New compounds may prevent brain cell death
GRANADA, Spain, Dec. 21 (UPI) — Spanish chemists say theyve developed a promising set of synthetic compounds that one day may slow or halt neurological disorders.
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The researchers at the University of Granada and colleagues based their preliminary finding on test tube studies. The compounds, particularly a synthesized metabolite of the hormone melatonin, all inhibit an enzyme called inducible nitric oxide synthase, or iNOS, which is needed to produce nitric oxide, a signaling molecule that can activate the immune system.
Nitric oxide also plays an important role in the brain, but too much can trigger the death of brain cells. Some scientists theorize the compound is involved in the development of Alzheimers and Parkinsons diseases.
As does melatonin, the new synthetic compounds apparently can cross biological barriers, suppress iNOS production, and, in turn, prevent nitric oxide-induced brain damage, the researchers said. However, they caution additional research will be needed to verify their results.
The study appears in the Dec. 29 issue of the Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
Copyright 2005 by United Press International. All Rights Reserved.
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