The Effect of Solanine on the Membrane Potential of Mitochondria in HepG2 Cells and [Ca²+]i in the Cells

To observe the effect of solanine on the membrane potential of mitochondria in HepG
₂
cells and [Ca
²⁴
]; in the cells, and to uncover the mechanism by which solanine induces apoptosis. HepG
₂
cells are double stained with TMRE and Fluo- 3/AM, and both the change in membrane potential of mitochondria and that of [Ca
²⁺
]; 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 Ca
²⁺
in the cells Solanine opens up the PT channels in the membrane by lowering the membrane potential, leading to Ca
²⁺
being transported down its concentration gradient, which in turn leads to the rise of the concentration of Ca
²⁺
in the cell, turning on the mechanism for apoptosis.