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Abstracts / Toxicology

26ithium chloride protects PC12 pheochromocytomaell line against morphine induced apoptosis

ousa Sahebgharani, Majid Nejati, Zarghamepehrizadeh, Mohammad Reza Khorramizadeh, Minaahroloumi, Saeed Hashemi Bozchlou, Jamilehsmaeili

Medical Sciences/University of Tehran, Tehran, Islamicepublic of Iran

n the present study the proapoptotic property of mor-hine and protective effect of lithium on PC12 cell lineas a model of neural cells) was examined. We used MTTssay, annexin V FITC test and quantitative real time RT-CR for detection of apoptosis (programmed cell death)

n this investigation.PC12 cells were exposed to different concentrations

f morphine for 6, 12, 24, 48 and 96 h. Quantitativeeal-time RT-PCR revealed that mRNA expression ofAX (proapoptotic element) increased while a decre-ent in the mRNA expression of BCL-2 (protective

lement) was observed after 6 h exposure to morphine.nterestingly the results showed no significant alterationn mRNA expression of BAX or BCL-2 after 12 or4 h exposure to morphine. Furthermore the results ofnnexin V FITC test and MTT assay indicated that mor-hine exposure causes an increase in the percent ofpoptotic and dead cells, respectively. Thus it can be con-luded that alteration in mRNA expression is an earliervent rather than occurrence of apoptosis.

On the other hand, lower concentrations of lithiumlicit a protective effect against apoptosis in some ofammalian cells while the higher concentrations are

oxic. Despite of a large body of evidences on the protec-ive effect of lithium, elucidation of downstream eventsre still unknown. In the present study, 72 h preincuba-ion of PC12 cells with 1.2 mM lithium chloride 1.2 mMeversed the effects of morphine on the mRNA expres-ion of BAX and BCL-2. Furthermore the results of realime RT-PCR were supported by annexin V FITC testnd MTT assay. In summary, one can conclude that therotective effect of lithium against morphine inducedytotoxicity is mediated via downregulation of BAX andpregulation of BCL-2 mRNA expression.

oi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2007.05.204

27odulating effects of the probiotic agent

accharomyces boulardii on the DNA damage incute necrotizing pancreatitis induced rats

172S (2007) S1–S240 S71

Tolga Sahin 2, Sevtap Aydin 1, Osman Yuksel 2, HasanBostanci 2, Nursen Basaran 1

1 Hacettepe University, Ankara, Turkey; 2 GaziUniversity, Ankara, Turkey

Pancreatitis is a mild and self-limiting disease but itmay progress to severe necrotizing forms. In spite ofimproved fluid management, respiratory care and nutri-tional support, the mortality of acute pancreatitis hasbeen reported to vary from 30 to 70% in recent years.It is assumed that inflammation of the pancreatic tissuecan lead to increase in oxidative stress in the cell resultingthe DNA damage and cell death. On the other hand, pro-biotics are viable microbial dietary supplements; whenintroduced in sufficient quantities, can have beneficialeffects. The physiological effects related to probioticbacteria include suppression of bacterial infections,production of some digestive enzymes and vitamins,reconstruction of normal intestinal microflora. In thepresent study, the aim was to investigate the role of probi-otics on the DNA damage in the peripheral lymphocytes,in the exfoliated epithelial cells and lymphocytes of theperitoneal fluids and in the pancreatic acinar cells of ANPinduced rats. DNA damage was determined by COMETassay. ANP was induced by intravenous infusion ofcerulein and superimposed infusion glycodeoxycholicacid into biliopancreatic duct. Saccharomyces boulardiiwas used as the probiotic agent. DNA damage in pan-creatic acinar cells and exfoliated epithelial cells and thelymphocytes of the peritoneal fluids; was significantlyhigher in pancreatitis group compared to the controls andprobiotic treated groups. No significant difference wasobserved in the DNA damage between the groups in theperipheral lymphocytes. In conclusion; our results sup-port that probiotic agent Saccharomyces boulardii candiminish bacterial infections and offer health benefits inthe therapy of pancreatitis.

doi:10.1016/j.toxlet.2007.05.205

S28Protective efficacy of leaves extract of Menthapiperita on sodium arsenite induced cellular damagein mouse

Mukesh Kumar Sharma 1, Ambika Sharma 2, AshokKumar 2, Madhu Kumar 2

Department of Zoology, R.L.S. Govt. College,Kaladera, Jaipur 303801, India; 2 Department ofZoology, University of Rajasthan, Jaipur 302004, India