title: Ethanol-induced apoptosis in human HL-60 cells.
abstract: The mechanisms responsible for aberrant immune function associated with chronic ethanol use remain obscure, but a decrease in monocyte numbers is often reported for individuals who chronically abuse ethanol. We investigated, using human HL-60 promyelocytic cell line, the possibility that ethanol induces apoptosis which contributes to decreased monocyte numbers. Characteristic features of apoptosis were observed 4 days after ethanol treatment, as documented by increased DNA fragmentation; enhanced expression of phosphatidylserine, an early marker of apoptosis; and the appearance of a hypodiploid apoptotic cell population identified by flow cytometry analysis of the cell cycle. Treatment with the protein kinase C inhibitor, GF 109203X, potentiated ethanol-induced apoptosis. Direct induction of human HL-60 cell apoptosis by ethanol and potentiation of ethanol-induced apoptosis by inhibiting protein kinase C provides a partial explanation for the cytotoxic effects of ethanol on hematopoietic progenitor cells and establishes a link between inhibiting protein kinase C activity and ethanol-induced apoptosis.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson 39216-4505, USA.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Aroor
authors.forename: R C
authors.initials: RC
authors.lastname: Baker
mesh_terms: D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D000431:Ethanol / Q000633:toxicity*; D018922:HL-60 Cells; D006801:Humans; D011493:Protein Kinase C / Q000502:physiology
chemical_list: D000431:Ethanol; D011493:Protein Kinase C