What is the Significance of ATP in Histopathology?
In histopathology, ATP levels are often used as indicators of cellular health and viability. Reduced ATP levels can signal cellular damage or death. For example:
- Ischemia: In ischemic tissues, reduced blood flow leads to decreased oxygen supply and ATP production, causing cell injury. - Cancer: Cancer cells often exhibit altered ATP production pathways, such as increased glycolysis (Warburg effect).