In Vivo Cytotoxicity of the Prion Protein Fragment 106–126

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies are fatal neurological diseases characterized by astroglyosis, neuronal loss, and by the accumulation of the abnormal isoform of the prion protein. The amyloid prion protein fragment 106–126 (P106–126) has been shown to be toxic in cultured hippocampal neurons (1). Here, we show that P106–126 is also cytotoxic in vivo. Taking advantage of the fact that retina is an integral part of the central nervous system, the toxic effect of the peptide was investigated by direct intravitreous injection. Aged solutions of P106–126 induced apoptotic-mediated retinal cell death and irreversibly altered the electrical activity of the retina. Neither apoptosis nor electroretinogram damages were observed with freshly diluted P106–126, suggesting that the toxicity is linked to the aggregation state of the peptide. The retina provides a convenient in vivo system to look for potential inhibitors of cytotoxicity associated with spongiform encephalopathies.