Effects of Gossypol on the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Jurkat T Cells

Abstract: To investigate the effect of gossypol on the proliferation and apoptosis of Jurkat T cells and to elucidate its mechanism. Jurkat T cells were treated with various concentrations of gossypol were assessed. The cell viability was measured by MTS assay. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by labeled with annexin V-PE. Nuclear morphological changes were ascertained by Hoechst33342. Mitochondrial transmembrane potential was detected by Mitocapture combined with flow cytometry (FCM) and laser scanning confocal microscope (LSCM). Results showed that when cells were treated with gossypol for 24 h， 48 h， 72 h， the IC50 value were about 7.2 μmol/L， 57.3 μmol/L， 23.3 μmol/L. The inhibitory effect shows time- and dose- dependent. When cells were treated with 8， 16， 32 μmol/L of gossypol， the cells apoptosis ratio were about 5.30%， 15.20%， 51.19%， the control group was about 3.43%. With the increase of concentrations， the mitochondrial transmembrane potential was decreased significantly. Many nuclei showed chromatin condensation， nuclear fragmentation and pyknosis after being treated with high concentration of gossypol. The above results indicated that gossypol can effectively inhibit the proliferation of Jurkat T cells and induces apoptosis. The inhibitory effect shows time- and dose- dependent. The mechanism of gossypol induced Jurkat T cells apoptosis probably rely on mitochondria intrinsic pathway.

CSTR: 32200.14.cjcb.2008.06.0013