Objective  The present study investigates the expression and distribution of voltage-gated sodium channels(VGSCs), as well as its effects on the proliferation and invasion of human cervical cancer cells.

  Methods  Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence were used to detect the level and intracellular distribution of the VGSC protein in cervical cancer cell lines, respectively. Methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium assay and Matrigel methods tested the effect of VGSCs on the proliferation and invasion of the cervical cancer ME180 cells, respectively.The expression of the VGSC subtype in ME 180 cells was determined using semi-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and ribonucleic acid interference(RNAi).

  Results  Cervical cancer ME180 cells expressed the highest level of VGSC protein in the four cervical cancer cell lines tested.VGSC protein was primarily found in the plasma membrane and cytoplasm of the cells.Tetrodotoxin, an inhibitor of VGSCs, had no effect on the proliferation of the ME180 cells, but decreased Matrigel invasion in a dose-dependent manner(P < 0.05).Three VGSC isoforms(Nav1.2, Nav1.6, and Nav1.7) were identified to be expressed in the ME180 cells, among which Navl.6 mRNA was at the highest level(P < 0.05).RNAi targeting Navl.6 mRNA decreased the invasion of the cells by 52%(P < 0.05).

  Conclusion   VGSC subtype Navl.6 was found to be expressed predominantly in human cervical cancer ME180 cells.The expression of Nav1.6 in the cells increases the invasion of the cells in vitro.