Studies Of Apoptosis Induced In Malignant Lymphoma Cells By Arsenic Trioxide

Objective:To investigate the effects of a wide range of concentrations of As203 on malignant lymphoma cell lines and primary cultures of lymphoma cells. Methods: Cell apoptosis morphology was determined with Gimsa stain of cells and TdT-mediated dUTP Nick-end Labeling (TUNEL).The distribution of cellular DNA contens and bcl-2 protein expression were measured on flow cytometry. Results: 0.5-2.0 I~t mol/L As)3 inhibited Raji cell proliferation accompanied by the appearance of morphologic characteristics of apoptosis,such as condensed chromatin and nuclear fragmentation with intact cell membrane. Sub-G1 cell significantly increased and bcl-2 protein expression in Raji cell significantly decreased by assaying of flow cytometry.These cells showed a dose- and time-dependent effects. 0.5-4.0 L?mol/L As)3 could not inhibite Jurkat cell proliferation and induce apoptosis. 0.5-2.0 t~t mol/L As)3 could also inhibite primary cultures of lymphoma cells viability and induce apoptosis. Conclusion: substantial proliferation inhibition and apoptosis are induced in B lymphoma cell lines and primary cultures of lymphoma cells treated with As)3. As)3 provides a evidence in the treatment of malignant lymphoma.