title: Paraquat Induces Apoptosis through Cytochrome C Release and ERK Activation.
abstract: Paraquat has been suggested to induce apoptosis by generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, little is known about the mechanism of paraquat-induced apoptosis. Here, we demonstrate that extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK) is required for paraquat-induced apoptosis in NIH3T3 cells. Paraquat treatment resulted in activation of ERK, and U0126, inhibitors of the MEK/ERK signaling pathway, prevented apoptosis. Moreover, paraquat-induced apoptosis was associated with cytochrome C release, which could be prevented by treatment with the MEK inhibitors. Taken together, our findings suggest that ERK activation plays an active role in mediating paraquat-induced apoptosis of NIH3T3 cells.
authors.affiliation: Department of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Hong Joo
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Seo
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chosun University Hospital, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Sang Joon
authors.initials: SJ
authors.lastname: Choi
authors.affiliation: Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Chosun University School of Medicine, Gwangju 501-759, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jung-Hee
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Lee
keywords: Apoptosis; Cytochrome C; ERK1/2; MAPK; NIH3T3 cells; Paraquat