Effects of Forskolin on the activity of the murine T lymphocytes stimulated by phorbol in vitro

Objective To investigate the effects of Forskolin on proliferation and cell cycle distribution of murine CD3+T lymphocytes stimulated by polyclonal activators phorbol 12,13-dibutyrate(PDB)plus ionomycin(Ion),and then study the effects of Forskolin on the initial expression of CD69 and the mid expression of CD25 on CD3+ T lymphocytes stimulated by PDB,in order to elucidate the mechanism of the immunosuppressive effect of Forskolin.Methods Cell suspensions were prepared from murine lymph nodes.The lymphocytes were treated with different concentrations of Forskolin,and then stimulated with PDB plus Ion.The proliferation index and the cell cycle of activated mouse T lymphocytes was analyzed by CFDA-SE staining,PI staining,CELLQuest and ModFitLT.Fluorescence conjugated monoclonal antibodies and flow cytometry were used to detect the expressions of CD69 and CD25 by PDB-activated murine CD3+ T lymphocytes.Results Forskolin(10-7,10-6,10-5 mol·L-1)could inhibit the proliferation of murine T lymphocyte stimulated by PDB plus Ion in a dose-dependent manner.The number of G0/G1 T lymphocytes increased in the cell cycle.Forskolin also could inhibit the initial expression of CD69 and the mid expression of CD25 on CD3+ T lymphocytes in a dose-dependent manner.Conclusion Forskolin can inhibit the signaling pathway of T lymphocyte activation,thus Forskolin could be used as a potential effective immunosuppressive agent.