MTT Cell Proliferation Assay Protocol

The proliferating index of untreated or clofibrate treated cells was determined by the 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide; MTT) based colorimetric assay (ATCC, Manassas, VA) as described previously [19 (link)]. The amount of MTT (yellow tetrazolium salt) that is converted to insoluble purple formazan crystals in the metabolically active cells presents the number of proliferating cells. The MTT Cell Proliferation Assay measures the cell proliferation rate and conversely, when metabolic events lead to apoptosis or necrosis, the reduction in cell viability.