Inflammation pathophysiology

Question 1

1) Mention 5 classical signs of acute inflammation

2) What are the systemic signs of inflammation?

3) What is used for quantification for acute inflammation?

4) Which exudates are present in inflammation?

Answer 1

1) Redness, heat, swelling, pain, loss of function

2) Increased acute phase protein (CRP), Increased WBCs count, fever, hypertension, increased HR

3) Fever, CRP and WBC count

4)
Serous: Watery, low protein, from plasma
Hemorrhagic: Contains RBCs, when there is vessel damage
Fibrinous: Fibrinogen, sticky and thick
Membranous: On mucus membranes
Purulent: Contains pus

Question 2

Mention some of the cells involved in acute inflammation and their function

Answer 2

Neutrophils: First cell to arrive, is a phagocyte

Monocytes (macrophages): Arrives later, is a phagocyte and promotes tissue repair

Endothelial cells: Induce inflammation by releasing chemokines, control extravasation of other immune cells into tissue

Platelets: When activated they release mediators and are involved in tissue repair

Question 3

What are the four actions (functions) that mediators are responsible for?

Answer 3

1) Vasoactive (e.g. histamine induces vasodilation)
2) Plasma proteases (complement system)
3) Chemotactic (directed cell migration to the site of inflammation)
4) Cytokines (activation of T-cells and directed class-switch of B-cells)

Question 4

Which cell type dominate in the initial phase of an acute inflammatory response?

Answer 4

Neutrophils