The factors that contribute to mitochondrial cytochrome c release following cerebral ischemia include activation of pro-apoptotic Bcl-2 family of proteins (e.g Bad Bax, and Bak), opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore, activation of heat shock proteins, and increases in calcium levels, among others (see recent reviews for details: [5]). Here, BCL2 is linked to brain ischemia.