Cellular Dynamic Changes of K562 Cells Treated by Arsenic Trioxide in Various

Objective To study the effects and the cellular dynamic changes of arsenic Trioxide(As_2O_3) in various concentrations on the K562 cells.Methods The K562 cells cultured in flask and 24 well plates were treated by As_2O_3 with concentrations of 1,2,4,8 μmol/L for 24 h,48 h,72 h,respectively.The morphologic changes of cells were observed under invert fluorescence microscope.Cell proliferation was determined by MTT assay.The mitotic index(MI) of living cells was calculated by phase contrast microscopy and the cells with -TdR uptake were examined by autoradiography.The proliferative index(PI) and apoptotic index(AI) were assayed by flowcytometry.Results A low dosage of As_2O_3(1.0 μmol/L) enhancing the proliferative rate of K562 cells with -TdR uptake demonstrated MI and PI decreased.The high MI,AI and low PI were found in the middle concentrations(2 and 4 μmol/L)of As_2O_3.The morphological changes of apoptosis and necrosis were found in 24 h after As_2O_3 in high concentrations(8 μmol/L)administrated.Conclusions The effects of As_2O_3 in various concentrations are different.Low concentration of As_2O_3 decreases the proliferation of the K562 cells by degrading of DNA synthesis.In middle and high concentration of As_2O_3 apoptosis and necrosis are induced respectively.J Appl Clin Pediatr,2006,21(3):144-145