Amitriptyline increases survival rate and neurite outgrowth of spiral ganglion Neurons

Introduction:

Amitriptyline (AT), a tricyclic antidepressant agent, can induce neuroprotective effects on the central nervous system. As an unselective serotonin-noradrenalin reuptake inhibitor in the synapses of the central nervous system it is used for the treatment of depressive disorders. Effects on spiral ganglion neurons have not yet been shown according to current evidence. Here, neuroprotective/neurotrophic effects of AT on spiral ganglion neurons should be explored.

Material and Methods:

Spiral ganglion neurons were extracted from the inner ear of newborn rats (P0 – 3) and cultivated for 48h with different AT concentrations (0.01 – 10000 nM). After immunocytochemical staining survival rate and neurite length were determined. Cultures without neurotrophic factors served as control.

Results:

The addition of AT led to a significant increase of the survival rate compared to the control group (p < 0.01). The maximal neurotrophic effect was detected at a concentration of 0.1 nM. Here, a significant increase of the survival rate of 36.6 ± 5.5% was detected compared to the control (25.8 ± 6.6%). Additionally, a significant increase (p < 0.05) of the neurite outgrowth at a concentration of 0.1 nM AT (330.9 ± 30.2 µm) was detected when compared to the control (267.0 ± 23.1 µm).

Conclusion:

Our data indicate a neuroprotective/neurotrophic effect of AT on spiral ganglion neurons as the survival rate and neurite outgrowth of spiral ganglion neurons were significantly increased by addition of AT. In the next step, effects have to be verified in vivo and should be examined in depth.

Publication History

Publication Date:
18 April 2018 (online)