beta-VLDL protects against A beta(I-42) and apoE toxicity in human SH-SY5Yneuroblastoma cells

The toxic effects of beta -amyloid (A beta) (1-42), apolipoprotein E (apoE) isoforms, and apoE/A beta complexes were studied in human SH-SY5Y neurobla stoma cells and fibroblasts using MTT reduction. In SH-SY5Y cells, A beta ( 1-42) gave time-dependent toxicity over 2-48 h, which was reduced by co-inc ubation with rabbit beta -very low density lipoproteins (beta -VLDL). Human recombinant apoE3 and E4 isoforms were also toxic by themselves and also p otentiated A beta effects when used alone, but not when associated with bet a -VLDL. None of the treatments were toxic to human fibroblasts. These resu lts suggest that beta -VLDL has a protective role on A beta -induced neurot oxicity and that the status of apoE or the conformation of lipoprotein cont aining apoE particles may be important for determining the contribution of apoE to neurodegeneration. NeuroReport 12:201-206 (C) 2001 Lippincott Willi ams & Wilkins.