Neuregulin1 Attenuates H(2)O(2)-Induced Reductions in EAAC1 Protein Levels and Reduces H(2)O(2)-Induced Oxidative Stress

Neuregulin 1 (NRG1) exhibits potent neuroprotective properties. The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidative effects and underlying mechanisms of NRG1 against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative stress in primary rat cortical neurons. The expression level of the excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1) protein was measured by Western blotting and immunocytochemistry. The levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, GPx activity, and mitochondrial membrane potential (∆ψm) were determined to examine cell death and the antioxidant properties of NRG1 in primary rat cortical neurons. H(2)O(2) reduced the expression of EAAC1 in a dose-dependent manner. We found that pretreatment with NRG1 attenuated the H(2)O(2)-induced reduction in EAAC1 expression. Moreover, NRG1 reduced the cell death and oxidative stress induced by H(2)O(2). In addition, NRG1 attenuated H(2)O(2)-induced reductions in antioxidant enzyme activity and ∆ψm. Our data indicate a role for NRG1 in protecting against oxidative stress via the regulation of EAAC1. These observations may provide novel insights into the mechanisms of NRG1 activity during oxidative stress and may reveal new therapeutic targets for regulating the oxidative stress associated with various neurological diseases.