Tumor necrosis factor-alpha is a potential target for the neuroprotector Dimebon

Since 1983, Dimebon (Dimebolin) is used clinically in Russia as an antihistamine drug. Recent interest in Dimebolin is associated with its therapeutic effect in patients with Alzheimer’s disease. Animal studies have shown that Dimebon activity is realized via multiple mechanisms. Our experiments performed on the fibroblast cell culture L929 and C57Bl mice have been shown that Dimebon may block cytotoxic signals induced by the proinflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα). Dimebon (10 μg/mL) protected mouse fibroblast cells L929 against toxic action of TNFα. Pretreatment of mice with Dimebon prevented development of changes in molecular species of sphingomyelins and galactosylceramides induced by a single dose administration of TNAα. Dimebon itself did not induce changes in sphingolipids of the investigated brain structures. © 2015, Pleiades Publishing, Ltd.