Effects of Arsenic trioxide on cell proliferation and apoptosis of melanoma B-16 cells

Objective:To investigate the effect of Arsenic trioxide on the cell proliferation and apoptosis of cultured melanoma B-16 cells.Methods: MTT reduction assay was used to reflect the proliferation of the cells.The apoptosis rate and the cell cycle change were detected by flow cytometry.The morphological changes and apoptotic characteristics of the cells were observed with the aid of inverted microscope,LSCM and TEM.Results:Arsenic trioxide(6.25 to 100 μmol/L with 24h and 48h duration) notably inhibited the growth of B-16 cells,which showed the dependence relationship between time effect and dose effect.Cultured with 50 μmol/L Arsenic trioxide for 12h,flow cytometry analysis showed higher cell apoptosis rate and lower S phase percentage than those of the control group.Less cell growth density,cell rounding and cell shrinkage could be seen under inverted microscope;Chromatin margination and condensation appeared via hoechest dye.The apoptosis body,cell mitochondrium vaculation and deformation could be seen under the TEM.Conclusion:Arsenic trioxide can remarkably inhibit proliferation and induce apoptosis of melanoma B-16 cells.