Block of the permeability transition pore may explain the neuroprotective effect of erythropoietin

Erythropoietin (EPO) was shown to have a neuroprotective action in an in-vitro model of ischemia (Ruscher et al., 2002, J Neurosci 22:10291) and to be beneficial in the therapy of acute stroke (Ehrenreich et al., 2002, Mol Med 8:495). Several neuroprotectants, e.g. the non-ergot dopamine-D2-agonist pramipexole, were found to act by interrupting the signaling chain leading to apoptosis (Sayeed et al., 2006, FASEB J, 20:556). A central step within this cascade is opening of the permeability transition pore (PTP). In contrast, blockade of the PTP is able to suppress apoptotic cell death and to protect neuronal tiss…