Effects of arsenic trioxide on different types of human ovarian cancer cell lines in vitro

Purpose:To study the effects of arsenic trioxide on the different types of human ovarian cancer cells growth in vitro.Methods:Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT)was used to observe the growth inhibition rates of human ovarian cancer cell lines 3AO,SKOV 3 and TYK cells by various concentration arsenic trioxide at different times; Cell apoptosis percentage and cell cycles phase distribution of 3AO were measured by flow cytometry(FCM) assays; Apoptotic phenotype of SKOV 3 was observed by acridine dying. Results:Arsenic trioxide could inhibit the growth of 3AO?SKOV 3 and TYK effectively, depended on the action time and concentration of the medicine(P0.05). The growth inhibited rates of different types of the human ovarian cancer cells were equal, (P0.05). Within a certain range, 3AO cells apoptotic percentage induced by arsenic trioxide were enhanced in concentration- and time-dependent patterns(P0.05);3.0 μmol/L was the most appropriate concentration to induce apoptotosis; 3AO S phase cells were arrested in lower concentrations of arsenic trioxide at S phase, while higher concentrations induced apoptosis selectively in these cells; SKOV 3 cells after treated by arsenic trioxide showed morphological changes characteristic of apoptotic cells.Conclusions:Arsenic trioxide can inhibit the proliferation of human ovarian cancer cells by inducing S phase cells apoptosis, and it is concentration-dependent, time-dependent and cell cycle specific