Acute apoptosis of mice bone marrow dendritic cells induced by ionizing irradiation

[Background] Radiation would induce apoptosis of cells. [Purpose] This study aims to observe the effect of irradiation on bone marrow dendritic cells (BMDCs) in mice. [Methods] The BMDCs were irradiated by X-ray to absorbed doses of 0.5 Gy or 1.0 Gy. The apoptosis and immunity ability of DCs were measured by flow cytometry and CCK-8. Protein expressions were determined by Western blot. The JAK2/STAT3 signal transduction pathway was inhibited by protein inhibitors. [Results] The dysfunction of BMDCs induced by X-ray irradiation was observed. The BMDCs apoptosis percentage increased, and JAK-2, STAT-3, and cleaved Caspase-3 protein expressions were promoted. [Conclusion] The up-regulation of JAK2, STAT3 and cleaved Caspase-3 expression induced by X-ray irradiation results in apoptosis and dysfunction of BMDCs, and may represent a new mechanism in radiation-induced immune suppression. (authors)