Induction of apoptosis of human brain microvascular endothelial cells by shiga toxin 1.
Academic Article
Overview
abstract
Brain injury is the most frequent cause of mortality among patients with the hemolytic-uremic syndrome. Human brain endothelial cells (HBECs) are resistant to Escherichia coli-derived Shiga toxin (Stx); however, inflammatory cytokines markedly increase HBEC sensitivity to Stx cytotoxicity. HBECs were exposed to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, with and without Stx-1, and cell survival, (125)I-Stx1 binding, globotriaosylceramide content, cell necrosis, and cell apoptosis levels were determined. TNF greatly increased Stx-1 cytotoxicity, primarily through induction of apoptosis, in HBEC.