Peroxynitrite-induced oligodendrocyte toxicity is not dependent on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation

Gwen S. Scott, Laszlo Virág, Csaba Szabó, D. Craig Hooper

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

36 Scopus citations

Abstract

Oligodendrocyte loss is a characteristic feature of several CNS disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS) and spinal cord injury. However, the mechanisms responsible for oligodendrocyte destruction remain undefined. As recent studies have implicated peroxynitrite in the pathogenesis of both spinal cord injury and MS, we have examined whether peroxynitrite may mediate at least some of the oligodendrocyte damage and demyelination observed in these conditions. Primary rat oligodendrocytes were exposed to authentic peroxynitrite in vitro and assessed for cytotoxicity. Mitochondrial function, measured by the reduction of MTT to formazan, and mitochondrial membrane potential were used as indicators of cell viability. Cell death was quantitated by measuring either the release of lactate dehydrogenase from, or the uptake of propidium iodide into, damaged and dying cells. Peroxynitrite dose-dependently reduced the viability of primary oligodendrocytes and induced cell death. Furthermore, peroxynitrite significantly increased DNA strand breakage and the activity of poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) in oligodendrocyte cultures. To identify whether PARP activation plays a role in peroxynitrite-induced oligodendrocyte toxicity, we examined the effects of the PARP inhibitors 3-aminobenzamide (3AB) and 5-iodo-6-amino-1,2-benzopyrone (INH2BP) on mitochondrial function and cell death in oligodendrocytes. The presence of 3AB and INH2BP did not protect oligodendrocytes from peroxynitrite-induced cytotoxicity. However, both compounds significantly reduced PARP activity in these cells. Primary oligodendrocytes generated from PARP-deficient mice were also highly susceptible to peroxynitrite-induced cell death. Therefore, our results show that peroxynitrite exerts cytotoxic effects on oligodendrocytes in vitro independently of PARP activation.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)105-116
Number of pages12
JournalGLIA
Volume41
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 15 2003
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Demyelination
  • Free radicals
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Necrosis
  • Spinal cord injury

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Neurology
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Peroxynitrite-induced oligodendrocyte toxicity is not dependent on poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase activation'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this