The histological response to ischemia can vary depending on the tissue type:
Brain In the brain, ischemia can lead to liquefactive necrosis. Neurons are particularly sensitive to oxygen deprivation and may show shrinking and eosinophilia in a few hours. Eventually, the tissue becomes soft and may form a cystic cavity.
Heart In cardiac tissue, ischemia results in coagulative necrosis. Early changes include waviness of myofibers, loss of striations, and infiltration by neutrophils. Over time, these changes progress to fibrosis, where the necrotic tissue is replaced by collagen.
Kidney Renal ischemia primarily affects the proximal tubules and the thick ascending limb of the loop of Henle. Histologically, these areas show cellular swelling, loss of brush border, and necrosis.
