Objective To investigate the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor（bFGF） on the proliferation of human salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma（ACC）cell line ACC- 2 in vitro. Methods The effect of ectogenic bFGF on proliferation of ACC- 2 was observed by MTT assay. Extracellular signal- regulated kinase（ERK）activity was measured by immuno- precipitation. p- ERK1/2, Cyclin D1 and p21waf/cip1 expression were assessed by Western blot. Results bFGF could enhance the proliferation of ACC- 2. Stimulated by bFGF, the proliferation ratio increased significantly. The intracellular ERK activity, p- ERK1/2 and Cyclin D1 expression were increased, while p21waf/cip1 expression was inhibited by different concentrations of bFGF. The above effects of bFGF could be attenuated by MEK inhibitor U0126. Conclusion bFGF stimulates the proliferation of ACC- 2 in a dose dependent manner. The proliferation effect of bFGF may be due to up- regulating ERK, Cyclin D1 and p21waf/cip1 signaling pathway. This research can help us to explore a new pathogenesis and therapy of the ACC.
