Objective: To study the variation and role of Caspase3 activity in the process of Tanshinone (Tan II A) induced NB4 cells apoptosis.
Methods: NB4 cell apoptosis induced by Tan II A was demonstrated by cell morphology, DNA content analysis and DNA fragmentation assay. Caspase3 activity was determined by spectrofluorometry, and its inhibitory assay was performed using N-acetyl-Asp-Glu-Val-Asp-aldehyde(AC-DEVD-CHO).
Results: Tan II A could induce NB4 cell apoptosis accompanied with increase of caspase3 activity. The induction of NB4 cell apoptosis by use of Tan II A could be partially inhibited by AC-DEVD-CHO.
Conclusion: The induction of NB4 cell apoptosis by Tan II A could be fulfilled by activating Caspase3.