What are the Histological Effects of Therapeutic Agents?
The histological effects of therapeutic agents depend on their mechanism of action and the tissues targeted. Some common effects include:
1. Cell death and apoptosis: Certain therapeutic agents induce programmed cell death, which can be observed histologically as cell shrinkage, chromatin condensation, and formation of apoptotic bodies. 2. Altered cell proliferation: Agents like chemotherapy drugs can inhibit cell division, leading to decreased cellularity in tissues. 3. Changes in tissue architecture: Anti-inflammatory drugs can reduce tissue edema and inflammatory cell infiltration, resulting in a more organized tissue structure. 4. Extracellular matrix modifications: Therapeutic agents can affect the composition and organization of the extracellular matrix, influencing tissue stiffness and integrity.