[Cantharidin regulates intracellular ATP in G1/S-phase renal tubule epithelial cells].

Objectives To study the mechanism of cantharidin in protecting F-actin microfilaments from disruption by hypoxic damage by observing the effects of cantharidin on intracellular ATP metabolism in G1/S-phase renal tubule epithelial cells (RTECs). Methods G1-phase RTECs were divided into cantharidin-treated group, exposed to sodium cyanide (CN) and cantharidin, hypoxic-group with CN exposure and non-treated control group. ATP levels were measured in the 3 groups with high-performance liquid chromatography. Results The concentration of CN exposure for 1 h, ATP level in the RTECs with cantharidin treatment were significantly higher than that in both hypoxic and non-treated control groups (14.50±0.26 mmol/g protein, 4.25±0.11 mmol/g protein, 8.58±0.13 mmol/g protein, respectively, P0.01). Conclusion Cantharidin prevents the disruption of the actin cytoskeleton in hypoxic damage by preventing abnormal intracellular ATP metabolism.