Effects of isoflurane on cell cycle and apoptosis in PC12 cells

Objective To investigate the effects of isoflurane on the cell cycle and apoptosis in PC12 cells.Methods The neuronal PC12 cells were cultured for 7 d with nerve growth factor in vitro.The cells were cultured in 25 cm2 culture flask and randomly divided into 2 groups (n=6 each): control group (group C) and isoflurane group (group Ⅰ).The neuronal PC12 cells were exposed to 1.2％ isoflurane for 12 h in group Ⅰ.The cell morphology was examined by light microscopy.The apoptotic rate,cell cycle progression,mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and intracellular Ca2 + concentrations ([Ca2 +]i) were assessed by flow cytometry.Results Compared with group C,the cell morphology was changed,the proportion of the cells in Go/G1 phase and MMP were significantly decreased,and the proportion of the cells in G2/M phase,apoptotic rate and [Ca2+]i were significantly increased in group Ⅰ (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Exposure of PC12 cells to 1.2％ isoflurane for 12 h can activate the cell cycle abnormally and result in cell apoptosis. Key words: Isoflurane; Apoptosis; Cell cycle