Objective: To examine the action of ginsenoside Rg1 on the prevention of apoptosis in cultured cortical neurons. METHODS Serum-deprivation was used as a model of apoptosis in cultured cortical neurons. Trypan blue exclusion test was set to examine cell viability. Lactate dehydrogenase release assay was used to investigate neuron injury. Two tests were performed for identification of apoptosis: fluorescence microscopy of cells stained with Hoechst 33 342 and Propidium Iodide; deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) electrophoresis on agarose gel.
Results: Rg1 increased the neuron viability, lessened the release of LDH, reduced the morphological changes of nuclei, and decreased the cleavage of DNA.
Conclusions: Rg1 can inhibit apoptosis of cultured cortical neurons induced by serum withdrawal. This action of Rg1 is concentration-dependent. The finding may give a clue to elucidate the antiaging activity of Rg1.