RESUMO
The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of crude polysaccharides from Chroogomphus rutilus on dopaminergic neurons impaired by MPP(+). SH-SY5Y cells were pretreated with crude polysaccharides (200, 400 and 800 µg/mL), and then MPP(+) was added to cell medium. After 48 h of incubation, MTT method was used to detect the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells damaged by MPP(+). Annexin V-FITC staining and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptotic rate. The results showed that pretreating SH-SY5Y cells with crude polysaccharides (400 and 800 µg/mL) increased the survival rates, and reduced the apoptotic rates of SH-SY5Y cells. To rule out the possibility that crude polysaccharides may decrease actual concentration of MPP(+) by direct binding, we washed off crude polysaccharides before MPP(+) addition. Under this experimental condition, MTT results showed the survival rates of the SH-SY5Y cells were still significantly increased by 800 µg/mL crude polysaccharides pretreatment. These results suggest a protective effect of polysaccharides on the SH-SY5Y cells. Most of this protection is contributed by direct action of polysaccharides on the cells, not by binding with MPP(+). It is indicated that the crude polysaccharides from Chroogomphus rutilus can be developed as a potential drug for Parkinson's disease prevention and treatment in the future.