The basic biology of apoptosis and its implications for cardiac function and viability.
Apoptosis or programed cell death is a continuous process of destruction of nonfunctional cells. It is a physiologic process whereby the body disposes of unwanted cells by self-destruction and is our utmost defense against damaged cells. There are several pathways leading to programed cell death. Apoptosis is seen in failing, infarcted, and hibernating human hearts, and during open heart surgery. Apoptosis appears to be induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury and this is reduced by ischemic preconditioning. Antiapoptotic interventions may be a future target for myocardial protection.
Valen
Guro
G
Crafoord Laboratory of Experimental Surgery, Karolinska Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden. guro.valen@cmm.ki.se
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000502:physiology*; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D002315:Cardiopulmonary Bypass; D053938:DNA Fragmentation / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D019157:Ischemic Preconditioning, Myocardial; D008928:Mitochondria / Q000502:physiology; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000502:physiology; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000502:physiology
D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha