NADPH oxidase contributes directly to oxidative stress and apoptosis in nerve growth factor-deprived sympathetic neurons

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are necessary for programmed cell death (PCD) in neurons, but the underlying ROS-producing enzymes have not been identif ied. NADPH oxidase produces ROS, although the expression of its five subuni ts are thought to be restricted largely to non-neuronal cells. Here, we sho w that NADPH oxidase subunits are present in neurons. Moreover, both an NAD PH oxidase inhibitor, diphenyleneiodonium, and NAPDH oxidase genetic defici ency inhibit apoptosis in a classic model of PCD, i.e., NGF-deprived sympat hetic neurons. Overall, these results indicate that NADPH oxidase is unexpe ctedly present in neurons and can contribute to neuronal apoptosis.