β-Amyloid-mediated inhibition of redox activity (MTT reduction) is not an indicator of astroglial degeneration

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Abstract
The reduction in 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol]-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) to a coloured formazan compound by cultured cells has been extensively used as an in vitro model for understanding neurobiological mechanisms involved in amyloid β-protein (Aβ)-mediated cell death. In primary cultures of astrocytes, very low concentrations of aggregated Aβ1–40, but not AV40–1, produced a significant inhibition in the reduction of the dye MTT. This inhibitory response was rapid and persisted as long as Aβ1–40 was present in the culture medium. Such a severe reduction in cell redox activity for days failed to cause death of astroglial cells, measured in terms of trypan blue uptake and lactate dehydrogenase release. Interlukin-lβ (IL-1β), which is known to attenuate excitotoxic neurodegeneration, had no effect on Aβ1–40-induced inhibition of MTT reduction. These results suggest that even though inhibition of MTT reduction represents an early indicator of the Aβ1–40-mediated cell injury, without other corroborating evidence, it should not be used as a measure of cell death.

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