V.A Voicu *, M.E. Hinescu **, R. Alexandrescu ***, Z. Mărculescu ***, A. Mincu ***
* Prof. Dr. Vidor A. Voicu, Șeful Catedrei de Toxocologie Clinică, U.M.F. “Carol Davila” – Centrul de cercetări științifice medico-militare
** Dr. M.E. Hinescu, Catedra de Histologie Biologie celulară, U.M.F. “Carol Davila” – Centrul de cercetări ștințifice medico-militare
*** Dr. R. Alexandrescu, cerc. st. Z. Mărculescu, biol. A. Mincu, Centrul de cercetări științifice medico-militare
Abstract
In this fourth report concerning apoptosis we review some recent data regarding the involvement of programmed cell death in the achievement and maintenance of the differentiation state for various tissues. How individuals can maintain a relatively constant number of cells in physiological conditions is also examined. Cell death is therefore examined as a genetically determined, physiologically meaningful process and playing an opposite role to mitosis in tissue size regulation. We also briefly disscuss the significance of mammalian morphogenesis programs from the therapeutical point of view. Apoptosis manipulation as an instrument in the development of new therapeutic strategies is shortly summarized.