Cell Injury, Cell Death, Gangrene and Postmortem Changes CELL DEATH It is defined as that point when cell injury becomes irreversible (point of no return). For every cell, there is a time to live and a time to die. There are 2 ways in which cells die: I-Death by Injury: Cells that are damaged either by i-Mechanical damage. ii-Exposure to toxic chemicals.
Mechanisms of Damage: 1-Injury affects on the cell-organelles like mitochondria decrease the energy production (ATP) decrease the ability of the cell membrane to control the passage of ions and water cell swelling and then necrosis. 2-The cell contents leak out leading to inflammation of the surrounding tissue “Accidental cell death or necrosis”.
II-Death by Suicide: Cells that are induced to commit suicide. Mechanisms of Damage: 1-Cell shrinkage with intact cellular membrane. 2-Develop bubble-like blebs on their surface. 3-Degradation of nuclear chromatin by endonuclease (DNase). 4-Breakdown of mitochondria with release of cytochrome C (reductase or oxidase). All of these (1-4) lead to “Apoptosis”.
I-Programmed Cell Death Apoptosis It is an important mode of cell death induced by suicide program through activation of some of its enzymes capable of degrading the cells' nuclear DNA and nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. A-PCD is as needed for proper development as mitosis (Physiological). B-PCD is needed to destroy cells that represent a threat to the integrity of the organisms (Pathological) and includes: 1-Cells infected with viruses. 2-Cells of the immune system. As Cell-mediated immune responses. the effector cells must be removed to prevent them from attacking body constituents. Defects in the apoptotic machinery are associated with autoimmune diseases as lupus erythematosus. 3-Cells with DNA damage. Cells respond to DNA damage by increasing their production of P53 (a potent inducer of apoptosis) 4-Cancer cells. Radiation and chemicals used in cancer therapy induce apoptosis.
Morphological Features of Apoptosis: 1-Cell shrinkage: -Loss of surface contact as cell separates from its neighbors. -Loss of specialized membrane structures e.g. microvilli, desmosomes. -Organelles become tightly packed making the cytoplasm appear dense.
2-Chromatin condensation: -Chromatin condenses to the periphery of the nucleus forming crescents. -Nucleolus disintegration. -Loss of nuclear pores. -Nuclear fragmentation (karyorrhexis). 3-Cytoplasmic membrane blebbing (Zeiosis): with formation of apoptotic bodies containing cytoplasmic organelles and nuclear fragments
4-Phagocytosis of apoptotic bodies: by neighboring cells or macrophages. Biochemical Features of Apoptosis: 1-Protein cleavage by caspases, the central executioners of the apoptotic pathway accounts for the distinctive cytoplasmic and structural changes seen in apoptotic cells. 2-DNA breakdown by endonucleases triggered by caspase activity. 3-Phagocytic recognition by expression of surface markers on the apoptotic cell.
Mechanism of Apoptosis Three different mechanisms for apoptosis are recorded: I-Apoptosis Triggered by Internal Signals (Intrinsic or Mitochondrial Pathway):
The mitochondria contain several proteins that capable of inducing apoptosis; including Bcl-2, cytochrome c, APaf-1 and caspase 9 besides the ATP (caspases cascade). i-Bcl-2 normally (antiapoptotic gene) present on the mitochondrial surface and bind to a molecule of apoptosis activating factor (Apaf-1). ii-At mitochondrial damage, the Bcl-2 and Apaf-1 release with releasing the cytochrome c. Caspase 9 + ATP ii-Apaf-1 + Bcl-2 Apoptosome (apoptotic bodies). Cytochrome c II-Apoptosis Triggered by External Signals (Extrinsic or Death receptor pathway): Many cells expressed surface molecules that trigger apoptosis and called death receptors. Most of these receptors are member of TNF receptors or FAS (CD95). Binding between death activators (TNF-Îą and FASL) with their expressed receptors with activation of caspases 8 resulting in initiating caspases cascade and phagocytosis of the cells. III-Apoptosis Inducing Factors (AIF): AIF is a protein normally located in the mitochondria and when the cell receives a
i-Releases from the mitochondria. ii-Migrate to the nucleus. iii-Binds to the DNA. iv-Triggers the DNA-damage and cell death (apoptosis).
STAGES OF APOPTOSIS: 1-Signaling (initiation). 2- Control and Integration (progression). 3-Common-Execution Phase (Caspases). 4- Disposal or Removal Phase (phagocytosis).
1-Signaling (initiation): -Absence of cell survival signals as growth factor, hormones and extracellular matrix. -Death activators (FASL and TNF-α) bind to death receptors (FAS and TNF). -DNA-damage with increase production of P53. -Cytotoxic T cells.
2-Control and Integration (progression): -Release of mitochondrial cytochrome C. -Balance of pro-apoptotic and anti-apoptotic members of Bcl-2 family “overexpression of bcl-2 in B-cell lymphoma”. -Activation of P53 tumor suppressor gene “high percentage of tumor cells have mutant P53 and are defective in apoptosis”-
-Activation of caspases (by the previous: cytoch., Bcl, P53). -Activation of granzyme B - direct caspase activation. 3-Common-Execution Phase (Caspases): -Activation of latent Caspases: (Proteases that degrade important proteins, have cysteine at the active site and target aspartate residues i.e. Caspase). -Caspases are activated from latent form to active form in a cascade of proteases. -Caspases activated latent caspase, activated DNase (CAD) and degraded DNA into "ladders". -Protein crosslinking occurs due to activation of transglutaminases. -Formation of Apoptotic bodies.
4-Disposal or Removal (phagocytosis) Phase: The apoptotic cells show several changes in their membranes that promote their phagocytosis by neighboring cells or phagocytes (macrophages). Moreover, apoptotic cells secrete soluble factors that attract phagocytes. Differences between Apoptosis and Necrosis
Apoptosis
Necrosis
Physiological or pathological
Always pathological
Single cells
Sheets of cells
Energy dependent
Energy independent
Cell shrinkage
Cell swelling
Membrane integrity maintained
Membrane integrity lost
Role for mitochondria and cytochrome C
No role for mitochondria
No leak of lysosomal enzymes
Leak of lysosomal enzymes
Characteristic nuclear changes
Nuclei lost
Apoptotic bodies form
Do not form
Orderly DNA fragmentation (Ladder)
disorderly DNA fragmentation
Activation of Caspases (cascade)
No activation
Regulatable process
Not regulated
Evolutionarily conserved
Not conserved
Dead cells ingested by neighboring cells
Dead cells ingested by neutrophils and macrophages
Accidental Cell death Necrosis It is a local death of cells or tissue in the living body. The necrosis is caused by the progressive degradative action of enzymes on the injured cells. After a cell die, lysosomes rupture and their hydrolytic enzymes are released. The release and activation of these enzymes are responsible for cell necrosis. NB: Necrotic cells are dead cells; but dead cells are not necessarily necrotic.
Causes of Cell Injury and Necrosis: 1-Hypoxia or Ischemia (Hypoxic Cell Injury): Hypoxia rapidly leads to i-Decrease of ATP ii-Increase of Cytosolic Ca++. iii-Free radical formation. All of which cause cellular membrane injury.
i-Decrease of ATP leads to: A-lose of most energy dependent processes as; -Protein synthesis -DNA replication
B-Increase anaerobic glycolysis accumulation of lactic acid and decrease intracellular pH clumping of the nuclear chromatin and inactivation of nuclear RNA. C-Disturbance in Na+/K+ pump in the cell membranes resulting in entrance of the Na+ and water within the cell (cell swelling) rupture. ii-Increase of Cytosolic Ca++: A-Calcium enters the injured cells to precipitate the calcium phosphate on the internal cell membrane leading to activation of endogenous phospholipase which breaks down the phospholipids from the cell membrane and release unsaturated fatty acids cause further damage of cellular membrane. B-Increase the Ca++ also activates proteases and endonucleases with reduction of ATP.
iii-Free Radicals (O-, OH-, H2O2, ..): They attack lipid, protein and DNA. Free radical attack the cell membrane generated lipid peroxidation inducing damage the membrane and cell injury. Moreover, the free radicals act as source of oxidant which is severely cytotoxic.
2-Chemical Poisoning: It causes either: i-Damage of cellular membrane and mitochondria decrease ATP ii-Exogenous chemicals may be transferred to more reactive metabolites that liberate free radicals permanent membrane damage and cell death.
3-Microbial Agents: Injuries by microbes as viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
4-Physical Agents: Trauma, cold, heat, prolonged pressure, ‌
5-Allergy and immunological: Such as type III hypersensitivity.
6-Lack of Nerve Supply: 7-Nutritional Imbalance A deficiency or excess of nutrients may results in nutritional imbalance.
Microscopic Changes of Necrosis: They include:
A-Nuclear Changes. B-Changes in the Cytoplasm C-Changes in the Whole Cell.
A-Nuclear Changes: 1-Pyknosis: The pyknotic nucleus is decreased in size (shrunken), round and homogenously dark blue to black (hyperchromatic) with lack nucleolus.
2-Karyorhexis: It is fragmentation of the chromatin into numerous small basophilic granules with ruptured (disappearance) of the nuclear membrane.
