Programmed cell death mitochondria

Various aspects of myocardial ischemia are highlighted in Chapter 1. Reperfusion, generally a pre-requisite for tissue survival may increase injury over and above that sustained during ischemia. In this context, the role of apoptosis is appreciated. Mitochondrion seems to be the site of life or death . This organelle that provides ATP to sustain cell life is converted to an instrument of programmed cell death or necrosis upon stress depending on the severity of the insult. 

---