Role of p38 protein kinase in heat-induced Raw cells apoptosis

Objective To elucidate the role of p38 in heat induced apoptosis in the monocytic cell line Raw264 7 Methods Apoptosis was detected using flow cytometric analysis, DNA electrophoresis, Westero blot and a protein kinase assay Results A marked increased in p38 activity was detected 15 min after heating and reached maximal activity 30 min post stimulation, then returned to the pre stimulated level 2 h later The percentage of apoptotic cells was obviously increased 3 h after heating Stimulation of p38 preceded the induction of apoptosis, and the p38 specific inhibitor, FHPI, can inhibit thermal injury induced cell apoptosis Conclusions p38 activation is required for heat induced apoptosis in Raw264 7 cells, and stimulation of the p38 signaling pathway contributes to cell death