Glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis: a simple set of laboratory experiments

Abstract

Here, we present a laboratory experiment for students of human biology and medicine. In this experiment the students have the opportunity of measuring one of the hallmarks of programmed cell death, which is DNA fragmentation. The biological system that we examine here is the glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis in the thymus. The set of experiments that we propose to perform and discuss are relatively simple and can be rapidly carried out in a course for undergraduates. This practice also allows the students to familiarize themselves with basic pharmacology, compare in vivo vs. in vitro assays and acquire skills in animal handling. The organisation of the practical work requires 4–5h of experimental training in each of two days.