Trifluoromethyl ketone-based inhibitors of apoptosis in cerebellar granuleneurons

A variety of aromatic trifluoromethyl ketone derivatives has been studied a s inhibitors of apoptosis in cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). Among them, alpha -trifluoromethyl diketone (2) and benzyl trifluoromethyl ketone (11) were found to be apoptosis inhibitors which can prevent a neurodegenerativ e disease. Compounds 2 and 11 showed neuroprotection effect on low K+-induc ed apoptosis in CGNs. Furthermore, these compounds effectively suppressed D NA fragmentation accompanied with apoptosis. The neuroprotection mode of 2 and 11 was not related to inhibition of caspase-3.