Rotenone (Rotocide) is a natural product and a botanical insecticide. Rotenone is a mitochondrial electron transport complex I inhibitor that promotes the production of reactive oxygen species in mitochondria and induces apoptosis.

METHODS: Human leukemia cells HL-60 were treated with Rotenone (0-1000 nM) for 30 min and oxygen consumption was measured using a Clark oxygen electrode.
RESULTS: Rotenone dose-dependently inhibited HL-60 cell respiration. Rotenone inhibited cellular respiration by more than 96% at 500 nM. [1]
METHODS: 10th DIV cells were treated with Rotenone (20 nM) for 48 h. LDH levels were measured by LDH release assay.
RESULTS: LDH release can be used as an indicator of general cytotoxicity. rotenone induced an increase in LDH release, and LDH activity increased more than 6-fold compared to the control group. LDH activity increased more than 6-fold compared to the control group.[2]

METHODS: To establish a reproducible mouse model of Rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease (PD), Rotenone (2.5 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to C57Bl/6 mice once daily for two weeks.
RESULTS: Systemic exposure of mice to Rotenone resulted in progressive accumulation and regional spread of p129 aggregates, which preceded the maximal loss of DAn. [3]
METHODS: To study neurotoxicity, Rotenone (30-100 mg/kg) was administered orally to C57BL/6 mice once daily for fifty-six days.
RESULTS: The survival of Rotenone-treated mice at 30 mg/kg was unchanged from 28-56 days, although the survival of Rotenone-treated mice was reduced to approximately 70% within one week. 100 mg/kg Rotenone-treated mice showed a sudden decrease in survival after 28 days, and ultimately to approximately 15% after 56 days. A regimen of Rotenone given chronically at 30 mg/kg for 56 days is more useful for understanding the mechanisms of DA neurodegeneration. [4]