Abstract: Objective  To observe the effects of high glucose on the proliferation and apoptosis of rat RSC96 Schwann cells, and to explore the possible mechanisms. Methods  RSC96 Schwann cells cultured in vitro were divided into control group (25mmol/L) and high glucose group (100mmol/L), which were treated with high glucose as indicated. Cell proliferation was determined by methylthiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) staining. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The protein expressions of Lipin-1 and nerve growth factor（NGF） were detected by Western blotting, and the expression of Lipin-1 was further evaluated by immuno-fluorescence. Results  High glucose significantly inhibited RSC96 cell proliferation and increased cell apoptosis, which was accompanied by reduced protein expressions of Lipin-1 and NGF (P<0.05). Conclusion  High glucose has an inhibitory effect on rat Schwann cell proliferation and induces cell apoptosis. Such effects are closely associated with the downregulation of Lipin-1 and NGF protein expressions.

Key words: Lipin-1, RSC96 cell, Nerve growth factor, Cell proliferation