H2O2-induced apoptosis of thymocytes involves mobilization of divalent cations

More than 90% of thymocytes undergo apoptosis while undergoing differentiation in the thymus. Although several factors act in concert to induce thymocyte apoptosis, it remains speculative if reactive oxygen intermediates produced by thymic macrophages may play a role in this process. The present investigation was carried out to determine if H2O2 is capable of inducing apoptosis of thymocytes in vitro. It was observed that H2O2 could induce apoptosis of thymocytes ill vitro in a dose and time dependent manner. It was further found that H2O2-induced thymocyte apoptosis was dependent on the mobilization of divalent cations. The result of this study will help further in the understanding of the mechanism of H2O2-induced apoptosis.