Karyorrhexis

Karyorrhexis, karyorrhexis (from Greek karyon-nucleus and rrhexis-rupture), morphological disorganization of cell nuclei in a necrotic state. K. consists in the fact that the chromatin substance of the nucleus breaks down into clumps that stain strongly with nuclear dyes. These clumps at first are located along the periphery of the nucleus and adhere to the inner surface of the nuclear membrane; then after the disappearance of the nuclear membrane, they are distributed in the cell protoplasm, and after the latter's disintegration, they can often be seen in the detritus. The breakdown of the nucleus into clumps is often preceded by its shrinkage, accompanied by the ability to stain very intensely with nuclear dyes (pyknosis).