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Ouabain induces apoptosis on PHA-activated lymphocytes
B Olej1, N F dos Santos, L Leal
1Departamento de Bioquímica Médica, Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Bioscience Reports
|July 8, 1998
Summary
Ouabain, a Na+K(+)-ATPase inhibitor, increases c-myc mRNA expression and triggers apoptosis in stimulated lymphocytes. This effect is independent of interleukin-2 (IL-2).
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Apoptotic cell death is crucial for immune system homeostasis.
- Deregulated c-myc protooncogene expression is linked to programmed cell death.
- Modulating lymphocyte apoptosis has significant therapeutic potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of ouabain on c-myc expression and apoptosis in lymphocytes.
- To determine if interleukin-2 (IL-2) can counteract ouabain-induced apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- Lymphocytes were stimulated with phytohemagglutinin (PHA).
- Cells were treated with ouabain, a specific inhibitor of Na+K(+)-ATPase.
- c-myc mRNA expression was measured.
- Apoptosis was assessed.
- The effect of exogenous IL-2 was evaluated.
Main Results:
- Ouabain treatment led to increased c-myc mRNA expression.
- Ouabain induced apoptosis in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes.
- Exogenous IL-2 did not prevent ouabain-induced apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Ouabain promotes apoptosis in lymphocytes via c-myc upregulation.
- The Na+K(+)-ATPase pathway is involved in regulating lymphocyte apoptosis.
- IL-2 does not inhibit ouabain-induced lymphocyte apoptosis.