Caspase and cytochrome C expression in KA-induced neurotoxicity in organe of hippocampal culture(OHC) model

Objective Caspase and cytochrome C (Cyto.C) plays an important role in apoptosis in excitotoxic model. But caspase and Cyto C protein expression in excitotoxic model have not been report. Purpus of this research was exploring the protein expression and the mechanism of Caspase and Cyto C in KA indued neurotoxicity. Methods To made OHC model and test the Caspase and Cyto C protein expression by western blot. Results There are low level of Caspase 3 and Caspase 9 expression in control group. Caspase 3,Caspase 9 and Cyto C protein expression were significantly increased after KA treatment. Although active form of Caspase 3 (17KD) were not detected. Conclusions (1)There are low level of Caspase 3,Caspase 9 and cytochrome C expression in normal hippocampal neuron.(2)KA could increase Caspase 3,Caspase 9 and cytochrome C expression,indicating that KA could increase Cyto C releasing into cytosol,then Cyto. C further activate Caspase 9,actived Caspase 9 could activate Caspase 3,finally causing apoptosis.