Modification of cell vulnerability to oxidative stress by N-(3-oxododecanoyl)-L-homoserine-lactone, a quorum sensing molecule, in rat thymocytes.

Abstract N -(3-oxododecanoyl)- l -homoserine-lactone (ODHL), a quorum sensing molecule, affects intracellular Zn2+ concentration ([Zn2+]i) and cellular levels of nonprotein thiols ([NPT]i) of rat thymic lymphocytes, both of which are assumed to affect cell vulnerability to oxidative stress. Therefore, it is interesting to examine the effects of ODHL on the cells under oxidative stress. ODHL augmented the cytotoxicity of H 2 O 2 , but not calcium ionophore A23187. ODHL potentiated the H 2 O 2 -induced elevation of [Zn2+]i, wherein, it greatly attenuated the H 2 O 2 -induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration. ODHL did not affect [NPT]i in the presence of H 2 O 2. Therefore, we conclude that the elevation of [Zn2+]i is involved in the ODHL-induced potentiation of H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity. Our findings suggest that ODHL modifies cell vulnerability to oxidative stress in host cells. Highlights • N -(3-oxododecanoyl)- l -homoserine-lactone (ODHL) potentiates H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity. • ODHL does not potentiate the cytotoxicity of calcium ionophore A23187. • ODHL further augments H 2 O 2 -induced elevation of intracellular Zn2+ level. • ODHL greatly attenuates H 2 O 2 -induced increase in intracellular Ca2+ level. • Zn2+ contributes to ODHL-induced potentiation of H 2 O 2 cytotoxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]