Effect of parathyroid hormone on apoptosis of human medullary thyroid carcinoma cells*

Abstract

Abstract Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of parathyroid hormone (PTH) on the apoptosis of human medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) cells. Methods In vitro cultured medullary thyroid carcinoma cell lines were treated with parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone receptor-monoclonal antibody, and the apoptosis of cells was detected by flow cytometry. Results The cell morphology changed significantly after treatment based on the observation using the inverted phase-contrast microscope. Various concentrations of parathyroid hormone and parathyroid hormone receptor-monoclonal antibody effectively induced apoptosis in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. When the concentration of parathyroid hormone was 2.0 µmol/L and that of parathyroid hormone receptor-monoclonal antibody was 1.0 µmol/L, the apoptotic rate was 13.24% and 20.78%, respectively, representing a statistically significant difference from that of the control cells (P < 0.05). Conclusion PTH plays a role in inducing apoptosis of human MTC cells.