The protective effect of wikstromol on cultured cortical neurons induced by H₂O₂ and excitatory neurotransmitter

Key words: 
• wikstromol,cortical cells /
• ₂O₂ /
• glutamate /
• kainic acid /
• N-methyl-D-aspartate /

Abstract: Objective To identify the material basis of the novel neuroprotective compounds from traditional chinese medicine Daphne giraldii in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Methonds Activity-guided fractionation of several chromatographic techniques were used for the isolation of the neuroprotective compounds.The cultured cortical neurons of rats were used as screening system. Results The methanolic extract from dried roots of Daphne giraldii significantly mitigated the neurotoxicity induced by L-glutamate,kainic acid and ₂O₂ in this screening system.The neuroprotective compound was identified as wikstromol.At a concentration of 50 μM,wikstromol significantly reduced neurotoxicity induced by ₂O₂.Wikstromol significantly reduced the decrease of glutathione,superoxide dismutase,and other enzymes that participate in the cellular defense against oxidative stress.Furthermore,wikstromol alleviated neurotoxicity induced by the excitotoxic neurotransmitter,L-glutamate and kainic acid,but not that mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate. Conclusion Wikstromol was demonstrated to be efficacious in protecting neurons from oxidative stress.The neuroprotective mechanism of wikstromol may due to its antioxidant effect.