Modeled microgravity inhibits apoptosis in peripheral blood lymphocytes.
Microgravity interferes with numerous lymphocyte functions (expression of cell surface molecules, locomotion, polyclonal and antigen-specific activation, and the protein kinase C activity in signal transduction). The latter suggests that gravity may also affect programmed cell death (PCD) in lymphocyte populations. To test this hypothesis, we investigated spontaneous, activation- and radiation-induced PCD in peripheral blood mononuclear cells exposed to modeled microgravity (MMG) using a rotating cell culture system. The results showed significant inhibition of radiation- and activation-induced apoptosis in MMG and provide insights into the potential mechanisms of this phenomenon.
Risin
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Biotechnology Program, Wyle Laboratories-Life Sciences, Systems and Services, Houston, Texas 77058, USA. drisin@ems.jsc.nasa.gov
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D017209:Apoptosis; D018929:Cell Culture Techniques / Q000379:methods; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D005720:Gamma Rays; D006801:Humans; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000502:physiology*; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins / Q000032:analysis; D008854:Microscopy, Electron; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins / Q000494:pharmacology; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000032:analysis; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / Q000276:immunology; D012399:Rotation; D018474:Weightlessness Simulation; D019014:fas Receptor / Q000032:analysis
C505661:FASLG protein, human; D053222:Fas Ligand Protein; D005456:Fluorescent Dyes; D008562:Membrane Glycoproteins; D010835:Phytohemagglutinins; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D011948:Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell; D019014:fas Receptor; D016650:Fluorescein-5-isothiocyanate