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Apoptosis and its relation to the cell cycle in the developing cerebral cortex
D Thomaidou1, M C Mione, J F Cavanagh
1Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, University College London, United Kingdom.
Summary
Apoptosis, or programmed cell death, is prevalent in the developing rat cerebral cortex, particularly in actively dividing neuroepithelial cells. This cell death is linked to the cell cycle progression, influencing neural development.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Proliferating tissues exhibit significant cell death, suggesting a connection between cell division and cell death.
- Understanding this relationship is crucial for comprehending tissue development and homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence and characteristics of cell death in the developing rat cerebral cortex.
- To determine the relationship between cell division and apoptosis in the neuroepithelium.
Main Methods:
- Utilized in situ end labeling (TUNEL) and electron microscopy to detect and quantify dying cells.
- Employed DNA gel electrophoresis to identify apoptosis.
- Used bromodeoxyuridine and [3H]-thymidine labeling to track cell proliferation and death.
Main Results:
- Higher rates of cell death were observed in the ventricular and subventricular zones, the primary proliferative regions.
- Apoptotic cells were abundant in the subventricular zone for at least two weeks postnatally.
- 71% of TUNEL-labeled cells incorporated bromodeoxyuridine, indicating they were in the S-phase before death.
- Most dying cells were identified in the G1 phase of the cell cycle.
Conclusions:
- Apoptosis is a significant process in the proliferating neuroepithelium of the developing rat cerebral cortex.
- Cell death is closely associated with cell cycle progression in this developmental context.