THE NEUROPROTECTIVE EFFECT OF OXYTOCIN AGAINST APOPTOSIS AND OXIDATIVE STRESS

POSTER PRESENTATIONS

Objective. In this proposed study, we will evaluate both the proliferative and the protective role of oxytocin against apoptosis and oxidative stress in two different neuronal cell lines. Background. The neuropeptide oxytocin, released from the posterior pituitary into the systemic circulation has been implicated in several vital physiological processes, ranging from reproduction to social and non-social behaviors. Oxytocin has been recently associated with cell proliferation, protection against apoptosis and cytoskeletal proteins expression. These findings might be relevant since certain neurological disorders have been linked to low systemic levels of oxytocin. Methods. In order to test our hypothesis, we developed in our laboratory two Oxytocin Receptor Knockdown cell lines, U87MG_KD OXT-R (astrocytes) and SH- SY5Y_KD OXT-R (neurons), to further analyze 1) proliferation rates in absence and presence of oxytocin; 2) apoptosis rates both, in the absence and presence of proapoptotic agents such as DMNQ, H2O2 or Camptothecin; 3) effect of oxytocin on cellular morphology after apoptosis induction; and 4) the underlying mechanisms by which oxytocin is affecting those cellular processes. Results. Preliminary results have shown a potential correlation between oxytocin and apoptosis/cell death rates and cellular development, being 36 significantly different in the knockdown cell lines in which oxytocin receptors have been impaired, when compared to their controls. Conclusion. The outcomes of this study will contribute, not just to, a better understanding of the key role that oxytocin plays in multiple physiological processes, but also to a new approach for studying and treatment of some current relevant neurological disorders such as autism. Grants. PRESIDENT'S FACULTY RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT GRANT