[Neuroprotective effect of BDNF on hypoxia for embryonic rat cortical neurons in vitro].
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the neuroprotective function of BDNF on hypoxic- cultured neurons in vitro.


METHODS
The embryonic cerebral cortical neurons of rat were cultured in vitro in hypoxic and non-hypoxic environments and were observed under transmission electron microscope. MTT colorimetry was used to detect the viability of the neurons. Both DAPI colorated measurement and TUNEL methods were used to calculate the percentages of neuron apoptosis. Three groups were designed and compared: Group A - normal control; Group B - exposed to hypoxia; Group C-BDNF intervened (with different dosages and durations) and exposed to hypoxia.


RESULTS
The ultrastructural alterations of the hypoxic cultured neurons indicated that hypoxia induced necrosis, apoptosis or both. The neurons were most sensitive to hypoxia at the initial 10 hours. At six hours after hypoxic cultures, Group C had significant greater livability of neurons and less percentages of neuron apoptosis than Group B (P<0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
Hypoxia damages embryonic cerebral cortical neurons of rat in vitro. Extrinsic BDNF plays a neuroprotective role against hypoxic-induced neurotoxicity in vitro.
Luo
Xiao-li
XL
Pediatric Department, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 614000, China.
Mao
Meng
M
Zhou
Hui
H
Sun
Xiao-mei
XM
Li
Sheng-fu
SF
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015687:Cell Hypoxia; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D002540:Cerebral Cortex / Q000166:cytology*; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian; D009474:Neurons / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley
D019208:Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents