Ceramide is a lipid second messenger that mediates the effects of tumor necrosis factor α
and other agents on cell growth and differentiation. Ceramide is believed to actvia activation
of protein phosphatase, proline-directed protein kinase, or protein kinase C. Tumor necrosis
factor α-induced common pathway of apoptosis is associated with an early impairment of
mitochondria. Herein, we demonstrate that ceramide can directly inhibit mitochondrial
respiratory chain function. In isolated mitochondria, a rapid decline of mitochondrial …