The mitochondrial uncoupler 2,4-dinitrophenol attenuates tissue damage and improves mitochondrial homeostasis following transient focal cerebral ischemia

Amit S. Korde, L. Creed Pettigrew, Susan D. Craddock, William F. Maragos

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

100 Scopus citations

Abstract

Ischemic stroke is caused by acute neuronal degeneration provoked by interruption of cerebral blood flow. Although the mechanisms contributing to ischemic neuronal degeneration are myriad, mitochondrial dysfunction is now recognized as a pivotal event that can lead to either necrotic or apoptotic neuronal death. Lack of suitable 'upstream' targets to prevent loss of mitochondrial homeostasis has, so far, restricted the development of mechanistically based interventions to promote neuronal survival. Here, we show that the uncoupling agent 2,4 dinitrophenol (DNP) reduces infarct volume approximately 40% in a model of focal ischemia-reperfusion injury in the rat brain. The mechanism of protection involves an early decrease in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species formation and calcium uptake leading to improved mitochondrial function and a reduction in the release of cytochrome c into the cytoplasm. The observed effects of DNP were not associated with enhanced cerebral perfusion. These findings indicate that compounds with uncoupling properties may confer neuroprotection through a mechanism involving stabilization of mitochondrial function.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1676-1684
Number of pages9
JournalJournal of Neurochemistry
Volume94
Issue number6
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2005

Keywords

  • Calcium
  • Cytochrome c
  • Laser doppler flowmetry
  • Mitochondrial membrane potential
  • Oximetry
  • Reactive oxygen species

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biochemistry
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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