Effects of γ-hexachlorocyclohexane on apoptosis induced by serum deprivation in PC12 cells

The effects of -hexachlorocyclohexane, one of the endocrine disrupters, widely used for agricultural and medicinal purpose, on apoptosis in PC12 cells were investigated using western blotting analysis and reverse transcriptase-DNA polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) method. Apoptosis is a fundamental process necessary for development of individuals and organs. Although -HCH at high concentration did not have an effect on cell viability and apoptosis, DNA fragmentation was slightly enhanced, and apoptotic factors; Bax, Bad, cytochrome c and caspase-3 showed tendency to increase by the addition of a low dose of -HCH to the cell medium. However these changes were not statistically significant. It was concluded that -HCH did not affect on apoptosis in the PC12 cell line system, although -HCH has been reported to induce apoptosis in other cell lines.