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Updated: Jul 29, 2026
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Strategies for Tracking Anastasis, A Cell Survival Phenomenon that Reverses Apoptosis
Published on: February 16, 2015
In vivo detection and imaging of phosphatidylserine expression during programmed cell death
F G Blankenberg1, P D Katsikis, J F Tait
1Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, 300 Pasteur Drive, Stanford, CA 94305-5105, USA.
Summary
Radiolabeled Annexin V can detect apoptosis in vivo. This imaging agent concentrates at sites of programmed cell death, offering a noninvasive method for tracking cellular demise in organs and tissues.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Imaging
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Death Research
Background:
- Programmed cell death (apoptosis) involves phosphatidylserine externalization.
- Annexin V binds to phosphatidylserine, enabling in vitro apoptosis detection.
- Noninvasive in vivo imaging of apoptosis remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate radiolabeled Annexin V for in vivo apoptosis detection.
- To assess the ability of technetium 99m-hydrazinonicotinamide-Annexin V to localize at apoptotic sites.
Main Methods:
- Radiolabeling Annexin V with technetium 99m.
- Testing in vivo localization in mouse and rat models of apoptosis (hepatic, cardiac allograft rejection, lymphoma).
- Utilizing external radionuclide imaging and immunohistochemistry.
Main Results:
- Radiolabeled Annexin V showed a two- to sixfold increase in uptake at apoptotic sites across all models.
- Immunohistochemistry confirmed Annexin V localization on myocytes near inflammatory infiltrates.
- Terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase-mediated UTP end labeling showed limited positive apoptotic nuclei.
Conclusions:
- Technetium 99m-hydrazinonicotinamide-Annexin V is a promising tool for in vivo apoptosis imaging.
- The agent can noninvasively detect and monitor programmed cell death in tissues and organs.
- Further research can explore its clinical applications for diagnosing and managing diseases involving apoptosis.
Related Concept Videos
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...
01:17Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells
Cells undergoing apoptosis form apoptotic bodies that must be removed immediately to prevent inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and necrosis. Phagocytosis is carried out by professional phagocytes such as macrophages or immature dendritic cells. Non-professional phagocytes such as epithelial cells and fibroblasts also take part in this process; however, they are not as effective as professional phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.
Normal cells contain receptors that prevent them from being recognized by phagocytes.