Transfection of the plasma-type platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolasegene attenuates glutamate-induced apoptosis in cultured rat cortical neurons

Using an adenoviral vector, we induced overexpression of the plasma type of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase in cultured rat neurons. Neuron s overexpressing this enzyme showed a decrease in glutamate-induced injury, mainly, apparent as decreased apoptosis. Reduction of lipid peroxidation b y this enzyme and protection of mitochondrial function were demonstrated, a nd these may be the basis of the resistance to glutamate-induced neuronal i njury that we observed. (C) 2000 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.