Fig. 3.

AV D occurs in distinct stages with specific apoptotic characteristics associated with each stage. During the primary stage of AVD, there is an increase in intracellular sodium coupled to a decrease in intracellular potassium, resulting in a 20 to 40% decrease in cell volume. During this stage, plasma membrane and mitochondrial depolarization is observed, along with caspase activity, and nuclear condensation. During the secondary stage of AVD, a loss of both intracellular sodium and potassium coupled to an 80 to 85% decrease in cell volume is observed. At this stage, DNA fragmentation and apoptotic body formation is observed. Disruption of the actin cytoskeleton with cytochalasin B prevents the secondary stage of AVD.