Neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in primary cortical neurones.

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Bosel J, Gandor F, Harms C, Synowitz M, Harms U, Djoufack PC, Megow D, Dirnagl U, Hortnagl H, Fink KB, Endres M

Neuroprotective effects of atorvastatin against glutamate-induced excitotoxicity in primary cortical neurones.

J Neurochem. 2005 Mar;92(6):1386-98.

PubMed ID

15748157 [ View in PubMed

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Abstract

Statins [3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitors] exert cholesterol-independent pleiotropic effects that include anti-thrombotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidative properties. Here, we examined direct protective effects of atorvastatin on neurones in different cell damage models in vitro. Primary cortical neurones were pre-treated with atorvastatin and then exposed to (i) glutamate, (ii) oxygen-glucose deprivation or (iii) several apoptosis-inducing compounds. Atorvastatin significantly protected from glutamate-induced excitotoxicity as evidenced by propidium iodide staining, nuclear morphology, release of lactate dehydrogenase, and mitochondrial tetrazolium metabolism, but not from oxygen-glucose deprivation or apoptotic cell death. This anti-excitototoxic effect was evident with 2-4 days pre-treatment but not with daily administration or shorter-term pre-treatment. The protective properties occurred independently of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibition because co-treatment with mevalonate or other isoprenoids did not reverse or attenuate neuroprotection. Atorvastatin attenuated the glutamate-induced increase of intracellular calcium, which was associated with a modulation of NMDA receptor function. Taken together, atorvastatin exerts specific anti-excitotoxic effects independent of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase inhibition, which has potential therapeutic implications.

DrugBank Data that Cites this Article

Drug Targets

Drug	Target	Kind	Organism	Pharmacological Action	Actions
Atorvastatin	3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase	Protein	Humans	Yes	Inhibitor	Details