Figure 3.
Glucocorticoid agonists inhibit oligodendrocyte but not neuronal apoptosis. Oligodendrocytes were cultured in the presence or absence of AMPA, MP, DEX, or RU486 (RU) as indicated. A, RNA and protein were extracted for Bcl-xL reverse transcription (RT)-PCR and activated caspase-3 (Act Casp 3) Western blotting, respectively. A, B, In addition, caspase-3 activity (B) and DNA fragmentation (C) were measured. D, Cell death was assessed using an LDH release assay. E, Cortical neurons were grown in the presence or absence of STP and/or MP as indicated. Protein was extracted for Bcl-xL Western blotting. *p < 0.001 compared with control; **p < 0.001 compared with AMPA treatment; †p < 0.01 compared with AMPA plus MP (ANOVA with post hoc Tukey's test). Error bars represent SD. Results were replicated in two independent experiments, using triplicate cultures in each group.