Experimental study on the effect of As_2O_3 on human glioblastoma cell line U251

Objective To investigate the anti-tumor action of As_2O_3 and its action mechanisms.Methods The U251 cells were treated with aresnic trioxide (final concentration 0.5,1,2 μmol/L,respectively).The cell growth and proliferation were observed by cell counting and cell growth curve.MTT method was used to check the cell proliferation rate.The morphological changes were observed by phase-contrast microscope and flow cytometry was used to detect cell DNA distribution.Results The cell growth was significantly inhibited by the different concentration of As_2O_3 revealed by cell counting and cell growth curve.As_2O_3 in the concentration of 0,5,1,2 μmol/L led to a sub-G_1 cell peak.The decrease of G_0/G_1 phase cell was found by flow cytometry.Conclusion As_2O_3 not only inhibits the proliferation but also induces apoptosis of human glioblastoma cell line U251 in vitro.