N-(2-Mercaptoethyl)-1,3-Propanediamine (WR-1065) Protects Thymocytes from Programed Cell Death

Abstract

Gamma-irradiation, glucocorticoid hormones, and calcium ionophores stimulate a suicide process in thymocytes, known as apoptosis or programed cell death, that involves internucleosomal DNA fragmentation by a Ca2+ - and Mg2+ - dependent nuclear endonuclease. In this study we report that N-(2-mercaptoethyl) 1,3-propanediamine (WR-1065) blocked DNA fragmentation and cell death in thymocytes exposed to y-radiation, dexamethazone, or calcium ionophore A23187. WR-1065 protected the thymocytes from radiation-induced apoptosis when incubated with cells after irradiation but not before and/ or during irradiation. WR-1065 inhibited Ca2+ - and Mg2+-dependent DNA fragmentation in isolated thymocyte nuclei. Our results suggest that WR-1065 protects thymocytes from apoptosis by inhibiting Ca 2+ - and Mg2+-dependent nuclear endonuclease action.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Mar 15, 1992
Accession Number
ADA253190

Entities

People

  • George N. Catravas
  • Narayani Ramakrishnan

Organizations

  • Armed Forces Radiobiology Research Institute

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Energy and Power Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Apoptosis
  • B Lymphocytes
  • Biochemistry
  • Cancer
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Synthesis
  • Chemistry
  • Free Radicals
  • Ionizing Radiation
  • Materials
  • Neoplasms
  • New York
  • Proteins
  • Radiation
  • Therapy
  • Thymocytes

Fields of Study

  • Biology

Readers

  • Cellular and Molecular Pathways of Apoptosis.
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology