Khar, AAli, A MBegum, ZPardhasaradhi, B VVaralakshmi, C1999-04-052009-05-271999-04-052009-05-271999-04-05Khar A, Ali AM, Begum Z, Pardhasaradhi BV, Varalakshmi C. Induction of apoptosis in AK-5 cells by rotenone involves participation of caspases. Indian Journal of Biochemistry & Biophysics. 1999 Apr; 36(2): 77-81http://imsear.searo.who.int/handle/123456789/28640AK-5 tumour cells undergo apoptosis after treatment with rotenone an electron transport inhibitor and oligomycin which inhibits mitochondrial ATPases. Apoptotic process involves the induction of caspases 2 and 3, whereas caspase 1 does not seem to be participating in rotenone/oligomycin induced apoptosis. DEVD which is a specific inhibitor of caspase 3, inhibited apoptosis in AK-5 cells. We have also observed a significant lowering of intracellular pH in AK-5 cells which are induced into the apoptotic process by rotenone. These results suggest an important role for mitochondrial electron transport in the induction of apoptosis in AK-5 tumour cells.engAnimalsApoptosis --drug effectsCaspases --metabolismRatsRats, WistarRotenone --pharmacologyTumor Cells, CulturedJournal Article