OBJECTIVETo compare effects of vinblastine (VLB) nanoparticles (NPS) and VLB physiologic saline solution on inhibiting glioma cell lines C6 growth and inducting its apoptosis.

METHODGlioma cell lines C6 were respectively treated with 500 micro x L(-1) VLB NPS and VLB physiologic saline solution for 7 days. Amount of cells were counted by blood cell counting chamber. Glioma C6 growth curve was draw according to cells amount. Clone formation rate of glioma C6 was detected after 500 microg x L(-1) VLB NPS and VLB physiologic saline solution incubation for 2 weeks. In addition, the whole morphology of glioma C6 were observed by inverted microscope and inverted fluorescence microscope after 500 microg x L(-1) VLB NPS and VLB physiologic saline solution incubation for 48 h.

RESULTEntrapment of VLB in NPS may significantly inhibit glioma cells C6 growth from 2 to 7 days compared with VLB physiologic saline solution in the same dose (P < 0.05). Clone formation rate of glioma C6 in VLB physiologic saline solution group is 1. 3 times better than VLB NPS. The difference between VLB NPS and VLB physiologic saline solution is significant (P < 0.05). Results of morphology change indicated glioma cells C6 with the VLB NPS treatment were intermediate or end stage, missed structure integrality. Amount of cells was distinctly decreased, and apoptosis cells number was apparently increased compared with VLB physiologic saline solution group.

CONCLUSIONVLB NPS have stronger cytotoxicity to glioma cells line C6 compared with VLB physiologic saline solution in the same dose. NPS may be effective as promising carrier for the transport of VLB into the glioma cells.