OBJECTIVETo determine whether mycophenolic acid (MPA) exerts an apoptotic effect on human leukemic T cells Molt-4 and to elucidate its possible mechanism.

METHODSCell morphology, DNA fragmentation, cell cycle,percentage of annexin V positive cells and enzymatic activity of caspase-3 were measured by microscopic, electrophoretic and flow cytometric techniques respectively. Human leukemic B cell line Raji was used as control.

RESULTMPA could induce apoptosis of Molt-4 cells with dose-and time-dependent manners; cells were blocked in the S phase. The activity of caspase-3 was enhanced in a dose-dependent manner in Molt-4 cells treated with MPA for 24 h. MPA could not induce apoptosis in Raji cells.

CONCLUSIONMPA can induce apoptosis in Molt-4 cells which may be involved in the activation of caspase-3.