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Lactosylceramide-Induced Apoptosis in Primary Amnion Cells and Amnion-Derived WISH Cells

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The Journal of the Society for Gynecologic Investigation: JSGI Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Objective

Amnion apoptosis is part of a programmed process of fetal membrane remodeling leading to weakening and rupture. The apoptotis agent lactosylceramide is elevated in amniotic fluid of premature infants with rupture of membranes. We have shown that apoptosis in WISH cells, induced by staurosporine, cycloheximide, or actionomycin D, can be blocked by cyclooxygenase inhibitors, suggesting a relationship between prostaglandin production and apoptosis. Cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) is known to inhibit prostaglandin release in amnion and WASH cells. This study was undertaken to determine the apoptotic potential of lactosylceramide and the effect of cyclooxygenase inhibitors and cAMP activators on lactosylceramida-induced apoptosis in primary amnion and WISH cells.

Methods

Primary amnion cells and WISH cells were incubated with lactosylceramide to determine apoptosis and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) release. Apoptosis was confirmed b agarose gel electrophoretic DNA fragmentation analysis, nuclear matrix protein (NMP), and uncleosome enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In some studied, cells were preincubated with cyclooxygenase inhibitors or cAMP activators.

Results

Lactosylceramide induced a 20-fold increase in NMP (measure of cell death) in both cell types. Apoptosis was confirmed by the studied listed in methods. Lactosylceramide increased PGE2 release in parallel with apoptosis. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors as well as cAMP activators inhibited both PGE2 release and apoptosis.

Conclusions

Lactosylceramide-induced apoptosis in both amnion and WISH cells. Parallel PGE2 release was demonstrated with apoptosis. Cyclooxygenase inhibitors and cAMP activators blocked both processes.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Departments of Pediatrics, Reproductive Biology, and Biochemistry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, USA

    Robert M. Moore MS, David W. Lundgren PhD, Rebecca J. Silver BS & John J. Moore MD

Authors
  1. Robert M. Moore MS
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  2. David W. Lundgren PhD
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  3. Rebecca J. Silver BS
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  4. John J. Moore MD
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to John J. Moore MD.

Additional information

Supported by NICHD grant R01 HD39159 to JJM.

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Moore, R.M., Lundgren, D.W., Silver, R.J. et al. Lactosylceramide-Induced Apoptosis in Primary Amnion Cells and Amnion-Derived WISH Cells. Reprod. Sci. 9, 282–289 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1177/107155760200900505

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