This study was conducted to investigate ATP-induced growth inhibition in human leukemic cells KGla.METHoDS ATP inhibited cell growth was analyzed by MTSassay.Extemalization of phosphatidylserine could be detected byAnnexin-V-FITC apoptosis staining after activation of the P2X7 re-ceptor.P2X7 mediated pore formation was detected in KGla cellsby Yo-Pro-1 uptake assay.RESUlTS ATP inhibited cell growth in a dose-dependent man-ner.The cytotoxic effect could be blocked by P2X7 antagonists,oxidized ATP(OATP)and KN62.Externalization of phosphatidyl-serine could be detected in a time-dependent manner.P2X7 medi-ated pore forigation could be detected in KGla cells.These effectscould not be observed in P2X7 null Ramos cells.CONCLUSIoN The results and our previously reports thatmRNA,protein expression and calcium response of the P2X7receptor in KGla cells,suggested that extracellular ATP effectivelyinduces growth inhibition through apoptosis in KGla cells byactivation of P2X7 receptor,and that may be mediated by extracel-lular Ca2+ineux and pore formation.