“…URB602, JZL184, AM5206) produce neuroprotective effects both in vitro (Chen et al, 2011; Naidoo et al, 2011) and in vivo (Lara-Celador et al, 2012; Naidoo et al, 2011), but their effects in models of neuro-acquired immune deficiency syndrome (neuroAIDS) are little explored. The HIV-1 protein transactivator of transcription (Tat) likely contributes to synaptodendritic injury observed in brains of HIV-1 infected individuals (Jones et al, 2000; Valle et al, 2000) and has been shown to cause dendritic structural and functional defects in vitro (Bertrand et al, 2013; Bertrand et al, 2014; Fitting et al, 2014; Haughey et al, 1999; Haughey et al, 2001; Kruman et al, 1998) and in vivo (Carey et al, 2012; Fitting et al, 2013; Fitting et al, 2010; Hahn et al, 2013; Paris et al, 2015). Tat activates both glutamatergic NMDA receptors (GluNs) (Aksenov et al, 2012; Fitting et al, 2014; Haughey et al, 2001; Li et al, 2008; Magnuson et al, 1995; Perez et al, 2001) and AMPA receptors (GluRs) (Longordo et al, 2006), leading to increased excitability (Brailoiu et al, 2008; Fitting et al, 2015; Ngwainmbi et al, 2014) as well as increases in [Na + ] i , mitochondrial instability, and excessive Ca 2+ influx (Fitting et al, 2014; Yu and Salter, 1998), all of which eventually cause dendritic swellings (Bertrand et al, 2014; Fitting et al, 2014).…”