Role of PI3K/Akt in protective effect of hydrogen sulfide against PC12 cells injuries induced by chemical hypoxia

Aim To explore the role of PI3K/Akt pathway in hydrogen sulfide-induced neuroprotection of PC12 cells.Methods The level of p-Akt of PC12 cells induced by H2S donor(NaHS)was evaluated by Western blot.Cell viability was tested by cell counter kit-8.Apoptotic rate was evaluated by propidium iodide(PI) staining and flow cytometry(FCM).Results At the concentrations from 50 to 400 μmol·L-1 NaHS for 30 min,p-Akt level was upregulated in a dose-dependent manner,peaking at 400 mol ·L-1 NaHS treatment.As the dose of NaHS increased,p-Akt expression decreased.H2S preconditioning markedly protected PC12 cells against injuries induced by CoCl2,increasing the viability of cells and decreasing the percentage of apoptotic cells.Ly294002,an inhibitor of PI3K,not only decreased p-Akt level but also obviously lowered the neuroprotection of H2S.Conclusion H2S can protect PC12 cells against chemical hypoxia injuries by activiating PI3K/Akt pathway.