Induction of Apoptosis in Rat Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes by the Anticancer Drug CI-994 (Acetyldinaline)(*).

CI-994 (acetyldinaline) is an investigational anticancer drug currently in clinical trials. In preclinical safety studies in rats and dogs, CI-994 resulted in significant toxicity to bone marrow and lymphoid tissue. To determine if apoptosis was involved in CI-994 toxicity, peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated from untreated male Wistar rats and exposed to CI-994 (1, 3, 10, or 30 &mgr;M) in vitro for up to 24 hours.