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 H2O2-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. H2O2 reduced the expression of EAAC1 in a dose-dependent manner. We found that pretreatment with NRG1 attenuated the H2O2-induced reduction in EAAC1 expression. Moreover, NRG1 reduced the cell death and oxidative stress induced by H2O2. In addition, NRG1 attenuated H2O2-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.
Keywords: EAAC1; Glutathione peroxidase; H2O2; Neuregulin 1; Reactive oxygen species; Superoxide dismutase.