Neuroprotection with Bcl-2(20-34) peptide against trauma

• Published in: Neuroreport Vol. 9; no. 18; p. 4131
• Main Authors: Panizzon, K L, Shin, D, Frautschy, S, Wallis, R A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 21.12.1998
• Subjects: Animals; Brain - drug effects; Brain - pathology; Brain - physiopathology; Brain Injuries - pathology; Brain Injuries - physiopathology; Electrophysiology; Excitatory Amino Acid Agonists - pharmacology; Hypoxia - pathology; In Vitro Techniques; Long-Term Potentiation - physiology; Male; Microscopy, Electron; Neuroprotective Agents - pharmacology; Peptide Fragments - pharmacology; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 - pharmacology; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Wounds, Nonpenetrating - pathology; Wounds, Nonpenetrating - physiopathology
• ISSN: 0959-4965; 1473-558X
• DOI: 10.1097/00001756-199812210-00024

We tested the neuroprotective potential of the Bcl-2(20-34) peptide sequence in hippocampal slices. Treatment with Bcl-2 after fluid percussion trauma significantly improved recovery of CA1 antidromic PS to a mean of 92%+/-1 of initial amplitude, compared with only 16%+/-2 in unmedicated slices. The EC50 for trauma protection was 84 microM Bcl-2(20-34). Protection with Bcl-2(20-34) also extended to long-term potentiation. No protection was seen with the reverse sequence of Bcl-2(20-34). Treatment with Bcl-2(20-34) also protected against hypoxic damage, with treated slices recovering to 98%+/-2, while unmedicated slices recovered to 14%+/-2. Similar protection was seen against AMPA, NMDA and nitric oxide. These findings indicate that Bcl-2(20-34) provides specific neuroprotection against acute CA1 neuronal injury.