Hyperthermia induces apoptosis in thymocytes

Journal Article · Sun Mar 31 23:00:00 EST 1991 · Radiation Research; (USA)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.2307/3578175· OSTI ID:5768703

Sellins, K S; Cohen, J J ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Colorado School of Medicine, Denver (USA)

Mild hyperthermia (43{degree}C for 1 h) induces extensive double-stranded DNA fragmentation and, at a later time, cell death in murine thymocytes. The cleavage of DNA into oligonucleosome-sized fragments resembles that observed in examples of apoptosis including radiation-induced death of thymocytes. Following hyperthermia, incubation at 37{degree}C is necessary to detect DNA fragmentation, although protein and RNA synthesis do not seem to be required. Two protein synthesis inhibitors, cycloheximide and emetine, and two RNA synthesis inhibitors, actinomycin D and 5,6-dichloro-1-beta-D-ribofuranosylbenzimidazole, do not inhibit DNA fragmentation or cell death in heated thymocytes at concentrations which significantly block these effects in irradiated thymocytes. We have used this difference in sensitivity to show that the DNA fragmentation induced in thymocytes which are irradiated and then heated seems to be caused only by the heating and not by the irradiation.

• OSTI ID: 5768703
• Journal Information: Radiation Research; (USA), Journal Name: Radiation Research; (USA) Vol. 126:1; ISSN 0033-7587; ISSN RAREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

560120 -- Radiation Effects on Biochemicals
Cells
& Tissue Culture
560200* -- Thermal Effects
63 RADIATION, THERMAL, AND OTHER ENVIRON. POLLUTANT EFFECTS ON LIVING ORGS. AND BIOL. MAT.
ANIMAL CELLS
ANIMALS
BIOLOGICAL EFFECTS
BIOLOGICAL RADIATION EFFECTS
BODY TEMPERATURE
DNA
HYPERTHERMIA
MAMMALS
MICE
NUCLEIC ACIDS
ORGANIC COMPOUNDS
RADIATION EFFECTS
RNA
RODENTS
SENSITIVITY
SOMATIC CELLS
STRAND BREAKS
TEMPERATURE EFFECTS
THYMOCYTES
VERTEBRATES