DOI
https://doi.org/10.25772/B5PH-5647
Defense Date
1999
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science
Department
Physiology
First Advisor
Raphael J. Witorsch
Abstract
Consistent with previous studies, we demonstrated that dexamethasone (Dex) caused cytolysis/apoptosis in log phase Nb2 lymphoma cells, while prolactin (Prl) inhibited this effect. The Nb2 model was used to investigate the mechanisms of apoptosis control with the aid of immunocytochemistry (ICC). We established with absorption the specificity of staining due to Fas, Fas Ligand, Bcl-2, and Bax antibodies (the specificity of anti-p53 could not be verified). Dex-induced cytolysis/apoptosis was detected in synchronized (G⁰/G¹) cells after 6 and 8 hours of Dex exposure. A novel, computerized technique was used to quantitate the proportion of cells immunostained for the signals of interest in Nb2 cells in log phase a G⁰/G¹ after up to 8 hours of Dex exposure. We observed Fas, Fas Ligand, Bcl-2, Bax, and p53 in high proportions (72%-86%) of log phase Nb2 cells. Neither synchrony in G⁰/G¹ nor exposure of synchronized cells to Dex for up to 8 hours altered the proportion of immunostained cells. This study has raised provocative issues regarding the resistance of Nb2 cells to Fas mediated apoptosis, the phenotype of the p53 protein in Nb2 cells, and the possible interaction of various signals that modulate apoptosis.
Rights
© The Author
Is Part Of
VCU University Archives
Is Part Of
VCU Theses and Dissertations
Date of Submission
8-17-2016