Pathophysiology of Inflammation Flashcards
What is the difference between physiology, pathophysiology, and pathology in the context of inflammation?
Physiology is the science of how living things function, and for inflammation, it refers to the normal, protective response to injury or infection.
Pathophysiology is the study of disordered physiological processes caused by diseases, such as inappropriate or excessive inflammation.
Pathology refers to the scientific study of disease itself, which includes the spectrum of inflammation from normal to pathological conditions.
What are the clinical features of acute inflammation?
The clinical features of acute inflammation are:
Rubor (redness)
Calor (heat)
Tumor (swelling)
Dolor (pain)
Loss of function
These features vary depending on the affected site, such as arthritis (joints/skin), pharyngitis (nose and throat), cystitis (bladder), or appendicitis (bowel).
What are the benefits and harms of acute inflammation?
Benefits of acute inflammation include:
Delivery of antibodies, nutrients, and oxygen.
Dilution of toxins.
Fibrin formation to trap bacteria and form a matrix for tissue repair.
Stimulation of adaptive immunity.
Harms of acute inflammation include:
Digestion of normal tissue.
Swelling.
Inappropriate inflammatory responses, such as hypersensitivity to harmless stimuli.
How do antigen-presenting cells activate the adaptive immune response?
Antigen-presenting cells, like dendritic cells and macrophages, detect pathogens and present antigens to lymphocytes, triggering an adaptive immune response. Macrophages also clear tissue debris and dead cells. The antigen is processed and presented with major histocompatibility complex (MHC) proteins, which help the immune system recognize foreign substances.
What is the role of B cells and T cells in the immune response?
B cells mature in the bone marrow and produce antibodies. They are involved in humoral immunity and effective in extracellular fluid.
T cells mature in the thymus and are part of cell-mediated immunity. Cytotoxic T cells kill intracellular microorganisms, while helper T cells activate other immune cells like macrophages.
What is the difference between acute and chronic inflammation in terms of cellular composition?
In acute inflammation, neutrophils predominate, while in chronic inflammation, the main cells involved are lymphocytes, plasma cells, and macrophages. Chronic inflammation also leads to more granulation tissue and scar formation.
What are some common drugs used to treat inflammation, and how do they work?
NSAIDs (e.g., aspirin, ibuprofen) inhibit prostaglandin synthesis, reducing the vascular response in inflammation.
Corticosteroids (e.g., prednisolone, hydrocortisone) reduce inflammation by suppressing the activation of inflammatory cells and mediators.
What are autoimmune diseases, and how are they related to inflammation?
Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation. Genetic factors, environmental triggers like infections, and microbiome imbalances can contribute to the development of these diseases. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms, prevent long-term tissue damage, and maintain function.
What is chronic type 1 hypersensitivity, and how is it treated?
Chronic type 1 hypersensitivity involves an excessive immune response to harmless substances like pollen or dust mites. This can lead to allergies and inflammation. Treatment includes maintaining immunosuppression with corticosteroids, desensitization therapy, and controlling flare-ups with anti-inflammatory drugs like corticosteroids.
How are different types of hypersensitivity reactions treated?
Type 1 hypersensitivity (e.g., allergies) is treated with antihistamines, corticosteroids, and desensitization therapy.
Type 2 hypersensitivity (e.g., antibody-dependent cytotoxic reactions) may require treatments like immunosuppressive drugs and blood transfusions.
Type 3 hypersensitivity (e.g., immune complex-mediated) is treated with immunosuppressive drugs to reduce inflammation and tissue damage.
Type 4 hypersensitivity (e.g., delayed-type, like tuberculosis) is managed with corticosteroids and other immunosuppressive therapies.
What is the physiological role of inflammation in the body?
Inflammation is a normal, protective response to injury, infection, or harmful stimuli. It helps to isolate and eliminate harmful agents, repair damaged tissue, and protect the body from further harm.
What is pathophysiology, and how does it relate to inflammation?
Pathophysiology is the study of disordered physiological processes associated with disease or injury. Inflammation can become pathological when it is excessive, inappropriate, or prolonged, leading to tissue damage and chronic conditions.
How does inflammation serve as a manifestation of disease?
Inflammation is often a manifestation of disease, reflecting the body’s response to an abnormal condition. The underlying cause of inflammation, such as infection or an autoimmune response, determines whether it is beneficial or harmful.
How does the body respond to microbial infection through inflammation?
The body responds to microbial infections by increasing blood flow (leading to redness and heat), recruiting white blood cells (such as neutrophils), and releasing inflammatory mediators to combat the infection.
What are some environmental factors that can trigger inflammation?
Environmental factors such as physical trauma, ionizing radiation, heat, cold, chemical exposure, and tissue necrosis (like ischemia or infarction) can trigger inflammation.
