OBJECTIVETo investigate the effect of the traditional Chinese medicine Matrine on cell cycle and human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) of human ACC-M cell lines.

METHODSDifferent concentrations of Matrine were used in the medium of ACC-M cells. Change of cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry after ACC-M cell were cultivated with different concentrations Matrine (0.25, 0.50, 0.75, 1.00 mg x mL(-1)). Expression of hTERT was investigated by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and indirect immunofluorescene and flow cytometry quantitative analysis.

RESULTSMatrine caused obviously the GdG1 phase block and inhibited proliferation of ACC-M cells. At same time, this effect was positive correlation to Matrine concentration and treat time. Matrine can inhibit the expression of hTERT mRNA and protein.

CONCLUSIONMatrine can obviously inhibit cell cycle and down-regulate expression of hTERT. Inhibition of cell cycle is possible correlation with down-regulation expression of hTERT.