Effects of MPP~+ on proliferation and ERK activation of PC12 cells

Objective To study the toxicity of 1-methy1-4-phenylpyridinium ion(MPP+)on rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells in vitro.Methods PC12 cell cultures were exposed to 100,300,500 μmol/L MPP+.The inhibition of the cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay.Western blot was performed to determine the level of phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase(ERK).Results MPP+ exposure inhibited the proliferation of PC12 cells in a dose-and time-dependent manner.The inhibitory rates were 17.86%-58.06%.Western-blot showed that MPP+ decreased the phosphorylation of ERK1/2(P0.01).PD98059,a selective inhibitor of MEK,further inhibited the proliferation of PC12 cells.Conclusion MPP+ can significantly inhibit the proliferation of PC12 cells.The reduction of ERK1/2 phosphorylation could be an important molecular mechanism of MPP+-induced dopaminergic neurotoxicity.