Abstract: ObjectiveTo identify the influence of cholesterol on insulin-secreting cells.Methods MIN6 mouse insulin cells were cultured in vitro. After confluence of cells, on one hand, free cholesterol in series concentrations was added to cultu re medium to act for 24 hours, and on the other hand, free cholesterol in same c oncentration was added to culture medium to act for different periods. MTT test was used to evaluate the viability of MIN6 cells.Results25μmol/L free cholesterol significantly decreased the viability of MIN6 c ells after 24 hours and 100μmol/L free cholesterol significantly decreased the viability of MIN6 cells after 12 hours and induced cells death after 24 hours.Conclusions Free cholesterol decreases viability of MIN6 cells in a dose-dependent and time-dependent manner, and it is indicated that elevated free cholesterol concentration in blood may be one factor involved in the dysfunction of pancreatic β-cells.

Key words: cholesterol, insulin cells, cul ture in vitro