Synergism of tocopherol and ascorbate on the survival of cultured brain neurones.

The effects of antioxidants tocopherols and ascorbic acid were tested on the survival of hippocampal and striatal neurones in dissociated culture. Alpha- and gamma-tocopherol increased the number of surviving neurones in a concentration-dependent manner. Significant effect was observed at concentrations of 10(-8)-10(-6) M. Furthermore, the promoting effect of alpha-tocopherol on neuronal survival was markedly enhanced in the presence of ascorbic acid (2 x 10(-6) M). These results indicate that tocopherols and ascorbic acid support the survival of cultured neurones by protecting them from oxidative attack.