Protopine

Protopine (Corydinine), an isoquinoline alkaloid, is a specific reversible and competitive inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase. Protopine exhibits anti-inflammation, anti-microbial, anti-angiogenic and anti-tumour activity^[1][2]. In Vitro:Protopine (10-40 μM, 24 h-96 h) inhibits cell viability, migration, invasion and EMT process of liver carcinoma cells (HepG2, Huh7)^[2].
Protopine (10-40 μM, 24 h) induces apoptosis by increasing the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9 in HepG2 and Huh7 cells, and inhibits the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway^[2].
Protopine (10-40 μM, 6 h) induces generation of ROS in HepG2 and Huh7 cells^[2].
Protopine (0-10 μg/mL) inhibits the uptake of serotonin transporter (SERT) in S6 cells and noradrenaline (NE) uptake in N1 cells^[3].
In Vivo:Protopine (0.1 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) alleviates Scopolamine (HY-N0296) (1 mg/kg)-induced memory impairment in mice^[1].
Protopine (5-20 mg/kg, i.v.) inhibits tumor growth and inhibits PI3K/Akt, and induces cleavage of caspase-3 in xenograft BALB/c mice (s.c. with HepG2 or Huh-7 cells)^[2].
Protopine (5-20 mg/kg, i.p.) shows antidepressant-like effect in mice HTR and TST tests^[3].
Protopine (1-4 mg/kg, i.p., once daily for 3 days) shows protective effect on the focal cerebral ischaemic induced injury in rats^[4].