Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 23, 2026
09:18
Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
Published on: December 27, 2016
Apoptosis is differentially regulated by burn severity and dermal location
Andrew R McNamara1, Kokou D Zamba, Julio C Sokolich
1Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa 52242, USA.
The Journal of Surgical Research
|May 15, 2009
Summary
Apoptosis in burn wounds is location and cell-type dependent. Increased thermal injury generally reduces apoptosis, promoting cell injury and necrosis, crucial for understanding burn pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Dermatology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cellular mechanisms of burn-induced cell death remain unclear.
- Apoptosis (programmed cell death) extent and distribution in dermal burn injury were investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate apoptosis and cell injury/necrosis in a rat burn model.
- To determine how burn severity, dermal location, and cell type influence these processes.
Main Methods:
- A rat model of acute dermal burn injury was created using a branding iron (100°C).
- Immunohistochemistry for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) was performed.
- Staining was analyzed morphometrically in different dermal fields and cell types.
Main Results:
- TUNEL staining (apoptosis) showed an inverse relationship with burn contact time in most areas.
- Deep dermal mesenchymal cells exhibited increased TUNEL staining with longer contact times.
- HMGB1 nuclear staining (cell injury/necrosis) decreased with increased contact time.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis rate in burns is significantly influenced by dermal location, cell type, and injury severity.
- Greater thermal injury typically correlates with reduced apoptosis and increased cell injury/necrosis.
- These findings are vital for understanding burn pathogenesis and developing future therapies.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Apoptosis
Apoptosis is a combination of two Greek words, 'apo' and 'ptosis,' meaning separation and falling off, respectively. Hippocrates used this word to describe gangrene, which was caused due to bandaging of fractured bones. Apoptosis was distinguished from necrosis in 1970 when John Kerr reported observations of morphological changes occurring during apoptosis. During one experiment, he observed that the disruption of blood supply to the liver tissue resulted in a size reduction of the tissue.
01:22Burn Injuries
Burn injuries occur when the skin and underlying tissues are damaged due to exposure to heat, electricity, chemicals, radiation, or friction. They can vary in severity, from minor superficial burns to severe deep burns that can be life-threatening.
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
The damage results in the death of skin cells, which can lead to a massive loss of fluid. Dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and renal and circulatory failure follow, which can be fatal. Burn patients are treated with intravenous fluids to offset...
01:17The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
The extrinsic apoptotic pathway is initiated when extracellular death-inducing signals, such as specific cytokines, activate the death receptors expressed on the cell surface. The immune cells involved in this pathway are natural killer cells (NK cells) and cytotoxic T-lymphocytes. NK cells are critical in innate immune response, while cytotoxic T-lymphocytes are associated with adaptive immune response. These cells recognize specific receptors expressed on the altered cells and activate...
01:30Overview of Cell Death
Cell death is an essential process where the body gets rid of old or damaged cells. Cell proliferation and death need to be balanced, as an imbalance between the two may lead to cancer or autoimmune diseases.
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...
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...
01:31The Intrinsic Apoptotic Pathway
Internal cellular stress, such as cellular injury or hypoxia, triggers intrinsic apoptosis. The B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) family of proteins are the primary regulators of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway. For example, during DNA damage, checkpoint proteins, such as Ataxia Telangiectasia Mutated (ATM protein) and Checkpoints Factor-2 (Chk2) proteins, are activated. These proteins phosphorylate p53 which further activates pro-apoptotic proteins, such as Bax, Bak, PUMA, and Noxa, and inhibits...
01:22Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy
Cells respond to damage and stress through highly coordinated processes that decide whether they survive or undergo controlled self-destruction. Two major pathways involved in this regulation are apoptosis, a type of programmed cell death, and autophagy, a survival mechanism that helps cells adapt to adverse conditions.ApoptosisApoptosis removes aged or injured cells to maintain tissue balance. During this process, the cell shrinks, chromatin condenses and fragments, and membrane-bound...