[en] Objective: To determine the effects of γ radiation on GSK-3 β-coupled signaling transduction pathway in IEC-6 cells. Methods: The changes of GSK-3 β, Akt, caspase-9, and caspase-3 mRNA expressions in IEC-6 cells after 6 Gy γ-ray irradiation were determined using RT-PCR. GSK-3 β and Akt phosphorylation levels were determined by Western blot. Changes of caspase-9 enzymes activity were measured by colorimetric assay. Results: GSK-3 β mRNA expressions at 30, 60 and 120 rain after exposure were observed to be increased with 6 Gy γ-ray irradiation, while the corresponding levels of phosphorylated form of GSK-3 decreased. Akt mRNA expression in the exposed group was not significantly different from that in the control group, but phosphorylation of Akt decreased at 30, 60, 120 min after exposure to 6 Gy γ-ray. Caspase-9 mRNA expression increased at 30, 60, 120 rain and caspase-3 mRNA expression increased at 60, 120 rain after the exposure. In consistence with the expression of caspase-9 mRNA, caspase-9 activity was markedly elevated at 30, 60, 120 min after exposure. Conclusion: γ-ray irradiation induced significant activations of GSK-3 β signal transduction pathway and apoptosis-related caspase-9 and caspase-3 enzymes in IEC-6 cells. (authors)