Characterization of neuronal cell injury and neuroprotective effect of poloxamer

To better understand the cellular mechanisms of neuronal injury, it is very important to mimic mechanical loading conditions experienced by the cells in vitro. Mechanical force applied to cells outside may activate some downstream events inside the cells, which may further cause necrosis or apoptosis. In this study, we used a cell culture model, which is an idealized system to investigate cell injury at the cellular and molecular levels. We developed an injury model, which allows a precisely controlled mechanical stimuli and an easy quantification of cellular responses. A dynamically controlled shear stress was applied on PC2 cells and cell viability was assessed at 24 hours. Dynamic mechanical loading of cells produced graded levels of injury as assessed by long-term viability. We also used Poloxamer to demonstrate its neuroprotective effect on the injured cells. This system can be used to investigate further the mechanism of the injury and to assess various treatments of neuronal injury and subsequent degeneration.