Effects of rifampicin on 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium-induced apoptosis in differentiated PC12 cells

Objective To explore the effects of rifampicin on cell activity, cell morphology,apoptotic rate as well as activation rate of caspase-3 in MPP+ (1-methyl-4-Phenylpyridinium)-induced differentiated PC12 cells. Methods MPP+ was added to rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells to develop a model of Parkinson's disease in vitro. Cell activity was detected by MTT assay, cell morphology was observed by TUNEL, and the rate of caspase-3 activation was determined by flow cytometry. Results As compared with the control group and rifampicin control group, cell activity was significantly decreased but apoptosis and the activation rate of c aspase-3 were significantly increaed in MPP+ group. As compared with MPP+ group,cell activity was significantly increased but apoptosis and the activation rate of caspase-3 were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner in MPP+ co-incubation with rifampicin (100,200, and 300 μmol/L) groups. Conclusions Rifampicin may reduce the damage of MPP+-induced differentiated PC12 cells through inhibiting the activation of caspase-3 in a dose-dependent manner. Key words: Rifampicin;  MPP+;  Apoptosis;  Caspase-3;  Parkinson's disease