The effect of cell proliferation on cell sensitivity to the DNA damage

Objective To observe the effect of cell proliferation on cell sensitivity to the DNA damage. Methods Peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) with or without stimulation of phytohemagglutinin (PHA) was exposed to the same intensity of ultraviolet in the same time. Flow cytometry was used to detect the DNA double-strand breaks in the cellular nucleus with bi-parameters of γ/-H2AX/PI assay and apoptosis was measured by using Annexin V-FITC/PI assay. Results UV caused DNA double-strand breaks in PBLs. The degree of DNA damage in PBLs with stimulation of PHA was more obvious than that without stimulation of PHA. Conclusion PBLs in proliferation is more sensitive to ultraviolet causing DNA damage than PBLs in quiescence. Key words: Cell cycle; Proliferation; Apoptosis; DNA damage