A Single-Dose Resveratrol Treatment in a Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Abstract The underlying causes of denervation of the neuromuscular junction and eventual motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have not been resolved. The superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1)G93A mutant mouse is a frequently used animal model of ALS. We hypothesized that resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenolic molecule that enhances mammalian NAD+-dependent SIRT1 deacetylases and may increase life span, would improve motor function and survival in the SOD1 mouse model via modulation of p53 acetylation. Data were collected for mean survival times, neuromuscular performance on the ROTOR-ROD™ (San Diego Instruments, San Diego, CA, USA), body weight, and p53 acetylation. Mean survival times were not statistically different (P = .23) between control and experimental (RSV-fed) groups (mean ± SD, control [n = 11] 138 ± 6 days vs. experimental [n = 10] 135 ± 8 days). Performance was not significantly different between groups at time points corresponding to 50%, 80%, and 90% mean life span (P = .46), nor di...