The galanin receptor 2/3 agonist Gal2-11 protects the SN56 cells against β-amyloid25-35 toxicity

• Published in: Journal of neuroscience research 2010-04, Vol.88 (5), p.1064-1073
• Main Authors: Pirondi, S., Giuliani, A., Del Vecchio, G., Giardino, L., Hökfelt, T., Calzà, L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Antibodies; caspase-3; cell toxicity; galanin; galanin receptor type 2/3; β-amyloid
• ISSN: 0360-4012; 1097-4547; 1097-4547
• DOI: 10.1002/jnr.22278

The neuropeptide galanin is a modulator of cholinergic function and may play a role in Aβ peptide‐induced degeneration of cholinergic forebrain neurons. We have studied the effect of galanin and its galanin receptor subtype 2/3 agonist Gal2‐11on toxicity induced by freshly‐prepared β‐amyloid25–35 in the cholinergic cell line SN56. Both nuclear fragmentation and caspase‐3 expression were analysed. β‐amyloid25–35‐exposure induced a significant increase in caspase‐3 mRNA expression after 30, 60, 90 or 150 min of β‐amyloid25–35 exposure. These effects were abolished in the presence of Gal2‐11 (10 nM). Similarly, β‐amyloid25–35‐induced nuclear fragmentation was prevented by the galanin agonist at all time points studied. These findings indicate that the galanin 2/3 agonist Gal2‐11 protects SN56 cholinergic cells from β‐amyloid25–35‐induced cell death and that this action is mediated by an early reduction of caspase‐3 expression. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.