Objective: To research the effect of saikosaponin-d (SSd) on the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mRNA and induction of apoptosis in HL-60 cells.
Methods: Antiproliferation effects of SSd on HL-60 cells were determined by 3H-thymidine incorporation. Apoptosis of the SSd-treated cells was determined by DNA fragmentation analysis and flow cytometry. GR mRNA was analyzed by Northern blot analysis.
Results: After 48 h treatment with 10 micrograms/ml SSd, 3H-thymidine incorporation was decreased in HL-60 cells and the effects were time and dose dependent. DNA ladder appeared after 60 h treatment with SSd. The flow cytometry analysis showed HL-60 cells was arrested at G0/G1 phase and apoptotic peak appeared in sub-G1 phase. The expression of GR mRNA was increased.
Conclusion: SSd up-regulates the expression of GR mRNA, inhibits the cell growth and induces apoptosis in HL-60 cells.