Histotoxic Hypoxia
In histotoxic hypoxia cells cannot use oxygen effectively. In this type of hypoxia the supply of oxygen is normal. Compromised is the ability to use the oxygen.
Cellular respiration is the process where nutrients, after digestion into membrane selectable molecules, proceed into a series of chemical changes to produce ATP that provides the energy for the body to function.
There are both physical and chemical means to limit the ability of a cell's use of oxygen.
The beauty of the human body is the creation of energy at normal body temperature. (98.6 degrees Fahrenheit) Factors that may effect metabolism and cellular respiration is changes in the enzymes that catalyze the chemical reactions. Since these enzymes are located in a living human or lower animal they are called bio-enzymes. They need a perfect environment to operate and allow chemical reactions to proceed at body temperature.
The practice of Medicine is the care of the body Systems that help, in normal conditions, to maintain this perfect environment for all the enzymes in the body. Oxygen is the final reactant, in this whole process that forms the ATP, that each and every cell in the body uses to produce its specific function.
Temperature changes, pH(Acidic Measurement), Concentrations of liquid solutes, Trauma to the body (Shaking, automobile accident), Inorganic co-enzymes, and the concentration of enzymes themselves may change the enzyme or stop its production to prevent it from catalyzing its particular function. When that happens the entire reaction chain stops. Oxygen isn't utilized until the body can return itself to a perfect operating environment.
If this is serious the body may need a physician to help in the recovery.
There are substances that can affect the ability of an enzyme to attach to a chemical that is necessary for a reaction to take place. When the physical shape, of an enzyme changes, it is denatured and is no longer effective.
Chemicals that bring about change are drugs that can affect the perfect environment of the enzyme. Alcohol, poisons, narcotics, drinks that are too acidic or alkaline are a few examples.
Physical factors could be trauma, changes in membrane thickness (cellular) and, of course, the altitude which controls air pressure.
Histotoxic hypoxia is a very important form of hypoxia because substances that we eat, smell or absorb can interfere with the physiology of cells.
