A role for caspase-1 in serum withdrawal-induced apoptosis of endothelial cells

Andrea R. King, Sheila E. Francis, Collette J. Bridgeman, Helen Bird, Moira K. B. Whyte, David C. Crossman

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29 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Mouse lung endothelial cells (MLEC) and HUVEC were used under serum withdrawal (SW) conditions as a model of endothelial cell (EC) apoptosis. Apoptosis was quantified by time-lapse video microscopy. Mouse lung ECs from caspase-1(-/-) mice had significantly reduced rates of SW-induced apoptosis compared with wild-type mice, specifically implicating caspase-1 in proapoptotic signaling in ECs. SW conditions induced HUVEC apoptosis with concomitant activation of caspase-1. Further studies demonstrated that the caspase-1 inhibitors z-VAD and z-YVAD significantly reduced the rate of SW-induced HUVEC apoptosis. HUVEC, when transfected with caspase-1, showed a highly significant increase in apoptosis. SW was associated with increases in reactive oxygen species production that were significantly inhibited by the antioxidant N-acetyl-L-cysteine, although rates of apoptosis and caspase-1 activation were unaffected. These results demonstrate the involvement of caspase-1 in SW-induced EC apoptosis, independently of reactive oxygen species production.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1497-1508
Number of pages12
JournalLaboratory Investigation
Volume83
Issue number10
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Oct 2003

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