Int. J. Dev. Biol. 45: S163 - S164 (2001)
Elemental composition during the apoptotic degradation phase
Published: 1 June 2001
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+