In normal physiological conditions

reactive oxygen and nitrogen species are used as important signaling molecules in the cell. However

in excess it causes the disruption of cell resulting in their death. Oxidative stress causes influx in intracellular calcium levels leading to higher concentrations of calcium in the cell. This accelerated calcium affects both the mitochondria and nuclei leading to excitotoxicity in neurons. Intracellular calcium levels are controlled by voltage dependent calcium channels located in the plasma membrane

calcium stores like endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum and majorly by calcium binding proteins. Our study was aimed at analyzing the gene expression of major calcium binding proteins namely calcineurin

calmodulin

calreticulin

synaptotagamin and calsyntenin in stress induced PC 12 cells. Rotenone (1 μM)

Peroxynitrite (10 μM)

H

2

O

2

(100 μM) and High glucose (33 mM) were used to induce oxidative stress in PC12 cells. Results obtained from the study suggest that calcineurin

calmodulin and calsyntenin gene expression were enhanced compared to the control due to oxidative stress. However

synaptotagmin and calreticulin gene expression were down regulated. Further

Akt protein expression (stress marker) was enhanced in PC12 cells with all other stress inducers except in hyperglycemic condition.