Szygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. Et Perry (Myrtaceae) flower bud induces apoptosis of p815 mastocytoma cell line

This study was conducted to investigate SAFE-induced apoptosis of mast cell s as it pertains to both its basic drug mechanism and the potential therape utics of the pathologic conditions accompanying mast cell proliferation. SA FE induced many apoptotic manifestations as evidenced by changes in cell mo rphology, generation of DNA fragmentation, activation of caspase 3, and DNA hypoploidy. The reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and the rele ase of cytochrome c to cytosol were also demonstrated. However, reduction o f mitochondrial membrane potential and cytochrome c release were not preven ted by caspase inhibitor zVAD-fmk or PTP blockers such as bongkrekic acid a nd cyclosporin A. Expression levels of Bcl-2 and Fas remained unchanged fol lowing SAFE treatment. This results suggest that the clinical effect of SAF E may depend on the pharmacological mechanism regulating the demise of mast cells. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Inc. All rights reserved.