Neuroprotective effects of ginseng saponins against L-type Ca2+ channel-mediated cell death in rat cortical neurons |
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Authors: | Kim Sunoh Nah Seung-Yeol Rhim Hyewhon |
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Institution: | a Life Sciences Division, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 39-1 Hawholgok-dong Sungbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Republic of Korea b Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Konkuk University, Seoul 143-701, Republic of Korea |
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Abstract: | In the present study, we have examined any possible involvement of L-type Ca2+ channels in ginseng-mediated neuroprotective actions. Exposure to a 50 mM KCl (high-K) produced neuronal cell death, which was blocked by a selective L-type Ca2+ channel blocker in cultured cortical neurons. When cultured cells were co-treated with ginseng total saponin (GTS) and high-K, GTS reduced high-K-induced neuronal death. Using Ca2+ imaging techniques, we found that GTS inhibited high-K-mediated acute and long-term Ca2+]i changes. These GTS-mediated Ca2+]i changes were diminished by nifedipine. Furthermore, GTS-mediated effects were also diminished by a saturating concentration of Bay K (10 μM). After confirming the protective effect of GTS using a TUNEL assay, we found that ginsenosides Rf and Rg3 are active components in ginseng-mediated neuroprotection. These results suggest that inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels by ginseng could be one of the mechanisms for ginseng-mediated neuroprotection in cultured rat cortical neurons. |
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Keywords: | Ginsenosides L-type Ca2+ channel Intracellular Ca2+ Bay K Neuronal cell death |
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