Effects of IFN-γ and TNF-α on the apoptosis of insulinoma cells line MIN6

This study is aimed to explore the effects of IFN-γ and TNF-α on the apoptosis of insulinoma cells line MIN6.The cytotoxicity of IFN-γ,TNF-α,or IFN-γ/TNF-α synergism to MIN6 cells was assessed by MTT,and further confirmed morphologically by microscopy and laser confocal microscopy.The apoptotic and necrotic effects of IFN-γ and TNF-α on MIN6 cells were differentiated by FACS followed with Annexin V-FITC/7-aminoactinomycin D(7-AAD) double staining.In contrast to IFN-γ or TNF-α alone,IFN-γ/TNF-α synergism had an obvious inhibition in the viability of MIN6 cells and caused significant apoptosis in MIN6 cells(13.03% and 69.91%).However,no difference was observed in the percentage of late stage apoptotic and necrotic cells between IFN-γ or TNF-α alone,and IFN-γ/TNF-α synergism(2.41% and 2.14%).IFN-γ/TNF-α synergism can induce MIN6 cells apoptosis.