Inflammation, Hypersensitivity, and Autoimmunity Flashcards
What are the signs of inflammation?
Rubour - redness Calor - heat Tumour - swelling Dolor - pain Loss of function
What are the possible causes of acute inflammation? (6)
Microorganisms (infection)
Mechanical (injury)
Chemical (upset pH, bile and urine in the wrong place causing irritation)
Physical (extreme heat, cold, radiation)
Dead Tissue (necrotic tissue irritating adjacent tissue)
Hypersensitivity
What makes up the microcirculation?
Capillary beds (arterioles, venules) Extracellular compartment and contents`
Where does the process of inflammation occur?
In the microcirculation
Describe the process of inflammation
Change in vessel radius alters blood flow
Change in vessel wall permeability causes exudation
Neutrophils move from the vessel into the extravascular space
Contrast normal laminar flow and blood flow in inflammation
Normal: Heaviest components (neutrophils) in centre of vessel, intermediate components farther from centre (erythrocytes), lightest components nearest edges of vessel (plasma)
In inflammation:
Neutrophils migrate to edge of vessel, erythrocytes collect in centre.
What is neutrophil margination?
Neutrophils migrate toward vessel wall
What is neutrophil pavementing?
Neutrophils adhere to endothelium
What is neutrophil emigration?
Neutrophils actively squeeze between endothelial cells into the extravascular tissues
What term would be used to describe inflammation of the peritoneal cavity?
Peritonitis
What term would be used to describe inflammation of the meninges?
Meningitis
What term would be used to describe inflammation of the appendix?
Appendicitis
What term would be used to describe inflammation of the lung?
Pneumonia
What term would be used to describe inflammation of the pleural cavity?
Pleurisy
What is the function of neutrophils and how do they act?
Mobile phagocytes
Neutrophils release granule contents and phagocytose and destroy foreign antigens. .
What do neutrophil granules contain?
Granules possess oxidants (eg hydrogen peroxide) and enzymes (eg proteases)
What are the consequences of neutrophil action?
Neutrophils die when granule contents are released (as they digest self in addition to pathogen)
Pus production
May extend into other tissues to progress the inflammation
What is pus?
Fluid
Cell remnants
Endogenous protein
What are the three general types of mediators of acute inflammation?
Molecules on endothelial cell surface membrane
Molecules released from cells
Molecules in the plasma
What are the general effects of mediators of acute inflammation?
Vasodilation/Vasocontriction Altered permeability Neutrophil adhesion Chemotaxis Itch Pain
Why do mediators of acute inflammation result in a dynamic balance?
They have both positive and negative effects which can favour and inhibit inflammation and they are relative to need.
What are some of the immediate systemic effects of acute inflammation?
Pyrexia
Feeling unwell (malaise, anorexia, naurea, and also abdominal pain and vomiting in children)
Neutrophilia
What are some of the longer term system effects of inflammation?
Lymphadenopathy
Weight loss
Anaemia
What is an abscess?
A collection of pus (suppuration) under pressure
What is pus formed from? (7)
Dead Tissue Organisms Exudate Neutrophils Fibrin Red Cells Debris
What surrounds the pus in an abscess?
A pyogenic membrane
What is a multiloculated abscess?
Occurs when pus bursts through the pyogenic membrane and forms new cavities.
What occurs in organisation in the context of acute inflammation?
Granulation tissue formation
Healing and repair
Leads to fibrosis and scarring
What is granulation tissue formed by/from?
New capillaries
Fibroblasts and collagen
Macrophages
What is dissemination in the context of acute inflammation?
Spread of inflammation (infection) to blood stream - sepsis