3-Karyolysis: It is dissolution or lysis of chromatin leaving a faint ghost of the nuclear membrane. The lysis is occurred by nuclease released from leaking lysosomes of dead cells.
4-Loss of the nucleus (Chromatolysis): It is complete absence of the nucleus, its chromatin and membrane.
B-Changes in the Cytoplasm: 1-Depletion of Cytoplasmic Glycogen: It is due to anaerobic glycolysis. Normally, the cytoplasm appears vacuolated due to dissolving the carbohydrate by water during histological preparation; but in dead cells, the cytoplasm appears homogenous due to loss of glycogen particles.
2-Increased Eosinophilia of Cytoplasm: The cytoplasm of necrotic cells is more eosinophilic than normal due to: A-Degradation of cytoplasmic RNA gives a degree of basophilia to the normal cytoplasm. B-Denaturation of cytoplasmic proteins give rise to polypeptide chains leads to increase number of reactive sites for eosin. 3-Cytoplasmolysis: It is complete disappearance of the cytoplasm.
C-Changes in the Whole Cell: They include: 1-Loss of cell outline: 2-Loss of differential staining: 3-Loss of cells:
Macroscopic Changes of Necrosis: 1-Loss of Color: 3-Change in Odor:
2-Loss of Strength:
1-Loss of Color: The necrotic tissue becomes pale (due to hemolysis of erythrocytes in necrotic areas and diffusion of normal pigments such as myoglobin in striated muscles).
2-Loss of Strength: The necrotic tissue has less tensile strength than normal due to “enzymatic digestion of cytoskeleton, cell membrane and intercellular connections�. The necrotic tissue may be friable (caseous necrosis), firm (coagulative necrosis) or liquid (liquefactive necrosis).
3-Change in Odor: Odors of putrefaction may be noticed from dead tissue invaded by saprophytic bacteria after gangrene or postmortem autolysis. This foul-smelling is due to release of hydrogen sulfide.
Macro of necrosis
Micro of necrosis
1-Grayish-white in color
1-Loss of cellular detail and tissue architecture
2-Friable in consistency.
2-Line of defense
Types of necrosis: 1-Coagulative necrosis 3-Liquefactive necrosis
2-Caseous necrosis 4-Fat necrosis
Coagulative necrosis It is a local death of tissue in the living individual, which is characterized by maintenance of tissue architecture and loss of cellular details. It results from denaturation of cellular proteins.
Causes: 1-Local ischemia as infarction. 2-Toxic products of certain bacteria as Fusobacterium necropherus. 3-Chemical poisons as mercuric chloride. 4-Virus infection as FMD. 5-Mild burns. 6-Nutritional deficiency (Vit. E, Selenium) results Zenker's necrosis
Microscopic Picture: 1-Maintenance of tissue architecture. 2-Loss of cellular detail.
Macroscopic Picture: 1-The necrotic tissue is gray or white in color 2-Firm in consistency. 3-Depressed under the level of surrounding tissue.
Caseous necrosis It is a local death of tissue in the living individual, which is characterized by loss of both tissue architecture and cellular details and the tissue, is replaced by eosinophilic and basophilic granular debris (resembling cottage cheese). This type of necrosis results from a mixture of coagulated protein and lipid, and usually associated with the death of macrophages and eosinophils or dehydration of pus.
Causes: 1-Ovine caseous lymphadenitis. 3-Mycotic infection as Aspergillosis.
2-Tuberculosis. 4-Parasitic infestation as Histomoniasis.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Loss of both tissue architecture and cellular details and the necrotic tissue represented by eosinophilic and basophilic granular debris. 2-Line of defense (consisting of inflammatory cells, fibrin threads and dilated blood capillaries).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Yellowish, gray or white in color. 2-Friable, dry and slightly greasy without any cohesive strength (similar to cottage cheese). 3-Gritty sound may be felt during cut section due to calcification.
NB: Caseous necrosis has a high tendency to dystrophic calcification.
Liquefactive necrosis It is a local death of tissue in the living individual, which is characterized by loss of both tissue architecture and cellular details and the tissue, is replaced by fluid. There are two principal sites of liquefactive necrosis: 1-Associated with “suppurative inflammation” due to presence of neutrophils, which die to form pus cells and produce proteolytic enzymes to liquefy the necrotic tissue. 2-Associated with “the necrotic CNS” which rich in non-coagulable lipoidal material and poor in coagulable albumin encephalomalacia.
Microscopic Picture: I-In suppurative inflammation: 1-Loss of both tissue architecture and cellular details which replaced by structureless basophilic substance. 2-Line of defense between dead and healthy tissues (consists of dead and living neutrophils, fibrin threads and dilated blood vessels). II-In CNS: 1-Presence of cavities (empty or contained pale eosinophilic material) which has frayed and irregular edges. 2-These cavities may be surrounded by inflammatory reaction (microglia).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Pus of different colors and consistency are seen in suppurative inflammation. 2-Yellowish-white or opaque fluid in CNS. 3-If the process is still progress in CNS, cysts containing fluid are seen.
Fat necrosis It is the death of adipose tissue in the living individual. When adipose tissue undergoes necrosis, the fat is slowly decomposed into “fatty acids and glycerin”. The fatty acids combine with metallic ions (sodium, potassium and calcium) to form soap-like compounds. These compounds are not dissolved by fat-solvents during the histological preparation, hence the compounds persist.
Causes and Types of Fat Necrosis: A-Pancreatic Fat Necrosis (Internal or Abdominal): It occurs only in the abdominal cavity as a result of the fat-splitting by the action of pancreatic lipase: Fat fatty acids + glycerin (absorbed by lymphatics). Na Na soap (blue). Fatty acids + K K soap (pink). Ca Ca soap (purple).
This type is seen due to: 1-Injury to pancreas or its ducts. 2-Acute pancreatitis. 3-Rupture of pancreas or neoplasm. 4-Excessive fat diet which leads to pancreatitis.
B-Traumatic Fat Necrosis (External): It occurs in the subcutaneous and intermuscular fat. Where the “lipase-enzyme” is liberated from the connective tissue. This type is seen due to trauma.
Microscopic Picture: 1-The affected fat cells appear cloudy or replaced by acicular or crescentic crystals (soap). It may blue (Na), pink (K) or purple (Ca). 2-The nuclei of fat cells are pyknotic. 3-The necrotic area is surrounded by inflammatory reaction (macrophages, lymphocytes and giant cells). 4-No neutrophils are present due to acidic media (as caseous necrosis).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-The affected adipose tissue losses its shiny and become dull, whitechalky, opaque and granular. 2-The fat is not greasy. 3-Gritty sound may be felt during cut sections due to calcification. 4-Exudation of fluid may occur.
Zenker’s Necrosis It is a type of coagulative necrosis, associated with coagulation of protein of the sarcoplasm of striated muscles.
Causes: 1-Vitamin E deficiency (white-muscle disease). 2-Selineum deficiency. 3-Toxins of bacteria (clostridial disease as Blackleg).
Microscopic Picture: 1-Maintenance of the tissue architecture (muscle fibers are swollen, homogenous and more eosinophilic. 2-Loss of cellular detail (loss of both longitudinal and cross striations with loss of Cohenheim field. 3-Inflammatory cells among the necrotic fibers (line of defense).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Grayish-white in color (flesh-fish like). 2-Friable in consistency.
Fibrinoid necrosis It is a local death of collagen fibers in living individual and characterized by injury and fragmentation of collagen fibers especially media of blood vessels.
Pathological Features: 1-Edema tends to separate the collagen bundles. 2-Increase mucopolysaccharide in the ground substance (homogenous bright pink staining material). 3-The collagen fibers are fragmented and transformed into stringy and more eosinophilic mass-like fibrin (fibrinoid necrosis). 4-Chronic inflammatory cells infiltration and fibrosis are seen at these areas.
Sequelae of necrosis I-Small area of necrosis: 1-Removed by macrophages. 2-Liquefied and absorbed by blood or lymph. 3-Desquamation and sloughing especially in the skin. 4-Regeneration in the epithelium (healing by first intention). 5-Organization by granulation tissue and scar formation. 6-Suppuration with abscess formation by invasion of pyogenic m.o.
II-Large area of necrosis: 1-Encapsulation by thick fibrous connective tissue. 2-Dystrophic calcification. 3-Gangrene if the necrotic tissue invades with putrefactive organisms. 3-Fatal if present in vital organs. 4-Cyst formation (liquefied and surrounded by ct. capsule. NB: Cholesterol Clefts: 1-They occur as by-product of necrosis and appeared as empty spaces (containing crystals of cholesterol which dissolved by fat-solvents. 2-These spaces have characteristic shape (50-100 Âľ long and 5-10 Âľ thick flat and thin rhomboid plate). 3-This crystal comes from decomposed cytoplasm and membrane of dead cells. 4-They also found at the area of old hemorrhage, old abscess and Atheroma.
