2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid inhibits apoptosis in PC12 cells

2,4,5-Trichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4,5-T) is an endocrine disrupter that exerts cytotoxic effects on organisms. In this study, the influence of 2,4, 5-T at low concentrations on apoptosis in PC12 cells was investigated. Alth ough no apoptotic features were observed in PC12 cells treated with 2,4,5-T , it inhibited the DNA fragmentation induced by serum deprivation. In addit ion, the cell viability of PC12 cells increased after treatment with 2,4,5- T. In conclusion, 2,4,5-T suppressed the apoptosis of the cultured cells. S ince apoptosis is a morphological and biochemical description of a physiolo gical mechanism of cell death that is commonly associated with programmed e vents necessary for development of individuals and organs, the inhibitory e ffect of 2,4,5-T on apoptosis might cause serious damage to cell homeostasi s and differentiation. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.