N(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis of thymocytes involves mobilization of divalent cations

More than 90% of thymocytes undergo apoptosis while undergoing differentiation in the thymus. Although several factors act in concert to induce thymocyte apoptosis, it remains speculative if reactive oxygen intermediates produced by thymic macrophages may play a role in this process. The present investigation was carried out to determine if H(2)O(2) is capable of inducing apoptosis of thymocytes in vitro. It was observed that H(2)O(2) could induce apoptosis of thymocytes in vitro in a dose and time dependent manner. It was further found that H(2)O(2)-induced thymocyte apoptosis was dependent on the mobilization of divalent cations. The result of this study will help further in the understanding of the mechanism of H(2)O(2)-induced apoptosis