Neurotoxic effects of acrylamide on dopaminergic neurons in primary mesencephalic cell culture

Abstract

Introduction: Exposure to acrylamide is increasing worldwide as a result of its heavy use in industry and formation in carbohydrate-rich food cooked at high temperature. Despite its neurotoxicity, no studies have shown its toxic effects on dopaminergic neurons yet. Therefore, the current study was carried out to show whether acrylamide adversely affects primary cultured dopaminergic neurons. Material and methods: Acrylamide (0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1, 2 mM) was added to two different groups of primary mesencephalic cell cultures on the 9 th day in vitro for 24 and 48 h, respectively. Moreover, a group of cultures was treated with lower concentrations of acrylamide (0.01, 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 mM) on the 6 th day in vitro for 5 consecutive days to investigate its long-term effects on dopaminergic neurons. Following each treatment, culture media were obtained for measuring lactate dehydrogenase, and cultured cells were stained immunocytochemically against tyrosine hydroxylase and neuronal nuclear antigens. Results: Treatment of cultures with acrylamide for 48 h significantly reduced the number of dopaminergic neurons, adversely altered the morphology of the surviving neurons and increased levels of lactate dehydrogenase in the culture media. Similar treatment of cultures with acrylamide also resulted in lower numbers of total neuronal cells as shown by a reduced expression of the neuronal nuclear antigen. Prolonged treatment of cultures with lower concentrations of acrylamide slightly reduced the survival of dopaminergic neurons but increased the release of lactate dehydrogenase into the culture media as well. Conclusions: The current study shows, for the first time, neurotoxicity of acrylamide on dopaminergic neurons in the primary mesencephalic cell culture.

Rotenone: from modelling to implication in Parkinson’s disease

“…Unlike MPP + which specifically damages dopaminergic neurons, rotenone was shown to injure other neuronal populations in primary mesencephalic cell culture. Similar results were obtained by our laboratory for some other neurotoxins like domoic acid [56] and acrylamide [57].…”

Activators of Nrf2 to Counteract Neurodegenerative Diseases

“…Thymoquinone (TQ, 2-isopropyl-5-methyl-1, 4-benzoquinone, Figure 14 ) is a monoterpenoid hydrocarbon, and it is the major bioactive compound of the volatile black oil from Nigella sativa. This molecule is endowed with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [ 82 ], in addition to counteracting apoptosis in primary dopaminergic cells after their treatment with 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+) and rotenone [ 83 , 84 ]. Recently, it was found that TQ prevents dopaminergic neurodegeneration in a PD mouse model, activating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 for binding to ARE.…”

Effect of Acrylamide Supplementation on the CART-, VAChT-, and nNOS-Immunoreactive Nervous Structures in the Porcine Stomach

“…Acrylamide is categorised as a neurotoxic compound, with toxic effects on the central nervous system (CNS) and peripheral nervous system (PNS), both in laboratory animals and in humans [28]. The reported symptoms of acrylamide exposure include limb numbness, muscle weakness or ataxia, and they most probably result from an inhibition of the kinesin-based fast axonal transport and alterations in the neurotransmitter levels [29][30][31]. Acrylamide binds with protein receptors rich in cysteine that are involved in the presynaptic release of the neurotransmitters, membrane reuptake, and vesicular nerve conduction, which results in disturbed synaptic transmission [32].…”