Correspondence: Peter R. Galle, MD, University Hospital, Dept. of Internal Medicine,
Bergheimerstr. 58, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany. Tel: 49-622 l-568737. Fax: 49-622 l-
564922. morphological assessment is still the “gold standard” in the identification of
apoptotic cell death. During the process of apoptosis (1, 2, 8) cells shrink and lose contact
with their neighbouring cells. Chromatin condenses at the nuclear membrane and the
nucleolus dissociates. At the same time the cytoplasm shows condensation and the …