Role of△ψm and Caspase 3 in the process of arsenic trioxide-induced apoptosis in adenoid cystic carcinoma ACC-2 cells

Abstract:

AIM:To investigate the role of mitochondrial membrane potential(△ψm)and Caspase 3 in the ACC-2 cell apoptosis induced by As₂O₃.

METHODS:ACC-2 cells were cultured. The As₂O₃ of different drug concentration gradients(0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0μmol/L)were applied to ACC-2 cells respectively. The changes in △ψm of ACC-2 cells before and after As₂O₃'s inducing(8.0μmol/L for 24h)were detected by flow cytometry with Rh123 staining. Caspase 3 activity was detected by the multifunctional microplate reader.

RESULTS: Rh123 fluorescence intensity in ACC-2 cells was strongest in the control group, while it weakened in ACC-2 cells in 8.0μmol/L As₂O₃ treatment group. The difference between two groups was significant(P<0.05). With the increase of As₂O₃ concentration(0, 1.0, 2.0, 4.0, 8.0μmol/L), Caspase 3 enzyme activity unit in ACC-2 cells gradually increased.

CONCLUSION: As₂O₃ can induce apoptosis of ACC-2 cells by reducing △ψm. Caspase 3 enzyme activity unit of ACC-2 cells gradually increases with As₂O₃ concentration increases, which results in activation of the expression of Caspase 3, and the cells' irreversible apoptosis process coming immediately.