Mechanisms of prionSc- and HIV-1 gp120 induced neuronal cell death

Neurotoxicology. 1998 Aug-Oct;19(4-5):683-8.

Abstract

In vitro experiments revealed that the scrapie prion protein, PrP(Sc), as well as the PrP fragment PrP106-126, and the HIV-1 coat protein gp120 induce apoptosis of rat cortical neurons. The toxic effect displayed by PrP and gp120 could be blocked by NMDA receptor antagonists. Treatment of neuronal cells with PrP106-126 resulted in a drop of intracellular glutathione level and changes in the level of Bcl-2. Evidence is presented that gp120 causes an activation of phospholipase A2, resulting in the increased release of arachidonic acid, which may in turn sensitize the NMDA receptor.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Death / drug effects
  • Cells, Cultured
  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120 / toxicity*
  • Humans
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Neurons / metabolism
  • PrPSc Proteins / toxicity*
  • Rats

Substances

  • HIV Envelope Protein gp120
  • PrPSc Proteins