I did a MTT assay for a plant extract against L929 cells. But in readings, the cell viability percentage was increased more than the untreated cells, with increasing concentration.
Dear Ameena,
the MTT assay is only indirectly a test for viability, as MTT is reduced by microsomal enzymes which oxidize NADH to provide the electrons for MTT reduction, depending on the metabolic state of the cells. Also, some compounds can directly interfere with MTT, thereby changing / increasing its absorption.
Ref.: Ulukaya, E.; Colakogullari, M.; Wood, E.J. Interference by anti-cancer chemotherapeutic agents in the MTT-tumor chemosensitivity assay. Chemotherapy 2004, 50, 43-50.
Here is also a useful reference on the biochemistry of MTT and other tetrazolium salts in cell assays:
Berridge, M.V.; Tan, A.S.; McCoy, K.D.; Wang, R. The biochemical and cellular basis of cell proliferation assays that use tetrazolium salts. Biochemica 1996, 4, 14-19.
In any case, you should look at the cells in the microscope and count them after treatment with plant extracts.
Hope this will help you to get correct answers.
Angela Otto
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