ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To discuss the expression and significance of caspase-3 gene in the apoptotic muscle cells in gamma-radiation-induced muscle cell lines.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The caspase-3 mRNA in the control and gamma-radiation induced apoptotic muscle cells was analysed by RT-PCR.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The expression of caspase-3 gene transcript was higher in 103Pd radioactive stent dog bile duct than in general stent dog bile duct, and apoptotic muscle cells were higher in 103Pd radioactive stent dog bile duct than in general stent dog bile duct.</p><p><b>CONCLUSIONS</b>The high level expression of caspase-3 gene may help to understand the muscle cells sensitivity to gamma-radiation apoptosis. 103Pd radioactive stent may increase the expression of caspase-3 gene in dog bile duct and prevent the billiary narrow when dog bile duct was injured by balloon.</p>