The Effect of Solanine on the Membrane Potential of Mitochondria in HepG2 Cells and [Ca^2+]i in the Cells

Abstract

To observe the effect of solanine on the membrane potential of mitochondria in HepG₂ cells and [Ca²⁺]_i in the cells, and to uncover the mechanism by which solanine induces apoptosis. HepG2 cells are double stained with TMRE and Fluo-3/AM, and both the change in membrane potential of mitochondria and that of [Ca²⁺]_i in the cells are observed using LCSM. The results of double staining with TMRE and Fluo-3/AM show that solanine can lower membrane potential and increase the concentration of Ca²⁺ in the cells Solanine opens up the PT channels in the membrane by lowering the membrane potential, leading to Ca²⁺ being transported down its concentration gradient, which in turn leads to the rise of the concentration of Ca²⁺ in the cell, turning on the mechanism for apoptosis.