Effect of estrogen on the expression of HMGB1, NF-κB in cultured neurons after hypoxia/reoxygenation

Objective To explore the protective effects of estrogen on injured neurons induced by H/R and the mechanisms of that. Methods The cortical neurons cultured for 7 days were randomly divided into group A (normal control group), group B (H/R alone), group C (pretreatment with Estrogen -17βE2 and H/R). Then the apoptotic neurons were count by TUNEL, and the expression of HMGB1,NF- κB was observed by immunocytochemical technique, on each time point after reoxygenation 0,1,3,6,12,24 h of each group. Results ①The number of apoptotic neurons in group B was more than that in control group after H/R 3-24 h, and was less in group C than in group B. ②Compared with group A, the expression of HMGB1 and NF-κB was higher in group B,and was lower in group C than in group B. Conclusions Estrogen could decrease the expression of HMGB1 and NF-κB to inhibit neuronal apoptosis after H/R, which may be one of the mechanisms in which estrogen exerts its neuro-protective effect. Key words: Neurons ;  Hypoxia/reoxygenation ;  Estrogen ;  HMGB1 ;  NF-κB ;  Apoptosis ;