OBJECTIVETo investigate the influence of CO(2) and He insufflation administered at different pressures on the migration and cytoskeleton of cultured human gastric cancer cells.

METHODSThe cultured gastric cancer cells MKN-45 were exposed to a CO(2) or He environment maintained at different pressures (12, 15 mm Hg). After 0, 2, 4, 6, 8 hours exposure to CO(2) or He environment, pH of the MKN-45 cells culture media was measured with blood gas analysis. The cell migration was detected with Transwell technology. The cell cytoskeleton was observed with laser confocal microscope.

RESULTSThe media pH was acid after exposure to CO(2) environment, while it was basic in the He group. The number of cells passing millipore in 12 mm Hg CO(2) or He insufflation pressure were not significantly different with control group (P>0.05), however in 15 mm Hg pressure CO(2) group, it was significantly decreased as compared to control group (P<0.01). The microfilament and microtubule in gastric cancer cell were ambiguous in 15 mm Hg pressure CO(2) group.

CONCLUSIONSThere are no obvious effects on the migration and cytoskeleton of MKN-45 cells under 12 mm Hg CO(2) insufflation pressure. The migration and cytoskeleton of MKN-45 cells can be inhibited in 15 mm Hg CO(2) pneumoperitoneum environment.