Transfection of catalase-peroxidase gene can protect PC_(12) cells from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide

Objective: To observe the protective effects of transfection catalase-peroxidase (CPX) gene on PC12 cells against cells apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide. Methods: Firstly, PC12 cells were transfected with CPX gene and the monocloned cell line which could express CPX gene was selected.Then the expression of target mRNA and proteins were measured by RT-PCR, immunocytochemistry and enzyme assays. Finally the cells were exposed to hydrogen peroxide, the changes of cells apoptosis were measured by electrion microscope, MTT assay, DNA electrophoretic analysis and flow cytometric DNA analysis. Results: Exposure of cells to hydrogen peroxide resulted in characteristic changes of apoptosis which included morphologic changes, DNA fragmentation and an increase in the apoptosis rate. MTT assay showed that cell activity decreased remarkably (P0.01). While in the cells transfected with CPX genes, there was no such remarkable changes when treated with hydrogen peroxide. Conclusion: Transfection of catalase-peroxidase gene can protect PC12 cells from apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide.