Tetrahydrobiopterin scavenges superoxide in dopaminergic neurons.

摘要: Increased oxidative stresses are implicated in the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease, and dopaminergic neurons may be intrinsically susceptible to damage. However, selective presence tetrahydrobiopterin (BH(4)) makes more resistant stress caused by glutathione depletion. To further investigate mechanisms BH(4) protection, we examined effects on superoxide levels individual living mesencephalic neurons. Dopaminergic have lower than nondopaminergic In addition, inhibiting synthesis increased neurons, while supplementation decreased cells. is also a cofactor catecholamine NO production. order exclude possibility that antioxidant mediated dopamine NO, used fibroblasts which neither nor production occurs. fibroblasts, baseline reactive oxygen species, attenuated species increase rotenone antimycin A. Physiologic concentrations directly scavenged generated potassium vitro. We hypothesize protects from ordinary its metabolites environmental insults or genetic defects disrupt this intrinsic capacity contribute their degeneration disease.