Role of thromboxane A2 in the induction of apoptosis of immature thymocytes by lipopolysaccharide

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) causes apoptotic deletion of CD4(+) CD8(+) thymocytes, a phenomenon that has been linked to immune dysfunction and poor survival during sepsis. Given the abundance of thromboxane-prostanoid (TP) receptors in CD4(+) CD8(+) thymocytes and in vitro evidence that thromboxane A(2) (TXA(2)) causes apoptosis of these cells, we tested whether enhanced generation of TXA(2) plays a role in LPS-induced thymocyte apoptosis. Mice injected with 50 micro LPS intraperitoneally displayed a marked increase in generation of TXA(2) and prostaglandin E(2) in the thymus as well as apoptotic deletion of CD4(+) CD8(+) thymocytes. Administration of indomethacin or rofecoxib inhibited prostanoid synthesis but did not affect thymocyte death. In contrast, thymocyte apoptosis in response to LPS was significantly attenuated in TP-deficient mice. These studies indicate that TXA(2) mediates a portion of apoptotic thymocyte death caused by LPS. The absence of an effect of global inhibition of prostanoid synthesis suggests a complex role for prostanoids in this model.