Effects of Icariin on Apoptosis of PC12 cells Induced by Cobalt chloride

Objective: To investigate the effects of icariin(ICA) on apoptosis induced by cobalt chloride(Co Cl2) in PC12 cells. Methods: Co Cl2, chemical-mimetic agent, was used to establish the hypoxia injury model of PC12 cells. The viability of PC12 cells was measured by MTT assay, the percentage of apoptotic cells was assessed by Hoechst33,258 and flow cytometry, The level of reactive oxygen species(ROS) in PC12 cells was measured by fluorescent probe DCFHDA. Results: Co Cl2 induced a decrease in cell viability and an increase in percentage of apoptotic cells in PC12 cells along with overproduction of ROS. However, pre-incubation of icariin for 30 min prior to Co Cl2 treatment significantly rescued the loss of cell viability induced by Co Cl2, decreased the apoptotic percentage of PC12 cells and overproduction of ROS. Conclusion: Icariin protected PC12 cells against Co Cl2-induced apoptosis, which may be associated with the inhibition of overproduction of ROS induced by Co Cl2.