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Changes in elemental content during apoptotic cell death studied by electron probe X-ray microanalysis.

E Fernández-Segura1, F J Cañizares, M A Cubero

  • 1Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Granada, Spain. efernandez@histolii.ugr.es

Experimental Cell Research
|December 10, 1999
PubMed
Summary

Apoptosis involves significant changes in cellular element content, with UV-irradiated cells showing decreased chlorine and potassium, and increased sodium. These elemental shifts occur without compromising cell membrane integrity during programmed cell death.

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Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for development and tissue homeostasis.
  • While potassium shifts are implicated in apoptosis, total elemental content changes remain largely uncharacterized.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To quantify total elemental content (Na, Mg, P, Cl, K, Ca) in U937 cells during ultraviolet (UV) light-induced apoptosis.
  • To correlate elemental composition changes with morphological hallmarks of apoptosis.

Main Methods:

  • U937 cells were induced into apoptosis using UV irradiation.
  • Apoptosis was confirmed via microscopy and Hoechst staining.
  • Elemental analysis was performed using cryoprepared whole cells via electron probe X-ray microanalysis (EPXMA).

Main Results:

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  • UV irradiation rapidly induced apoptotic morphology, including chromatin condensation and apoptotic bodies.
  • Apoptotic cells exhibited significantly lower chlorine (Cl) and potassium (K) content (P < 0.001).
  • Apoptotic cells showed significantly higher sodium (Na) content (P < 0.001) compared to controls.
  • Phosphorus (P) and calcium (Ca) content increased but not significantly; magnesium (Mg) showed no change.
  • Elemental changes occurred without loss of plasma membrane integrity (trypan blue exclusion).

Conclusions:

  • UV-induced apoptosis in U937 cells is associated with significant alterations in Na, Cl, and K content.
  • These elemental changes are a characteristic feature of apoptotic cell death.
  • The observed elemental shifts occur independently of plasma membrane permeability loss.