ABSTRACT
<p><b>AIM</b>To investigate the effect of 3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone (alpha-DHAP) on Na+, K+ -ATPase activity of injured brain mitochondria induced by ascorbate-FeSO4 and the oxygen consumption of rat brain cells stimulated by ADP.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>Na+, K+ -ATPase activity was determined according to the method of inorganic phosphate. Swelling of the brain mitochondria was detected with the method of spectrophotometer. Lipid peroxidation was detected according to the thiobarbituric acid method of spectrophotometer. Oxygen consumption was measured by oxygen electrode method.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The decrease of Na+, K+ -ATPase activity, mitochondria swelling and formation of lipid peroxidation were shown in rat brain mitochondria and cells induced by ascorbate-FeSO4. alpha-DHAP was shown to increase the activity of Na+, K+ -ATPase, decrease the mitochondria swelling and inhibit the production of lipid peroxidation of brain mitochondria and cells induced by ascorbate and FeSO4. alpha-DHAP can also reduce the oxygen consumption of brain cells stimulated by ADP.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>alpha-DHAP can protect the structure and the function of brain mitochondria and cells by scavenging the free radical and resisting the reaction of lipid peroxidation.</p>