The aim of this project was to determine if lipopolysaccharide (LPS) can induce apoptosis in primary cultures of rat hepatocytes and if this apoptosis is accompanied by modulation of Bcl-2 like proteins, or induced activation of the survival (Akt) or death [C-Jun-N terminal (JNK), p38 mitogen activated kinase (p38 MAPK)] kinases. The effect of LPS on glycochenodeoxycholate (GCDC) and Fas ligand (Fas L)-induced apoptosis was also investigated. The results of our study demonstrated that LPS induces apoptosis in rat hepatocytes and potentiates apoptosis in cells treated with GCDC or Fas L. No changes were seen in the expression of Bcl-2 proteins. However, a significant increase of p38 MAPK was seen in hepatocytes treated with LPS for 30 minutes.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• King, Melissa A.
• Ponzetti, Kathleen Marie

Contributors

• Webster, Cynthia RL

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-122707-151303

Advisor

• Adams, David S.

Year

• 2008

Sponsor

• Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Date created

• 2008-12-27

Location

• Boston

Resource type

• Major Qualifying Project

Major

• Biochemistry
• Biology & Biotechnology

Rights statement

• In Copyright

Last modified

• 2023-09-19