MOLECULAR MECHANISM OF THE CELL DAMAGES IN THE ACUTE HYPOXIA

Under the conditions of hypoxia and ischemia due to the reduced ATP production there are many structural and functional changes especially in the highly differentiated cells of the kidneys, the heart and the CNS. It is certain that the loss of function of the cell membrane represents a primary event in the cell damage genesis under the given conditions, but the definite basis of the mechanism due to which the membrane dysfunction emerges still remains obscure. However, the existence of the fol-lowing potential mechanisms should be stressed, namely, of the ionic homeostasis disturbance, the membrane lipid peroxidation, cross-connection of the membrane proteins and an increased decomposition of the phospholipids. Likewise, much of the experimental research supports the importance of the free radical production after the acute hypoxia. All the changes that are related to the reversible hypoxic and ischemic cell damage, if they are qualitatively or quantitatively adequate, can produce irreversible damages. That is why in the cases of hypoxia and ischemia of the heart, the kidneys or the CNS as the organs that are highly dependent upon the aerobic production of the ATP the application of the medicaments contributing to the preservation of the membrane stability, in addition to the standard drug application, would be completely justified.