Electrets induced free Ca~(2+) changes in 3T3 cells

Objective: To study the changes of intracellular free Ca 2+ levels in 3T3 cells induced by electrets and discuss the relationship between electrets induced apoptosis of 3T3 cells and the changes of free Ca 2+ levels. Methods: After 48 h action of -300 V and -500 V electrets in 3T3 cells, CaCl 2, A 23187 , EDTA were added in proper order to 3T3 cells. The levels of intracellular Ca 2+ and the cell number of apoptosis were detected with flow cytometry. Results:(1)After the action of electrets, 10% of 3T3 cells appeared apoptosis. (2) After the action of electrets in 3T3 cells, the free Ca 2+ levels in cellular plasm were increased. The increasement of Ca 2+ levels was caused by the Ca 2+ inflow from outside cell, rather than the release of calcium pool inside cell. Conclusion:The electret can induce Ca 2+ outside 3T3 cell to flow into cells, thereby induce cell apoptosis.