Abstract: ObjectiveTo study the effects of mercuric chloride on cell proliferation,DNA damage,cell cycle and expression of MT in HL-7702 cells.MethodsThe MTT assay was used to detect cell proliferation.The DNA damage in cells was determined by SCGE assay.The changes in cell cycle was measured by FCM assay,and the expression of MT in cells was detected by mimunocy to chemistry assay.ResultsThe inhibition of cell proliferation and DNA damage induced by mercuric chloride were time-and dose-dependent(P<0.05).Significant decrease of cells in Sphase and increase in G₀/G₁ demonstrated that G₀/G₁ phase blocking and inhibition of DNA synthesis could be induced by mercuric chloride(P<0.05).In addition,the expression of MT increased significantly along with the increasing of doses(P<0.05).ConclusionMercuric chloride had toxic effect on HL-7702 cells.It could decrease activity of enzymes which conta in hydro sulfuryl, induce DNA damage and changes in cell cycles.