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Caspase-3 and Bcl-2 expression in aging in adrenal zona reticularis after dexamethasone administration

Henrique Almeida1, Liliana Matos, Delminda Neves

  • 1Laboratory of Molecular Cell Biology, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Alameda Hernâni Monteiro, Porto, Portugal, PT 4200 319 Porto. almeidah@med.up.pt

Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences
|December 7, 2007
PubMed

Insights

Suppression of adrenocorticotropic hormone induces adrenocortical cell apoptosis. This study reveals the activation of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins in rat zona reticularis, confirming their role in apoptosis.

Area of Science:

  • Endocrinology
  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Adrenocortical cell apoptosis is observed when adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is suppressed.
  • The precise molecular mechanisms preceding the final stages of apoptosis in these cells remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the molecular events and protein involvement in the early stages of adrenocortical cell apoptosis.
  • To examine the role of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins in the apoptotic pathway.

Main Methods:

  • Rats of varying ages were administered dexamethasone for three days.
  • Adrenal tissues were subsequently processed for immunocytochemical analysis to detect protein expression and localization.

Main Results:

  • Immunocytochemistry revealed the activation of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins within the zona reticularis of the adrenal glands.
  • A significant colocalization of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins was observed in the same cells.
  • A minor age-related increase in the number of labeled cells was noted.

Conclusions:

  • The findings confirm the involvement of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 proteins in the apoptotic cascade of adrenocortical cells.
  • The data suggest a simultaneous activation and intervention of Bcl-2 and caspase-3 in the apoptotic process.

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