Pressure-induced apoptosis in human lymphoblasts

The viability of human lymphoblasts was investigated after compression at 37 degrees C for 30 min. Immediately after decompression, necrotic cells were observed and the viability decreased sigmoidally to 0 with increasing pressure from 85 to 200 MPa. Apoptotic cells began to be observed from 8 h after decompression in the case of compression at 100 MPa for 30 min at 37 degrees C. The apoptosis was confirmed to be pressure-induced by the Tunel method and by optical and electron microscopy. Cell death by both necrosis and apoptosis due to compression was accelerated in the S phase of the cell cycle. (C) 1997 Academic Press.