[Detection of cell apoptosis by MTT assay].

OBJECTIVE: To study the feasibility of using MTT assay to detect cell apoptosis. METHODS: K562 cells were grown in RPMI 1640 medium supplemented with 10% calf serum and 4 micromol/L arsenic trioxide. Apoptosis was induced in the cultured cells by As2O3, and the cells were detected with optical microscope, DNA gel electrophoresis and MTT staining respectively. RESULT: MTT staining could also accurately detect cell apoptosis, by which the apoptotic cells were easily distinguished from normal cells and dead cells. CONCLUSION: MTT staining is simple, convenient and practical for detecting cell apoptosis.