(S)-Trolox is a water-soluble analogue of vitamin E, in which the phytyl chain is replaced with a carboxyl group. (S)-Trolox is frequently used as a model compound for studies of structural features, as well as a standard for evaluation of antioxidant activity. (S)-Trolox has potent and specific neuroprotective and antioxidant effects[1][2].

The neuroprotective efficacy of antioxidant molecules against iodoacetate (IAA) neurotoxicity in rat cerebellar granule cell (CGC) cultures is investigated. In the absence of MK-801, (S)-Trolox displays marginal neuroprotective effects. In the presence of MK-801 (10 μM), the neuroprotective efficacy of (S)-Trolox is greatly enhanced, giving rise to a recovery in MTT-reductase activity equivalent to 80-100% of control cultures. (S)-Trolox displays EC50 value of 78 μM. The fluorescence increase in IAA-stimulated DCFH-DA-loaded cultures is inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by the antioxidants (S)-Trolox with an IC50 value of 97 μM. The antioxidant (S)-Trolox demonstrate apotent and specific neuroprotective action in an in vitro model of neurodegeneration induced by inhibition of the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH[1].

[1]. Malcolm CS, et al. Characterization of iodoacetate-mediated neurotoxicity in vitro using primary cultures of rat cerebellar granule cells. Free Radic Biol Med. 2000 Jan 1;28(1):102-7. [2]. GÓrecki M, et al. Chromane helicity rule--scope and challenges based on an ECD study of various trolox derivatives. Org Biomol Chem. 2014 Apr 14;12(14):2235-54.