Experimental Study on Apoptosis in Leukemia Cells Induced by Econazole

To investigate apoptosis of mouse leukemia cell (WEHI-3) induced by econazole and its mechanism, apoptosis induced by econazole was examined by flow cytometry, while free calcium ([Ca(2+)]i) was determined by Fura-2 fluorescein load technique. The protein was isolated from endoplasmic reticulum of WEHI-3 cells, and then the expression of caspase-12 and caspase-7 was evaluated by Western blot. The results showed that WEHI-3 exhibited typical change of apoptosis when it was treated by econazole, [Ca(2+)]i was significantly higher in comparison with the control. The expression of caspase-12 and caspase-7 enhanced as the econazole concentration increased. In conclusion, econazole can induce WEHI-3 cell apoptosis and the caspase-12 plays a key role in this process.