Protective effects of huperzine A on beta-amyloid(25-35) induced oxidative injury in rat pheochromocytoma cells

Abstract

The effects of huperzine A (HupA), a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on Abeta(25-35)-induced cell lesion, level of lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated in the rat pheochromocytoma line PC12. Following a 48 h exposure of the cells to Abeta(25-35), a significant reduction in cell survival and activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and catalase (CAT), as well as increased production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were observed. Preincubation of the cells with HupA prior to Abeta(25-35) exposure elevated the cell survival and GSH-Px and CAT activities, and decreased the level of MDA and SOD activity. The results indicate that HupA has protective effects against Abeta-induced cell toxicity, which might be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.