J Korean Neuropsychiatr Assoc.  2000 Sep;39(5):936-943.

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

• Kim TS
• Lee C
• Lee SJ
• Toh KY
• Kim JJ
• Paik IH

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.

Keyword

Psychotropic drug; beta-amyloid protein; Cytotoxicity; PC12 cell

MeSH Terms

Amitriptyline
Amyloid
Amyloid beta-Peptides
Animals
Chlorpromazine
Dementia
Depression
Fluoxetine
Haloperidol
Moclobemide
Neurons
Neurotransmitter Agents
PC12 Cells*
Psychotropic Drugs*
Rats
Risperidone
Amitriptyline
Amyloid
Amyloid beta-Peptides
Chlorpromazine
Fluoxetine
Haloperidol
Moclobemide
Neurotransmitter Agents
Psychotropic Drugs
Risperidone