1-Methyl-3-isobutylxanthine delays apoptosis induced by deprivation of growth factors in vascular endothelial cells.

AIM

To investigate the effects of 1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine (MIBX) on apoptosis induced by deprivation of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) and serum in vascular endothelial cells (VEC).

METHODS

Nuclear fragmentation was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Viability was determined by counting the cells that attached to dishes after treatments. DNA fragmentation was measured by agarose gel electrophoresis.

RESULTS

The cells deprived of aFGF and serum were treated with MIBX 25-200 mumol/L for 3, 6, 9, and 12 h, respectively. Morphological changes including the formation of apoptotic bodies and DNA fragmentation of these cells were significantly suppressed by IBMX 50-200 mumol/L at 3 h and 6 h. But after 12-h treatment, no difference was observed between the treated and untreated cells.

CONCLUSION

MIBX delays apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by deprivation of aFGF and serum.