Acute inflammation Flashcards
What is the purpose of inflammation?
to destroy or control the harmful stimulus, initiate repair and restore function
What are the three main changes in vasculature and cells during inflammation
- vascular dilatation
- neutrophil activation
- endothelial activation
Describe the changes in vasculature during inflammation
- initial constriction of vessels
- followed by vascular dilatation
- mediated by chemicals from, e.g. mast cells (histamine) and prostaglandins and NO
- stasis of blood flow
- fluid passes into tissues causing swelling
- fluid takes inflammatory mediators with it
Describe neutrophil activation during inflammation
- Activated by range of mediators
- Migrate to site of inflammation through rolling, adhesion and pass between endothelial cells
- following a chemtactic gradient
- undertake phagocytosis
What mediators activate neutrophils?
- C5a
- Leukotriene B4
- Bacterial products
Describe endothelial activation
- mediators activate vascular endothelium
- increased cell adhesion molecules
- increased leakiness of endothelium
- plasma proteins travel into tissues (Igs, complement, fibrinogen)
What mediators activate the endotheium?
- C5a
- C3a
- Leukotriene
- Histamine
- Bradykinin
- Serotonin
What are the five cardinal signs of inflammation?
- redness
- swelling
- heat
- pain
- loss of function
What causes redness in inflammation?
hyperaemia
What causes swelling in inflammation?
fluid exudate and hyperaemia
What causes heat in inflammation?
hyperaemia
What causes pain in inflammation?
release of bradykinin and PGE2
What causes loss of function in inflammation?
Combination of other cardinal signs
What are the different types of exudate?
- neutrophilic exudate
- fibrous exudate
- serous exudate (contains mesothelial cells)
What is exudate?
name of fluid that has come from the blood vessel and has entered the extracellular space.
It can also refer to fluid that has accumulated in the peritoneal and pleural cavities
