Most importantly, functional aquaporins are required for cell death to occurr, suggesting they play a central role in controlling apoptosis. Studies are underway to define exactly how aquaporins exert such a global effect on cell death. As the egg matures it organizes a structure around itself called a follicle, containing an additional cell type know as a granulosa cell. The first stage consists entirely of an increase in the number of granulosa cells. In the second stage, cell proliferation ceases and a large fluid-filled sac, called an antrum, forms within the granulosa cell layer.
Fluid continues to accumulate in the antrum until the follicle is ready to ovulate.
Apoptotic nuclease assays. Delineation of the signalling pathways involved in glucocorticoid-induced and spontaneous apoptosis of rat thymocytes. A necessary role for reduced intracellular potassium during the DNA degradation phase of apoptosis. Potassium is a critical regulator of apoptotic enzymes in vitro and in vivo. Non-Caspase proteases are required for chromatin degradation during apoptosis.