Induction of apoptosis in murine macrophages by Mycobacterium tuberculosis is reactive oxygen intermediates-independent
Rojas, M.; Barrera, L.F.; García, L.F.
Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications 247(2): 436-442
1998
ISSN/ISBN: 0006-291X PMID: 9642146 Document Number: 491556
Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis induces apoptosis in murine macrophage lines. Resistant macrophages B10R (Bcgr) are more prone to undergo apoptosis than susceptible B10S (Bcgs) macrophages. Apoptosis and inhibition of intracellular growth of the mycobacteria seem to be dependent on the production of nitric oxide, since both can be reverted by aminoguanidine (AMG). Although B10R macrophages produce more superoxide anion than B10S macrophages after infection with M. tuberculosis, reactive oxygen intermediate (ROIs) scavengers did not affect uptake of 3H-uracil incorporation by the mycobacteria nor the induction of apoptosis. These results further suggest that both phenomena are dependent on the production of nitric oxide by the infected macrophages.