ABSTRACT
To investigate the seropharmacological action of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BHD) on hypoxia induced apoptosis of cultured cortical neurons. Models of hypoxia induced neuron apoptosis were established by Daniel method. Neuron apoptotic rate was examined by propidium iodide staining method and flow cytometry, nitric oxide (NO) and malonyl dialdehyde (MDA) contents by spectrophotometer and bcl 2 gene expression by immunohistochemical method. Effects of BHD on neuron apoptotic rate, NO and MDA contents and bcl 2 gene expression were observed in normal group (Group A), model group (Group B), normal saline group (Group C) and high dosage, moderate dosage and low dosage BHD groups (Group D, Group E and Group F). BHD could inhibit the apoptosis of cultured cortical neurons, reduce the production of NO and MDA and promote the expression of bcl 2 gene.[Conclusion]BHD has an inhibitory effect on hypoxia induced apoptosis of cultured cortical neurons and its mechanism may be concerned with the reduction of NO and MDA production and the increase of bcl 2 gene expression.