title: [Matrine-induced gamma-globin synthesis in K562 cells].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To study the effects of matrine on gamma-globin synthesis in K562 cells in vitro.
  
  
  METHODS
  Benzidine staining was used to study the dose- and time-dependent effects of matrine on hemoglobin synthesis in K562 cells, and Western blotting was performed to determine the level of hemoglobin F(alpha(2)gamma(2)).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Benzidine staining showed that K562 cells treated with matrine of 0.1 mg/ml had a positivity rate for benzidine (BZ%) of 15.67% at 96 h after the treatment, and Western blotting indicated increased synthesis of hemoglobin F.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Matrine can induce gamma-globin synthesis and increase hemoglobin F level in K562 cells, the effect of which resembles that of sodium butyrate.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510282, China. zhangcuimei0527@163.com
authors.forename: Cui-Mei
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.forename: Zhi-Chun
authors.initials: ZC
authors.lastname: Feng
mesh_terms: D000470:Alkaloids / Q000494:pharmacology*; D015153:Blotting, Western; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin / Q000096:biosynthesis; D005914:Globins / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D006801:Humans; D020014:K562 Cells; D011807:Quinolizines / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000093842:Matrines
chemical_list: D000470:Alkaloids; D011807:Quinolizines; D005914:Globins; D005319:Fetal Hemoglobin; D000093842:Matrines