Background and Aim: Hyperglycemia which occurs in diabetes is one of the main factors which can lead to serious complications such as diabetic neuropathy. There is evidence that allopurinol has neuroprotective effect against many types of damaging stimuli. The present study investigated the effects of allopurinol on high glucose induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells as a suitable in-vitro model for evaluation of neuronal functions.

Material and Methods: Neurotoxicity was induced by high glucose concentration, and cells were exposed to allopurinol in the presence or absence of high glucose concentration. Cell viability was assessed by MTT assay. Biochemical markers of oxidative stress were investigated by measurement of lipid peroxidation (LPO), total thiol groups, and total antioxidant power (TAP).

Results: The present results indicated that allopurinol significantly inhibited high glucose- induced cell death in PC12 cells. Furthermore, treatment with allopurinol decreased lipid peroxidation level. It also increased the total thiol groups and TAP.

Conclusion: These findings showed protective effects of allopurinol on HG-induced cell death in PC12 cells, which may be related to its antioxidant effect and inhibition of oxidative stress.

Keywords: PC12 cells, Glucose, Neurotoxicity, Allopurinol.

Received: Apr 23, 2016      Accepted: Nov 26, 2016