ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on the proliferation of human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) cell line ACC-2 in vitro.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The effect of ectogenic bFGF on proliferation of ACC-2 was observed by MTT assay. Extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity was measured by immuno-precipitation. p-ERK1/2, Cyclin D1 and p21waf/cip1 expression were assessed by Western blot.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>bFGF could enhance the proliferation of ACC-2. Stimulated by bFGF, the proliferation ratio increased significantly. The intracellular ERK activity, p-ERK1/2 and Cyclin D1 expression were increased, while p21waf/cip1 expression was inhibited by different concentrations of bFGF. The above effects of bFGF could be attenuated by MEK inhibitor U0126.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>bFGF stimulates the proliferation of ACC-2 in a dose dependent manner. The proliferation effect of bFGF may be due to up-regulating ERK, Cyclin D1 and p21waf/cip1 signaling pathway. This research can help us to explore a new pathogenesis and therapy of the ACC.</p>