ABSTRACT
<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To evaluate the protective effect of amifostine on hydroquinone-induced apoptosis of bone marrow mononuclear cells in vitro.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The mononuclear cells were separated and divided into four groups: blank control, amifostine group, hydroquinone group, amifostine + hydroquinone group. The cell apoptotic rate was examined in separated group at different time point, and apoptosis was detected by HT stain, then cell morphology was observed under fluorescent microscope and DNA fragments was tested by agarose gel electrophoresis. In addition, apoptotic and necrotic rate was detected by flow cytometer.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>After 10 hour culture, DNA ladder was detected in the hydroquinone group, but not in other groups. The apoptotic rate was not significantly different between amifostine group and blank control group at different culture time (P > 0.05). After 8 - 12 hour culture, the apoptotic rate in amifostine + hydroquinone group was significantly lower than that in the group of hydroquinone alone (P < 0.01). After 18 - 48 hour culture, the necrotic rate in amifostine + hydroquinone group was lower than that in the group of hydroquinone alone (P < 0.05).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Amifostine can protect cell from hydroguinone-induced bone marrow damage through inhibition on cell apoptosis, and decrease in cell necrosis.</p>