Objective:To observe the influence of high glucose on the vitality and apoptosis of mouse podocytes cultured in vitro and the protective effects of berberine. MethodsImmortalized mouse podocytes were induced to differentiation and maturation by temperature conditioned culture. The cells were divided into the normal glucose(NG)control group(5 mmol/L),mannitol(MA)hypertonic control group(30 mmol/L),high glucose(HG)model group(30 mmol/L)and berberine(BBR) treatment group(30 mmol/L high glucose + 1.25 μmol/L BBR). After intervention for 24,8 and 72 hours,the cells were collected. The vitality of podocytes was detected by MTT assay,the cell apoptosis rate was analyzed by flow cytometry,and the mRNA expression levels of podocin and nephrin were determined by Q-PCR.  Results:There were no statistically significant differences on the cell vitality,apoptosis rate and mRNA expression levels of apoptosis related molecules between the NG control group and MA control group(P>0.05). Compared with the NG control group,the vitality of podocytes was significantly decreased and the apoptosis rate was significantly increased in the HG model group(P<0.01),and the mRNA expressions of podocin and nephrin were obviously inhibited(P<0.01),and the effects of high glucose stimulation could increase over time. Compared with the HG model group,the vitality of podocytes was significantly increased and the apoptosis rate was significantly decreased in the BBR treatment group(P<0.01),and the mRNA expression levels of podocin and nephrin were obviously increased(P<0.01).  Conclusion:The high glucose conditions can induce the mouse podocyte apoptosis,and this effect is independent of the hypertonic environment. Berberine shows protective effects on high glucose induced podocyte apoptosis.