Objective: To explore the effects of retrovirus-mediated bcl-2 antisense RNA on apoptosis of leukemic cells.
Methods: Retrovirus was packaged in vitro with PA317 cells and Jurkat cell was transducted with collected virus; The expressions of bcl-2 mRNA and protein were assayed by RT-PCR and Western blotting, respectively. Apoptosis was assayed by flow cytometry and DNA "ladder".
Results: Expression of intrinsic bcl-2 was decreased, and the sensitivity of leukemic cells to Vp16 and the apoptosis of leukemic cells line Jurkat cells were enhanced by transfected bcl-2 antisense RNA.
Conclusion: Antisense bcl-2 enhances Vp16 inducing apoptosis of leukemic cells. The results provide a useful experimental basis for leukemia therapy.