Referenced in: none

Automatically associated channels: Slo1

Title: Effects of translocator protein (18 kDa) ligands on microglial activation and neuronal death in the quinolinic-acid-injected rat striatum.

Authors: Katherine R Leaver, Aaron Reynolds, Sylvie Bodard, Denis Guilloteau, Sylvie Chalon, Michael Kassiou

Journal, date & volume: ACS Chem Neurosci, 2012 Feb 15 , 3, 114-9

PubMed link: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22860181

Abstract
There is evidence that excitotoxicity and prolonged microglial activation are involved in neuronal death in neurodegenerative disorders. Activated microglia express various molecules, including the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO; formerly known as the peripheral benzodiazepine receptor) on the outer mitochondrial membrane. The TSPO is a novel target for neuroprotective treatments which aim to reduce microglial activation. The effect of PK 11195 and three other TSPO ligands on the level of microglial activation and neuronal survival was evaluated in a quinolinic acid (QUIN) rat model of excitotoxic neurodegeneration. All three ligands were neuroprotective at a level comparable to PK 11195. All of the ligands decreased microglial activation following the injection of QUIN but had no effect on astrogliosis. Interestingly, we also observed neuroprotective effects from the vehicle, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).