Neuroprotective Activity of a Novel Synthetic Rhodamine-Based Hydrazone Against Cu2+-Induced Alzheimer’s Disease in Drosophila

A new rhodamine-based probe 3,5-di-tert-butylsalicylaldehyde rhodamine hydrazone (RHTB) has been synthesized and well characterized using spectroscopic techniques and single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Among several metal ions, it selectively detects Cu2+ ions as monitored by UV-Vis and emission spectral titrations. It displays "turn on" behavior owing to the opening of a spirolactum ring and the presence of 3,5-di-tertbutyl as an electron releasing group. Further, Cu2+ ions play a pivotal role in extracellular aggregation of A beta(42) peptides. So far, we know probably that there are no promising drugs available in this regard. Hence, countering the Cu2+ ions by RHTB chelation against orally administered Cu2+ ion-induced neurotoxicity in the eye tissue of Drosophila expressing human A beta(42) (amyloid-beta(42)) has been tested. The present study involves in vivo and in silico approaches. They reveal the therapeutic potential of RHTB against Cu2+ ion-induced A beta(42) toxicity in Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of Drosophila.