Effect of taurine on acute ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis in rats / 中国药理学通报

ABSTRACT

Aim To investigate the effect taurine on ischemia-induced neuron apoptosis and its mechanisms. Methods Focal cerebral ischemia was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). After 6 h permanent MCAO, mRNA expressions of Caspase-3/8 of rat brain were detected with real-time quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (real-time QRT-PCR). Oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) was used to induce an in vitro ischemia model. Primarily cultured cortical neurons were exposed to 4 h OGD. Intracellular calcium concentrations([Ca~(2+)]_i) was measured with fluorescent Ca~(2+) sensitive probe fura 2 acetoxylmethyl ester (Fura 2/AM). Neuronal apoptosis was assayed with flow cytometry of FITC-annexinV/propidium iodide binding 24 h after OGD. Results mRNA expressions of Caspase-3/8 were upregulated in MCAO model. [Ca~(2+)]_i and neuronal apoptosis were markedly increased in OGD model. Taurine pretreatment reduced the upregulation of mRNA expression of Caspase-3/8 in vivo and ameliorated calcium overload and neuronal apoptosis in vitro. Conclusion Taurine has neuroprotective effect against ischema-induced neuronal apoptosis. This is partly due to its effects on Caspase-3/8 and [Ca~(2+)]_i