Quantitative histological and histochemical studies on the occurrence and stages of controlled cell death (apoptosis) during regression of rat liver hyperplasia

Abstract

These findings suggest that the present type of cell death can be inhibited by growth stimuli and is therefore a controlled event serving to eliminate an excess of cells, rather than a manifestation of toxic injury to hepatocytes. The findings also suggest that this type of cell death and elimination is a rapid process completed within a few hours. It is concluded that cell death under the present experimental conditions probably occurs through apoptosis.