Acute Inflammation

Question 1

List the cells involved in acute inflammation.

Answer 1

• mast cells
• neutrophils
• macrophages
• platelets.

Question 2

Briefly outline the role of neutrophils in acute inflammation. Include properties of neutrophils

Answer 2

Neutrophils act as phagocytes, removing bacteria, damaged cells and released enzymes.
Properties: MADCLAP
-Migration
- Adhesion and pavementing 
- Diapedesis (emigration)
- chemotaxis 
- Local tissue damage due to leakage of lyric enzymes
- Amoeboid motion
- Phagocytosis

Question 3

What are the benefits of acute inflammation?

Answer 3

• increased delivery and entry of WBC’s, antibodies and protective proteins into damaged tissue
• Increased removal of waste
• dilution of harmful toxins
• Swelling and pain reduces movement to prevent further damage.

Question 4

Briefly discuss he role of the complement system.

Answer 4

ACTIVATED BY:
- Ag-Ab complexes (classical pathway)
- Polysaccharides from bacteria/fungal cell walls, endotoxins etc. (alternate pathway)
RESULT OF THE COMPLEMENT SYSTEM ACTIVATION:
- opsonisation- make more susceptible to phagocytosis
- chemotaxis
- anaphylatoxins
- target cell lysis
- vasodilation
- increased vascular permeability

Question 5

Briefly discuss the role of the clotting system.

Answer 5

ACTIVATED BY:

• Products from injured cells, bacterial products etc. (extrinsic pathway)
• Collagen- platelet factors (intrinsic pathway)

RESULTS FROM CLOTTING SYSTEM ACTIVATION:

• Fibrin network production: traps injured cells, microorganisms etc. thus:
• prevents the spread of infection
• prevents spread of inflammation
• homeostasis
• framework for future repair
• Chemotaxis
• Increased vascular permeability

Question 6

Discuss the role of the kinnin system.

Answer 6

ACTIVATED BY:
- System clotting proteins (XII = hageman factor)

RESULTS FROM KINNIN SYSTEM ACTIVATION:

• Increased vascular permeability
• Vasodilation
• Pain
• Contraction of extra vascular mm
• WBC chemotaxis

Question 7

List and briefly describe the types of exudates.

Answer 7

• serous: clear fluid
• serosanguineous: clear serous fluid with blood
• fibrinous: contain fibrin
• purulent: contains puss, often with infection.