Effect of 2-methoxyestradiol on proliferation and apoptosis of neurons and C6 glioma cells in rats

Objective: To investigate the effect of 2methoxyestradiol on growth inhibition and apoptosis of C6 glioma cells and neurons in vitro.Methods: C6 glioma cells and neurons were divided into the control group and four 2-methoxyestradiol treatment groups.C6 glioma cells and neurons were treated by different doses of 2-methoxyestradiol for different times and observed by microscopy and electromicroscopy.The viability was determined by MTT assay and the cell-cycle and apoptosis were determined by flow cytometry.Results: 2-methoxyestradiol caused a dose and time-dependent inhibition on the C6 glioma cells viability(P0.05).The population of C6 glioma cells in the G1 and S phase wasdecreased while in the G2 phase it was increased by 2-methoxyestradiol in a dose and time-dependent manner(P0.05);However,2-methoxyestradiol had no effect on neurons.Conclusion: 2-methoxyesradiol can inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of C6 glioma cells,but has no effect on neurons.