Cell Injury · Pathology

A 55-year-old male suffers a myocardial infarction. Which metabolic change occurs first within the ischemic cardiomyocytes?

  1. Activation of lysosomal enzymes
  2. Decreased intracellular pH
  3. Efflux of water into the interstitium
  4. Increased protein synthesis
Show answer and explanation

Correct answer: Decreased intracellular pH

Ischemia leads to a shift from aerobic respiration to anaerobic glycolysis. This results in the accumulation of lactic acid and inorganic phosphates, which lowers the intracellular pH and can lead to chromatin clumping.

Difficulty: Medium Question 2 of 20

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