ganglion cells. Immunohistochemical analysis suggested that doses of 0.75 mg and 1.5 mg azithromycin, administered intravitreally might be toxic to the newborn rabbit retina.

scholarly journals Pro-BDNF Contributes to Hypoxia/Reoxygenation Injury in Myocardial Microvascular Endothelial Cells: Roles of Receptors p75NTR and Sortilin and Activation of JNK and Caspase 3

2018 ◽  
Vol 2018 ◽  
pp. 1-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fei Yu ◽  
Yuezhu Liu ◽  
Junmei Xu
Keyword(s):  
Endothelial Cells ◽  
Structure Formation ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Microvascular Endothelial Cells ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Protein Levels ◽  
Reoxygenation Injury ◽  
Microvascular Endothelial ◽  
Hypoxia Reoxygenation

The aim of this study was to identify the role of the precursor of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (pro-BDNF) in myocardial hypoxia/reoxygenation injury (H/R) and to address the underlying mechanisms. For this purpose, myocardial microvascular endothelial cells (MMECs) exposed to a high concentration of glucose (30 mM) for 48 h were subjected to 4 h of hypoxia followed by 2 h of reoxygenation. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining and flow-cytometric analysis were performed to detect apoptosis. Cell scratch and capillary-like-structure formation assays were employed to evaluate cell function. The levels of apoptosis-related proteins were evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Our results showed that H/R resulted in MMEC injury, as indicated by significant increases in TUNEL-positive cell numbers and a reduction in MMEC migration and in capillary-like-structure formation coupled with increased pro-BDNF protein expression. In addition, overexpression of pro-BDNF in MMECs via a viral vector led to increased pro-BDNF expression, and this upregulation induced apoptosis. Mechanistic experiments revealed that H/R did not influence BDNF, JNK, and caspase 3 expression, but upregulated pro-BDNF, p75NTR, sortilin, phospho-JNK, and cleaved caspase 3 protein levels. In contrast, neutralization of endogenous pro-BDNF with an antibody significantly attenuated H/R-induced upregulation of pro-BDNF, p75NTR, sortilin, p-JNK, and cleaved caspase 3 protein levels, indicating that p75NTR-sortilin signaling and activation of JNK and caspase 3 may be involved in these effects. In conclusion, H/R-induced injury may be mediated by pro-BDNF, at least in part through the regulation of p75NTR-sortilin signaling and activation of JNK and caspase 3.

scholarly journals Memory-Enhancing Effects of Mangosteen Pericarp Water Extract through Antioxidative Neuroprotection and Anti-Apoptotic Action

Antioxidants ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 34
Author(s):  
Yeonsoo Oh ◽  
Ha Thi Thu Do ◽  
Sunyoung Kim ◽  
Young-Mi Kim ◽  
Young-Won Chin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Memory Impairment ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Water Extract ◽  
Antioxidant Property ◽  
Morris Water Maze Test ◽  
Oxygen Species ◽  
Cortical Cells ◽  
Maze Test ◽  
Pharmacological Potential ◽  
Memory Enhancing

Mangosteen has long been utilized as a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia. Diverse extracts of mangosteen pericarp and its bioactive xanthones exhibit various bioactivities. However, the pharmacological potential of mangosteen pericarp water extract (MPW) has not been reported yet. This study used primary cultured rat cortical cells to investigate the effect of MPW on neurotoxicity. We found that MPW inhibited neurotoxicity and production of reactive oxygen species triggered by Aβ(25–35) or excitatory amino acids. MPW inhibited caspase 3 activation and DNA fragmentation in Aβ(25–35)- or N-methyl-D-aspartate-treated cells, suggesting an anti-apoptotic action. Additionally, MPW reduced lipid peroxidation and scavenged 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radicals, assuring its antioxidant property. Furthermore, MPW suppressed β-secretase and acetylcholinesterase activities. These findings prompted us to evaluate its effect on memory dysfunction in scopolamine-treated mice using Morris water maze test. Oral administration of MPW at the dosage of 50, 100, or 300 mg/kg for four days significantly decreased the latency time to find the platform and markedly increased the swimming time in the target quadrant. Taken together, our results suggest that MPW exerts memory-enhancing effect through antioxidative neuroprotection and anti-apoptotic action. Accordingly, MPW may have a potential to prevent or treat memory impairment associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

scholarly journals Apoptotic cell death in rat lung following mustard gas inhalation

2017 ◽  
Vol 312 (6) ◽  
pp. L959-L968 ◽  
Author(s):  
Devon K. Andres ◽  
Brian M. Keyser ◽  
Ashley A. Melber ◽  
Betty J. Benton ◽  
Tracey A. Hamilton ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Fas Ligand ◽  
Control Level ◽  
Inhalation Injury ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Caspase 8 ◽  
Rat Lung ◽  
Caspase 9 ◽  
Unexposed Control

