Effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on proliferation and apoptosis of C6 glioma cells

Objective To investigate the effects of 2-methoxyestradiol on the growth and apoptosis of C6 glioma cells in vitro.Methods The C6 glioma cells were treated by different doses of 2-methoxyestradiol with different duration. They were observed by the microscope and electromicroscope. The viability was examined by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay, and cell cycle or apoptosis was examined by flow cytometry. Results 2-methoxyestradiol caused a dose- and time-dependent inhibition on the C6 cell viability (P0.05). 2-methoxyestradiol could induce a dose and time-dependent apoptosis of C6 cells (P0.05). After treating with 2-methoxyestradiol, the number of C6 cells in the G1 and S phase decreased while that of G2 phase increased (P0.05). Conclusion 2-methoxyestradiol can inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of C6 glioma cells.