Radiation kills human peripheral T cells by a Fas-independent mechanism.
The mechanism by which radiation induces human peripheral T cell apoptosis is not known. We examined sequential changes in post-irradiated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC(S)) taken from normal volunteers, by using flow-cytometer and an anti-CD3 monoclonal antibody, annexin
V, propidium iodide, anti-Fas antibody, and anti-Fas ligand antibody. After 5 or 10 Gy of irradiation with a 60Co radiation therapy unit, most of the human peripheral T cells showed positivity against annexin V in 15 h, and positivity against propidium iodide in 23 h after irradiation. On
a microscopy-video system, approximately 80% of mononuclear cells revealed apoptotic changes in 24 h after irradiation. Because of its proposed role in activation-induced cytotoxicity, we also examined the Fas (CD95/Apo-1) pathway in killing T cells by irradiation. Irradiated PBMC, displayed
no increase in surface Fas expression and caspase-3 activity relative to non-irradiated cells. In addition, the anti-Fas ligand failed to eliminate the apoptotic death of PBMC, after irradiation. These results suggest that irradiation induces direct apoptosis of T cells by a Fas-independent
mechanism.
Document Type: Research Article
Affiliations: Department of Radiology, Kochi Medical School, Okoh-cho, Nankoku-shi, Kochi-Prefecture 783-8505, Japan.
Publication date: 01 October 1998
- The International Journal of Molecular Medicine is a monthly, peer-reviewed journal devoted to the publication of high quality studies related to the molecular mechanisms of human disease. The journal welcomes research on all aspects of molecular and clinical research, ranging from biochemistry to immunology, pathology, genetics, human genomics, microbiology, molecular pathogenesis, molecular cardiology, molecular surgery and molecular psychology.
The International Journal of Molecular Medicine aims to provide an insight for researchers within the community in regard to developing molecular tools and identifying molecular targets for the diagnosis and treatment of a diverse number of human diseases. - Editorial Board
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