Inducible nitric oxide synthase-activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in hypoxic and aged rat hearts.

BACKGROUND: Hypoxia and aging determine on mammalian cells a stress response which implies modified production of oxidants, reactive oxygen species or reactive nitrogen species at the mitochondrial level, interfering with cell-signaling proteins and inducing mitochondrial damage, apoptosis occurrence and functional consequences. OBJECTIVE: Here we report the effects of hypoxia on the in vivo morphological and biochemical response of young and aged Wistar rat hearts.