| Summary: | <p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>The neuroprotective effect of xenon has been demonstrated for glutamatergic neurons. In the present study it is investigated if dopaminergic neurons, i.e. nerve-growth-factor differentiated PC-12 cells, are protected as well against hypoxia-induced cell damage in the presence of xenon.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Pheochromocytoma cells differentiated by addition of nerve growth factor were placed in a N<sub>2</sub>-saturated atmosphere, a treatment that induced release of dopamine, reaching a maximum after 30 min. By determining extracellular lactate dehydrogenase concentration as marker for concomitant cellular damage, a substantial increase of enzymatic activity was found for N<sub>2</sub>-treated cells. Replacement of N<sub>2 </sub>by xenon in such a hypoxic atmosphere resulted in complete protection against cellular damage and prevention of hypoxia-induced dopamine release. Intracellular buffering of Ca<sup>2+ </sup>using the Ca-chelator 1, 2-<it>bis</it>(2-Aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N',N'-tetraacetic acid <it>tetrakis</it>(acetoxymethyl) ester (BAPTA) reduced the neuroprotective effect of xenon indicating the essential participation of intracellular Ca<sup>2+</sup>-ions in the process of xenon-induced neuroprotection.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>The results presented demonstrate the outstanding property of xenon to protect neuron-like cells in a hypoxic situation.</p>
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