Detection of Shiga Toxin-Mediated Programmed Cell Death and Delineation of Death-Signaling Pathways

Cells die by one of two morphologically distinct processes: necrosis or apoptosis. In general, necrosis is considered to be a pathologic process usually following a severe insult to the cell (1 ). During necrosis, the plasma membrane loses selective permeability and the cell begins to swell. The organellar membranes also lose integrity and are unable to maintain normal function. Condensation of chromatin may occur, but it tends to be irregular. Leakage of cytoplasmic contents evokes an inflammatory response in the surrounding tissues. Overall, the configuration of the necrotic cell is maintained until its removal by professional phagocytes.