Ultrastructural alterations of mitochondria in pre-apoptotic and apoptotic hepatocytes of TNF alpha-treated galactosamine-sensitized mice.
The electron microscopical studies presented here show that characteristic morphological alterations in mitochondria are a very early hallmark of the hepatocellular apoptotic program. Before chromatin condensation occurs, the outer mitochondrial membrane is focally disrupted and the inner membrane protrudes through this gap forming a hernia. The demonstration of cytochrome oxidase in mitochondria revealed a very strong activity in pre-apoptotic and apoptotic cells as well as in apoptotic bodies.
Angermüller
S
S
Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology II, University of Heidelberg, Germany. Sabine.Angermueller@urz.uni-Heidelberg.de
Schümann
J
J
Fahimi
H D
HD
Tiegs
G
G
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000187:drug effects*; D005688:Galactosamine / Q000633:toxicity*; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000473:pathology / Q000648:ultrastructure; D051379:Mice; D008930:Mitochondria, Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000494:pharmacology*
D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; D005688:Galactosamine