Induction of Nitric Oxide- Dependent Apoptosis in Motor Neurons by Zinc-Deficient Superoxide Dismutase

摘要

Mutations in copper, zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD) have been implicated in the selective death of motor neurons in 2 percent of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients. The loss of zinc from either wild-type or ALS-mutant SODs was sufficient to induce apoptosis in cultured motor neurons. Toxicity Required that copper be bound to SOD and depended on endogenous production Of nitric oxide.