Apoptosis of murine BW 5147 thymoma cells induced by cold shock

Exposure of thymoma BW 5147 cells to cold (0-2 degrees C) followed by rewarming at 37 degrees C (cold shock) resulted in internucleosomal DNA cleavage. Sensitivity to cold shock-induced cell death was critically dependent on the serum concentration in the medium and limited to serum-deficient medium (2% serum concentration), whereas cells in the complete growth medium (10%) were completely resistant. RNA/protein-synthesis inhibitors (cycloheximide and actinomycin D) had no effect on cold shock-induced DNA cleavage in BW 5147 cells. The DNA fragmentation seems to be independent of increase in the cytosolic Ca2+ level. Moreover, reduction in the calcium content of the external medium by EGTA induced DNA cleavage. Incubation of BW 5147 cells in the presence of colchicine and cytochalasin B led to the apoptosis. The latter suggests that the internucleosomal DNA cleavage induced by cold shock may be concerned with the disruption of some cytoskeletal network caused by cooling. The results are discussed in relation to cell proliferation.