Protective effects of bilobalide on amyloid beta-peptide 25-35-induced PC12 cell cytotoxicity

AIM: To study the effect of bilobalide, a terpene extracted from the leaves of Ginkgo biloba, on beta-amyloid peptide fragment 25 - 35 (A beta 25 - 35 )-induced PC12 cell cytotoxicity. METHODS: 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 -diphenyltetrazolium bromide and lactate dehydrogenase assay were used to m easure the viability of PC12 cells. Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances were measured to determine lipid peroxidation of cells. Antioxidant enzyme s in PC12 cells were detected. RESULTS: Treatment of PC12 cells with A beta 25 - 35 (100 mu mol.L-1) for 24 h caused a great decrease in cell viabilit y (P < 0.01 compared with control). Bilobalide 25 - 100 mu mol.L-1 dose-dep endently attenuated the cytotoxic effect of A beta 25 35. Bilobalide also i nhibited A beta 25 - 35 (100 mu mol. L-1)-induced elevation of lipid peroxi dation smd decline of antioxidant enzyme activities. CONCLUSION: Bilobalide protected PC12 cells from A beta 25 35-induced cytotoxicity.