What are the morphological changes that occur in cell during necrosis?

Morphology of necrotic cell:

A) Cytoplasmic changes:
-Increased eosinophilia – Due to denatured proteins and loss of cytoplasmic RNA.
-Glassy homogenous appearance – loss of glycogen particles.
-Moth eaten appearance of cytoplasm – enzymatic digestion of cytoplasmic organelles.
-Whorled phospholipid masses derived from damaged cell membranes – myelin figures.
-Calcifications – fatty acids derived from phospholipid masses.

B) Electron microscopic findings: Necrotic cells are characterized by-
-Discontinuities in plasma and organellar membrane.
-Swollen mitochondria with large amorphous densities.
-Intracytoplasmic myelin figures.
-Aggregates of fluffy material representing denatured proteins.

C) Nuclear changes: Due to the non-specific breakdown of DNA, 3 patterns are identified-
-Karyolysis – fading of basophilia of chromatin due to enzymatic degradation of DNA by endonucleases.
-Pyknosis – nuclear shrinkage & increased basophilia.
-Karyorrhexis – pyknotic nucleus undergoes fragmentation.