<i>In vivo</i> anti-leukemic effects of Icaritin.

<p>A. Icaritin reduces K562 leukemic cells infiltration in mice bone marrow (up panel, Wight-Gimesa, ×1000 staining). From left to right, the bone marrow smear is hypercellularity and granulocytic hyperplasia with increased basophils and eosinophils in untreated mouse (Con); while in Imatinib- or Icaritin-treated mouse, bone marrow show a decreased granulocytic number and the inhibition of hyperplasia (Ima50; IC4; IC8). Spleen (middle panel), as well as liver tissue section (bottom panel). Hematoxylin-Eosin (HE) staining (×200). Splenic and hepatic patholoic section show an increased infiltration of leukemia cells in hepatic sinus and periportal or splenic sinus with sinusoidal extension in untreated-mouse (Con), the infiltraion of leukemic cells is more evident in spleen than liver. In Imatinib- or Icaritin-treated mouse, the infiltration of leukemic cells was decreased and the change of tissue structure is not significant (Ima50; IC4; IC8). B. C. In Icaritin-treated mice, the spleen weight and size decreased significantly both 4 mg/kg Icaritin dose and 8 /kg Icaritin dose. D. Changes of white blood cells (WBC) count in peripheral blood for Icaritin-treated mice and controls. E. Changes of human WBC antigen (CD45) levels in Icaritin-treated mice and controls. F. Changes of body weight of mice treated with Icaritin or imatinib. G. Icaritin prolongs lifespan of mice bearing K562 cells.