Critical roles of Rho-associated kinase in membrane blebbing and mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis caused by 1-butanol

Noritake, K; Aki, T; Funakoshi, T; Unuma, K; Nara, A; Kato, C; Uemura, K

HERO ID

1453941

Reference Type

Journal Article

Year

2012

Language

English

PMID

22564901

HERO ID 1453941
In Press No
Year 2012
Title Critical roles of Rho-associated kinase in membrane blebbing and mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis caused by 1-butanol
Authors Noritake, K; Aki, T; Funakoshi, T; Unuma, K; Nara, A; Kato, C; Uemura, K
Journal Toxicology In Vitro
Volume 26
Issue 6
Page Numbers 849-855
Abstract Alcohols are widely used as industrial solvents and chemical intermediates but can cause serious damage to human health. Nevertheless, few studies have addressed the molecular mechanisms underlying the cytotoxicity of industrial alcohols, with the notable exception of ethanol. The goal of our current study is to elucidate the molecular mechanism of cytotoxicity caused by primary alcohols containing longer carbon chains than ethanol. We find that 1-butanol induces morphological changes in H9c2 cardiomyoblastoma including nuclear condensation and membrane blebbing, both of which are features of apoptotic response. Moreover, a decrease in the mitochondrial membrane potential, the cytosolic release of cytochrome c, and the activation of caspase 9 and 3 was observed, thus revealing the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by 1-butanol. The addition of Y-27632, a specific inhibitor of Rho-associated kinase (ROCK), suppressed the membrane blebbing and mitochondrial apoptotic pathway. In comparison z-VAD-fmk, a pan-caspase inhibitor, did not inhibit membrane blebbing but did prevent cell death following exposure to 1-butanol. These results indicate that mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis and membrane blebbing are parallel phenomena that occur downstream of ROCK. This kinase thus plays an essential role in 1-butanol cytotoxicity and subsequent cell death in H9c2 cells.
Doi 10.1016/j.tiv.2012.04.027
Pmid 22564901
Wosid WOS:000307323900011
Is Certified Translation No
Dupe Override No
Is Public Yes
Language Text English
Keyword Rho-associated kinase; Membrane blebbing; 1-Butanol; Apoptosis