What is Neurotropin?

Neurotropin is a molecule that can be found in the inflamed skin of rabbits (Figure. 8.2.1) that have been previously inoculated with the Vaccinia Virus  ( Naminmatsu, 1986). It’s analgesic properties were first discovered in START (specific alternation of rhythm temperature)-stressed animals and has since been widely used as a drug for treating chronic neuropathic pain (Miura, 2005). Neurotropin delivers its therapeutic effect by increasing the threshold potential of voltage-gated potassium channels to inhibit firing of dorsal root ganglion (sensory) neurons (Kawai, 2018). Although the safe use of Neurotropin as an analgesic has been established , its affect on other neurological factors have not yet been determined.

Previous Research Discoveries

More recent research of Neurotropin has focused on investigating its potential neuroprotective properties. In one study, authors explored its effect on spatial cognitive impairments in Ts65D, Down Syndrome mice models. The results showed that treatment over a short three-month period, improved spatial cognitive impairments in mice (Fukuda, 2010). Similar results were found in C57BL/6J  mice and in addition, demonstrated Neurotropins ability to diminish the volume of infarcted lesions in the brain (Nakajo, 2015). Furthermore, Neurotropin has also been proven to decrease neuroinflamm ation in BV-2 microglial cells (Fang, 2017).  Although it has been previously shown that Neurotropin could reduce oxidative stress in APP/PS1 mice, an Alzheimer’s Disease model, its affect on neuroinflammation and cognitive impairment  have never been investigated in Alzheimer’s Disease models (Zheng, 2018).

Neurotropin’s Treatment Potential in Alzheimer’s Disease

The current literature has established Neurotropin’s therapeutic capabilities in other transgenic mice modelling cognitive diseases, but its effect in Alzheimer’s Disease has yet to be explored. Other studies have shown Neurotropin’s therapeutic effect by reducing lesions in the brain, decreasing neuroinflammation and improving cognitive impairment, all of which have been shown to worsen over time in Alzheimer’s Disease. In the leading sections, Neurotropin’s therapeutic effect specifically on Alzheimer’s Disease models and its potential use for treating Alzheimer’s Disease will be explored.

References

Fang, Wen‐Li, et al. “Neurotropin® alleviates hippocampal neuron damage through a HIF‐1α/MAPK pathway.” CNS Neuroscience & Therapeutics 23.5 (2017): 428-437.

Fukuda, Yu, et al. “Stimulated neuronal expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor by Neurotropin.” Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience 45.3 (2010): 226-233.

Kawai, Hiroyuki, et al. “Neurotropin inhibits neuronal activity through potentiation of sustained Kv currents in primary cultured DRG neurons.” Journal of pharmacological sciences 137.3 (2018): 313-316.

Miura, Tomoshi, et al. “Mechanisms of analgesic action of neurotropin on chronic pain in adjuvant-induced arthritic rat: roles of descending noradrenergic and serotonergic systems.” Journal of pharmacological sciences (2005): 0503110016-0503110016.

Nakajo, Yukako, et al. “ERV enhances spatial learning and prevents the development of infarcts, accompanied by upregulated BDNF in the cortex.” Brain research 1610 (2015): 110-123.

Namimatsu, A. “The preventive effect of oral administration of an extract isolated from inflamed skin tissue inoculated with vaccinia virus on impared physiological function of SART (specific alternation of rhythm temperature)-stressed animals.” Pharmacometrics 32 (1986): 599-614.

Zheng, Yuqiu, et al. “Neurotropin inhibits neuroinflammation via suppressing NF-κB and MAPKs signaling pathways in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated BV2 cells.” Journal of pharmacological sciences 136.4 (2018): 242-248.

Figures 8.2.1-8.2.2 created using BioRender.