Figure 6.
E2 activates both mitochondrial and extrinsic pathway of apoptosis, whereas paclitaxel activates only the extrinsic pathway. MCF7:5C cells were treated with vehicle (Veh), 1 nM E2, 1 μM 4OHT or combination treatment of E2 and 4OHT for 24, 36 and 48 h. Total RNA was reverse transcribed and assessed for (A) BIM and (B) TNF gene expression. Induction of (C) BIM and (D) TNF mRNA was determined in MCF7:5C cells treated with either Veh or 1 μM paclitaxel for 12 and 24 h using RT–PCR. PCR data values are presented as fold difference versus Veh-treated cells±s.e.m. (**P<0.02, ***P<0.0003, ****P<0.0001).