Which form of cell death is characterized by membrane rupture, cellular swelling, and release of DAMPs (danger-associated molecular patterns) that trigger inflammation?
- A Apoptosis
- B Anoikis
- C Necrosis (oncotic necrosis) ✓
- D Autophagy
Explanation
Oncotic necrosis features cellular and organelle swelling, membrane permeabilization, and eventual rupture with release of intracellular contents (HMGB1, heat shock proteins, ATP, uric acid) into the extracellular space. These DAMPs activate pattern recognition receptors (TLRs, NLRs) on neighboring cells and immune cells, triggering inflammatory responses. Apoptosis is 'clean' — cells shrink, package contents into apoptotic bodies that are phagocytosed without inflammation. Anoikis is integrin-loss-triggered apoptosis. Autophagy is generally a survival mechanism but can lead to autophagic cell death which also lacks classic inflammatory DAMP release.
Reference: Robbins & Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.