1-methyl-3-isobutylxanthine delays apoptosis induced by deprivation of growth factors in vascular endothelial cells

AIM: To investigate the effects of 1-methyl-3-isobutyl-xanthine (MIBX) on a poptosis induced by deprivation of acidic fibroblast growth factor (aFGF) a nd serum in vascular endothelial cells (VEC). METHODS: Nuclear fragmentatio n was observed by fluorescence microscopy. Viability was determined by coun ting the cells that attached to dishes after treatments. DNA fragmentation was measured by agarose gel electrophoresis. RESULTS: The cells deprived of aFGF and serum were treated with MIBX 25 - 200 mu mol/L for 3, 6, 9, and 1 2 h, respectively. Morphological changes including the formation of apoptot ic bodies and DNA fragmentation of these cells were significantly suppresse d by IBMX 50-200 mu mol/L at 3 h and 6 h. But after 12-h treatment, no diff erence was observed between the treated and untreated cells. CONCLUSION: MI BX delays apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells induced by deprivation of aFGF and serum.