Fig. 6

Inhibition of glutathione synthesis uncovers astroglial ROS production. l-buthionine-sulfoximine (BSO; 50 μmol/L for 12 h), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis reduced astroglial GSH content (a GSH). Values are the means ± SD of four wells. ***P < 0.001 versus control (grouped t test). Inhibition of glutathione synthesis in astroglia revealed LPS-induced ROS production in astroglia devoid of microglia. The rate of ROS production in the treated astroglial culture exposed to LPS (0.01 μg/mL) for 12 h (b ROS), and the rate of NO production in the astroglial culture exposed to LPS (0.01 μg/mL) for 12 h (c NO) in the presence or absence of BSO. BSO pretreatment (50 μmol/L) had been performed for 12 h prior to exposure to LPS. Values are the means ± SD of six wells. n.s., not significant, *P < 0.05 versus control (grouped t test)