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Flow cytometry of apoptotic cell death
I Vermes1, C Haanen, C Reutelingsperger
1Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medical Spectrum Twente, P.O. Box 50000, 7500 KA, Enschede, The Netherlands. i.vermes@wxs.nl
Journal of Immunological Methods
|September 15, 2000
Summary
Apoptosis, a programmed cell death, involves distinct biochemical and morphological changes. Flow cytometry (FCM) is the preferred method for studying apoptosis, aiding in understanding its mechanisms and clinical applications.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Physiology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is a genetically controlled process distinct from necrosis.
- It is characterized by specific morphological and biochemical events crucial for physiological homeostasis.
- Understanding apoptosis is vital for both basic research and clinical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the key stages of the apoptotic cascade.
- To highlight the utility of flow cytometry (FCM) in studying apoptosis.
- To discuss the clinical relevance of monitoring apoptosis.
Main Methods:
- The review focuses on flow cytometry (FCM) as the primary technique.
- It outlines various FCM assays for identifying, quantifying, and characterizing apoptosis.
- Methods are presented with a basis in successful experimental applications.
Main Results:
- The review details the stages of the apoptotic cascade.
- It emphasizes FCM's effectiveness in analyzing apoptosis across different cell types, triggers, and time points.
- FCM assays are validated for basic research on apoptosis mechanisms.
Conclusions:
- Flow cytometry is the method of choice for comprehensive apoptosis studies.
- Understanding apoptosis mechanisms through FCM can inform clinical treatment strategies.
- Monitoring apoptosis in patients may optimize therapeutic schedules.