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Updated: Jun 17, 2026

Optic Nerve Transection: A Model of Adult Neuron Apoptosis in the Central Nervous System
Published on: May 12, 2011
Apoptosis in subicular neurons: A comparison between suicide and Addison's disease
K Printha1, S R Hulathduwa, K Samarasinghe
1Genetic Diagnostic and Research Laboratory, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka, .
High and low corticosteroid levels, associated with stress and Addison's disease respectively, both induce significant neuronal apoptosis in the subiculum. This highlights subicular neuron vulnerability to corticosteroid fluctuations, impacting brain plasticity.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Endocrinology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Stress and depression are linked to hippocampal neuronal death.
- The subiculum is crucial for limbic stress integration.
- Corticosteroid effects on subicular neurons require clarification for understanding hippocampal plasticity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate apoptosis in subicular neurons of a depressed suicide victim (high corticosteroids).
- To examine subicular neuron apoptosis in a young Addison's disease patient (low corticosteroids).
- To assess the impact of extreme corticosteroid levels on subicular neurons.
Main Methods:
- Subicular neurons from both cases were stained and examined for apoptosis using the ApopTag Kit.
- Apoptotic cell counts were quantified per mm².
- Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test.
Main Results:
- Significant neuronal apoptosis was observed in the subiculum of both the suicide victim and the Addison's disease patient (P < 0.05).
- The suicide victim showed significant hemispheric differences in neuronal apoptosis (P < 0.05).
- Neuronal cell death was statistically insignificant between hemispheres in the Addison's disease case (P > 0.05).
Conclusions:
- Subicular neurons are vulnerable to apoptosis.
- Corticosteroids, at both high and low levels, may induce subicular neuron apoptosis.
- This vulnerability has implications for hippocampal plasticity.
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