PATH 3610 Lecture Notes - Lecture 1: Electron Microscope, Necrosis, Autopsy
Document Summary
Nonlethal cell injury (degeneration): abnormality of cell biochemical function and/or a recognizable structural change, potentially reversible, compensated state condition where cells, tissues, organs may degenerate and then reach sub- optimal level of function. Irreversible: can be either a progression (point of no return) or immediate. Inflammation is associated with cell injury because of the damaging actions of the products of inflammatory leukocytes. The normal cell uses the high energy phosphate bonds of adenosine triphosphate (atp) as the most efficient energy source. Go back to a basic biology text if this is a bit fuzzy! Basically, adp is phosphorylated to produce atp, via the oxidation of reduced substances in the respiratory chain. The important point is that as this is an oxidative phosphorylation, oxygen is required. Impaired cell energy production, however, can occur under certain conditions, namely hypoxia, hypoglycemia, enzyme inhibition, and uncoupling of oxidative phosphorylation.