ML2921: Tissue Interactions and Biocompatibility

Cell and tissue damage

Causes of Cellular Injury and Adaptation

  • Hypoxia
    1. Ischemia (loss of blood supply) most common cause
    2. Inadequate oxygenation due to cardiorespiratory failure
    3. Loss of oxygen carrying capacity of blood
  • Physical agents
    1. Mechanical trauma
    2. Extremes of temperature
    3. Atmospheric pressure
    4. Radiation
    5. Electric shock
  • Chemical agents and drugs
  • Infectious agents
  • Immunologic reactions
  • Genetic abnormalities
    1. Gross defect such as Down's syndrome
    2. More subtle alterations at DNA level such as lack of an enzyme
  • Nutritional imbalance
    1. Deficiency in proteins, vitamins
    2. Excess lipids --> atherosclerosis, obesity etc
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