Efficacy of N-acetylcysteine on proliferation and collagen synthesis of mouse lung fibroblast 3T3

Objective To study the effects of N-acetylcysteine(NAC) on the proliferation,apoptosis and collagen synthesis of mouse lung fibroblast 3T3. Methods The 3T3 cell was cultured in complete medium of DMEM/F12. After different concentrations of NAC were administrated, the cell proliferations were tested by methylthiazolyhetrazolium, the apoptosis and cell cycle were detected with flow cytometer, and mRNA expression of type Ⅰ procollagen was tested with RT-PCR. Results ①The growth of 3T3 cell was significantly inhibited by NAC at different concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 40 mmol/L). ② After administration of NAC at different concentrations (5, 10, 20 and 40 mmol/L), the apoptosis rates were (27.64±17.22)%,(33.73±14.82)%, (42.30±9.81)% and (69.27±11.50)% respectively,which were higher than those of control (3.48±1.13)% (P<0.05 or P <0.01). ③ The cells proportions in G0/G1 phase were increased by NAC at different concentrations (5,10,20 and 40 mmol/L), while the changes in S-phase were significantly decreased (all P< 0.01). ④The mRNA expression of type Ⅰ procollagen in 3T3 cell was decreased after administration of NAC at 5,10,20 and 40 mmol/L respectively as compared with that of control (P <0.05 or P <0.01). Conclusions Administration of NAC can induce apoptosis, inhibit the proliferation and the collagen synthesis of 3T3 cell directly. Key words: N-acetylcysteine;  Lung fibroblast;  Proliferation;  Apoptosis;  Collagen