Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 7, 2026

Identification of Intracellular Signaling Events Induced in Viable Cells by Interaction with Neighboring Cells Undergoing Apoptotic Cell Death
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 of immunocompetent cells in patients with depressive disorders]

S A Ivanova, V Ia Semke, T P Vetlugina

    Zhurnal Nevrologii I Psikhiatrii Imeni S.S. Korsakova
    |June 14, 2006
    PubMed

    Insights

    Depression is linked to increased programmed cell death (apoptosis) in lymphocytes and elevated blood cortisone levels. These biological changes correlate with reduced immune cell function in patients with depressive disorders.

    Area of Science:

    • Neuroscience
    • Immunology
    • Endocrinology

    Background:

    • Depressive disorders are associated with complex biological alterations.
    • Immune system dysregulation and stress hormone imbalances are implicated in depression.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To evaluate biological indices, including apoptosis and cortisone levels, in patients with depressive disorders.
    • To investigate the relationship between these biological markers and clinical symptoms of depression.

    Main Methods:

    • Assessed programmed cell death (apoptosis) in blood lymphocyte subpopulations.
    • Measured blood serum cortisone concentration.
    • Compared biological indices between 26 depressive patients and 20 healthy controls.

    Main Results:

    • Significantly enhanced lymphocyte apoptosis was observed in depressive patients, indicated by increased FAS-receptor expression and morphological changes.
    • Depressive patients showed decreased T-lymphocytes (CD3+), T-helpers (CD4+), and natural killer (CD16+) cells compared to controls.
    • Elevated blood serum cortisone levels in depressive patients correlated with reduced CD4+ cell counts and increased FAS-receptor expression.

    Conclusions:

    • Increased apoptosis and elevated cortisone levels are significant biological markers in depressive disorders.
    • These findings suggest a link between immune system suppression, stress response, and the pathophysiology of depression.

    More Related Videos

    Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages06:47

    Experimental Analysis of Apoptotic Thymocyte Engulfment by Macrophages

    Published on: May 24, 2019

    Related Concept Videos

    Phagocytosis of Apoptotic Cells01:17

    Phagocytosis 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.
    Apoptosis01:30

    Apoptosis

    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.
    Cellular Injury V: Apoptosis and Autophagy01:22

    Cellular 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...
    The Extrinsic Apoptotic Pathway01:17

    The 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...
    Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells01:01

    Regulation of Hematopoietic Stem Cells

    All blood and immune cells are produced from the multipotent hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) by the process of hematopoiesis. However, they all have a limited life span. In addition, many are depleted in immune surveillance or combatting an injury or infection. This makes blood one of the most regenerative tissues. Hematopoiesis helps replenish these blood and immune cells, restoring the body's normal functioning. However, overproduction of blood and immune cells can make them cancerous or...
    Cells of the Innate Immune Response01:28

    Cells of the Innate Immune Response

    The innate immune response is an immediate and non-specific response against pathogens, acting swiftly to prevent the spread of infections. The primary cells involved in this response are phagocytes and natural killer (NK) cells.
    Phagocytes
    Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...