Liquefactive necrosis
Liquefactive necrosis (or colliquative necrosis) is a type of
white blood cells, a fluid filled space is left. It is generally associated with abscess formation and is commonly found in the central nervous system
.
In the brain
Due to excitotoxicity,
hypoxic death of cells within the central nervous system can result in liquefactive necrosis.[1] This is a process in which lysosomes
turn tissues into pus as a result of lysosomal release of digestive enzymes. Loss of tissue architecture means that the tissue can be liquefied. This process is not associated with bacterial action or infection. Ultimately, in a living patient most necrotic cells and their contents disappear.
The affected area is soft with liquefied centre containing necrotic debris. Later, a cyst wall is formed.
Microscopically, the cystic space contains necrotic cell debris and
capillaries, inflammatory cells, and gliosis (proliferating glial cells) in the case of brain and proliferating fibroblasts
in the case of abscess cavities.
Brain cells have a large amount of digestive enzymes (hydrolases). These enzymes cause the neural tissue to become soft and liquefy.
In the lung
Liquefactive necrosis can also occur in the lung, especially in the context of lung abscesses.[3][4]
Infection
Liquefactive necrosis can also take place due to certain infections. Neutrophils, fighting off a bacterium, will release hydrolytic enzymes which will also attack the surrounding tissues.
References
- ^ a b c Robbins and Cotran: Pathologic Basis of Disease, 8th Ed. 2010. Pg. 15
- ^ Ngan, Vanessa. "Chemical burn". DermNet New Zealand. Retrieved 4 February 2018.
- ^ "Cell Injury". Retrieved 2009-05-15.
- S2CID 12867674.