Delayed neutrophil apoptosis in sepsis is associated with maintenance of mitochondrial transmembrane potential and reduced caspase-9 activity.

Objective:The resolution of neutrophil (PMN)-mediated inflammation occurs through the apoptosis, or programmed cell death, of the neutrophil. PMN apoptosis is inhibited by a variety of inflammatory stimuli; moreover, PMN from critically ill septic patients show profoundly delayed rates of apoptosis