Huperzine A protects rat pheochromocytoma cells against hydrogen peroxide-induced injury

The effects of Huperzine A (HupA), a novel acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced cell lesion, level of lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme activities were investigated in rat pheochromocytoma line PC12. Following a 6-h exposure of the cells to H2O2 (200 mu M), a marked reduction in cell survival and activities of glutathione peroxidase and catalase, as well as increased production of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed. Pretreatment of the cells with HupA (0.1-10.0 mu M) prior to H2O2 exposure significantly elevated the cell survival and antioxidant enzyme activities and decreased the level of MDA. Our results indicated that in addition to its anticholinesterase effects, HupA had protective effects against free radical-induced cell toxicity, which might be beneficial for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.