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Estrogens induce apoptosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages
1Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Hunan Medical University, Changsha, China.
Aim:
To study whether estrogen might induce apoptosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM).
Method:
The MPM were isolated and incubated in culture medium containing 17-beta-estradiol, estrone, or equal volume of 100% ethanol as control. DNA fragmentation was visualized by agarose gel electrophoresis.
Results:
17-beta-Estradiol 0.01-1 mumol.L-1 or estrone 10-20 mumol.L-1 elicited typical morphological apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in a concentration-dependent manner in MPM. Staurosporine (Sta) 0.01 mumol.L-1, cycloheximide (Cyc) 1 mg.L-1, and tamoxifen (Tam) 10 mumol.L-1 inhibited the DNA fragmentation induced by 17-beta-estradiol 1 mumol.L-1 or estrone 20 mumol.L-1.
Conclusion:
Estradiol and estrone induced apoptosis in MPM.
Insights
Estrogen, specifically estradiol and estrone, triggers apoptosis, or programmed cell death, in mouse peritoneal macrophages. This effect was dose-dependent and could be inhibited by other compounds.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Estrogen is a key hormone with diverse physiological roles.
- Macrophages are critical immune cells involved in host defense and inflammation.
- The impact of estrogen on macrophage apoptosis requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of estrogen to induce apoptosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages (MPM).
Main Methods:
- MPM were isolated and cultured.
- Cells were treated with 17-beta-estradiol, estrone, or ethanol (control).
- DNA fragmentation, a hallmark of apoptosis, was assessed using agarose gel electrophoresis.
Main Results:
- Both 17-beta-estradiol and estrone induced morphological apoptosis and DNA fragmentation in MPM.
- The apoptotic effect was concentration-dependent.
- Staurosporine, cycloheximide, and tamoxifen inhibited estrogen-induced DNA fragmentation.
Conclusions:
- Estradiol and estrone effectively induce apoptosis in mouse peritoneal macrophages.
- Estrogen's role in regulating macrophage cell death is confirmed.