Sensitivity to Apoptosis Signal, Clearance Rate, and Ultrastructure of Fas Ligand-Induced Apoptosis in In Vivo Adult Cardiac Cells

Abstract

Compared with liver cells, cardiomyocytes as well as noncardiomyocytes of the heart are more resistant against the apoptotic signal, but the clearance is similarly rapid (within 24 hours). The ultrastructure of apoptotic cardiomyocytes is unique. These findings provide new insights into the dynamics of cell death in the heart.