Objective To observe the effects of rotenone on the mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycles in pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells and to explore the injury mechanism of rotenone on dopaminergic neuron. Methods The mitochondrial membrane potential and cell cycles were determined by flow cytometry. Results After treatment with 5.0 ?mol/L rotenone for 12 and 24 h, the percentage of G 0/G 1 phase and S phase in cultured PC12 cells decreased gradually (P