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Lymphocytes apoptosis: young versus aged and humans versus rats
P Pagliara1, A Chionna, E Panzarini
1Department of Biological and Environmental Science and Technology, University of Lecce, Via per Monteroni, Lecce 73100, Italy.
Tissue & Cell
|February 19, 2003
Summary
Aged human and young rat lymphocytes show increased apoptosis. Cell surface changes during apoptosis are species and age-dependent, indicating conserved but variable responses to apoptotic signals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is crucial for development and tissue homeostasis.
- Age-related changes can impact immune cell function and susceptibility to apoptosis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare lymphocyte apoptosis rates in young versus aged humans and rats.
- To analyze cell surface modifications during apoptosis across species and age groups.
Main Methods:
- Utilized various apoptogenic inducers targeting different cellular pathways.
- Analyzed cell surface lipid and glycan modifications using microscopy and biochemical assays.
Main Results:
- Aged human and freshly isolated rat lymphocytes exhibited higher susceptibility to apoptosis.
- Apoptotic signals are recognized similarly by human and rat lymphocytes, but response intensity varies by species, stimulus, and cell condition.
- Species- and age-dependent cell surface changes, including lipid and glycan alterations, were observed as early events in apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- Lymphocyte apoptosis susceptibility is influenced by species and age.
- Cell surface modifications during apoptosis are conserved but exhibit species- and age-specific characteristics.
- Apoptotic processes involve dynamic cell surface molecular rearrangements.