Comparisons of Different Types of Necroses Criterion
Coagulative
Caseous
Liquefactive
Fat
1-T. architecture
+
-
-
-
2-C. details
-
-
-
-
3-Line of defense
+
+
+
+
4-Replacements
Coagulated
Gran eosino and
Structureless
Acicular
eosino tissue
basophilic debris
basophilic or
crystals
I-Micro:
cavities in CNS II-Macro: 1-Color
-Grayish
-Yellowish
2-Consistency
-Firm
-Friable
-Liquid
-Firm
-Toxins, viral, -Dead macs, eosio
-Pyogenic m.o.
-Lipase
III-Causes
IV-Tissue
nutritional
and dry pus
-Any tissue and
-Any tissue
involved Zenker’s in Mm
-Colored pus -Chalky-white
-Any tissue -Adipose tissue
Gangrene It is invasion and putrefaction of necrotic tissue by saprophytic bacteria. Pathogenesis: I-Primary Gangrene It occurs if the m.o. induce necrosis and putrefaction of the tissue e.g. clostridial diseases as blackleg. II-Secondary Gangrene: It occurs if the necrotic tissue is invaded and putrefied by saprophytic bacteria. Gangrene External Internal (Dry) (Moist) Secondary
Primary (Ischemic or arterial occlusion)
Secondary (Clostridial diseases)
Causes of Gangrene: It is the same as necrosis plus exposure to putrefactive bacteria. NB: The bacteria require moisture, nutrient (in blood) and warmness. There are three forms of gangrene: Dry,
Moist and Gas gangrenes.
1-Dry Gangrene Macroscopic Picture: 1-Greenish or black in color due to combination of H2S with iron to form iron sulphide (black) or Met-Hb to form sulph-Met-Hb (greenish). 2-Bad or fetid odor due to putrefaction and H2S production. 3-Dry (leather-like). 4-Contracted and wrinkled (shriveled). 5-Sharp line of demarcation between healthy and gangrenous tissue (appear red or bluish zone).
Microscopic Picture: 1-The tissue architecture and cellular details are lost. 2-The intercellular fluid is little and the muscle fibers are closely adhered. 3-Line of defense (b.vs. + neutrophils). 4-Stainability is lost.
2-Moist Gangrene Macroscopic appearance: 1-The affected part is black-greenish, swollen, edematous and soft. 2-The affected tissue is cold and insensitive to touch or pain. 3-Fetid or bad odor. 4-No line of demarcation between the living and gangrenous tissue .
Microscopic appearance: 1-The tissue architecture and cellular details are lost. 2-The intercellular fluid is increased and the muscle fibers are widely separated from each other. 3-Large rode-shaped bacilli on gangrenous tissue.
3-Gas Gangrene It is similar to moist type with presence of numerous gas-bubbles (empty spaces). It gives crepitation on the gross picture. It is caused by gas-forming clostridium.
Sequelae and significance of gangrene 1-Sloughing of tissue (in dry). 2-If small area, absorbed. 3-Toxemia and death (in moist).
Table showing the difference between moist and dry gangrene
Criterion
Dry gangrene
Moist gangrene
Occurrence
External tissue
Internal tissue
Pathogenesis
Secondary due to ischemia
Primary and secondary
Macro
Dry, shrunken and black
Soft, swollen, moist and black
Putrefaction
Slow
Rapid
Line of demarcation
Present
Absent
Bacterial growth
Slow growth
Rapid growth
The intercellular fluid
So little (evaporation)
Abundant (no evaporation)
Temperature
Wormer
Cold
Blood supply
Poor
Rich
Spread
No or slow
Rapid spread to healthy tissue
Toxemia
No or mild
Severe
Significance
Toxemia and death
Sloughing and heel
(Arterial occlusion)
(Venous and less arterial)
Postmortem changes It is the chemical and physical changes in the body after death. Aim of these changes is to get rid of these carcasses and change the organic constituents of the carcasses into the original constituents.
Factors affecting these changes: 1-Temperature: high temperature accelerates these changes; but cooling delays it 2-State of insulation: it depends on i-Skin thickness
ii-Sin covering (wool, hair or fur). 3-Animal Species: PM changes in pigs occur very rapidly due to its muscles are moist, soft greasy (rapid putrefaction). While they occur slowly in horse due to dryness and non-greasy muscles. Postmortem changes: They include the following: 1-Rigor mortis 2-Algor Mortis 3-Livor Mortis i-Pseudomelanosis ii-Blood imbibition iii-Bile imbibition 4-Changes in Blood i-PM clotting ii-Blood hemolysis iii-Hypostatic congestion 5-Physical Changes i-PM emphysema ii-PM Tympany iii-Intestinal displacement 6-Chemical Changes i-PM autolysis ii-PM heterolysis
1-Rigor Mortis: It is the stiffness of the carcass after death as a result of contraction of the whole body muscles due to coagulation of myosin.
The onset of rigor mortis depends on: 1-Cause of death rapid with tetanus or strychnine poison. 2-Health state before death develops early in emaciated animals. 3-Season of death rapidly in summer. NB: If the left ventricle of heart contains blood clots after death, this indicates that either rigor mortis did not occur or a weak myocardium (myocardial degeneration). 2-Algor Mortis: It is post mortem changes in body temperature. 3-Livor Mortis: It is PM changes in color of tissue. It includes: A-Pseudomelanosis: It is black or greenish pigmentation of the tissue. B-Blood Imbibition: It is pinkish coloration of tissue (Intema of large b.vs. and endocardium) due to hemolysis and diffusion of hemoglobin in tissue. C-Bile Imbibition: Yellowish or greenish coloration of the liver due to bile.
4-Changes In Blood: i-Blood Coagulation (Clotting): PM clots may be 1-Currant-jelly Clot (red): It consists of all blood constituents and usually occurs due to rapid death and occupies the lower part of b.vs. and heart.
2-Chicken-fat clot (yellow): It consists of plasma (no RBCs), usually occurs due to slow death and occupies the upper part of b.vs.
NB: These clots not attached to the wall of b.vs. Criterion Thrombus
PM clot
Consistency Dry Moist Features Granular and rough surface Smooth and glistening surface Types Red, White or Mixed Current jelly and chicken fat Attachment to b.vs. Firmly attached to b.vs. wall Not attached Damage of intema Rough intema (damaged) Smooth undamaged intema Main constituents Platelets Fibrin Organization May be present Absent Initiation Initiated by damaged intema Initiated by thromboplastin
ii-Blood Hemolysis: It is lysis of RBCs in Hb. iii-Hypostatic Congestion: It is gravitation of the blood in the lower parts of the body due to gravity. 5-Physical Changes: i-Postmortem Emphysema: It is the presence of gas bubbles in the parenchymatous organs. ii-Postmortem Tympany: It is the presence of gas in the stomach. iii-Intestinal Displacement: It is due to the postmortem peristaltic movement.
6-Chemical Changes: i-Postmortem Autolysis: It is self-digestion by cellular enzymes that released into the cytoplasm of the cell after death. It depends on the content of autolytic enzymes, so autolysis occurs early in adrenal glands, brain and pancreas. ii-Postmortem Heterolysis: It is the digestion of the cells by enzymes other than those present inside the cells as enzymes come from putrefactive m.o. Criterion
Necrosis
Postmortem changes
Normal Tissue Dead beside living (Focal)
All is dead (diffuse)
RBCs
intact erythrocytes
Hemolysed
Inflammatory cells
present
Absent
Organization
May be seen
Absent
Intracellular and Extracellular Deposition and Degeneration Degeneration: It is a reversible biochemical, functional and morphological abnormalities in the cells resulting from any injury not severe enough to cause necrosis.
Infiltration: It means intracellular or extracellular deposition of substances natural to the cell but in excess (fat and glycogen) intracellular. or foreign to the body (amyloid and urates) Extracellular.
1-Disturbance of Protein Metabolism: include 1-Acute cell swelling (cloudy swelling, vacuolar and hydropic deg) 2-Mucinous degeneration 3-Mucoid degeneration 4-Amyloid infiltration 5-Hyaline degeneration 6-Gout.
II-Disturbance in Fat Metabolism: include 1-Fatty Change (Lipidosis).
2-Obesity (lipomatosis).
3-Lipoidal degeneration.
III-Disturbance in Carbohydrate Metabolism: include glycogen infiltration.
IV-Disturbance in Pigment Metabolism: include 1-Exogenous Pigments
2-Endogenous Pigments
I-Disturbance of Protein Metabolism Cloudy Swelling, Vacuolar and Hydropic Degenerations It is the mildest, reversible retrogressive change of parenchymatous organs
Causes: mild irritants as toxin and hypoxia. 1-Toxins: It either i-exogenous toxin: as bacterial, chemical poisons and snake venom ii-endogenous toxin: as acetone, urea and uric acid. 2-Hypoxia: As in case of respiratory diseases, anemia, and cardiac disease.
3-Fever: Pathogenesis:
4-Trauma
5-Mild irritant.
The energy derived from ATP control the Na-K ion pump within the cell membrane to continuously drive sodium out of the cell exchanging for potassium enter the cell. While in cell injury and damage the mitochondria, the ATP decreased with disturbance in ionic concentration leading entrance of sodium, calcium and water to the cells and the potassium is get out. Accumulation of sodium and water make the cells swollen. Macroscopic Picture: 1-The affected organ is swollen. 2-Color is pale (bloodless) or parboiled in appearance. 3-Border is round. 4-Cutsection is bulged and appeared convex. 5-The capsule is tense.
Microscopic Picture: 1-The cells are swollen toward the lumen due to the basement membrane prevent the expansion to out side. 2-The lumen is narrowed (star-shape) or obliterated. 3-The peritubular capillaries are compressed by swollen cells so it appears empty (bloodless). 4-The nucleus is not affected. 5-The cytoplasm show fine eosinophilic granules (overshadow the cell boundaries) In cloudy swelling. -or small tiny pale eosinophilic vacuoles around the nucleus In Vacuolar degeneration. These vacuoles have indefinite borders and negative for fat and glycogen staining. -or contains eosinophilic reticulated threads. Some cells burst and may form vesicles In hydropic degeneration
Sequelae or Significance: It is reversible, so if the causes are removed recovery occur.
Mucoid degeneration (Myxomatous degeneration or serous atrophy of fat)
It is reversible retrogressive changes of connective tissue and adipose tissue characterized by abnormal accumulation of bluish translucent material (glycoprotein similar to mucin), which is secreted by modified fibroblasts. In serous atrophy of fat the background is pinkish due to the presence of potassium soap.
Occurrence: 1-Wharton’s jelly. 2-Joint cavity. 3-In adipose tissue.
Causes: 1-Malnutrion as in case of cachectic diseases as parasitism and chronic wasting diseases besides starvation. 2-Connective tissue neoplasms as myxoma and myxosarcoma. 3-Myxoedema (a disease associated with thyroid deficiency).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Size of the affected organs is shrunken. 2-Consistency is flabby. 3-Appearance of the organ is translucent jelly like. 4-Cut surface is watery slimy and stringy material exudes.
Microscopic Picture: 1-The cells are round, oval, spindle and stellate (similar to embryonic cells) with long cytoplasmic processes interlacing with each other (criss-cross). 2-These cells are widely separated by homogenous pale basophilic substance (glycoprotein or mucin-like). 3-The nucleus has the shape of the cells (round, oval, spindle, stellate) and hyperchromatic.
Significance: 1-Mucoid degeneration is very important indicators for general health and nutrition of animals. Mucoid degeneration is reversible. 2-Presence of mucoid degeneration in the neoplasm is indicating of malignancy and the cells become may be quite embryonal. NB: Pseudomucin is normally secreted from the ovarian tissue and paraovarian cyst.
Mucinous Degeneration Mucous Degeneration It is retrogressive changes of the epithelial cells of m.m. characterized by abnormal accumulation of mucin inside the cytoplasm of the epithelial cells.
Causes: (similar to catarrhal inflammation) 1-Chemicals: as formaldehyde inhalation. 2-Inhaled dusts, cold air or foreign protein. 3-Infections as in case of some bacteria and virus. 4-Ingestion of spoiled, moldy or irritating foods.
Macroscopic Picture: 1-It affects the epithelium (m.m.). 2-The mucous membrane is covered with whitish-yellow mucus. 3-Later on the mucus become mucopurulent (invaded by pyogenic). 4-The m.m. may be hyperemic.
Microscopic Picture: 1-The lining epithelium transformed into goblet cells which become filled with mucus. The nucleus pushed toward the B.m.. 2-These cells may be ruptured into the lumen or desquamated. 2-the mucus is stained bluish (with HE) and pink (with PAS).
Significance: If the cause is removed, regeneration of the lining epithelium occurs.
Hyaline Degeneration Hyalinosis (hyalos=glass)
It is a retrogressive change of tissue characterized by the transformation of the tissue into homogenous structureless translucent smooth material and stained more eosinophilic.
Causes: I-Physiologically: It is present in i-The superficial layer of the skin. ii-Cornea of the eye iii-Ovulation scars of the ovary. II-Pathologically: the hyaline degeneration is due to i-Vit A deficiency (hyperkeratosis) ii-Vit E and selenium deficiencies (Zenker’s degeneration). iii-Chronic glomerulonephritis (hyaline droplet degeneration). iv-Diabetes mellitus (hyaline degeneration in islet of Langerhans cells v-Alcoholism (Mallory bodies).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-If the hyaline material is small and it is undetectable. 2-In large quantities, the hyalinized tissue is translucent, firm, glassy and shiny. 3-In muscles, they appear grayish-white (fish-flesh) and friable and flabby.
Microscopic Picture: 1-The normal structure of the tissue is transformed into homogenous, structureless and more eosinophilic substance. 2-The nucleus not affected. 3-The hyaline material is stained blue by Gomory trichrome stain.
Types of Hyaline Degeneration: 1-Connective tissue hyaline degeneration. 2-Muscular hyaline degeneration (Zenker’s degeneration). 3-Cellular or epithelial hyaline degeneration.
Connective tissue hyalinosis: -The collagen fibers become swollen, fuse together and lose their striations then converted into homogenous structureless and more eosinophilic substances. Examples:
i-Old scar and keloids. iii-Arteriosclerosis.
ii-Mesodermal tumors. iv-Scleroderma.
Muscular hyalinosis: 1-The muscle fibers are swollen, lose of the longitudinal and cross striations. 2-Lose of Cohenheim field. 3-These fibers appear homogenous structureless and more eosinophilic substances
4-There is not inflammatory cells. 5-The nucleus not affected. NB: Zenker’s necrosis show pyknotic or absent nuclei and inflammatory cells. Cellular or epithelial hyalinosis: as
1-Old thrombi: 2-Mallory bodies: hyaline globules inside the cytoplasm of degenerated liver cells of alcoholic drinkers.
3-Corpora amylacea: It is seen in the acini of the mammary gland, lung alveoli and prostate glands. It appears as round, homogenous, or concentrically laminated pink bodies with basophilic tint. 4-Russel’s bodies: They are seen in plasma cells in chronic inflammation. 5-Islets of Langerhans: Its cells undergo hyalinosis in diabetes mellitus. 6-Hyaline casts: These casts are seen inside renal tubules in chronic glomerulonephritis. 7-Hyaline droplet degeneration: It seen in the cells of highly functional renal tubules in case of chronic glomerulonephritis (nephrotic syndrome). Where there is excessive protein filtration from damaged glomeruli and then the tubular reabsorption is overloaded inside the cytoplasm of these cells hyalinosis.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Large eosinophilic refractile droplets in the cytoplasm (overshadow the cell boundaries). 2-The lumen is wide. 3-The nucleus not affected.
Significance: 1-Hyaline degeneration is irreversible condition. 2-The affected tissue may be calcified (dystrophic). 3-It may lead to rupture of the affected blood vessels and hemorrhage. 4-Hyaline casts in kidney indicates albumen-urea.
Amyloid Infiltration Amyloidosis It is retrogressive changes characterized by abnormal extracellular deposition of substance resembling the starch (amylum) in its chemical reaction. This substance is pale eosinophilic homogenous structureless substance deposited in loose connective tissue sub endothelial cells of blood vessels. Ultrastructurally, the amyloid consists principally of firbillar protein and small separate components of glycoprotein. There are two major and two minor forms, which are chemically different but histologically similar.
The two major are 1-Amyloid light chain (AL): consists of immunoglobulin light chain and is secreted by plasma cells (in B lymphocyte proliferative disorders). 2-Amyloid associated (AA): is not immunoglobulin but synthesized from serum amyloid associated protein (SAA) secreted by liver cells due to chronic inflammatory diseases.
The two minor are 1-Transthyertin: A minor (mutant) form of amyloid-protein is hereditary in human. 2-β microglobulin: found in Shar-Pei dogs and in Abyssinian cats.
Types of Amyloidosis: I-Primary amyloidosis (immunocyte dyscrasia: defect in blood). II-Secondary amyloidosis (reactive systemic amyloidosis).
I-Primary amyloidosis (immunocyte dyscrasia): 1-It occur rarely and with unknown causes. 2-It seen in two forms
i-Localized form (in single organ). ii-Generalized or systemic form. 3-It is seen in the heart, tongue, intestine, skin and skeletal muscles.
II-Secondary amyloidosis (reactive systemic amyloidosis): The secondary type occurs as a complicated of long-standing destructive diseases as:
i-Chronic suppurative conditions: as chronic suppurative arthritis, chronic suppurative osteomyelitis, lung abscess, chronic pyelonephritis and empyema (pus in a cavity).
ii-Chronic granulomatous diseases: as tuberculosis and leprosy. iii-Malignant tumors: as multiple myeloma and renal carcinoma. iv-In horse, during production of antitetanic serum.
Staining of amyloid substance: I-Clinically detection of amyloid (during life) by using congo-red stain: Injected dye in one leg and collected blood from another leg and then examined the serum for the stain by spectrophotometer. i-Less than 50% of the dye disappeared no amyloidosis occur. ii-6o% or more of the dye disappeared amyloidosis present. II-Detection of amyloid in organs (PM): 1-Lugol’s iodine in case of amyloid give mahogany brown (normal blue). 2-Iodine with 1%sulphuric acid gives blue. III-Detection of amyloid in paraffin sections: 1-HE Pink in color. 2-Methyl violet 3-Crystal violet Rose red in color. 4-Gention violet 5-Congo red Orange red in color. 6-Picro-fuchsiun Yellowish-brown in color. Pathogenesis: The amyloid substance (pale eosinophilic structureless) deposited in the loose c.t. of subendothelial cells of blood vessels. This substance affects
i-On the adjacent tissue
ii-On the blood vessels
of affected organ inducing either inducing
1-Narrowing of the lumen
2-Thickening the wall of b.vs. with Increase permeability
-Pressure atrophy -Disarrangement or -Gradually replaced by The amyloid substances
Transudation (edema) -Lack of blood supply Atrophy -Hypoxia or anoxia retrogressive change (fatty change) and necrosis.
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Size: enlarged and heavy. 2-Consistency: firm. 3-Borders: sharp. 4-Color: pale. 5-Cut surface: flat waxy translucent surface (glistening). NB: Amyloid is most prominent in spleen, liver and kidneys.
Amyloidosis in Liver Macroscopic Picture: 1-Size of liver is enlarged and heavy. 2-Borders: sharp. 3-Color: light brown streaks among yellowish streaks (fatty change). 4-Consistency: firm. 5-Cut surface: smooth waxy translucent surface.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Pale eosinophilic homogenous substance deposited in the loose connective tissue subendothelial cells of hepatic arterioles, venules and sinusoids. 2-These arterioles, venules and sinusoids are narrowed or obliterated. 3-The hepatic cells suffered pressure atrophy and disarrangement of its hepatic cords. 4-Fatty changes and necrosis may be seen in the hepatic cells. 5-In the advance cases, the liver cells gradually replaced by the amyloid substance
Significance: 1-The amyloidosis is irreversible. 2-It leads to hepatic failure. 3-It leads to rupture of the liver, hemorrhage and death.
Amyloidosis in the Kidney Macroscopic Picture: 1-The kidney become enlarged and heavy in early stage and become contracted (small) in late stage due to ischemia. 2-Cut surface: waxy light brown dots (amyloid in the glomeruli) among pale yellow streaks (fatty change).
Microscopic Picture: 1-Pale eosinophilic homogenous substance is deposited firstly in the media of the afferent arterioles, then the subendothelial cells of glomeruli and intertubular capillaries under the basement membrane. 2-The renal tubules become atrophied and show fatty change and fibrosis (contracted kidney).
Significance: 1-The amyloidosis in the kidney is irreversible. 2-It leads to uremia, hypertension, general edema and diabetes insipidus.
Amyloidosis in the Spleen There are two types according the distribution of the amyloid into: I-Focal Amyloidosis (Sago spleen). II-Diffuse Amyloidosis (Bacon spleen).
I-Focal Amyloidosis (Sago spleen): Macroscopic Picture: 1-The spleen is moderately enlarged. 2-Consistency is rubbery and firm. 3-Cut surface show waxy light brown dots against red background (resemble the sago grain) Sago spleen.
Microscopic Picture: -The amyloid substance is deposited in the wall of central arterioles and gradually replaced the white pulp only.
II-Diffuse Amyloidosis (Bacon spleen): Macroscopic Picture: 1-The spleen is enlarged than the focal type. 2-Lardicaeous in consistency as if it infiltrated with melted lard. 3-Cut surface show diffuse waxy translucent light brown streaks.
Microscopic Picture: -The amyloid substance is deposited in both white and red pulp (around central arterioles and splenic sinusoids then replaced their structures). Significance: 1-It leads to immune deficient patient. 2-Hemorrhage and death.
Gout It is a retrogressive changes characterized by deposition of uric acid and urates (Na and Ca urates) in joints (articular gout) and visceral organ (visceral gout in birds).
NB: Uric acid and urates is the end product of purine metabolism.
Causes: 1-Heriditery cause in middle-aged male. 2-High protein diet (containing nuclei as liver and kidney). 3-Disturbance in the renal function (Nephrogenic strain of IB virus). 4-Vit A deficiency. 5-Insuffient exercise.
Pathogenesis: Gout is not seen in domesticated animals due to presence of uricase enzymes in their liver, which convert uric acid to allantoins, which excreted in urine. In birds, the uric acid and urates start to deposit in the kidneys and on the serous membrane of internal organs when the level of them are elevated. In man, articular form only observed. In the dogs convert the 1/3 of uric acid into allantoins and excreted in the urine. NB: The normal serum level of uric acid = 3-4 mg/dl and if reach to 6-12 mg/dl deposited in the tissue.
Types of Gout: I-Articular gout: deposited on the articular surface of joints. II-Visceral gout: deposited in kidneys and serous membrane.
I-Articular Gout Macroscopic Picture: 1-The joints are enlarged (swollen), deformed and immobile (loss function). 2-The joint surface and surrounding fibrous tissue are covered by chalky-white material (tophi). 3-If the tophi are present in the subcutaneous tissue, ulceration and discharging chalky material outside occur. NB: Tophi are concentration of gouty material on the articular surfaces. Microscopic Picture: 1-Eosinophilic needle-like crystals or irregular round unstained crystals of urates on the articular surfaces and surrounding tissue. 2-Inflammatory cells are not present or rare (neutrophils, macrophages and giant cells).
II-Visceral gout Macroscopic Picture: 1- Thin layer of chalky-white material covers the serous surface of pericardium, liver and peritoneum. 2-The ureters are impacted or filled with chalky-white material. Microscopic Picture: 1-Radiating eosinophilic (Ca urates) and basophilic (Na urates) in the renal tubules and on serous membrane. 2-Pressure atrophy of adjacent renal tubules.
3-Granulomatous reactions are seen (neutrophils, macrophages, foreign body giant cells and fibroblasts). 4- Degenerative changes, necrosis and fibrosis also occur.
Significance: 1-The gout is an indicator of disturbance in protein metabolism. 2-The articular gout in human is badly recurrent. 3-Visceral gout in birds is serious disease causing deaths.
II-Disturbances in Carbohydrate Metabolism Glycogen Infiltration It is excessive abnormal intracellular accumulation of glycogen in tissue particularly in the liver, kidneys and pancreas.
Causes: 1- Diabetes mellitus and uncontrolled hyperglycemia. 2-Glycogen storage diseases in infants (Von Gierke’s disease) resulted from congenital absence of glucose 6- phosphatase which is necessary for the breakdown of glycogen into glucose. 3-Renal carcinoma and seminoma.
Macroscopic Picture: 1-It is not detected grossly in small amount. 2-While if large amount glycogen is infiltrated, the affected organs is very enlarged and whitish or anemic in appearance.
NB: -For glycogen demonstration, the tissue must be fixed immediately after death
in:
Carnoy’s fluid or absolute alcohol.
Microscopic Picture: In Liver: 1-The hepatic cells are swollen. 2-Foamy granular cytoplasm (contains irregular and hazy vacuoles). 3-In severe condition, the nucleus is affected (enlarged and empty with clear nuclear membrane).
In Kidneys: 1-The renal epithelium are swollen. 2-The cytoplasm is vacuolated. 3-No nuclear changes.
Significance: -The glycogen infiltration is of minor important.
NB: The special stains of glycogen are Best’s carmine stained it
crimson red by and PAS stained it red.
III-Disturbances in Fat Metabolism 1-Fatty Change (Lipidosis). 2-Obesity (lipomatosis). 3-Lipoidal degeneration.
1-Fatty Change (Lipidosis) It is a retrogressive changes characterized by abnormal intracellular accumulation of neutral fat (triglycerides) in non-fatty tissue, particularly in the parenchymatous organs (liver, kidneys and heart).
NB: The body fats occur in 3 forms: i-Un-masked (Visible) fat: as neutral fat (storage in fatty depots). ii-Masked (Un-visible) fat: It is combination with the protoplasm (not stained by fat stains) as phospholipids. iii-Lipoidal substance: That are fat-solvents (sometimes stain with dyes). They include cholesterol other constituents of myelin, adrenal cortex and CL.
Causes: Any agents interfere with the fat metabolism. 1-Toxins: interfere with synthesis of phospholipids i-Bacterial toxins: diphtheria, TB, ii-Chemical toxins: as alcohol, carbon tetrachloride, benzol. 2-Hypoxia or Anoxia: lack of oxygen lack of energy synthesis of phospholipids as in case of i-Severe anemia iii-Cardiac failure and
interfere with
ii-Chronic venous congestion, iv-Respiratory disease.
3-Deficiency of lipotropic factors: (choline, methionine, cystine, cysteine). i-Deficiency of it leads to decrease phospholipids synthesis. ii-Absence of these lipotropic factors leads to esterification of diglycerides into triglycerides
iii-helps in the formation of neutral fat, fatty changes and obesity. 4-Failure of protein synthesis: to form lipoproteins. 5-Diatery causes: i-Excessive intake of fats and carbohydrates. ii-Starvation with mobilization of fats from fat-depots. 6-Diseases of the liver cells: as viral hepatitis lead to fatty change.
