Pathology Definition - How does hypoxia cause cell injury?
How does hypoxia cause cell injury?
Oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration. Hypoxia prevents normal oxidative phosphorylation, thus reducing the capacity of mitochondria to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Without ATP, the cell cannot maintain its vital functions. Hypoxic cells swell. This change is called
hydropic or vacuolar change and is typically reversible.
Oxygen is essential for aerobic respiration. Hypoxia prevents normal oxidative phosphorylation, thus reducing the capacity of mitochondria to generate adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Without ATP, the cell cannot maintain its vital functions. Hypoxic cells swell. This change is called
hydropic or vacuolar change and is typically reversible.
