A Convenient Fluorometric Method to Study Sulfur Mustard-Induced Apoptosis in Human Epidermal Keratinocytes Monolayer Microplate Culture

Abstract

Sulfur mustard [SM; bis-(2-chloroethyl) sulfide], which causes skin blistering or vesication [(1991). Histo- and cytopathology of acute epithelial lesions. In: Papirmeister, 13., Feister, A. J., Robinson, S. I., Ford, R. D., eds. Medical Defense Against Mustard Gas: Toxic Mechanisms and Pharmacological Implications. Boca Raton: CRC Press, pp. 43-78.], is a chemical warfare agent as well as a potential terrorism agent. SM-induced skin blistering is believed to be due to epidermal-dermal detachment as a result of epidermal basal cell death via apoptosis an&or necrosis. Regarding the role of apoptosis in SM pathology in animal skin, the results obtained in several laboratories, including ours, suggest the following: 1) cell death due to SM begins via apoptosis that proceeds to necrosis via an apoptotic-necrotic continuum and 2) inhibiting apoptosis decreases SM-induced microvesication in vivo. To study the mechanisms of SM-induced apoptosis and its prevention in vitro, we have established a convenient fluorometric apoptosis assay using monolayer human epidermal keratinocytes (HEK) adaptable for multiwell plates (24-, 96-, or 384-well) and high-throughput applications.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jan 01, 2005
Accession Number
ADA442493

Entities

People

  • Betty Benton
  • Rachel Kramer
  • Radharaman Ray
  • Stephanie Hauck

Organizations

  • United States Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Animal Structures
  • Apoptosis
  • Aspartic Acid
  • Biomedical Research
  • Cell Physiological Processes
  • Cells
  • Chemical Warfare
  • Chemical Warfare Agents
  • Chemistry
  • Culture Techniques
  • Data Analysis
  • Epithelial Cells
  • Materials
  • Monomolecular Films
  • Pharmacology
  • Physiological Processes
  • Rodents

Fields of Study

  • Biology
  • Medicine

Readers

  • Geochemistry
  • Oncology (Cancer Research).
  • Toxicology/Environmental Toxicology