PMID: 8598491Jan 1, 1996Paper

Induction of apoptosis in NK cells by monocyte-derived reactive oxygen metabolites

The Journal of Immunology : Official Journal of the American Association of Immunologists
M HanssonK Hellstrand

Abstract

Human NK cells (with CD3-/56+ phenotype) acquired features characteristic of apoptosis after incubation with autologous monocytes, as revealed by apoptotic nuclear morphology, degradation of DNA into oligonucleosomal fragments, and reduced nuclear interchalation of propidium iodide. In contrast, T cells (CD3+/56-) remained non-apoptotic. The monocyte-induced apoptosis in NK cells was prevented by catalase, a scavenger of hydrogen peroxide; whereas superoxide dismutase (a scavenger of superoxide anion), hydroxyl radical scavengers such as mannitol and deferoxamine, or the hypochlorus acid scavenger taurine did not prevent apoptosis. Sodium azide, a myeloperoxidase inhibitor, substantially reduced the monocyte-induced apoptosis in NK cells. Exogenous hydrogen peroxide, at concentrations exceeding 1 microns, induced apoptosis in both NK and T cells. Apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide occurred independently of synthesis of protein or mRNA and was blocked by the endonuclease inhibitor aurin tricarboxylic acid. Furthermore, oxidatively induced apoptosis in NK cells was inhibited by herbimycin A, indicating that apoptosis was dependent on protein kinases. Two to five times more hydrogen peroxide was required to induce apoptosis in...Continue Reading

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