Apoptosis in the developing human brain: A preliminary study of the frontal region

Anlar B., Atilla P., Cakar N., Tombakoglu M., Bulun A.

Early Human Development, vol.71, no.1, pp.53-60, 2003 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 71 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Doi Number: 10.1016/s0378-3782(02)00116-0
  • Journal Name: Early Human Development
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.53-60
  • Keywords: apoptosis, TUNEL method, human, brain, development, PROGRAMMED CELL-DEATH, CEREBRAL-CORTEX, IN-SITU, IDENTIFICATION, EXPRESSION, NEURONS
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Natural cell death due to apoptotic mechanisms has been described in various species. Relatively few studies examined this process in humans. Aim: To investigate the distribution of apoptosis in fetal brain tissue. Design: We examined apoptosis in the frontal region of human fetal brain by the TUNEL method in nine fetuses with no neurological conditions, gestational age 14-26 weeks, and three fetuses with structural anomalies of the nervous system (lumbar meningomyeloceles, n=2, hydrocephalus, n=1). Results: In normal fetuses, TUNEL-positive cells were most concentrated in the intermediate zone (IZ) and between 18 and 22 weeks of gestation; cortical apoptosis was not prominent. The fetus with hydrocephalus had increased numbers of TUNEL-positive cells while those with neural tube defects did not differ from normals. Conclusion: The definition of normally occurring apoptosis may provide a basis for further studies directed at central nervous system (CNS) malformations. © 2003 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.