Astrocytes protect dopaminergic neurons against aminochrome neurotoxicity

Astrocytes protect neurons by modulating neuronal function and survival. Astrocytes support neurons in several ways. They provide energy through the astrocyte-neuron lactate shuttle, protect neurons from excitotoxicity, and internalize neuronal lipid droplets to degrade fatty acids for neuronal metabolic and synaptic support, as well as by their high capacity for glutamate uptake and the conversion of glutamate to glutamine. A recent reported astrocyte system for protection of dopamine neurons against the neurotoxic products of dopamine, such as aminochrome and other o-quinones, were generated under neuromelanin synthesis by oxidizing dopamine catechol structure. Astrocytes secrete glutathione transferase M2-2 through exosomes that transport this enzyme into dopaminergic neurons to protect these neurons against aminochrome neurotoxicity. The role of this new astrocyte protective mechanism in Parkinson ' s disease is discussed. ; ANID-FONDECYT 1170033 ANID-STINT-CONICYT CS2018-7940 Swedish Research Council 2015-04222 Vinnova 2015-04222 Swedish Research Council Swedish Research Council for Health Working Life & Welfare (Forte) Swedish Research Council Formas 2015-04222 ; Versión publicada - versión final del editor