Reactive oxygen species are involved in nitric oxide-induced apoptosis in rat cortical neurons

Nitric oxide donor SNAP induced apoptosis in primary rat cerebral cortical neurons, which was characterized morphologically by chromatin condensation and the formation of apoptotic bodies. With redox-sensitive fluorescence probes DCFH-DA and DHR123, the formation of endogenous reactive oxygen species (ROS) inside cells during the apoptosis process was monitored by laser confocal scanning microscopy (LCSM). SNAP treatment also caused the accumulation of extracellular hydrogen peroxide. Pretreatment with the nitric oxide scavenger hemoglobin could effectively inhibit the formation of endogenous ROS and protect neurons from apoptosis. The results suggested that ROS might be involved in NO-induced apoptosis in neuronal cells.