Evaluation of cytotoxic effects of amitriptyline on cervical cancer cells

Many studies have shown that antidepressants can have anticancer effects; however, the anti-cancer effects of the antidepressant amitriptyline on cervical cancer cells are unclear. Accordingly, the present study investigated the cytotoxic effects of amitriptyline on cervical cancer cells.

In this experimental-laboratory study, cervical cancer cells with SW480 cell line were divided into control (untreated) and groups treated with concentrations of 78.125, 156.25, 312.5, 625, 1250 and 2500 µg/ml of amitriptyline. Cells were measured by the MTT method 24 and 48 hours after treatment. Data was analyzed using one-way analysis of variance.

Cervical cancer cell survival significantly reduced after treatment at concentrations of 78.125, 156.25, 312.5, 625, 1250 and 2500 µg/ml after 24 and 48 hours (P<0.001). IC50 was 1742 and 928 for 24 and 48 hours, respectively.

The findings of this study indicate that amitriptyline has cytotoxic effects on cervical cancer cells. The results of this study can be considered in the field of cervical cancer treatment.