Reversible cell injury is temporary damage to a cell that can heal and return to normal function.
It can occur when a cell is exposed to a brief period of hypoxia or ischemia.
Causes of reversible cell injury:
Decreased ATP generation
Intracellular lactic acidosis
Nuclear clumping
Damage to plasma membrane pumps
Reduced protein synthesis
Hydropic swelling (water and sodium influx into cells)
Fatty degeneration (lipid accumulation)
Reversible cell injury and recovery:
If the stressor is removed quickly, the cell injury may be reversible.
The cell can return to normal functioning.
The morphologic and functional damage changes of the cell are reversible if the cause of injury is removed.
Irreversible cell injury:
Irreversible cell injury is a pathologic change that is permanent and causes cell death.
Irreversible injury occurs when mitochondrial and cell membrane dysfunction cannot be reversed.
Cell injury and death:
The cellular response to injurious stimuli depends on the type of injury, its duration, and its severity.