ALPHA-TOCOPHEROL PROTECTS AGAINST RADICAL-INDUCED INJURY IS CULTURED NEURONS

The effect of alpha-tocopherol on neurons in protecting against radica l-induced injuries caused by cumene hydroperoxide was assessed using a culture system. Structural and biochemical deteriorations in both clo nal neuroblastoma cells and primary cultured neurons were induced by c umene hydroperoxide. These deteriorative changes were prevented by pre treatment of alpha-tocopherol. Since simultaneous supplementation of a lpha-tocopherol and cumene hydroperoxide had limited protective effect s, prophylactic administration of alpha-tocopherol for risk patients w ith brain diseases concerned with damages induced by free radical is r ecommended to hamper the progression of neuronal impairment after atta cks.