Accumulations Flashcards
Various cell accumulations
Accumulations of material within a cell and/or organ fall into what three categories?
- Normal cellular constituent
- Abnormal substance
- Pigment
Intracellular accumulations of substances may be located within… or…
cytoplasm (lysosomes) or nucleus
Intracellular accumulations of substances may affect the body in what ways?
May be harmless or toxic
Intracellular accumulations of substances may occur… or…
transiently or permanently
Intracellular accumulations of substances may occur due to…
- increased production
- decreased metabolism
- increased deposition
- decreased transport
Name six examples of intracellular accumulations
- Steatosis
- Hydropic change
- Pigments
- Proteins
- Glycogen
- Cholesterol
Steatosis is the accumulation of what? Where?
Triglycerides within parenchymal cells
Which organ is most commonly involved with steatosis?
Liver
What are the main causes of steatosis?
- Protein malnutrition
- toxins (alcohol, CCl4)
- Obesity
- Anoxia
What are some of the important histological features that distinguish a steatotic tissue from one that is normal?
- Peripheralization of the nucleus
- “Signet ring” appearing cell
What is hydropic change/cellular swelling?
An increase in water accumulation within parenchymal cells
Water accumulation within cytoplasm and cytoplasmic organelles
What is the most common cause of hydropic change?
Loss of ATP resulting in failure of sodium-potassium ATPase pump
What are some of the comparative features that distinguish steatosis from hydropic change?
Hydropic change still has a centrally located nucleus
What are examples of pigment accumulation?
Iron and lipofuscin
Where does iron accumulate?
Within parenchymal cells and within interstitium
How does iron accumulation appear in a cell?
Golden brown granules
Describe a localized accumulation of iron
Hemosiderosis: common bruise (derived from hemoglobin= RBC breakdown)
Give examples of systemic accumulation of iron
Systemic hemosiderosis:
* blood transfusion mismatch
* hemolytic anemias
* hemochromatosis
What is hemolytic anemia?
Body attacks its own blood cells
What is hemochromatosis?
Increased absorption of iron (genetic) into bloodstream
What is the pathological consequence of hemochromatosis?
Rusted liver (intercellular accumulation)
What helps hemochromatosis?
Donating blood
What is lipofuscin?
Undigestible mixture of lipids and proteins thought to be result of oxidative stress
How does lipofuscin change with age?
Increases with age; not much when born
