Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 11, 2026

Cecal Ligation and Puncture-induced Sepsis as a Model To Study Autophagy in Mice
Published on: February 10, 2014
Role of apoptotic cell death in sepsis
Richard S Hotchkiss1, Kevin W Tinsley, Irene E Karl
1Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri 63110, USA. hotch@morpheus.wustl.edu
Abstract:
Sepsis is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients in many intensive care units. The pathophysiology of organ failure and death in patients with sepsis remain elusive. This review focuses on recent advances in our understanding of the mechanisms of cell death in sepsis, the types of cells that are dying and the consequences on immunity. Extensive apoptotic death results in immune cell depletion and may compromise the ability of the patient to eradicate the primary infection and predispose to secondary nosocomial infections. Peripheral circulating lymphocyte apoptosis is also increased in patients with sepsis and correlates with the severity of the disease. In addition, recent evidence indicates that uptake of apoptotic cells impairs the immune function of surviving cells and contributes to immunosuppression. This new understanding of sepsis may lead to novel therapeutic approaches including pharmacological agents that block apoptosis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Overview of Cell Death
Cell death was observed in the early 19th century, but there was no experimental evidence to prove it. In 1842, Carl Vogt first discovered cell death in a metamorphic toad; however, it was not termed ‘cell death.’ Scientists discovered different cell death pathways only in the 20th century...
Apoptosis
The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Autophagic Cell Death
Autophagy and Apoptosis
Autophagy can activate apoptosis. In normal conditions, the autophagy activating protein Beclin-1 and pro-apoptotic...
Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy

