Inhibition of SNARE-driven neuroexocytosis by plant extracts

Biotechnol Lett. 2009 Mar;31(3):361-9. doi: 10.1007/s10529-008-9878-z. Epub 2008 Nov 20.

Abstract

Neuronal soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein (SNAP) receptor (SNARE) proteins mediate membrane fusion between synaptic vesicle and presynaptic membrane, resulting in neurotransmitter release. SNARE proteins are specific substrates of botulinum neurotoxins (BoNT) which are now widely used for therapeutic and cosmetic purposes. While BoNT blocks neuroexocytosis by cleaving SNAREs, inhibiting SNARE assembly process might exert the same effect on neurotransmission. In the present study, some extracts of 100 plants reduced neurotransmitter release by inhibiting SNARE complex formation in neuronal cells. The extracts effectively paralyzed muscle of rat phrenic nerve-hemidiaphragm preparation. Our results raise the possibility that SNARE folding inhibitors from natural resources might replace some special BoNT application fields.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diaphragm / drug effects
  • Exocytosis / drug effects*
  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents / pharmacology*
  • Neurons / drug effects*
  • Paralysis
  • Phrenic Nerve / drug effects
  • Plant Extracts / pharmacology*
  • Rats
  • SNARE Proteins / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Synaptic Transmission / drug effects*

Substances

  • Neuromuscular Blocking Agents
  • Plant Extracts
  • SNARE Proteins