Inflammation Flashcards
Define inflammation
well organized cascade of fluid and cellular changes within vascularized tissue as a host response to remove damage/necrotic tissue or foreign invaders
Inflammation is part of the process of _______ and _______
repair and healing
Explain how inflammation is a fundamentally protective process
gets rid of pathogens
removes necrotic debris
facilitates remodeling
What are some examples of inflammation being harmful
rheumatoid arthritis
cirrhosis
type 2 diabetes
Alzheimers
atherosclerosis
What are the two types of inflammation
acute or chronic
Compare acute vs chronic inflammation
Acute is rapid and shorter duration, chronic is longer duration
What is acute inflammation characterized by?
exudation of fluid and plasma protein (edema) and emigration of leukocytes (mostly neutrophils)
What cells will be seen in chronic inflammation?
macrophages
lymphocytes
What are the 5 cardinal signs of inflammation?
heat
redness
swelling
pain
loss of function
Does acute or chronic inflammation lead to proliferation of blood vessels and connective tissue (fibrosis)?
chronic
With inflammation being part of repair and healing, how does the body initiate this?
destroys, dilutes, and walls off injurious agents
What are the 3 main components of acute inflammation
- vascular alteration leading to increased blood flow
- changes in microvasculature permeability that allow plasma proteins and leukocytes to leave the circulation
- emigration of leukocytes into perivascular area
What are some examples of stimuli for acute inflammation?
infection
trauma
physical and chemical agents
tissue necrosis
foreign body
immune reactions
Explain characteristics of exudate produced by acute inflammation
inflammation extravascular fluid with
high protein concentration (>5 g/dL)
high cell content (>5000 leukocytes/mL)
high specific gravIty (>1.020)
When is exudate formed?
when there is significant alteration in small blood vessel permeability at site of injury
Explain characteristics of transudate
extravascular fluid with
low protein conc. (<2 g/dL)
low cell content (<1500 leuk/mL)
low specific gravity (<1.012)
What is an ultrafiltrate of blood?
increased hydrostatic pressure (ie congestive heart failure)
decreased oncotic pressure (hypoproteinemia)
Define effusion
Pleural effusion is the accumulation of fluid in between the parietal and visceral pleura, called the pleural cavity
What is edema?
accumulation of fluid in interstitial fluid or serous cavities
Define pus
a purulent exudate rich in leukocytes (mostly neutrophils) and cell debris
Explain the process of vascular changes in acute inflammation
- vasodilation - arterioles first then opens new capillary beds
- increased permeability of microvasculature allowing protein rich fluid to pour out into extravascular tissue
- loss of fluid resulting in concentration of rbc in small vessels, increased blood viscosity and blood stasis
- stasis - allow leukocytes to accumulate along endothelium and stick to it
What are the 4 mechanisms of vascular leakage?
- endothelial contraction
- direct endothelial injury
- leukocyte-dependent injury
- increased transcytosis
In endothelial contraction, what happens?
increase in interendothelial space mediated by histamine, bradykinins, leukotrienes
What length of time does endothelial contraction occur?
rapid and short lived (15-30 mins)
What occurs in endothelial changes from direct injury?
direct damage to endothelium causing necrosis and detachment (burns, lytic bacteria)
When do endothelial changes occur as a result of direct injury?
immediately and lasts until thrombosis occurs or endothelium is repaired
What occurs with endothelial changes related to leukocyte-mediated injury?
activated leukocytes may secrete free radicals and proteolytic enzymes leading to cell damage
What occurs with endothelial changes related to transcytosis?
increased transport of fluid and protein through endothelial cells