To investigate apoptosis as a mechanism of sulfur mustard (SM) inhalation injury in animals, we studied different caspases (caspase-8, -9, -3, and -6) in the lungs from a ventilated rat SM aerosol inhalation model. SM activated all four caspases in cells obtained from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) as early as 6 h after exposure. Caspase-8, which is known to initiate the extrinsic Fas-mediated pathway of apoptosis, was increased fivefold between 6 and 24 h, decreasing to the unexposed-control level at 48 h. The initiator, caspase-9, in the intrinsic mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis as well as the executioner caspases, caspase-3 and -6, all peaked ( P < 0.01) at 24 h; caspase-3 and -6 remained elevated, but caspase-9 decreased to unexposed-control level at 48 h. To study further the Fas pathway, we examined soluble as well as membrane-bound Fas ligand (sFas-L and mFas-L, respectively) and Fas receptor (Fas-R) in both BALF cells and BALF. At 24 h after SM exposure, sFas-L increased significantly in both BALF cells ( P < 0.01) and BALF ( P < 0.05). However, mFas-L increased only in BALF cells between 24 and 48 h ( P < 0.1 and P < 0.001, respectively). Fas-R increased only in BALF cells by 6 h ( P < 0.01) after SM exposure. Apoptosis in SM-inhaled rat lung specimens was also confirmed by both immunohistochemical staining using cleaved caspase-3 and -9 antibodies and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining as early as 6 h in the proximal trachea and bronchi, but not before 48 h in distal airways. These findings suggest pathogenic mechanisms at the cellular and molecular levels and logical therapeutic target(s) for SM inhalation injury in animals.

Annexin A7 induction of neuronal apoptosis via effect on glutamate release in a rat model of subarachnoid hemorrhage

2020 ◽  
Vol 132 (3) ◽  
pp. 777-787
Author(s):  
Qing-Song Lin ◽  
Wei-Xiong Wang ◽  
Yuan-Xiang Lin ◽  
Zhang-Ya Lin ◽  
Liang-Hong Yu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Subarachnoid Hemorrhage ◽  
Brain Injury ◽  
Neuronal Apoptosis ◽  
Glutamate Release ◽  
Early Brain Injury ◽  
Glutamate Excitotoxicity ◽  
Intraventricular Injection ◽  
Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Annexin A7

OBJECTIVEGlutamate excitotoxicity and neuronal apoptosis are suggested to contribute to early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Annexin A7 (ANXA7) has been shown to regulate glutamate release. However, the role of ANXA7 in early brain injury after SAH has not been illustrated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of ANXA7 knockdown in reducing the severity of early brain injury after SAH, and determine the underlying mechanisms.METHODSEndovascular perforation was performed to induce SAH in male Sprague-Dawley rats. ANXA7-siRNA was administered via intraventricular injection 5 days before SAH induction. Neurological test, evaluation of SAH grade, assessment of blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, measurement of brain water content, Western blot, double immunofluorescence staining, TUNEL staining, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) were performed at 24 hours of SAH induction.RESULTSANXA7 protein expression increased significantly after SAH induction and was seen mainly in neurons. High expression of ANXA7 was associated with poor neurological status. ANXA7 knockdown dramatically ameliorated early brain injury through alleviating BBB disruption and brain edema. Further investigation of the mechanism showed that inhibiting ANXA7 expression can rescue neuronal apoptosis. In addition, ANXA7 knockdown also significantly reduced glutamate release, which was consistent with a significant increase of Bcl-2 expression and decreases of Bax and cleaved caspase-3 expression.CONCLUSIONSANXA7 can induce neuronal apoptosis by affecting glutamate release in rats with SAH. Downregulating the expression of ANXA7 can significantly attenuate early brain injury after SAH. Future therapy targeting ANXA7 may be a promising new choice.

scholarly journals TRAIL Mediates Neuronal Death in AUD: A Link between Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (5) ◽  
pp. 2547
Author(s):  
Liya Qin ◽  
Jian Zou ◽  
Alexandra Barnett ◽  
Ryan Vetreno ◽  
Fulton Crews ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Death ◽  
Neuronal Apoptosis ◽  
Neuronal Cell Death ◽  
Death Receptor ◽  
Neuronal Cell ◽  
Fold Increase ◽  
Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase ◽  
Tunel Staining ◽  
Slice Culture ◽  
Cortical Regions

Although the cause of progressive neurodegeneration is often unclear, neuronal death can occur through several mechanisms. In conditions such as Alzheimer’s or alcohol use disorder (AUD), Toll-like receptor (TLR) induction is observed with neurodegeneration. However, links between TLR activation and neurodegeneration are lacking. We report a role of apoptotic neuronal death in AUD through TLR7-mediated induction of death receptor signaling. In postmortem human cortex, a two-fold increase in apoptotic terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining in neurons was found in AUD versus controls. This occurred with the increased expression of TLR7 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) death receptors. Binge ethanol treatment in C57BL/6 mice increased TLR7 and induced neuronal apoptosis in cortical regions that was blocked by TLR7 antagonism. Mechanistic studies in primary organotypic brain slice culture (OBSC) found that the inhibition of TLR7 and its endogenous ligand let-7b blocked ethanol-induced neuronal cell death. Both IMQ and ethanol induced the expression of TRAIL and its death receptor. In addition, TRAIL-neutralizing monoclonal antibodies blocked both imiquimod (IMQ) and ethanol induced neuronal death. These findings implicate TRAIL as a mediator of neuronal apoptosis downstream of TLR7 activation. TLR7 and neuronal apoptosis are implicated in other neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s disease. Therefore, TRAIL may represent a therapeutic target to slow neurodegeneration in multiple diseases.

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