LIGHT AND ELECTRON MICROSCOPIC CHANGES IN BONE MARROW CELLS SUBJECTED TO DRUGS AND CHEMICALS AN INVITRO STUDY

Abstract

The human body IS at a continuous defense against extraneous agents in its environment. This host defense is directed towards bacteria, viruses, parasites, ... etc. Besides these infectious agents, the body is exposed to environmental pollution or agents it is forced to use such as chemicals, drugs and irradiation.

These development, other cellular develop, the

damaging agents affect immunity, cellular chromosomes, DNA, RNA, enzymes, proteins and components. In response to the changes which body could either repair the damage in DNA or

others or the process progresses to death of the cells. Damage is elicited into several morphologic changes in the form of necrosis or enhancement of the normal programmed cell death or apoptosis.

Apoptosis IS a gene directed, active, programmed, self indicated cellular death. Most normal cell types can be induced to undergo apoptosis if given the appropriate stimulus. Such a stimulus may be m the form .af chemotherapeutic agents. Apoptosis shows characteristic morphologic changes that are quite distinct from those seen m necrosis. These •changes could be detected microscopically, either by electron or by light miCroscopy.