Abstract

Apoptosis is a programmed cellular death involved in morphogenesis and homeostasis of organs and tissues. The survival of organisms depends on balance between cell proliferation and cell death. Apoptosis occurs in tissues normally during development and aging to maintain cell populations and as a defense mechanism in immune reactions. T and B lymphocyte expansion, maturation and excessive accumulation after antigen-stimulation in peripheral lymphoid organs is regulated by apoptosis. Several mechanisms may trigger this process. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of apoptosis and its mechanisms. Keywords: apoptosis, apoptoses- extrinsic pathway, apoptoses-intrinsic pathway, necrosis, tunel.

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