Fatty Changes in the Liver The fatty change in the liver are either: 1-Diffuse: in case of severe anemia and toxemia. 2-Patchy (focal): Centrilobular in CVC. Peripherolobular in mild toxins.
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Size: enlarge and float on the surface of water in advanced stage 2-Color: yellow 3-Consistency: soft or flabby with tense capsule. 4-Borders: round. 5-Cut surface: bulge and greasy with fat-globules on the knife.
Microscopic Picture: 1-The hepatic cells are swollen.
2-In Early Stage: i-The cytoplasm of affected cells contains minute fat globules (vacuoles) around the nucleus. ii-The nucleus not affected and centrally located.
3-In Lat Stage: i-The minute globules of fat fuse together forming large globule (vacuole), which pushes and flattened the nucleus to periphery of the cell “the signet-ring
appearance�. ii-Some liver cells are ruptured on each other to form mass of fat (fatty cysts).
4-Special stain of fat: the fat appears as rounded sharp vacuoles with HE Special stains of fat
Stained the fat (frozen sections)
Sudan III
Yellow
Sudan IV (Scarlet red)
Orange
Oil red O
Red
Osmic acid
Black
Sudan black B
Black
Nile blue sulfate
i-Fatty acid: bluish ii-Neutral fat reddish
Fatty Changes in the Heart Macroscopic Picture: -The
heart is 2-Consistency:
1-Size: enlarged and with round apex. soft or flabby and friable with dilated chambers.
3-Color: pale yellow (in diffuse) or yellow streaks alternating with brown ones giving the heart “Tabby-cat or Tigeroid appearance” or yellow spots alternating with brown spots giving the heart “Thrush-breast striation”.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Minute fat globules (vacuoles) are arranged in longitudinal rows in cardiac muscles. 2-Absence of cross striations. 3-The nucleus is not affected
Fatty Changes in the Kidneys 1-The fat globules are deposited in the cells of proximal and distal convoluted tubules besides ascending loop of Henle. 2-These globules are deposited between the nucleus and the basement membrane.
Significance: 1-Necrosis and cirrhosis of the liver. 2-Acute heart failure. 3-Fat emboli (open on blood capillaries).
2-Obesity (Lipomatosis) It is excessive accumulation of fat in fat-depots (S/C, omentum and mesentery, perirenal and pericardium).
Causes: 1-Excessive fat and carbohydrates intake. 2-Low metabolic rate.
Microscopic Picture: The muscle fibers appeared normally or suffered pressure atrophy.
Significance: -It interferes with function of organs as heart, lungs and diaphragm. -Rapid respiration and pulse rate (fatigue). -May cause rupture of internal organs as liver. NB: Steatosis is the replacement of a tissue (liver and muscles) with fat.
3-Lipoidal Degeneration It is the deposition of cholesterol in the tissue especially the intema of the blood vessels leading Atheroma or Arteriosclerosis.
I-Atheroma: It is a disease of primates where the intema is thickened by lipids, cholesterol and fibroblasts. It is usually focal.
Macroscopic Picture: -The lesions appear as raised yellow plaques.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Cholesterol lenticular spaces (cholesterol clefts). 2-Many macrophages with vacuolated or foamy cytoplasm. 3-Fibroblasts and calcification may be seen.
II-Arteriosclerosis: It is the hardening of arteries.
Causes: i-Senility. ii-Wasting diseases as Johne’s disease.
Pathogenesis: -The changes start in the media of aorta and coronaries. -Then extend to the intema and adventitia.
Microscopic Picture: i-Hydropic degeneration of the lining endothelium. ii-Aggregations of foam cells (vacuolated macrophages). iii-Cholesterol clefts. iv-Intense lymphocytic infiltration in adventitia. v-The intemal endothelial cells become proliferated and fibrosed. vi-Dystrophic calcification and cellular debris. NB: The umbilical vessels show calcified media and intema at birth. Raised yellowish-white plaques which may round or oval (up to 20 mm in diameter) are grossly seen.
List and differentiate between the lesions induced intracellular vacuolation. Criterion
Vacuolar
Glycogen infiltration
Fatty Changes
degeneration 1-The nucleus
Not affected
Enlarged and empty
Pushed and flattened
2-The vacuoles
Faint pink and ill
Irregular and hazy
Sharp and large
Best’s carmine
Sudan III, IV, black B
PAS
Oil red O, Osmic acid
distinct borders 3-Special stains
-Ve
Calcification
It is a pathological deposition of calcium salts in soft tissues rather than osteoid tissue (ossification).
The plasma level of calcium is controlled by: i-Parathyroid hormone: Leads hypercalcemia through bone resorption. ii-Calcitonin: Causes hypocalcemia. iii-Vitamin D helps in the absorption of calcium from the intestine.
The pathological calcification is divided into: 1- Metastatic (general) calcification. 2- Dystrophic (local) calcification. 3-Calcinosis circumscripta that present in the dermis of the skin of dog and man (1-10 cm in diameter) and white-chalky.
1-Metastatic (General) Calcification This type of calcification follow increased blood calcium level without necrosis or degeneration of tissues. It observed in acid-producing organs as stomach (Hcl), kidneys (phosphatic acid) and lungs (carbonic acid).
Causes: 1-Hyperparathyrodism and excess of Vitamin D. 2-Osteoperosis and osteomalacia. 3-Multiple myeloma and tumors of bones. 4-Renal failure with retention of phosphate.
2-Dystrophic (Local) Calcification It is the deposition of calcium salts in the necrotic or degenerated tissues. Dystrophic calcification has no relation with calcium content of blood (normal).
Pathogenesis: In dystrophic calcification, the calcium needs an alkaline media to deposit in it. This media is present in necrotic and degenerated tissues, where the circulation is deficient and the carbon dioxide tension is low (alkaline media).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-If the deposition become free from the surrounding tissue, the calcium is white or gray granular in appearance. 2-Grating sound and gritty feeling are recorded in cut section.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Bluish irregular fine granular deposits are seen replacing and among the necrotic (dystrophic) or normal (metastatic) tissue when stained by HE. 2-Special stains of calcium: i-Von Kossa’s stain stained the calcium black. ii-Alizarin-red-S technique stained the calcium red. Significance: Calcification is usually permanent and harmless.
IV-Disturbance in Pigment Metabolism Pigments: They are colored substances, which are present intra or extracellular. Pigmentation: Deposition of pigments in the tissues. Types of Pigmentations: I-Endogenous Pigmentation II-Exogenous Pigmentation (Formed inside the body
i-Hemoglobin pigment -Hemosiderin -Hemotoidin -Porphyrins a-Osteohemochromatosis b-Photosensitization
ii -Melanin iii-Lipofuscin iv -Ceroid Pigments
(Formed outside the body) Enter the body either: A) By Inhalation (pneumoconiosis) - Anthracosis - Siderosis - Silicosis - Chalicosis - Asbestosis - Baritosis - Kaolinosis - Stannosis B) By Ingestion - Argyrosis - Plumbism - Lipochromatosis - Xanthomatosis C) Through the skin e.g. tattooing.
I-Exogenous Pigmentations A) By Inhalation: Pneumoconiosis: It is accumulation of the mineral dusts in the lungs and the tissue reactions to its presence.
Pathogenesis: When the dusts (insoluble) inhaled, these pigments are trapped by mucus covering the lining epithelial of bronchi and bronchioles, other pigments are settled down on the epithelium of air sacs the phagocytized by macrophages (dust cells) travel to regional lymph nodes or accumulated around bronchioles and in the interalveolar connective tissue septa Fibrosis of the lungs with granulomatous reactions (macrophages and giant cells).
Effects of Pneumoconiosis: 1-No effects or minimal fibrosis as in case of anthracosis. 2-Focal fibrosis as in case of silicosis, kaolinosis and siderosis. 3- Diffuse fibrosis as in case of asbestosis.
Fate or Sequelae of Pneumoconiosis: 1-Bronchiolectasia: Dilation of bronchioles due to collagen formation (fibrosis) around the bronchioles maturation and shrinkage pull the wall of bronchioles dilation of the lumen.
2-Compensatory emphysema: Over inflation of the air sacs with air due to obliteration of some air sacs by fibrosis. 3-Predisposing factors to infection especially with tuberculosis due to lowering in the resistance. 4-Adhesion between the visceral and parietal pleura difficult breathing (hypoxia). 5-Core Pulmonal: hypertrophy of the right side of the heart, due to back pressure. 6-Death occurs due to heart failure and anoxia.
Anthracosis Black-lung Disease Definition: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling coal-dust (carbon particles). Causes: Inhalation of coal dusts for long period, smoking and in animals and peoples work in the mines or live in big towns. Macroscopic Picture: 1-Large grayish to black spots on the surface of the affected lungs. 2-The ventral portions are affected more than the dorsal ones. 3-The lymph nodes are brown to black, particularly at the medulla. The color is normally seen in the bovine lymph nodes; but it is due to recently hemolysed blood (not seen microscopically). Microscopic Picture: 1-Minute black granules (carbon particles) are seen free or inside the dust cells either on the epithelial lining of bronchioles, and air sacs and interalveolar connective tissue septa.
