Objective To explore the effect of norcantharidin (NCTD) on proliferation and apoptosis of implanted human gallbladder carcinoma in nude mice. MethodsGBC-SD cells of human gallbladder carcinoma were implanted subcutaneously into nude mice. Mice were randomly divided into control, 5-FU, NCTD and NCTD+5-FU -treatment groups. Tumor size, growth curve and inhibitory rate was respectively evaluated. Cell cycle and apoptosis were measured. Morphological changes of tumorous cells were observed. ResultsLD_ 50 of NCTD for nude mice was 139.96mg?kg -1. Tumor volume (5.61?0.39cm3 vs. 9.78?0.61cm3, P=0.000), percentage of the S phase cells (43.47%?2.83% vs. 69.85%?1.96%, P=0.000) in NCTD group was smaller than that in control group, with tumor inhibitory rate (42.63% vs. 0, P=0.012) and cell apoptosis rate (5.49%?0.59% vs. 15.08%?1.49%, P=0.000) being increased. Compared with other groups,the difference on tumor volume (4.51?1.11 cm3), tumor inhibitory rate (53.89%), percentage of the S phase cells (33.76%?2.39%) and cell apoptosis rate (18.68%?2.38%) in NCTD+5-FU group was statistically significant (P=0.000), with increased nuclear shrinkage, karyorrhexis and typical apoptosis. Conclusion NCTD inhibits the growth of implanted tumor of human gallbladder carcinoma in nude mice. The inhibitory effect could be intensified when combined with 5-FU.

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