Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Activation of Apoptosis by Cytoplasmic Microinjection of Cytochrome c
Published on: June 29, 2011
Cytochrome c injection induced embryo loss
Tonghui Xu1, Qiuhong Yang2,3, Banqin Wang4
1Department of Emergency, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Abstract:
Cytochrome c has been used as first-aid in the clinic for organs which are lacking oxygen. But recent report show cytochrome c injection destroys dendritic cells (DCs) which play a pivotal role in feto-maternal tolerance. However, it is not clear whether cytochrome c injection causes abortion. The cytochrome c was injected by tail vein of mice at the Day 5.5 of pregnancy (E5.5) after mating with male BALB/c mice. The total number of implantations and resorption sites was recorded at the E12.5 in pregnant mice. Expression of interferon-γ, tumor necrosis-α interleukin (IL)-4, IL-10, IL-12 and transforming growth factor-β in the mouse endometrium was measured by ELISA. Injection of cytochrome c via tail vein at the E5.5 induced fetal resorption at E12.5, and evoked an immune imbalance at the maternal-fetal interface. Notably, injection of mouse bone marrow-derived DCs (BM-DCs) rescued the cytochrome c-evoked embryo resorption. The present study suggests cytochrome c injection causes embryo resorption in mice, hinting caution regarding the use of cytochrome c in pregnant women. In addition, it may provide an easy and novel way to establish a mouse model of abortion.HighlightsCytochrome c injection induced fetal rejection.Cytochrome c injection leads to a T helper 1/T helper 2 imbalance at the maternal-fetal interface.A mouse model of abortion was established by injecting tail vein with cytochrome c.
Related Concept Videos
Line Loss
Line loss impacts power delivery efficiency in a balanced three-phase circuit. The symmetry in such a circuit simplifies the...
Reducing Line Loss
With a step-up transformer at the source, the voltage is increased, thereby reducing the current in the transmission lines since power loss in...
Major Losses in Pipes
Fluid flow can be classified as laminar or turbulent, primarily based on the Reynolds number. This dimensionless number reflects the relative influence of inertial to viscous...
Minor Losses in Pipes
Valves play a significant role in generating minor losses by obstructing or redirecting the fluid flow. When a valve is closed or partially closed, it restricts the flow...
Energy Losses in Transformers
There are four main reasons for energy losses in transformers.
The first cause can be the high resistance of the...
Adaptations that Reduce Water Loss

