S19159, a Modulator of Neurite Outgrowth Produced by the Ascomycete Preussia aemulans

I. Producing Strain, Fermentation, Isolation and Biological Activity

Abstract

A modulator of neurite outgrowth, designated S19159, was isolated from the fermentation broth of fungal strain 19159. This fungus was identified as the loculoascomycete, Preussia aemulans (Rehm) von Arx. In the presence of S19159, the number of neurites extending from the cell bodies of cerebral cortical neurons was markedly reduced. The effect of S19159 was observed specifically in neurons from the central nervous system. The compound exhibited similar activities on cultured cortical, hippocampal and cerebeller neurons but was without detectable effect on dorsal root ganglion neurons and PC12 cells.