[Taxol-induced apoptosis in Jurkat T cell lymphoma cell line and its molecular mechanisms].

OBJECTIVE

To observe whether antimicrotubular drug taxol can induce apoptosis in Jurkat T cell lymphoma cell line and the role of bcl-2 gene family in this process.

METHODS

Different concentrations of taxol were used to treat Jurkat cells. Cell morphology was observed under light and electron microscope. Flow cytometry and electrophoresis were used to analyze DNA contents and DNA fragments. bcl-2 gene family proteins and mRNAs were studied by immunohistochemistry and semi-quantitative RT-PCR technique.

RESULTS

Taxol could inhibit Jurkat cell growth. Within a certain range of treating time and dose, cells were induced apoptosis with a time and dose related manner. The expressions of bax protein and mRNA were increased and bcl-x(s) mRNA became detectable after taxol treatment.

CONCLUSION

Taxol can specifically induce Jurkat cell apoptosis. It might provide a theoretical basis for clinical treatment and a good model for studying apoptotic gene modulation. Bax and bcl-x(s) participate in the taxol induced apoptosis of Jurkat cells.