Neuritogenesis and neuronal differentiation promoted by 2,4-dinitrophenol, a novel anti-amyloidogenic compound.

Neurite outgrowth is a critical event in neuronal development, formation, and remodeling of synapses, response to injury, and regeneration. We examined the effects of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP), a recently described blocker of the aggregation and neurotoxicity of the beta-amyloid peptide, on neurite elongation of central neurons. Morphometric analysis of rat embryo hippocampal and cortical neuronal cultures showed that neurite outgrowth was stimulated by DNP.