A New Compound (Az36041) Promotes the Survival of the Neurons and Reduces Neurotoxicity of Alzheimer's Beta-Amyloid Protein

Alzheimer's β-amyloid protein (Aβ) is the main component of senile plaques, which are characteristic hallmarks of the Alzheimer's disease brain. Recently, there have been several reports that Aβ has toxic effects on both cultured neurons and in the brain. We confirmed the neurotoxicity of Aβ in vitro and found a new compound, called AZ36041 (4-chloro-N-(5-nitro-2-tiazoyl) benzenesulfone amide), which dramatically reduced Aβ neurotoxicity. This compound was also found to have a neuroprotective effect against toxicity of glutamate and enhanced neuronal survival in the absence of neurotoxic compounds. AZ36041 may be a useful tool for investigating the mechanism of Aβ neurotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.