Zucchini Silvia, Buzzi Andrea, Bergamaschi Marco, Pietra Claudio, Villetti Gino, Simonato Michele
Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology Neuroscience Center, University of Ferrara, via Fossato di Mortara, 17-19, 44100 Ferrara, Italy.
Neuroreport. 2002 Nov 15;13(16):2071-4. doi: 10.1097/00001756-200211150-00016.
The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of CHF3381, a novel putative NMDA antagonist characterized by a good therapeutic index. We have compared the effects of CHF3381 on kainate seizure-induced neurodegeneration with those produced by the non competitive NMDA receptor antagonist MK-801 and by the Na channel blocker lamotrigine. All compounds have been employed at doses incapable of preventing or attenuating seizures. The fluorescent marker Fluoro-Jade B has been used to identify degenerating cells. Animals pretreated with lamotrigine presented the same degree of cell damage as the controls. As for the controls, a clear correlation was also observed between seizure severity and neurodegeneration. In contrast, MK-801 and CHF3381 completely prevented cell damage. These data indicate that CHF3381 may be successfully utilized in neurological disorders characterized by or associated with neurodegenerative excitotoxicity.
