Inhibition of Corydalis decumbens Alkaloids on Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Apoptosis of PC12 Cells through Down-regulating Caspase-3 Expression

Objective To extract alkaloids from Corydalis decumbens(AsCD) by supercritical CO2 fluid extraction(SFE) and to evaluate protective effects of AsCD against hydrogen peroxide(H2O2)-induced apoptosis in rat PC12 cells. Methods AsCD were extracted by SFE and oxidative damage PC12 cells model was induced by H2O2.The survival rate of the cells was determined by MTT assay;Lactate dehydrogenase release was determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry;Flow cytometry was used to detect apoptosis;Caspase-3 mRNA and protein were determined by real-time PCR and Western blotting assay,respectively.Results AsCD remarkably reduced the cytotoxicity, prevented membrane damage,and inhibited cell apoptosis.AsCD inhibited Caspase-3 mRNA and protein expression induced by H2O2 in PC12 cells.Conclusion AsCD possess protective effects against H2O2-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells,and the mechanism of AsCD responsible to the inhibition of apoptosis is possibly attributed to the down-regulating Caspase-3 expression.AsCD might be useful in the treatment of oxidative stress-related neurodegenerative diseases.