The Effects of Arsenite Trioxide in Various Concentrations on the Esophageal Carcinoma Cell Line

Objective: To further study the effects of As 2 O 3 in various concentrations on the esophageal carcinoma cell line. Methods: The esophageal malignant transformed epithelial cells (SHEEC1) were induced by HPV18 in synergy with TPA in our laboratory. The cells cultured in flask and 24 wells plate were treated by As 2 O 3 with concentrations of 1, 3 and 5 μmol/L for 2, 4, 8, 16, 24 h respectively. The morphologic changes of cells were observed under election microscopy. The mitotic index (MI) of living cells was calculated by phase contrast microscopy and the cells with TdR uptake were examined by autoradiography. The proliferative index (PI) and apoptotic index (AI) were assayed by flow cytometry. Results: A low dosage of As 2 O 3 (1.0 μmol/L) enhancing the protiferative rate of SHEEC1 was demonstrated with TdR uptake, MI and PI increased. The high AI and low PI were found in the high concentrations (3 and 5 μmol/L)of As 2 O 3 . The morphological changes of apoptosis and necrosis were found in 24 h after As 2 O 3 in high concentrations (3 and 5 μmol/L) administrated. Conclusion: The effects of As 2 O 3 in various concentrations are different. Low concentration of As 2 O 3 promotes the proliferation of the esophageal carcinoma cells by increment of DNA synthesis. In high concentration of As 2 O 3 apoptosis and necrosis are induced.