Objective: This is an in vitro study aimed to assess the influence of magnesium on cultured anoxic cortical neurons of rats.
Methods: After being treated with MgSO4 and Mg(2+)-ATP respectively, the cortical neurons of rats were given mixture of 97.5% N2 and 2.5% CO2 continuously to set up the model of anoxic cortical neuron of rats at different time points. The mortality of neurons, the levels of Ca2+ within nerve cells (marked by Fluo-3, detected by laser confocal microscopy), and the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), K+ and neuron specific enolase (NSE) in the culture fluid were investigated at 1,2,4 hours after the inception of anoxia.
Results: MgSO4 and Mg(2+)-ATP reduced the calcium influx of anoxic cortical neuron (P<0.05), lowered the level of LDH, K+, NSE in the culture fluid (P<0.05) and significantly decreased the mortality of neurons (P <0.05).
Conclusion: The protective efficacy of magnesium against the anoxic damage to cultured cortical neurons of rats is corroborated.