A NEW COMPOUND (AZ36041) PROMOTES THE SURVIVAL OF THE NEURONS AND REDUCES NEUROTOXICITY OF ALZHEIMERS BETA-AMYLOID PROTEIN

Alzheimer's beta-amyloid protein (A beta) is the main component of sen ile plaques, which are characteristic hallmarks of the Alzheimer's dis ease brain. Recently, there have been several reports that A beta has toxic effects on both cultured neurons and in the brain. We confirmed the neurotoxicity of A beta in vitro and found a new compound, called AZ36011 (4-chloro-N-(5-nitro-2-tiazoyl)benzenesulfone amide), nhich dr amatically reduced A beta neurotoxicity. This compound was also found to have a neuroprotective effect against toxicity of glutamate and enh anced neuronal survival in the absence of neurotoxic compounds. AZ3504 1 may be a useful tool for investigating the mechanism of A beta neuro toxicity in vitro acid in vivo.