Pregabalin antagonizes copper-induced toxicity in the brain: in vitro and in vivo studies.

BACKGROUND Copper plays key roles in brain metabolism. Disorders of copper metabolism impact on neural signaling. The intracellular and extracellular concentrations of copper are tightly regulated. Pregabalin is a drug with multiple modes of action and has a high-affinity binding site for the alpha2delta subunit of voltage-gated calcium channels. METHODS Assessment of neuroprotective effects of pregabalin using cell culture, transcription studies, microdialysis and neurophysiological assessment in rats. RESULTS In vitro, copper decreased markedly the survival of neuronal cells and enhanced the production of nitric oxide (NO). Transcription of NO synthase (NOS) 1-3 and PGC-1a (a key regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis) was activated. In vivo, copper impaired the NMDA-mediated regulation of glutamate in the brain, increased the production of NO and enhanced markedly the excitability of the motor cortex. Pregabalin had antagonistic effects both in vitro and in vivo. CONCLUSION Our experiments highlight that pregabalin antagonizes the neurotoxic effects of copper. We argue that pregabalin exerts neuroprotective effects by silencing the overexcitability state induced by copper. We propose a possible use of pregabalin for treatment of disruption of copper homeostasis.