2 Pathological processes II Flashcards
What is inflammation?
An adaptive physiological response to tissue malfunction or homeostatic imbalance.
Involves many physiological and behavioural processes.
What are the 4 functions of inflammation?
- Rapidly destroy or isolate a source of homeostatic disturbance
- Remove damaged/necrotic tissue
- Restore tissue homeostasis
- Facilitate tissue healing/regeneration
Briefly outline the mechanism of inflammation (5 steps).
1) Recognition of infection or tissue damage (via receptors for specific molecular patterns- PAMPs or DAMPs)
2) Signal transduction
3) Inflammatory cytokine release (initiates response)
4) Cytokines attract effector cells (e.g. neutrophils and macrophages)
5) Resolution (return to tissue homeostasis)
What are PAMPs and DAMPs?
- Pathogen associated molecular patterns
- Damage associated molecular patterns
Where do cytokines exert their effects?
Cytokines have an effect on:
- Local circulation
- White blood cells
- Clot formation
How do cytokines affect local circulation?
- Increase localised blood flow
- Increased permeability and vasodilation
- Plasma leakage
- Leukocyte margination (adhesion to endothelium)
- Increased blood viscosity
- RBC sludging and platelet clumping
How do cytokines affect white blood cells?
Mobilisation, activation, adhesion and migration of neutrophils and macrophages to target tissues.
What is meant by the term acute inflammation?
Local inflammation
What are the 4 clinical signs of local inflammation?
- Heat
- Redness
- Oedema
- Pain
Describe how local inflammation is resolved.
- Co-ordinated by tissue-resident and recruited macrophages
- Switch from production of pro-inflammatory cytokines (prostaglandins and leukotrienes) to anti-inflammatory cytokines (lipoxins and resolvins)
- Blocks neutrophil recruitment
- Favours macrophage infiltration and wound healing
What are the 3 broad phases of skin wound healing?
- Inflammation
- Proliferation
- Remodelling
Which cell type is important in the transition from inflammation to proliferation in wound healing?
M2 macrophages- synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines and ECM, and initiate angiogenesis and fibroblast prolfieration
(M1 macrophages are involved earlier for production of pro-inflammatory cytokines)
Describe angiogenesis in wound healing.
Triggered by platelet derived GFs, pro-inflammatory cytokines and macrophages.
Rich vascular network of initially fragile capillaries created, allows delivery of necessary nutrients and cells to aid in the wound healing process.
Which tissue first forms in the wound healing process?
Granulation tissue.
What is the role of growth factors in wound healing?
Stimulate fibroblast proliferation and production of ECM
Describe the ECM produced in wound healing.
ECM rich in glycoproteins, fibronectin and hyaluronic acid.