Neuroprotective Effects of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang in the MPP⁺/MPTP Models of Parkinson’s Disease In Vitro and In Vivo

Figure 4

SHXT decreased numbers of apoptotic cells (a), cytochrome 𝑐 release (b), cleavage of caspase-9 (c), and caspase-3 (d) in primary mesencephalic neurons treated with MPP⁺ (100 μM) for 48 h. SHXT (25–75 μg/mL) were treated to neurons 1 h prior to MPP⁺ addition. Apoptotic cells were stained with Annexin V and PI after MPP⁺ exposure for 48 h. Apoptosis degree of each group was shown as apoptosis index evaluated by counting the percentage of apoptotic cells (Annexin V-positive cells) using flow cytometry. Protein expression was detected by western blotting. Densitometry analyses are presented as the relative ratio of protein/β-actin protein. Data are represented as percentage of MPP⁺ group from six independent experiments. ^###𝑃<0.05 versus control (without any treatment), *𝑃<0.05, **𝑃<0.01 versus MPP⁺ only.

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