Iron deprivation-induced apoptosis in HL-60 cells.

Iron deprivation of HL-60 cells with deferoxamine B mesylate (DFO) induced apoptosis. DNA fragmentation became apparent with 10(-6) M DFO after 48 h treatment. The apoptosis peak according to the DNA histogram on flow cytometry and typical nuclear collapse and were observed microscopically after 48 h treatment with 10(-4) M DFO. Cells treated with 10(-4) M DFO for as little as 24 h were shown to be committed to apoptosis, as chromatin condensation progressed gradually thereafter.