Induction of apoptosis by the adenosine derivative IB-MECA in parental or multidrug-resistant HL-60 leukemia cells: possible relationship to the effects on inhibitor of apoptosis protein levels.

<i>Background:</i> The effects of the A<sub>3</sub> adenosine receptor (A<sub>3</sub>AR) agonist IB-MECA were examined in HL-60 leukemia and in its multidrug-resistant variant HL-60R cells. <i>Methods:</i> Cytotoxicity was evaluated by MTS assays and apoptosis by flow cytometry analyses of DNA fragmentation and phosphatidylserine exposure. The mRNAs of A<sub>3</sub>AR and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) were determined by RT-PCR. <i>Results:</i> A<sub>3</sub>AR expression was similar in HL-60 and HL-60R cells. At ≧100 µ<i>M</i>, IB-MECA exhibited strong cytotoxic and apoptotic effects in H…