Role of p38 protein kinase in heat-induced Raw cells apoptosis.
OBJECTIVE
To elucidate the role of p38 in heat-induced apoptosis in the monocytic cell line Raw264.7.


METHODS
Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometric analysis, DNA electrophoresis, Westero blot and a protein kinase assay.


RESULTS
A marked increased in p38 activity was detected 15 min after heating and reached maximal activity 30 min post stimulation, then returned to the pre-stimulated level 2 h later. The percentage of apoptotic cells was obviously increased 3 h after heating. Stimulation of p38 preceded the induction of apoptosis, and the p38 specific inhibitor, FHPI, can inhibit thermal injury induced cell apoptosis.


CONCLUSIONS
p38 activation is required for heat-induced apoptosis in Raw264.7 cells, and stimulation of the p38 signaling pathway contributes to cell death.
Zhang
L
L
Key Laboratory for Shock and Microcirculation Research of PLA, Department of Pathophysiology, First Military Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China. liuny@fimmu.edu.cn
Zhang
L
L
Jiang
Y
Y
Zhao
K
K
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002460:Cell Line; D004789:Enzyme Activation; D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology; D006358:Hot Temperature; D051379:Mice; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000502:physiology*; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases
D004791:Enzyme Inhibitors; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; D048051:p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases