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The appetite suppressant dfenfluramine induces apoptosis in human serotonergic cells
- Source :
- NeuroReport; September 1998, Vol. 9 Issue: 13 p2989-2993, 5p
- Publication Year :
- 1998
-
Abstract
- FENFLURAMINE is an amphetamine analogue which has been widely used in the treatment of obesity. In rodents, non-human primates, and humans, fenfluramine is associated with some indices of neurotoxicity, as well as pulmonary hypertension and cardiac valve pathology. In the present study, d-fenfluramine was found to be cytotoxic to the serotonin (5-HT) transporter (5-HTT) expressing human placental choriocarcinoma cells. d-Fenfluramine caused DNA fragmentation and apoptosis. Apoptosis was not observed after the 5-HTT had been blocked by fluoxetine, indicating that intact 5-HTT function is required for d-fenfluramine to induce programmed cell death. These observations in a human cell line may reflect a possible mechanism associated with the risks of fenfluramine administration in several species, including humans.
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 09594965 and 1473558X
- Volume :
- 9
- Issue :
- 13
- Database :
- Supplemental Index
- Journal :
- NeuroReport
- Publication Type :
- Periodical
- Accession number :
- ejs48978678