ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the apoptosis induction effect of vitamin E succinate (VES) on Tca8113 cells and its possible mechanisms.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The proliferative activity of Tca8113 was assessed by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. After Tca8113 cells were treated with different concentrations of VES, apoptotic rates were analyzed by flow cytometry (FCM). Fas monoclonal antibody was used for the blocking test. Fas expression was detected by immuocytochemistry(SABC assay) and FCM.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>VES demonstrated a significant growth inhibitory effect and apoptosis induced effect on the Tca8113 cells in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Fas neutralizing antibody can block the apoptosis induced by VES. After the administration of VES, the expression of Fas protein increased and the kytoplasm staining enhanced. Proteinum quantitative analysis showed that the mean fluorescence intensity increased.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>VES can induce apoptosis in human tongue cancer cells, and the up-regulation of the cell surface Fas protein may play an important role in the process.</p>