The effect of anandamide on inhibiting proliferation and inducing apoptosis of human U251 glioma cell line

Objective To investigate the effects of the early apoptosis induction in U251 glioma cells by specific endogenous CB1 agonist anandamide (AEA) treatment.Methods Human U251 glioma cell line were cultured with DMEM' s medium in vitro.Cultured cells were divided into 4 groups:control group,1,5 and 10 μmol/L AEA groups.At the same time,the time line was divided into 2 groups (24 h and 48 h).The cell morphological changes were observed by invert microscope.The flow cytometer evaluated U251 cells early apoptosis which was induced by AEA.The laser confocal microscopy made further detection to the cell apoptosis.Results The cell morphological changes included cell flotation and fragment.The apoptosis rate investigated by flow cytometer was 43.78％ at 10 μmol/L AEA for 48 h.Cell nucleus pyknosis stained by Hoechst 33258 can by observed by the confocal microscopy.Conclusion AEA could produce apoptosis effect on human U251 glioma cell line in dose-and time-dependent manner. Key words: Anandamide ;  U251 glioma cell line ;  Apoptosis