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A Decrease in FasL‐mediated apoptosis in the aging rat foot
Author(s) -
Reichle Marie,
Quinn Tim,
Reisz Peter,
Herndon Betty,
Molteni Agostino
Publication year - 2006
Publication title -
the faseb journal
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.709
H-Index - 277
eISSN - 1530-6860
pISSN - 0892-6638
DOI - 10.1096/fasebj.20.5.a1085-a
Subject(s) - fas ligand , stratum granulosum , apoptosis , medicine , stratum spinosum , pathology , stratum corneum , immunology , physiology , biology , programmed cell death , biochemistry
Decubitus ulcers detract from the quality of life in many aging, debilitated individuals. Although load, shear stress and ischemia are important physical factors in decubitus ulcer formation, no clear mechanisms of ulcer creation have been reported. A recent review (Immunol. Rev. 205:June 2005) suggested that age‐related apoptosis impairment occurs. To evaluate apoptosis in decubitus ulcer formation and under AAALAC approved rules, we utilized a population of aging SD rats that occasionally developed spontaneous ulceration on weight‐bearing footpads. Apoptosis was evaluated by Fas ligand (FasL) stain of footpads of aging and young control rats. Sections of healthy young (10 weeks) and healthy aging (2.5 year‐old rats) footpads were harvested at necropsy, paraffin embedded, sectioned, and stained with H&E or anti‐rat FasL. Sites of decubitus ulcers were also evaluated with guidance of a pathologist. Density of FasL staining for each epidermal layer (stratum corneum, granulosum, spinosum, and basale) was scored from a computer‐based template and the density scores subjected to analysis (Statistica database). FasL staining was significantly elevated in the stratum granulosum of young rat feet compared to old rat feet, p=0.02. In the granulosum the cells are dying to produce the cornified external layer that preserves skin integrity. The lowered FasL staining in the granulosum suggests that in this model an age‐related impairment exists in FasL mediated apoptosis. The understanding of decubitus ulcers at the cellular level can assist in prevention and contribute to improved and more mechanism‐specific treatment. Funding: Internal, UMKC School of Medicine