Microwave cell death: molecular analysis using DNA electrophoresis, PCR amplification and TUNEL.
Microwave cell death (MCD) is unique in that microscopic morphology and antigenicity are well preserved, while enzymatic activity is lost. The aim of the present study was to carry out DNA electrophoresis, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) examination of MCD. DNA electrophoresis indicated only a thick band of large DNA immediately after microwave treatment, which became a smear 6 h later and indicated a delayed type of DNA degradation over 2 weeks. Neither a DNA smear characteristic of oncosis nor DNA ladder patterns characteristic of apoptosis were found in MCD. PCR of p53 in MCD showed a single band at the same level of control of non-microwave treated cells. MCD was negatively stained on TUNEL. These results provide further evidence that MCD is distinct from oncosis and apoptosis, in addition to showing unique morphological and antigenic preservation and enzymatic inactivation.
Department of Pathology, Wakayama Medical University, Wakayama City, Wakayama, Japan.
Ichiro
I
Mori
Takashi
T
Ozaki
Katsuyoshi
K
Tabuse
Hirotoshi
H
Utsunomiya
Emiko
E
Taniguchi
Kennichi
K
Kakudo
D000818:Animals; D016923:Cell Death / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004247:DNA / Q000032:analysis / Q000528:radiation effects*; D004586:Electrophoresis; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008297:Male; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D016133:Polymerase Chain Reaction; D051381:Rats; D017207:Rats, Sprague-Dawley; D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53 / Q000235:genetics / Q000528:radiation effects
D016159:Tumor Suppressor Protein p53; D004247:DNA