The effect of procyanidins on bax and bcl-2 gene expression of apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by β-amyloid peptide(25-35)

Objective To discuss the mechanisms of protection of procyanidins(PC) on bax and bcl-2 expression of apoptotic PC12 cells induced by β-amyloid peptide(Aβ)25-35.Methods The cell survival rate of PC12 cells was determined by MTT colorimetric technique,the morphology change of nucleus apoptosis was observed by Hoechst-PI fluorescence staining,and the expression of bax and bcl-2 mRNA and level of Bax and Bcl-2 protein were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot respectively.Results Different concentrations of PC for 1 h inhibited apoptosis induced by Aβ25-35 and increased survival rate,decreased karyopyknosis and karyorrhexis,descended bax mRNA and bax protein expressions with dosage dependency manner.Conclusions PC prevents apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by Aβ25-35 through decreasing the bax gene expression,and increasing the bcl-2 gene expression.