Abstract: To explore the effects of ozone on astrocytes in vitro and to investigate its mechanism. MethodsAstrocytes were cultured in vitro in accordance with McCarthy′s method and were identified by immunohistochemistry staining. Then cells were seeded into 24well plates and divided into 3 groups(n=7): the oxygen group(O₂ group), the ozone 40(O₃40) group and the ozone 80(O₃80) group to which was respectively added 400μL complete medium(CM) acted by oxygen for 20min, 400μL CM acted by 40μg/mL ozone for 20min and 400μL CM acted by 80μg/mL ozone for 20min. After incubation for 2h or 4h, the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leaking ratio was determined by the simple method of Qingtao Hong and dead cell percentage was determined by trypan blue staining. ResultsThe LDH leaking ratio was decreased (P＜0.05) in the O₃40 group and was increased (P＜0.01) in the O₃80 group compared with the O₂ group, and also it was increased (P＜0.05) in the 4haction O₃80 group compared with the 2haction O₃ 80 group. Dead cell percentage in the O380 group was increased (P＜0.01) compared with the O₂ group and also it was increased (P＜0.05) in the 4haction group compared with the 2haction group. Conclusion 80mg/L ozone acting in the short term (2 or 4 hours) has a damage role on astrocytes, while 40mg/L ozone does not.

Key words: Ozone, Astrocyte, LDH leaking ratio, Dead cells′ percentage