Mitochondria and germ-cell death

Article Abstract:

Atresia, the destruction in mammals and birds of most female germ cells before fertilization, could be seen as a developmental solution to the accumulation of mutations (Muller's ratchet) in mitochondria. Atresia thus removes oocytes carrying mutant mitochondria. It has been established that species producing small litters provide the developing oocytes with a smaller number of mitochondria. This increases any genetic differences among oocytes and creates a connection between the extent of the bottleneck and the number of egg cells removed. The number of mitochondria per cell remains low for species in which a large number of germ cells enter into atresia.

Germ cells

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Programmed cell death and Bcl-2 protection in very low oxygen

Article Abstract:

The prevention of programmed cell death (PCD) by Bcl-2 is not due to its action on reactive oxygen species (ROS). In anaerobic conditions where ROS is not formed PCD still occurs showing that ROS might induce the process but is not necessary for it, once started. The formation of ROS is probably affected not by the action of Bcl-2 but by the fact that ROS is formed during PCD which is prevented by Bcl-2.

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Fas-mediated cell death promoted by opioids

Article Abstract:

Opioids are used as analgesics although their abuse can have deleterious physiological effects, such as changing the function of the immune system. Morphine is shown to induce expression of the Fas protein, which triggers apoptosis when binding to FasL. Opioids perturb the immune system through suppression of cytokine, and this directly induces Fas expression.

Opioids, Morphine

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