Neuroprotective effects of riluzole in vitro and in an animal model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

The excitotoxic hypothesis of neuronal degeneration has led to the search for substances with antiglutamatergic properties which might have potential for the treatment of neurological disorders. Riluzole, a compound which can block glutamatergic neurotransmission in the CNS, has been tested in several experimental paradigms for neuroprotective action. Studies have been conducted in models of acute and chronic neuronal damage in culture, as well as in the SOD1-transgenic mouse model of familial amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The data show a significant prolongation of survival in the SOD1 mice and varying degrees of neuroprotection by riluzole against different noxious stimuli in vitro. These findings may broaden the spectrum of neurological diseases in which riluzole could conceivably have beneficial effects.