ObjectiveTo investigate the neurotoxicity of bupivacaine (Bup) and the protective effects of αLipoic acid (LA). MethodsMouse neuroblastoma N2a cells were employed in the present study. N2a cells were treated with variant concentrations of Bup (0, 300, 600, 900, 1500, 2000 μmol/L) for different durations (12, 24, 36 h). MTT assay and nuclear condensation analysis were used to evaluate the cell viability and apoptosis, respectively. N2a cells were pretreated with LA (0, 100, 300, 500, 1000, 2000 μmol/L) for 12 h, and followed by treatment with Bup (900 μmol/L) for 24 h. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay. Results(1) Bup significantly induced injury in N2a cells, in both dose and timedependent manners. (2) LA markedly attenuated Bupinduced neurotoxicity in N2a cells, with the maximal protective efficiency at the concentration of 500 μmol/L.ConclusionsTreatment of Bup could result in substantial injury in N2a cells. Pretreatment with LA could attenuate neurotoxicity induced by Bup.