title: The mechanism of apoptosis, cell membrane lipid peroxidation and a novel in vivo function for antioxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol).
abstract: A critical novel function for the antioxidant vitamin E (α-tocopherol) may be its involvement in the control of apoptosis in which it acts as a 'gate keeper' in the regulation of membrane lipid peroxidation. The biochemical and biophysical antioxidant properties of the molecule are discussed together with recent evidence for its involvement in a possible model of the apoptotic mechanism. The original observation that led to the discovery of vitamin E (foetal resorption in pregnant rats fed on tocopherol-deficient diets) is considered as an unrecognised example of apoptosis.
authors.affiliation: a Department of Biology , University of Essex , Colchester , Essex , UK.
authors.forename: M J
authors.initials: MJ
authors.lastname: Fryer