2-This pigment is observed in the regional lymph nodes. 3- Fibrosis occurs when contaminated with silica. Significance: Coal dusts are permanent and harmless.
Silicosis Definition: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling fine silica particles (silicon dioxide). Causes: Inhalation of silicon dioxide for long period. Pathogenesis: Most of the silica dusts are trapped by nasal barrier. Some fine particles are escaped to the bronchioles (terminal bronchioles) and air sacs then phagocytized by alveolar macrophages (dust cells) travel through lymphatics to regional lymph nodes then to outside. Some of these macrophages containing pigments are settled in the lung tissue and die secrete chemical mediators to enhance the inflammatory process and stimulate fibrous connective tissue proliferation. This reaction occludes the lumens of bronchioles (forming silicotic nodules). Macroscopic Picture: 1-The lungs are nodular and firm. 2-They have no color except if it is contaminated with coal dust (black). Microscopic Picture: 1-The silicotic nodules are represented by
2-Coalescence of nodules together and press on the blood vessels lymphatics, bronchioles and obliterate the alveoli. 3-Focal areas of compensatory emphysema. 4-Later, these nodules became a cellular and hyaline (forming pulmonary corpora amylacea). Significance: as pneumoconiosis.
Asbestosis Definition: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling asbestos fibers (magnesium silicate). Causes: Inhalation of asbestos fibers for long period. Pathogenesis: When the asbestos fibers (more than 20 um) enter the pulmonary tissue, chronic inflammatory reactions are developed around these fibers. Some of these fibers destructed (sequestration) and other lodge in respiratory bronchioles and air sacs and then become coated by protein containing iron forming “ferruginous bodies� that appear as bamboo-like sticks (Brownish in color). Macroscopic Picture: 1-The lungs are grayish and firm. 2-The pleura are thickened. Microscopic Picture: 1-Diffuse pulmonary fibrosis.
Significance: similar to pneumoconiosis.
Kaolinosis Definition: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling particles of kaolin (China clay). Causes: Inhalation of China clay for long period.
Macroscopic Picture: -The lungs are grayish in color, firm and nodular.
Microscopic Picture: 1-These nodules represented by homogenous faint basophilic material (kaolin) surrounded by fibrous connective tissue (focal fibrosis). 2-Sometimes, the kaolin particles are seen inside the macrophages. 3-Granulomatous reactions (macrophages and giant cells).
Siderosis Definition: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling the iron oxide (rust). Macroscopic Picture: 1-The lung tissues are brownish in color. 2-Firm in consistency. 3-The organ becomes blue when immersed in Prussian blue stain. Microscopic Picture: 1-Brownish granules inside the macrophages. 2-Fibrous connective tissue proliferation (focal fibrosis). 3-These pigment is stained blue by Prussian blue stain. N.B: Baritosis: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling barium oxide.
Stannosis: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling tin oxide. Chalicosis: It is pneumoconiosis from inhaling calcium carbonate (chalk).
B) By Ingestion: Argyrosis: It is the deposition of silver salts in the skin, conjunctiva and internal organs due to prolonged medication of silver drugs. Plumbism: It is the pigmentation of tissue resulting from ingestion of small amount of lead salts that produce black or blue line on the gum adjacent teeth (Abortous line or lead line) due to reaction of lead salts with H2S Lead sulphid (black or blue in color). N.B: The H2S is liberated by putrefactive bacteria. Steatitis of mink, kits and pigs: It is the inflammation and pigmentation of fat in mink, kits and pigs due to Vit. E deficiency and it is characterized by formation of: - Yellow acid-fast pigments (Ceroid pigments) inside the inflamed fat cells and macrophages.
Xanthomatosis It is orange to yellow pigmentation of wattle and skin of White Leghorn pullets. Causes: Ingestion of excessive amounts of carotene and xanthophylls.
Macroscopic Picture: -The affected areas of the skin is thickened (tumor like masses) and orange to yellow color.
Microscopic Picture: 1-These masses consist of foam cells, fibroblasts, lipid droplets and cholesterol clefts (lenticular spaces). 2-Orange to yellow pigments are seen in epidermis, dermis and subcutis of wattles. Exogenous hemochromatosis: It is exogenous pigmentation with hemosiderin in man caused by repeated blood transfusion (hemolysis of RBCs.).
Lipochromatosis Brown Atrophy of Heart or Muscles Definition: It is the deep yellow, orange and brown pigmentation of atrophied organs or tissue due to black pigments related to Lipofuscin (20% fat, 14% nitrogen, and 0.4% phosphors beside yellow pigments). Occurrences: (intracellular): -Lingual, masseter and cardiac muscles. -Diaphragmatic, cervical and leg muscles. -Thoracic and abdominal muscles. -Liver, adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid, lymph nodes and ovaries.
Causes: -Senility. -Cachexia (severe malnutrition and chronic wasting diseases).
Macroscopic Picture: -The affected muscles or organs are dark brown and atrophied.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Yellow to brown granules of Lipofuscin appears at the poles of the nuclei as in cardiac muscles, around the nuclei in the liver cells or in any part in skeletal Mm. 2-These granules are stained with fat stains and are not soluble in fat solvents (not true fat).
Significance: -It is harmless. -Its presence points some wasting diseases or senility.
C) Through the skin: Tattooing: The pigments (tattooing ink) introduced through the skin to the dermis and subcutis of animal to identify them. 1-The pigment is phagocytized by fixed macrophages, and then keeps them permanently. 2-Some pigments may be seen in the regional lymph nodes without inflammatory reactions.
II- Endogenous pigmentations: Hemoglobin-Derived Pigments 1-Hemoglobin. 2-Hemosiderosis. 3-Hemotoidin. 4-Jaundice. Hemoglobin pigmentation The hemoglobin pigments may be seen in the vicinity of a large hemorrhage in avascular tissue as cartilage. N.B:
Excessive hemolysis of RBCs. Hemoglobin (increase in plasma, which is red in color) Heme + Globins (used in formation of new RBCs) Hemotoidin (porphyrin) + iron (hemosiderin) used in formation of new RBCs. Biliverdin Reduced to Bilirubin circulate in the blood as free bilirubin + Albumin Unconjugated Bilirubin (prehepatic or hemobilirubin) enter the liver in the liver cells + Glucouronic acid + transferase enzyme Conjugated bilirubin (posthepatic or cholebilirubin) pass with the bile to intestine. Stercobilin Stercobilinogen (Give the color of feces) Absorb to the blood then to the kidneys Urobilin Urobilinogen (Give straw yellow color to urine)
Remark: The cholebilirubin and Urobilinogen is passing through the renal filter; the
Hemosiderin pigment (Hemosiderosis) Definition: It is the brownish discoloration of different tissue due to excessive deposition of hemosiderin pigments (iron). Causes: i-Old hemorrhages ii-Hemolytic anemia iii-Chronic passive hyperemia Pathogenesis: -The iron-containing pigments (hemosiderin) is liberated from hemolysed RBCs and phagocytized by macrophages (siderocytes) and parenchymatous cells of the liver and kidneys. Macroscopic Picture: 1-The affected tissues are brownish in color. 2-The lungs are firm and indurated (brown induration of the lung). Microscopic Picture: 1-Golden yellow amorphous granules are seen inside siderocytes (kupffer cells in the liver and heart failure cells in the lungs). 2-The hemosiderin is stained blue by Prussian blue stain {potassium ferrocyanide + ferric (iron in hemosiderin) Ferric Ferrocyanide. Significance: -It’s presence indicates hemolysis of RBCs. or hemorrhages.
Hemotoidin Definition: It is one of the breaks down products of hemoglobin. It is found at the sites of old hemorrhages and stained the tissue yellow. It appears as extracellular, yellow and rhombic crystals, and soluble in tissue fluid.
Differences between hemosiderin and hemotoidin Hemosiderin
Hemotoidin
Golden-yellow amorphous granules
Yellow rhombic crystals
Iron-containing pigments
Iron-free pigments
Intracellular (siderocytes)
Extracellular
Insoluble in tissue fluid
Soluble in tissue fluid
Stained blue with Prussian blue stain Negative for Prussian reaction
Jaundice (Icterus) Definition: It is the presence of excessive amount of bilirubin (bile pigment) in the blood and yellow discoloration of tissue especially the mucous membranes and intema of large blood vessels. I-According to the cause II-According to the anatomy
Classification of Jaundice:
1- Hemolytic Jaundice 2-Toxic Jaundice 3- Obstructive Jaundice
1-Prehepatic Jaundice 2-Intrahepatic Jaundice 3-Posthepatic Jaundice
The bilirubin content in the blood depends upon: i-The rate of erythrocyte destruction. ii-Functional capacity of liver cells. iii-Patency of biliary ducts. 1-Hemolytic (prehepatic) Jaundice Definition: It is an increase of bilirubin (hemobilirubin) in the blood due to excessive hemolysis of RBCs. Causes: 1-Excessive hemolysis of RBCs. due to bacteria, viral (equine infectious anemia), Parasitic (Babesia) and poisonous materials. 2-Massive internal hemorrhages 3- Neonatal Jaundice due to Rh- Factor. Macroscopic Picture: -Yellow coloration of skin, mucous membrane, conjunctiva, sclera of eye and intema of large blood vessels and aorta. Microscopic Picture: 1-The liver is normal (No necrosis). 2-The bile ducts are patent. 3- Excessive hemolysis of RBCs, which evident by hemosiderosis in different tissue (liver, spleen and lungs). 4- The bile pigment is not seen. Significance: -The bile pigments are harmless (bile salts is toxic) -It’s presence indicates severe hemolytic condition. -The hepatic function is normal.
