Differentiation Between Apoptotic and Necrotic Cell Death by Means of the BM Cell Death Detection ELISA or Annexin V Staining

Abstract

Apoptosis and necrosis are two forms of cell death that have been defined on the basis of distinguishable morphological criteria. However, these different types of cell death may involve several common signalling and execution mechanisms. Since various stimuli induce both apoptotic and necrotic death, the mode of cell demise seems to be dependent on intracellular factors. One of these factors is the concentration of ATP. By modulating ATP levels, apoptosis or necrosis can be triggered selectively under otherwise identical conditions. By controlling ATP levels in staurosporine treated Jurkat cells, apoptotic (but not necrotic) cell death was detected selectively, and was quantitated with high sensitivity by the BM Cell Death Detection ELISA or by staining with annexin V.