Characteristics and mechanisms of cell injury and cell death: the role of [Ca2+]i

Understanding the characteristics and mechanisms of cell injury and cell death has been the major influence of our laboratory for a number of years. Many models have been used, including aquatic models, to study the phenomena that occur following injury and the events that ensue, particularly the role of cytosolic ionized calcium ([Ca2+]i). We have proposed a working hypothesis explaining the central role of phospholipases, proteases, and nucleases and their relationships to [Ca2+]i deregulation and the mechanisms of apoptosis, oncosis, cell death and necrosis. Our hypothesis is briefly discussed here.