2-Toxic (Intrahepatic) Jaundice Definition: It is an increase of bilirubin (hemo and cholebilirubin) in the blood due to destruction of the hepatic cells.
Causes: Degeneration and necrosis of hepatic cells are due to bacteria, virus, parasites, fungus and toxins.
Pathogenesis: -The degenerated or necrotic hepatocytes can not convert the normal amount of hemobilirubin (Unconjugated) to cholebilirubin so it is increased in the blood. Moreover, the degeneration and necrosis of the hepatic cells leads to break down of bile canaliculi and open into the blood of hepatic sinusoids to increase of cholebilirubin (conjugated).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Intense yellow coloration of the affected tissues.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Degeneration and necrosis of hepatic cells. 2- No hemosiderosis. 3-The bile ducts is patent. 4- The bile pigments are not seen.
Significance: -Disturbance in hepatic function.
3-Obstructive (Posthepatic) Jaundice Definition: It is an increase in the bilirubin (cholebilirubin) in the blood due to obstruction of bile pathway (bile ducts). Causes: Obstruction of bile pathway may be due to parasites (Fasciola, Ascaris), gall stones, pressure on bile canaliculi and ducts. Pathogenesis: -The cholebilirubin, produced by normal hepatic cells, can not pass to intestine due to obstruction to its flow. So its presence and increase in the bile ducts could diffuse the bile to surrounding tissue then to the lymphatics and blood (cholebilirubin).
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Yellowish coloration of the body tissues. 2-The bile ducts are obstructed. 3-The liver tissue is stained yellow by bile. 4-The feces is i- Clay in color (Stercobilinogen). ii-Greasy (Steatorrhea) due to presence of undigested fat.
Microscopic Picture: 1- The bile duct is obstructed. 2- The bile canaliculi are over distended with bile. 3- The bile pigments are seen among the hepatic cells. 4- No hemosiderosis. 5- The liver cells are normal.
Significance: -There is partial or complete obstruction of bile pathway. -Bile pigments are harmless -The liver function is normal.
Van den Bergh Test Definition: It is a test applied to differentiate between different types of bilirubin or jaundice (positive test give pink or purple color, within 2 minutes, with the cholebilirubin. Diazotized sulfonilic acid Consists of Sodium nitrite Hcl Sulfonilic acid
Pink
Plasma or serum (Treated with alcohol)
1-Direct Reaction: -Positive (pink in color within 2 minutes) with cholebilirubin (obstructive jaundice).
2-Indirect Reaction: No color develop except if add few drops of alcohol (indirect positive) with hemobilirubin (hemolytic jaundice).
3-Biphasic Reaction: With toxic jaundice due to presence of hemo and cholebilirubin.
Differences between types of jaundice Criteria Type of bilirubin The liver The bile pathway The bile pigments Hemosiderosis Feces
Hemolytic Jaundice Hemobilirubin Normal Normal Not seen Present in the tissue Normal
Toxic Jaundice Hemo & Chole Necrotic Normal Not seen Not present Normal
Obstructive Jaundice Cholebilirubin Normal Obstructed Are seen among cells Not present Clay and Greasy
Porphyrins Photosensitizing Pigments Photosensitization Photosensitizational Dermatitis Definition: It the development of abnormally heightened reactivity of the skin to sunlight. It occurs in cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and occasionally horses. It is developed under 3 factors: 1-Photodynamic agents (endogenous or exogenous chemicals) as porphyrins, phenothiazine and sulfonamides. 2-Cutaneous absorption of solar radiations (ultraviolet and visible lights). 3-The period of exposure to sufficient amount of UV-rays.
Classification of Photosensitization: 1-Type-I or Primary photosensitization: In which the photodynamic agents (plant pigments or drugs) are ingested, absorbed and enter the systemic circulation to induce photosensitization.
2-Type-II or Congenital Photosensitization: In which there is an inherited metabolic defects in porphyrin metabolism accumulation of porphyrins in the body to induce photosensitization.
3-Type-III or Secondary or Hepatogenous or Hepatotoxic Type: In which there is interference with the excretion of phylloerythrin (metabolic products of chlorophyll). Thus, this type occurs in the animals feed on green foods, which contain chlorophyll that break down in gut to phylloerythrin pigments (porphyrins). It circulates in the blood and removed by the normal liver and excreted with the bile. In case of diseased or damaged liver or Biliary stasis there is accumulation of phylloerythrin pigments in blood and induces photosensitization.
Pathogenesis: Direct action of sun lights on a photodynamic pigments that absorb the UV lights and energy. This energy either transferred
I- Directly to
II- Indirectly through
The oxygen in the cytosol of the cells oxidase
The activation of Xanthin calcium-dependent proteases
Leads to formation of
Oxygen free radicals Cause
Peroxidation of the cell membrane Rupture of the mitochondria and lysosomes Degranulation of the cutaneous mast cells Liberation of chemical mediators (histamine) Severe inflammation (photodermatitis) Atopic Dermatitis
Clinical Signs: 1-Burning or itching sensations. 2-Erythena and pronounced inflammatory edema. 3-Areas of the skin become necrotic or slough.
Lesions: 1- Redness. 3-Water discharge.
2- Vesicle formation. 4-Necrosis of the epidermis.
Osteohemochromatosis (Pink tooth) Definition: It is pigmentation of bone either brown or black in adult; while in young, the dentine becomes red or pink in color (pink tooth). It is due to excessive porphyrin production (formation of pyrrol radicals).
Causes: 1- Congenital porphyria. 2- Toxic hepatic injury 3- Poisoning with lead, copper or zinc.
Melanin Definition: It is sulphur-containing protein that produced by action of tyrosinase enzyme (copper protein complex) in melanoblasts. The melanin gives the brown or black color of the skin, hair and iris. The melanin normally present in the basal cell layer of epidermis, mucous membrane of some breeds of dogs and leptomeninges of calves and lamb.
Hyperpigmentation: It is a pathological increase of the melanin as in case of 1-Melanosis 2-Melanoma 3-Acanthosis nigricans 4-Pigmented moles and freckles.
Hypopigmentation: It is a pathological decrease of melanin as in case of 1-Albinism 2-Leukoderma 3-Vitiligo Albinism: It is a hereditary condition associated with an autosomal recessive gene characterized by pathological absence of melanin within an individual. It observed in rats, horse, rabbit, human, cat and dogs. Leukoderma: It is a condition in which some patches of the skin lose its melanin and appear white in color. Vitiligo: It is a condition in which destruction of melanocytes in small or large circumscribed areas results in patches of depigmentation and have hyperpigmented border and enlarged slowly. N.B: Vitiligines: It is depigmented areas of the skin.
Melanosis Definition: It is deposition of melanin pigment in abnormal sites. Causes: 1- Congenital as in leptomeninges of calves and lamb. 2- Adrenal diseases and imbalanced hormones. 3- Some neoplasm.
Pathogenesis: Over production of melanin by melanocytes escape of the pigments outside the cells phagocytosis of the pigment by phagocytes (melanophores) Migration to different tissue and organs.
Macroscopic Picture: 1-Brown to black irregular spots on the affected organs 2-When the cut sections immersed in water give ink-like pigment.
Microscopic Picture: 1-Presence of numerous of melanophores in the affected areas filled with melanin. 2-The melanin appears as minute black or brown granules in the cytoplasm of melanophores that overshadow the cell details. 3-No melanoblasts. 4-The melanin is stained black with Fountana’s Silver stain.
Significance: 1-Melanin is harmless and disappeared with age. 2-Melanosis of cornea leads to blindness. 3-Excessive amount of melanin indicates adrenal diseases. 4-Melanotic tumors have economic importance in meat process (unmarketable).
Melanoma: It is benign tumor arising from melanoblasts in the epidermis. Acanthosis nigricans: It is the increase of melanin within the skin of dogs associated with hyperkeratosis.
Pigmented moles and freckles: It is a skin defects in human, where there is focal accumulation of melanin in the skin.
Dopa-Reaction: DOPA = Dioxy-phenylalanine or Dihydroxy phenylalanine. Definition: It is a test, used to determine the presence of melanoblasts. When few sections of affected tissue incubated with DOPA solution give black granular precipitation with melanoblasts (melanoma) and negative with melanophores (melanosis). DOPA + Melanoblasts containing tyrosinase enzyme black ppt. N.B: -The tyrosinase enzyme is absent from melanophores.
-Pseudomelanosis: It is post mortem changes due to reaction between Hb and H2S produced by putrefactive bacteria leads to formation of iron sulfide (black). -Mild irritant -Moderate irritant -Severe irritant
induces hyperplasia. induces inflammation (retrogressive change). induces necrosis.