Coagulative Necrosis

Coagulative necrosis is a type of accidental cell death typically caused by ischemia or infarction. It is characterized by the 'ghostly' appearance of cells under light microscopy in the affected area of tissue. In coagulative necrosis the architecture of dead tissue is preserved for at least a couple of days. It is believed that the injury denatures structural proteins as well as lysosomal enzymes thus blocking the proteolysis of the damaged cells. The lack of lysosomal enzymes allows it to maintain a "coagulated" morphology for some time. Like most types of necrosis if enough viable cells are present around the affected area regeneration can occur.