Calcium ionophore A 23187 induces apoptotic cell death in rat thymocytes

Apoptotic cell death was induced in rat thymocytes on exposure to calcium ionophore A 23187 (100 μm) for 24 h as observed from morphological changes and DNA fragmentation into oligonucleosomal ladder. The cell death was independent of de novo syntheses of protein. However, the involvement of c-Myc, c-Jun, poly ADPR polymerase and antioxidant enzymes CuZn SOD and catalase was observed.