Introduction: Microglia, the sentries of the brain, are highly implicated in neurodegeneration as in neuroprotection. Chronic microglial activation endangers neuronal survival through the release of various potentially neurotoxic mediators including cytokines, chemokines and nitric oxide (NO). Thus, negative regulators of microglial activation have been considered as potential therapeutic candidates to target neurodegeneration, such as that in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s diseases and even in chronic epileptic syndromes. Bromelain, a mixture of cysteine proteases, derived from pineapple stem, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Materials and Methods: The activation profile of microglia was investigated by determining the effects of Bromelain in dissociated neonatal rat primary microglial cultures exposed to the endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS). This activation profile consisted of the neurotoxin: nitrite (NO). Mitochondrial activity and morphology changes, were investigated and also already, the purity of the cultures was greater than 95% as judged by immunostaining with an anti-OX-42 antibody. Results: Our results showed that Bromelain (30 mg/ml) significantly reduced the production of NO induced by LPS treatment in neonatal rat primary microglia in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion and discussion: In conclusion, the anti-inflammatory effects of Bromelain in vitro suggest its potential effects in reduction of NO synthesis. So, as Bromelain has a natural origin, can be considered as a useful agent for neuroprotection or even reduction of symptoms of neurodegenerative pathologies.

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