E. Tamagno et al., NT2 neurons, a classical model for Alzheimer's disease, are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, NEUROREPORT, 11(9), 2000, pp. 1865-1869
We have tested undifferentiated NT2 cells as well as differentiated NT2 neu
rons (NT2N) for vulnerability to oxidative stress, lipid composition and an
tioxidant pattern. NT2N, but not NT2 cells, are highly susceptible to oxida
tive stress elicited by different classic pro-oxidant stimuli. In particula
r, NT2N cells undergo a high level of oxidative decomposition of omega-3 an
d omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) of membrane phospholipids, as
evaluated by monitoring generation of thiobarbituric reactive substances, 4
-hydroxynonenal (HNE) and chromolipid fluorescent adducts. NT2N cells exhib
it low levels of natural antioxidants such as glutathione (GSH) and alpha-t
ocopherol and of antioxidant enzymatic activities such as Se-dependent GSH
peroxidase and catalase. Accordingly, a direct correlation between lipid pe
roxidation and irreversible cell damage is suggested by prevention of NT2N
cell death by alpha-tocopherol. NeuroReport 11:1865-1869 (C) 2000 Lippincot
t Williams & Wilkins.