Effect of Puerarin on Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 Expression of Hippocampal CA1 Neurons in Ovariectomized Rats

Objective To study the action of puerarin on Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 expression of hippocampal CA1 neurons in ovariectomized rats, and explore its mechanism. Methods SD female rats were randomly assigned into sham operation group, model group, premarin group and puerarin groups(120, 60, 30 mg/kg). The model group and sham operation group were injected NS intraperitoneally, other groups were treated with corresping drugs for 30 d. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR were used to determine Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 expression of hippocampal CA1 neurons. Results Caspase-3 expression of hippocampal CA1 neurons was significantly decreased in high-dose puerarin group(P 0.05). Bcl-2 expression of hippocampal CA1 neurons was significantly increased in high- and medium-dose puerarin groups(P 0.05, P 0.01). Bcl-2 mRNA level of hippocampal CA1 neurons in high-dose puerarin group was significantly increased(P 0.05). Conclusion Puerarin can decrease Caspase-3expression and increase Bcl-2 expression of hippocampal CA1 neurons in ovariectomized rats, and has protective effect on neuronal structure.