The effects of amitriptyline on human embryonic kidney cells growth and proliferation in vitro

Abstract

Many studies have shown that antidepressants, including amitriptyline, can cause side effects on normal human cells, although the exact effects of amitriptyline on normal human cells are unclear. Accordingly, the present study investigated the cytotoxic effects of amitriptyline on the human embryonic kidney cell line. In this experimental-laboratory study, cells were divided into control group (no drug-treated) and amitriptyline treatment groups (treated with 39.06, 12.78, 156.25, 312.5, 625, 1250 and 2500 μg/ml of amitriptyline). MTT method was used to assay the cytotoxic effects of amitriptyline at 24 and 48 hours. The data were analyzed by one-way analysis of variance. Treatment with 39.06 and 78.12 μg/ml of amitriptyline for 24 hours had no significant effect on the viability of Hek-293 cells, but treatment with 156.25 μg/ml and higher concentrations of amitriptyline significantly reduced the viability of Hek-293 cells. Treatment of cells for 48 hours showed a significant reduction in cell viability at all concentrations. Amitriptyline has cytotoxic effects on normal human embryonic kidney cells and these effects depend on the dose and duration of treatment. The findings of this study can be of significant importance in terms of the side effects of amitriptyline consumption on normal cells of the human body.