Illuminating the Function of the Hydroxyl Radical in the Brains of Mice with Depression Phenotypes by Two-Photon Fluorescence Imaging (vol 58, pg 4674, 2019)

Depression is intimately linked with oxidative stress. As one of the most reactive and oxidative reactive oxygen species that is overproduced during oxidative stress, the hydroxyl radical ((OH)-O-center dot) can cause macromolecular damage and subsequent neurological diseases. However, due to the high reactivity and low concentration of (OH)-O-center dot, precise exploration of (OH)-O-center dot in brains remains a challenge. The two-photon fluorescence probe MD-B was developed for in situ (OH)-O-center dot imaging in living systems. This probe achieves exceptional selectivity towards (OH)-O-center dot through the one-electron oxidation of 3-methyl-pyrazolone as a new specific recognition site. MD-B can be used to map (OH)-O-center dot in mouse brain, thereby revealing that increased (OH)-O-center dot is positively correlated with the severity of depression phenotypes. Furthermore, (OH)-O-center dot has been shown to inactivate deacetylase SIRT1, thereby leading to the occurrence and development of depression phenotypes. This work provides a new strategy for the future treatment of depression.