P 30: Effect of Fasudil on Acrylamide-Induced Cytotoxicity in PC12 Cells Through Evaluation of ROS and MTT Test

Introduction: Acrylamide (ACR) known as a neurotoxic agent in human and animals. Previous studies have been shown; fasudil improves neurological deficit and neuronal damage. In this study, the effect of fasudil, potent Rho-kinase inhibitor, on ACR-induced cytotoxicity was evaluated using PC12 cells as a suitable in vitro model. Materials and Methods: PC12 cells were exposed to different concentrations of fasudil (5,10, 25, 50 and 100 &micro;M) for 24 h. Then, ACR 6 mM was added. After 24 h exposure with ACR, cell viability was determined using MTT test. For evaluation reactive oxygen species production, 2, 7-dichlorofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) method was used. In addition the levels of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins were evaluated using western blot analysis. Results: ACR Exposure increased ROS production and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio while decreased cell viability. Pretreatment with fasudil (50 &micro;M) for 24 h inhibited ROS production (*** p< 0.001) and increased viability (*** p< 0.001). Also, fasudil could decrease Bax/Bcl-2 ratio but was not significantly. Conclusion: The oxidative stress and apoptosis pathway play important roles in ACR toxicity on PC12 cells. Fasudil exhibited protective effects on ACR toxicity through inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis pathway.&nbsp;&nbsp;