Acta Pharmacologica Sinica 2006 June; 27 (6): 659-664; doi: 10.1111/j.1745-7254.2006.00324.x

 
Original Article
[ Full text ]
 
Inhibition of ethanol-induced toxicity by tanshinone IIA in PC12 cells1
 

Xian-fang MENG2, Xiao-jing ZOU3, Bin PENG2, Jing SHI2, Xin-min GUAN2, Chun ZHANG4,5

2Department of Neurobiology, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, China; 3Department of Anesthesiology, 4Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China

 

Aim: To observe the effects of tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) on the neurotoxicity induced by ethanol in PC12 cells and to explore its protective role.

 

Methods: PC12 cell survival was measured by MTT assay. The formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were detected by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin (DCF) fluorescence and calorimetric method, respectively. The percentage of cell apoptosis was monitored by flow cytometry. The expression of p53 was detected by immuno-fluorescence and flow cytometry.

 

Results: Ethanol significantly impaired the survival of PC12 cells as demonstrated by MTT assay. Ethanol also induced significant ROS formation and increased LDH release. Pre-incubation with Tan IIA in the culture medium significantly reversed these changes. Ethanol caused cell apoptosis and the upregulation of p53 protein. The anti-apoptosis effects of Tan IIA on ethanol-induced toxicity were accompanied by the downregulation of pro-apoptotic p53 protein expression.


Conclusion:
Tan IIA can protect neurons from apoptosis and might serve as a potential therapeutic drug for neurological disorders induced by ethanol.

 

Keywords: apoptosis; ethanol; PC12 cells; p53; tanshi-none IIA

 
1 Project supported by a grant from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No 30400122).

5 Correspondence to Prof Chun ZHANG.
Phn 86-27-8572-6194.
E-mail drzhangchun@yahoo.com
Received 2005-11-08     Accepted 2006-01-13

[ Full text ]
 

Copyright©APS 2009
Add: 294 Tai-Yuan Road, Shanghai 200031, China
Phn: 86-21-5492-2821  Fax: 86-21-5492-2823
E-mail: aps@mail.shcnc.ac.cn