Acute and chronic inflammation Flashcards
What are the 5 cardinal features of acute inflammation?
- Rubor (redness)
- Tumor (swelling)
- Calor (heat)
- Dolor (pain)
- Loss of function
The blood flow changes which occur in acute inflammation are mainly mediated by what released from mast cells + basophils?
Histamine
What causes rubor and calor in acute inflammation?
Increased blood flow to tissues
What causes tumor (swelling) in acute inflammation?
Increased permeability of blood vessels and slowed circulation
Name the cell described which is involved in inflammation
- Main immune cell involved in acute inflammation, they adhere to and migrate into the blood vessel wall. They attract macrophages as well as engulf cells and release enzymes to kill bacteria at the site of injury
- Neutrophil polymorph
Name the cell described which is involved in inflammation
- Long lived cells which are phagocytic and ingest bacteria and debris and carry it away to clear the site of injury. They can present antigens to lymphocytes
Macrophages
Name the cell described which is involved in inflammation
- They are long lived and produce chemicals to attract other inflammatory cells. They have immunological memory from past infections
- Lymphocytes - B and T
B - memory cells and antibodies
T - fight off viral infections
Name the cell described which is involved in inflammation
- These become sticky to neutrophils can stick to them and enter the blood vessel
- Endothelial cells
Name the cell described which is involved in inflammation
- Long lived and form collagen in areas of chronic inflammation and repair tissues.
Fibroblasts
How does exudation of fluid + vasodilation help in acute inflammation
Helps to deliver plasma proteins to the site of injury, dilutes toxins and increases lymphatic drainage. Vasodilation also increases tissue temperature.
How do pain and loss of function help in acute inflammation?
They enforce rest and lower the risk of further tissue damage
What are the roles of these cells in chronic inflammation?
- macrophages
- lymphocytes
- plasma cells
- eosinophils
- fibroblasts/myofibroblasts
Macrophages – present in acute and chronic inflammation, important for phagocytosis, antigen presentation and cytokine synthesis
Lymphocytes– immunological functions, B cells differentiate to produce antibodies andT cellshave cytotoxic functions
Plasmacells – differentiated antibody producing B lymphocytes, the presence of these usually indicates the inflammation has been present for a considerable amount of time
Eosinophils – often found in allergic reactions and parasitic infections
Fibroblasts/Myofibroblasts– recruited by macrophages, produce collagen to assist in healing and repair
What are giant cells?
Giant cells are multi-nucleated cells that are made by the fusion of multiple macrophages. They form as a result offrustrated phagocytosis– when a phagocyte fails to engulf its target. There are several types recognised in different conditions
What is a granuloma? Give an example of a condition where a granuloma might form
Granulomas are a collection ofepithelioid macrophages that may form in chronic inflammation. They may also have associated lymphocytes or an area of central necrosis.
They arise as a result of persistent, low-grade antigenic stimulation orhypersensitivityand the immune system attempts to ‘wall off’ a substance that it is unable to eliminate. Some examples of diseases which feature granulomatous inflammation include Tuberculosis, leprosy and Crohn’s disease.
What are some things we can use to treat inflammation?
- ice to close capillaries
- antihistamines
- NSAIDs - inhibit prostaglandin synthesise and reduced production of chemical mediators
- Corticosteroids for chronic skin rashes
- antibiotics for things like impetigo
