Objective: To evaluate the effect of recombinant human interleukin-3(rhIL-3) on the sensitization of acute myeloid leukemia(AML) cells to daunorubicin(DNR).
Methods: AML cells were cultured in a DNR-containing medium supplemented or not with rhIL-3. CFU-AML was assayed by semi-solid culture, proliferation and differentiation of AML cells were assayed by flow cytometry, cytomorphology and benzidine staining. Intracellular DNR concentration was measured by spectrophotofluorometry.
Results: rhIL-3 could enhance the proliferation but not differentiation of AML cells in vitro, and had no effect on DNR intake and exclusion of AML cells while enhancing their sensitivity to DNR.
Conclusion: rhIL-3 combined with DNR might improve the therapeutic effect of AML.