Acute Inflammation Flashcards
Define the term Inflammation.
Is a response of vascularized tissues to injury, that delivers leukocytes and host defense molecules from the circulation to the site of infection or cell damage , in order to eliminate the offending agents.
Outline the sequential steps in a typical inflammatory response.
- Recognition of the noxious agent by cells involved in inflammation e.g phagocytes.
- Recruitment of leukocytes & plasma proteins into the tissues where the offensive agent is located.
- Removal of the stimulus of inflammation by phagocytes.
- Regulation of the process once it has accomplished its purpose.
- Repair - through regeneration of surviving cells and filling of residual defects with connective tissue ( scarring).
Outline some of the acute diseases caused by inflammatory reactions.
- Acute respiratory distress syndrome - Neutrophils
- Asthma- Eosinophils, IgE antibodies
- Glomerulonephritis - Antibodies & Complement, neutrophils, monocytes
- Septic shock - Cytokines
Outline some of the chronic diseases caused by inflammatory reactions.
- Arthritis - lymphocytes, macrophages, antibodies
- Asthma - Eosinophils, IgE antibodies
- Atherosclerosis - Macrophages, lymphocytes
- Pulmonary fibrosis - macrophages, fibroblasts
What are the 5 cardinal signs of Inflammation?
- Rubor - redness
- Tumor - swelling
- Calor - heat
- Dolor - pain
- Functio laesa - loss of function
What are the major stimuli that can trigger inflammatory reactions?
- Infections - bacterial , viral, fungal , parasitic .
- Tissue necrosis - regardless of the cause.
- Foreign bodies - splinters, dirt, sutures, urate crystals in gout, cholesterol in atherosclerosis.
- Immune reactions - hypersensitivity reactions.
Outline the 3 major components of Acute Inflammation.
- Dilation of small vessels leading to na increase in blood flow.
- Increased permeability of the microvasculature enabling plasma proteins and leukocytes to leave the circulation.
- Emigration of leukocytes from the microcirculation, accumulation in the foci of injury and their activation to eliminate the offending agent.
Definition of exudation?
- The escape of fluid , proteins, and blood cells from the vascular system into the interstitial tissue or body cavities.
Distinguish between an exudate and a transudate.
- An exudate is an extravascular fluid that has a high concentration of proteins and cellular debris. Occurs due to increased capillary permeability of small blood vessels due to inflammatory reactions.
- A transudate has a low protein content ( mainly albumin) with little or no cellular material and low specific gravity. Is essentially an ultrafiltrate of blood plasma produced as a result of osmotic or hydrostatic imbalance across the vessel wall without an increase in vascular permeability.
Significance of red streaks near a skin wound ?
Indicate a bacterial infection. The streaks represent inflamed lymphatic channels and are diagnostic of lymphangitis. May be accompanied by lymphadenitis.
Give a brief classification of Selectins involved in initial rolling interactions.
- L- selectin - on leukocytes ( neutrophils and monocytes), T cells and B cells
- E- selectin - on endothelia
- P- selectin - in platelets and on endothelia
Give a brief classification of Selectins involved in initial rolling interactions.
- L- selectin - on leukocytes ( neutrophils and monocytes), T cells and B cells
- E- selectin - on endothelia
- P- selectin - in platelets and on endothelia
Molecule that facilitates leukocyte migration in the intercellular junctions?
CD31 / PECAM 1- member of the Ig Superfamily.
List 5 antioxidant molecules that protect healthy cells from potentially harmful oxygen- derived free radicals.
- Enzyme Superoxide dismutase
- Catalase enzyme - detoxifies H2O2
- Glutathione peroxidase
- Ceruloplasmin - copper containing plasma protein
- Iron free fraction of plasma transferrin
