Improvement of screening for protective substances against zinc-induced neuronal cell death

Summary The inter‑neuronal movement of zinc ions is a key mechanism involved in ischemic neuronal death. Therefore zinc‑ induced neuronal cell death is a suitable phenomenon to observe for examining the neurodegenerative damage following ischemia. We have established a convenient and rapid screening system for protective substances against zinc‑induced neuronal cell death and isolated carnosine pyruvate α‑tocopherol and gadolinium as protective substances. In this study we modified the screening system to particularly identify substances wit hw eak protective activity. The modifications earlier administration of the sample sa nd zinc and the measurement of cell mortality allowed the present assay to per‑ form the sensitive and reliable detection of protective activity against zinc‑induced GT1‑7 cell death. Dose‑dependency of pyruvate showed that the present assay was improved specially in detectin gw eak protective activity compared to the previous one. Using the present assay numerous protective activities could be significantly distinguished from the real samples. The screening method with the present assay will extend the possibilities of screening samples.