Valproic acid-mediated Hsp70 induction and anti-apoptotic neuroprotection in SH-SY5Y cells.

Valproic acid (VPA), an anticonvulsant and mood-stabilizing drug, has been reported to exert neuroprotection against a variety of insults. We now show that VPA attenuates rotenone (a potent complex I inhibitor)-induced apoptosis through the induction of heat shock protein 70, which may interact with apoptotic-protease-activating factor 1. Activation of p-Akt, p-Bcl-2, as well as p-Erk1/2 by VPA may be co-contributors to the protection.