Protocols
Induction of Apoptosis by Treatment with Camptothecin
Camptothecin, an extract of the Chinese tree Camptotheca
acuminata, is a potent inhibitor of topoisomerase I, a
molecule required for DNA synthesis. Camptothecin has been
shown to induce apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner in
vitro. Camptothecin is routinely used as a general method
for inducing apoptosis.
Protocol for Camptothecin-induced Apoptosis:
- Prepare a 1 mM stock solution of Camptothecin (Sigma Cat. No. C-9911) in
DMSO.
- Add 4-6 µM (final concentration) Camptothecin to cell suspension (eg,
5 x 105 cells/ml in tissue culture medium).
- Perform a time course to obtain optimum results; a 2-12 hr incubation at
37°C is suggested.
- Proceed with assays designed to evaluate induction of apoptosis.
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