An Alkaloid Extract Obtained from Phlegmariurus saururus Induces Neuroprotection after Status Epilepticus

DANELON V,; MONTRULL L,; VALLEJO M; CABRERA J.L; AGNESE, A.M.; ORTEGA MG; MASCO D

PHYTOMEDICINE

ELSEVIER GMBH

Año: 2017 vol. 34 p. 212 - 218

0944-7113

Background: The brain is exposed to many excitotoxic insults that can lead to neuron damage. Among these, Epilepsy is a neurological disease that affects a large percentage of the world population and is commonly associated with cognitive disorders and excitotoxic neuron death. Most experimental strategies are focused on preventing Status Epilepticus (SE), but once it has already occurred, the key question is whether it is possible to save neurons.Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine if a purified alkaloid extract (AE) obtained from Phlegmariurus saururus, a genus of Lycophyte plants, sometimes known as firmosses or fir club mosses, could induce neuroprotection following SE. Methods: In vitro and an in vivo approaches were used for this purpose. Protein levels were measured by western blot. Neuronal death analysis was performed by calcein-ethidium staining (in vitro experiments) and by Fluoro Jade B staining for the in vivo experiments.Results: The effect of AE inhippocampal neurons culture was the first determination, where we found an increase in neuron survival and in the level of pErk and TrkB activation, 24 h after adding the AE. In a well-established in vitro model of SE, we found that 24 h after being added to hippocampal neuron-astrocyte co-culture, the AE induces a significant increase in neuron survival. In addition, in the in vivo Li-pilocarpine model of SE, the AE induced a remarkable neuroprotection in areas such as the entorhinal cortex and hippocampal CA1 area. Conclusion: These results make the AE an excellent candidate for potential clinical use in neurological disorders where memory impairment and neuron death occurs.