Elevated hydrostatic pressure triggers release of OPA1 and cytochrome C, and induces apoptotic cell death in differentiated RGC-5 cells.

Abstract

Elevated hydrostatic pressure triggered mitochondrial changes including mitochondrial fission and abnormal cristae depletion, alteration of OPA1 gene expression, and release of OPA1 and cytochrome C into the cytoplasm before the onset of apoptotic cell death in differentiated RGC-5 cells. These results suggest that sustained moderate pressure elevation may directly damage RGC integrity by injuring mitochondria.