Background: In diabetics, hyperglycemia is associated with neuropathy, nephropathy, and retinopathy. However, direct toxic effects of glucose on neurons are still largely unknown.
 Materials and methods: Firstly, cellular vital capacity was determined by MTT. Then, effects of different glucose concentrations and the role of Bax protein-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells was examined by Hoechst staining and western blotting techniques, respectively.
Results: During MTT, cells revealed to have a meaningful apoptosis at hours 48, 72, and 96 when compared with controls (p<0.01). Apoptosis was induced suitably at a glucose concentration of 13.5mg/dl after 72 hours. Western blotting showed a significant expression of Bax protein in PC12 cells treated with increased glucose concentrations for 72 hours.
Conclusion: Increment in glucose concentration may induce apoptosis in PC12 cells. This process occurred under the intense influence of Bax protein.