Cytokinins and ethylene stimulate indole alkaloid accumulation in cell suspension cultures of Catharanthus roseus by two distinct mechanisms.

摘要

Interactions between cytokinins and ethylene on alkaloid accumulation in periwinkle (C. roseus) cell line C20D were examined. Results showed that either exogenously-applied cytokinins or ethylene (the latter through ethephon degradation) greatly enhanced ajmalicine accumulation in cells subcultured in a 2,4-D-free medium. Enhancing effects of cytokinins were not mediated by enhancement of endogenous ethylene production, contrary to what has been observed in other plant model. Responses to exogenouscytokinin and ethylene were additive and showed a different pattern of expression. It is concluded that cytokinin and ethylene can up-regulate alkaloid production in periwinkle cells through independent pathways when added exogenously to cultures.