SMU and UTD researchers succeed in slowing neuron degeneration

by PegNews wire

In this month's issue of Experimental Biology and Medicine, Southern Methodist University chemistry professor Edward R. Biehl and University of Texas at Dallas biology doc Santosh R. D’Mello publish their findings on chemical compounds which have been shown to slow the degeneration of neurons.

The synthesized chemicals which Biehl and D'Mello used in their study are referred to by the not particularly snappy title of “3-substituted indolin-2-one compounds.” While this doesn't roll off the tongue like, for instance, "cheese," the good doctors were not interested so much in nomenclature but more in determining how the compounds might be put to use in stopping the death of brain cells in its tracks.

The studies have thus far only been conducted on the brain cells of mice, but - given the promising recent results - there is certainly cause for optimism in regard to human applications. (Plus, the mice really dig it.)

“3-substituted indolin-2-one compounds" are derived from something called GW5074, which D'Mello has previously shown to inhibit neuro-degeneration. However, GW (for short) was shown to be toxic at heightened dosage levels, while the newly-designed "3-sub" stuff is not.

Thus, there is potential application for "3-sub" compounds in the fight against various diseases brought about by neuron degeneration, notably Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and amyotropic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

posted by JM / source: SMU