Effect of zinc on expression of bcl-2 mRNA in new born rat hippocampal neurons

Objective:To determine the molecular mechanisms of zinc effect on the central nervous system development and function, we observed the expression of bcl 2 mRNA in hippocampal neurons, which was an apoptosis inhibitory proto oncogene. Methods:The new born hippocampal neurons were cultured in serum free medium with different zinc level for 7 days. And then we used image analytical system to analyze the soma area, body maximum and minimum diameter of hippocampal neurons, and used Northern blot method to examine bcl 2 mRNA expression of hippocampal neurons respectively. Results:The results showed that the diameter and volume of supplemented zinc neurons (0.5, 1.0 and 4.0 mg/L) were greater than those in no zinc supplemented neurons (control group). The bcl 2 mRNA expression of cultured hippocampal neurons in medium with zinc in 0.5, 1.0 and 4.0 mg/L was higher than that in control group respectively. Conclusion:The results suggest that zinc can inhibit the apoptosis and promote the development of neurons by increasing bcl 2 transcription level.