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The mode of cell death by either apoptosis or necrosis is frequently discerned by morphological criteria2. Programmed cell death, which also occurs during development, often results in morphology associated with apoptosis2. However, the concept of a death programme is not necessarily linked to morphological appearance. For example, developmental cell death does not always display apoptotic-like characteristics3. A controlled (programmed) series of events can also give rise to death with necrotic appearance. Fibroblasts4, oligodendrocytes5, neurones6 or hepatocytes7 can all die in an organized manner (involving signalling, control and execution) that results in a cell morphology associated with necrosis. The apoptotic programme can also be interrupted before the formation of the characteristic morphology is complete. Cells are then terminated either by an overwhelming accumulation of uncontrolled lethal …