Control samples for use as standards for evaluating apoptosis in a selected tissue

Abstract

A method for producing standard control samples to be used to evaluate disease states or trauma that involve apoptosis or suppression of apoptosis is disclosed. Also disclosed are standard control samples produced by the method. The control samples comprise natural or artificial tissues treated in vitro to display reproducible, predetermined indicators of apoptosis that are equivalent to indicators of apoptotic status of corresponding tissues and organs of a living subject.

1 - 25 . (canceled).  
     
     
         26 . A composition for use as a standardized measure of apoptosis in a test sample of tissue from a subject, the composition comprising at least one segment of a naturally occurring tissue that has been subjected to a treatment that reproducibly results in a predetermined, measurable amount of apoptosis in the segment.  
     
     
         27 . A kit for evaluating apoptosis in a test sample of tissue, the kit comprising a container containing at least one segment of a naturally occurring tissue that has been subjected to a treatment that reproducibly results in a predetermined, measurable amount of apoptosis in the segment, and instructions for use of the segment in evaluating the apoptosis in the test sample of tissue.  
     
     
         28 . A method for producing an apoptosis tissue standard comprising: 
 a) obtaining a desired tissue;    b) subjecting the tissue to microgravity treatment to induce a predetermined, measurable amount of apoptosis;    c) collecting the treated tissue for use as an apoptosis tissue standard.