Apoptosis and ovarian follicular atresia

Programmed cell death "apoptosis" generally Characterized by distinct Morphological characteristics
and energy dependent biochemical mechanisms. Apoptosis is considered a vital component of various
processes including normal cell turnover, proper development and functioning of the immune system
hormone-dependent atrophy, embryonic development and chemical-induced cell death. Inappropriate
apoptosis (either too little or too much) is a factor in many human conditions Including neurodegenerative
diseases. ischemic damage, autoimmune disorders and many types of cancer. The mechanisms responsible for
germ cell depletion from the Ovary, either directly during the perinatal period or indirectly via follicular
atresia during postnatal life, are dependent upon the activation of physiological cell death mechanisms, this
accomplished via activation of a ‘universal’ pathway of cellular suicide Involving altered expression of 2
conserved cohort of genes. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of current knowledge on
apoptosis including morphology, biochemistry, its role in health and disease, detection methods, and a
discussion of its alternative forms of apoptosis. The identity of the hormonal and intracellular effectors
responsible for the coordination of life and death decisions made by ovarian cells during development as well
as the biological and clinical implications of gene-directed cell death in the ovary are explored in this review.