PB2 is a tris(2-carboxyethyl)phosphine (TCEP) analogue increasing retinal ganglion (RGCs) cells survival after axotomy in vitro at nanomolar and picomolar concentrations. PB2 is substantially more permeable than TCEP. PB2, as a reducing agent, is highly neuroprotective for RGCs[1].
PB2 (0.001~100000 nM; 72 hours; RGCs) increases RGC viability[1].PB2 has modifications that neutralize the polarity of the compounds. The methylesters of PB2 is likely to be cleaved by cytosolic esterases, yielding a polar intracellular intermediate that would be unlikely to cross cell membranes[1].
[1]. Schlieve CR, et al. Synthesis and characterization of a novel class of reducing agents that are highly neuroprotective for retinal ganglion cells. Exp Eye Res. 2006;83(5):1252-1259.