H J Na1, H N Koo, G G Lee, S J Yoo, J H Park, Y S Lyu, H M Kim. 1. Department of Oriental Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, and Korea Institute of Oriental Pharmacy, Wonkwang University, Iksan, Chonbuk 570-749, Republic of Korea.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Brain astrocytes play a pivotal role in neuronal activities. METHODS: An investigation was undertaken to determine whether juniper oil inhibits heat shock-induced apoptosis of astrocytes. RESULTS: Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced apoptosis in human astrocyte CCF-STTG1 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced DNA fragmentation and condensation of nuclear chromatin. Juniper oil alone did not affect the apoptosis. Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced caspase-3 activation and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) fragmentation in the human astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS: Juniper oil may inhibit the apoptosis of astrocytes by preventing the caspase-3 activation.
BACKGROUND: Brain astrocytes play a pivotal role in neuronal activities. METHODS: An investigation was undertaken to determine whether juniper oil inhibits heat shock-induced apoptosis of astrocytes. RESULTS:Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced apoptosis in human astrocyte CCF-STTG1 cells. Pretreatment of the cells with juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced DNA fragmentation and condensation of nuclear chromatin. Juniper oil alone did not affect the apoptosis. Juniper oil inhibited the heat shock-induced caspase-3 activation and poly-ADP-ribose polymerase (PARP) fragmentation in the human astrocytes. CONCLUSIONS:Juniper oil may inhibit the apoptosis of astrocytes by preventing the caspase-3 activation.