The role of ion shifts in cell injury

The present paper reviews studies which utilize x-ray microanalysis to determine intracellular ion shifts following several types of cell injury. New data from our own laboratory on several cell injury systems are discussed. Concentration estimates are made by comparison of data from tissues with a series of standards prepared in 20% albumin followed by cryosectioning. Hemorrhagic shock in rats is followed by rapid changes of ions in both muscle and liver. These include increased levels of sodium and chlorine and decreased levels of potassium which can be correlated with deficits in the energy charge. Measurements made over hepatocellular carcinomas in the mouse, induced by safrole show marked changes in comparison with non-transformed cells. These include striking increases in sodium and chloride and decreases in potassium and phosphorus which may be related to growth control. Studies on ischemia produced by arterial clamping in the rat kidney and the dog heart show somewhat similar changes. Moreover, in these models much interest is directed at early increases of cytoplasmic calcium with decreased mitochondrial calcium levels at later intervals. Following reflow, there is a prominent increase of calcium in the cytosol. These changes in calcium may be related to activation of phospholipases producing permeability changes which may contribute to further ion shifts as well as ultimately to cell death. The paper also comments on the use of cryostat sections for some types of routine pathological analysis.