Abstract:

To study expressions and  roles of the JNK1/2 pathway of MAPKs and Caspase3 in the development of neural tube defects caused by hyperthermia. MethodsPregnant golden hamsters in the hyperthermia group were immersed in hot water(42?℃) for 20?min on GD8. After treatment of 2, 8, 16, 24, 48 and 72?h， the hamsters were terminated after anesthesia and the embryos were removed from the fetal membrane， and divided into the hyperthermia group（272?h， 42?℃） and the control group（272?h， 37?℃）. Expressions of the JNK1/2 pathway and PJNK1/2 and Caspase3 were measured by Western blot. ResultsExpression of JNK1/2 had no significant changes in the two groups. However, PJNK1/2 activity increased in the hyperthermia group at 848?h and the amount increased significantly compared with the control group(P＜0.05), and the peak appeared at 16?h. Caspase3 activity had no significant changes in the control group but increased in the hyperthermia group, and the amount of Caspase3 increased compared with the control group at 848?h(P＜0.05), and the peak appeared at 8?h. ConclusionThe PJNK1/2 pathway and Caspase3 were stimulated by hyperthermia, which maybe one of the pathway that induces the development of neural tube defects.

Key words: Hyperthermia, induced; Mesocricetus; Abnormalities; Mitogenactivated protein kinase kinases; Caspases