Objective: To study apoptotic characteristics and expression of apoptosis molecule Apo-1 (Fas, CD95) on buccal carcinoma cell (BCC) induced by cytotoxic drug cisplatin and exploit the apoptotic mechanisms of oral cancer chemotherapy.
Methods: Human BCC line BcaCD885 was used as in vitro study object. Morphological features of apoptotic BCC induced by cisplatin were observed by use of lightmicroscopy and electronmicroscopy, meanwhile, apoptotic rates (AR) were analysed by the flow cytometry.
Results: 1. Condensation and crack of nucleus and apoptotic bodies appeared in apoptotic BCC; 2. There existed time and dosage dependent AR, and AR were respectively 5.4%, 7.4%, 9.4%, 20.3% and 22.6% after BCC had been acted by 15 micrograms/ml cisplatin for 2, 6, 12 and 24 hours, moreover, there was significantly difference (P < 0.01) among the 12-hour group, the 24-hour group and the control group; 3. Cell cycle of BCC was apparently arrested at G0/G1 by cisplatin (P < 0.05); 4. Apo-1 expression of BCC were enhanced 58% and 62% respectively after it was induced by 25 micrograms/ml cisplatin for 18 and 42 hours (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: Apoptosis may be an important mechanism of BCC killed by cisplatin, and Apo-1 may play a role in the process of apoptosis induced by chemotherapy drugs.