Int. J. Dev. Biol. 45: S163 - S164 (2001)

Vol 45, Issue S1

Elemental composition during the apoptotic degradation phase

Published: 1 June 2001

S Zabiti, F Arrebola, FJ Canizares, MA Cubero, E Fernandez-Segura, PV Crespo, A Campos

Univ Granada, Fac Med, Dept Histol, E-18071 Granada, Spain; St Thomas Hosp, Rayne Inst, EM Unit, London, England

Abstract

Changes in ionic content playa pivotal role in the progression of apoptosis. Electron probe X-ray microanalysis was used to measure the elemental concentrations of monovalent ions (Na+, Cl-, and K+) during the degradation phase of apoptosis. Apoptotic cells have a higher Na content, and a lower Cl and K content. These ionic alterations occurs in cells that have completely disrupted their mitochondrial transmembrane potential.

Keywords

X-ray-microanalysis, cell-death, activation, potassium, efflux, k+