Effect of amlodipine on apoptosis of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells

Objective: To elucidate the effects of amlodipine on the proliferation and apoptosis of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. Methods: Light microscopy was used to determine the effects of amiodipine on cell morphology; Flow cytometry was used to quantitate cells undergoing apoptosis; the expression of a cell cycle-related protein, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and an antiapoptosis protein, Bcl-2 were assessed by immunocytochemistry. Results: Amlodipine concentration of 8.25 Ixmol/L (1/2 of IC50) affected the morphology, decreased the expression of PCNA and Bcl-2 and induced apoptosis of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells. Conclusion: The effect of amlodipine on the antiproliferation of human breast carcinoma MDA-MB-231 cells is related to inducement of apoptosis, and the decrease of the expression of Bcl-2 and PCNA may be the possible mechanism for proliferation inhibitory and inducement of apoptosis.