Human PDL cells were exposed to 10% or 20% stretch strain for 6 or 24 h. Expressions of caspase-5 mRNA and protein were analyzed. Influence of the inhibition of caspase-5 on the stretch-induced apoptotic rate was analyzed. Caspase-5 was expressed and activated in human PDL cells in response to cyclic stretch. The stretch-induced apoptosis and caspase-3 activation in human PDL cells were caspase-5 dependent.