ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To explore the function of Caspase-3 and p38 MAPK in MMT-induced apoptosis in PC-3M cells.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>After incubation of PC-3M cells with 1 mmol/L MMT, the activity of Caspase-3 was examined. The influence on cells viability of Z-DEVD-FMK, a Caspase-3-specific peptide inhibitor, was also examined. Western blot was used to examine the change of p38 MAPK. The effect on cells viability and Caspase-3 activity of SB203580, a specific inhibitor of p38 MAPK, were also examined.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>The activity of Caspase-3 increased significantly in MMT-induced apoptosis in PC-3M cells /9P < 0.01), and Z-DEVD-FMK could protect cells from apoptosis (P < 0.01). In this course, the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK could be observed. SB203580 inhibited Caspase-3 activity (P < 0.05) and prevented PC-3M cells from MMT-induced apoptosis (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Caspase-3 and p38 MAPK are involved in MMT-induced PC-3M cells apoptosis.</p>