Chronic Inflammation Flashcards
What are the functions of macrophages?
Phagocytosis
Professional antigen presenting
Synthesis of cytokines, complement components, clotting factors and proteases
Control of other cells
Describe the look of plasma cells under a microscope
Clock face ‘lumpy’ chromatin
Cytoplasm usually to one side
Very pink
Semi circular pale areas - Golgi
When are eosinophils released?
Allergic reactions
Parasite infestations
Some tumours
What are giant cells?
Multinucleate cells made by fusion of macrophages due to frustrated phagocytosis.
What are the types of giant cells?
Langhans (TB)
Foreign body type
Touton (fat)
Describe the microscopic appearance of Langhans cells
Horseshoe of nuclei around the periphery
Describe the microscopic appearance of foreign body cells
Clusters of nuclei with foreign material in the centre
Describe the microscopic appearance of Touton cells
Ring of nuclei near the centre, surrounded by foamy cytoplasm
What are some of the effects of chronic inflammation?
Fibrosis
Impaired function
Atrophy
Stimulation of immune response
Define fistula
An abnormal connection between 2 epithelium-lined, usually hollow organs
Define granulomas
Cohesive group of macrophages and other inflammatory cells
Why can’t we break down mycobacterium tuberculosis?
The mycosides in the cell wall mean that the bacteria can be taken up by macrophages but cannot be broken down.
Describe a TB granulomas
Caseous necrosis in the centre
Langhans cells present
How can chronic inflammation arise?
May ‘take over’ from acute
May arise de novo
May develop alongside cute
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?
Weight loss Night sweats Cough Fever Dyspnoea
Which bacteria is most likely to cause chronic gastritis?
Helicobacter pylori
Describe ulcerative colitis
Cause unknown Inflammatory bowel disease Affects only colon and rectum Superficial inflammation only Crypts often distorted
What are some complications of UC?
Anaemia Liver disease Malignant change Perforation Haemorrhage
Describe Crohn’s disease
Inflammatory bowel disease
Small bowel most commonly affected but can occur anywhere in GI tract
Transmural inflammation with granulomas
‘Cobblestone’ mucosa
Define gumma
Soft, benign growth that is a form of granuloma
Describe sarcoidosis
Abnormal collections of granulomas
Can form nodules in multiple organs (most often in lungs)
Usually resolves itself
What is LTB4?
Leukotriene B4
Induces the adhesion and activation of leukocytes on the endothelium, allowing them to cross into tissues
Induces the formation of ROS in neutrophils
What is an eschar?
A piece of dead tissue, cast off from the surface of the skin that contains necrotic tissue.
Define sequela
A condition which is the consequence of a previous disease or injury
