Neuroprotection from induced glutamate excitotoxicity by Conus brunneus conopeptides in a stroke-related model

• Other Authors: Crouch, Rebecca A.
• Format: Others
• Language: English
• Published: Florida Atlantic University
• Subjects: Gastropoda > Venom > Therapeutic use; Peptides > Structure; Neuroprotective agents; Central nervous system > Diseases > Treatment
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fcla/dt/3362331

Cone snails are carnivorous marine mollusks, utilizing their neuropeptide-rich venom for prey capture. The venom of Conus brunneus, a wide-spread Eastern Pacific vermivore, has not been extensively studied. In the current work, peptides from the dissected venom were characterized and tested using preliminary bioassays. Six peptides (A-F) were isolated and tested. Three peptide identities were determined by comparison with previously reported data: bru9a (A), bru3a (F), and an a-conotoxin (E). Preliminary screening in a stroke-related model of induced glutamate excitotoxicity in primary neuronal cells and PC12 cell cultures indicated potential neuroprotective activity of peptide fractions A, D, and F. Further testing is necessary to determine and verify structure, activity, target, and mechanism of action of the promising peptides from C. brunneus, which may prove effective neuropharmacological agents to treat stroke. === by Rebecca A. Crouch. === Thesis (M.S.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2013. === Includes bibliography. === Mode of access: World Wide Web. === System requirements: Adobe Reader.