Abstract: Objective: To evaluate the inhibitory effect of endostatin on ovarian cancer cell line SKOV3 and to investigate the possible mechanism of the inhibition. Methods: 1.The effect of endostatin on SKOV3 cell proliferation was studied by means of MTT. 2.The cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by transmission electron microscopy and cell flow cytometric assay. 3.Then bcl-2 and bax expressions were measured in SKOV3 cells treated by endostatin by immunocytochemistry, RT-PCR and Western blot method. Results: Endostatin inhibited SKOV3 cell proliferation (p<0.01) and induced cell apoptosis, whereas bcl-2 and bax expression were not changed obviously in SKOV3 cell treated by endostatin. Conclusions: Endostatin might have its antitumor effects on ovarian cancer cell SKOV3 and that at least in part. One of the important mechanisms of Endostatin action on the potent antiangiogenic and antitumor activities may involve inducing apoptosis.

Key words: ovarian cancer cell, endostatin, apoptosis, bcl-2/bax