[Induction and inhibition of rat thymocyte apoptosis by ultraviolet irradiation]

Flow cytometry was used to investigate the effect of 254 nm wavelength UV irradiation on single rat thymocytes suspension in vitro. The induction of apoptosis has been observed in dose range less 20 J/m2. More high UV doses inhibited thymocyte apoptosis induced by dexamethasone, ionizing radiation and by UV itself. The necessity of protein kinase C activation has been demonstrated for realization of such dual effect of UV (apoptosis induction and suppression).