Cell injury and death Flashcards
Define metaplasia
A change in cell morphology.
Define hypoxia.
Reduction in oxygen.
Define anoxia.
Lack of oxygen.
Define ischaemia.
Lack of blood flow.
What is the aetiology of reperfusion injury?
Generation of oxygen free radicals upon reoxygenation.
What might be the effects of mechanical trauma on tissues?
Disruption of cell structure. Thrombosis leading to ischaemia.
What might be the effects of heat extremes on tissues?
Heat denaturation of proteins, ice crystals, fever.
How might ionising radiation damage tissues?
Generation of free radicals, damage to macromolecules (DNA alkylation).
Which tissues have low sensitivity to ionising radiation?
Uterus, pancreas, adrenal
Which tissues have high sensitivity to ionising radiation?
Bone marrow, gonads, intestines.
What is malignant hyperpyrexia?
When a person becomes so pyrexial that they start to denature proteins.
What are the targets of cell injury?
Mitochondrial function, membrane integrity and function, protein synthesis, cytoskeleton and genetic apparatus.
Which mitochondrial processes have a central role in mediating effects on multiple intracellular systems?
Diminished oxidative phosphorylation and reduced ATP levels.
What effect does a reduction in ATP synthesis have on the osmotic balance of the cell?
Plasma Na pump (ATP driven) is reduced in activity which causes influx in Na and Ca and swelling of the cell. This is reversible.
What occurs to increase ATP levels during cell injury?
Anaerobic glycolysis - increases to generate ATP from glycogen, which depletes glycogen stores and results in accumulation of lactic acid thus lowering the intracellular pH. This is reversible.