Chronic Inflammation Flashcards
What is chronic inflammation?
Chronic response to injury with associated fibrosis
When may chronic inflammation occur?
Take over from acute inflammation
Arise de novo
- autoimmune - RA
- chronic infections - viral hepatitis
Develop alongside acute inflammation
What is the microscopic appearance of chronic inflammation?
More variable than acute inflammation
Many different cells may be present
- macrophages
- lymphocytes
- plasma cells
- eosinophils
- giant cells
Present in different proportions depending on condition
What are macrophages?
Granular cells derived from monocytes
Functions:
- phagocytosis
- antigen presentation
- cytokine synthesis + release
What are lymphocytes?
Large nucleus + very little cytoplasm
Function
- B = produce antibodies
- T = control + cytotoxic functions
What are plasma cells?
Differentiated B lymphocytes
- produce antibodies
Clock face appearance
What are eosinophils?
Present in allergic reactions + parasite infections
Bilobed nucleus
What are giant cells?
Multinucleate cells made by fusion of macrophages
What are the types of giant cells?
Langhans
Touton
Foreign body
What are Langhans giant cells?
Present in TB
Horseshoe nuclei
Pale foamy cytoplasm
What are foreign body giant cells ?
Present with foreign bodies
Foreign body in cell
Irregular nuclei
What are Touton giant cells?
Present in fat necrosis
Nuclei around the edge
What are the effects of chronic inflammation?
Fibrosis
Impaired function
Atrophy
Stimulation of immune response
What is granulomatous inflammation?
Chronic inflammation with granulomas
What is a granuloma?
Cohesive localised group of chronic inflammatory cells
- collection of epitheloid macrophages
