Overexpression of the mineralocorticoid receptor protects against injury in PC12 cells.

Mineralocorticoid receptor expression is increased following neuronal injury, and this is associated with increased neuronal survival. Here we demonstrate a causal link between overexpression of MR in PC12 cells and protection against death induced by staurosporine and oxygen-glucose deprivation. This survival effect is abrogated by MR antagonism. Drugs which upregulate MR may form the basis for a novel therapeutic approach in conditions such as stroke and head injury.