A peptide derived from acetylcholinesterase induces neuronal cell death: characterisation of possible mechanisms

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) exhibits functions unrelated to the catalysis of acetylcholine (ACh) in particular during development. Although the underlying mechanism(s) is presently unknown, a candidate peptide fragment (AChE-peptide) has recently been identified, and been shown to induce a continuum of apoptotic and necrotic neuronal cell death in rat hippocampal organotypic cultures. The aim of this study was to trace the cell death pathway initiated by AChE-peptide. Using specific antagonists, it was possible to track a series of cellular events following application of 1 nM AChE-peptide: NMDA receptor activation, opening of the L-type voltage gated calcium channel, activation of calcium/calmodulin kinase II, generation of reactive oxygen species and caspase activation. Pharmacological interception at any stage of this cascade blocked the effect of 1 nM AChE-peptide on neurite retraction. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, a marker for cell lysis, was unaffected by 1 nM AChE-peptide. In contrast, cell death induced by 1 mM AChE-peptide, monitored as neurite retraction and increased LDH efflux, was not offset by any drug treatment. These data suggest that nanomolar concentrations of AChE-peptide exhibit pathophysiological activity via an apoptotic pathway that could play an important role in neuronal development and neurodegeneration.