Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
chondrocyte apoptosis, animal models, osteoarthritis
College
Life Sciences
Department
Physiology and Developmental Biology
Abstract
Apoptosis, or “programmed cell death”, is one process used by cells to terminate their existence. The phenomenon of an increase of apoptotic cell death in cases of osteoarthritis (OA) has recently become a much disputed topic among laboratories dedicated to the advancement of OA research . The standard progression of OA, based on our current knowledge, shows an increase in cellularity, or cell density, of the cartilage cells known as chondrocytes, followed by a subsequent decrease in this chondrocyte cellularity and a breakdown of the cartilage. Apoptosis would provide a mechanism through which this rapid decrease in cellularity may occur, subsequently establishing chondrocyte apoptosis as a precursor to cartilage breakdown. In this study I used the TUNEL technique, an immunohistochemical technique used to detect apoptotic cells, to asses the possible correlation between apoptosis and OA progression.
Recommended Citation
Gessel, Luke M. and Seegmiller, Dr. Robert E.
(2013)
"Chondrocyte Apoptosis as a Biomarker in Animal Models of Osteoarthritis,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 1413.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/1413