The Effects of Psychotropic Drugs on the beta-Amyloid-Induced Cytotoxicity in PC12 Cells / 신경정신의학

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Amyloid beta protein(Abeta) has been regarded to be toxic to neurons in vitro. However, the mechanism of action leading to neuronal death remains unknown. In this study, we report the effects of psychotropic drugs, that are often prescribed for the improvement of psychotic and depressive symptoms in dementia of the Alzheimer's type, on the beta-amyloid-induced cytotoxicity in rat pheochromocytoma(PC12) cells. METHODS: We treated antipsychotics(chlorpromazine, haloperidol, and risperidone) and antidepressants(amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and moclobemide) at 0.1-10 microM concentrations before application of Abeta(10 microM), and compared with control in the absence of psychotropic drugs in cultured PC12 cells. RESULTS: 1) Chlorpromazine, haloperidol and risperidone significantly reduced Abeta-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. 2) Amitriptyline, fluoxetine, and moclobemide significantly reduced Abeta-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that psychotropic drugs in the treatment of dementia of Alzheimer's type may protect the neural cells as well as control neurotransmitter activities.