Abstract: AimTo investigate the mechanisms of anti-cancer effect of resveratrol (Res), and the effects of Res in cell apoptosis. The role of Res playing in mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP) induction was studied. MethodsMitochondria was prepared from the liver of Wistar rats. The effects of Res on oxygen consumption of isolated mitochondria from rat liver was measured with Clark-type electrode and resulted in respiration control rate (RCR); Mitochondrial swelling affected by Res was assessed spectrophotometrically, through the changes in absorbance at 540 nm. The PTP opening was learned from the results. Membrane potential of mitochondia was measured through fluorescence spectrophotometry. ResultsRes was shown to inhibit the respiration and decrease the RCR of mitochondria. Res can promote the PTP opening mediated by Ca²⁺. Res was shown to promote the increase of mitochondial membrane potential mediated by Ca²⁺ and loss of mitochondial membrane potential. ConclusionRes was shown to inhibit mitochondial respiration and induce PTP opening of mitochondria. These may be one of the pathways that Res showed anti-cancer action and induce cells apoptosis.