The protective effect of procyanidins on apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by β-amyloid peptide 25-35

Objective To explore the protective effect of procyanidins(PC)on apoptosis of PC12 cells induced by β-amyloid peptide 25-35(Aβ_~25-35 ). Methods Cell survival rate was measured by MTT assay and apoptosis was detected by Hoechst-PI fluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Results Pretreatment with PC of different concentrations for 1 h could prevent PC12 cells against apoptosis induced by Aβ_~25-35 and increase the survival rate of PC12 cells in a dose-dependent fashion. PC prevented the PC12 cells nuclei from shrinkage, condensation and cleavage induced by Aβ_~25-35 and decreased its apoptosis rate. Conclusions PC can resist the toxic effect of Aβ_~25-35 on PC12 cells in a dose-dependent manner.