PP: Chronic Inflammation Flashcards
What is the role of macrophages in chronic inflammation?
- Phagocytosis
- Presentation of antigens to immune system
- Synthesis of proteins (such as cytokines, complement proteins, blood clotting factors)
- Control of other cells (by cytokine release)
What is the role of lymphocytes in chronic inflammation?
- B: produce antibodies
- T: cytokine functions
What is the role of eosinophils in chronic inflammation?
Present in response to parasitic infections and some tumours
What is the role of fibroblasts/myocytes in chronic inflammation?
To synthesis collagen
What is a giant cell?
Multinucleate cells made by fusion of macrophages.
Why are giant cells formed?
When macrophages undergo frustrated phagocytosis.
What giant cell is typically seen in TB?
Langhans
Why might foreign body giant cells be seen?
There is foreign material present in the tissue.
When might touton giant cells be present?
In lesions with high lipid content.
Name 4 possible complications of chronic inflammation.
- Tissue destruction
- Excessive fibrosis (and scarring)
- Impaired function
- Atrophy
Describe chronic cholecystitis.
Repeated obstruction by gall stones results in repeated acute inflammation which eventually leads to chronic inflammation. This eventually leads to scaring and fibrosis of the gall bladder wall.
What is the biological difference between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?
Ulcerative colitis is superficial (affecting only the mucosa not the deeper tissues), whereas crohns is transmural.
What is the difference in symptoms between ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease?
UC: diarrhoea, bleeding
CD: Strictures (fibrous narrowing), fistulae (abnormal connection between 2 epithelium-lined organs)
Name some common causes of cirrhosis of the liver.
- Alcohol
- HBV, HCV
- Fatty liver disease
- Drugs and toxins
Name a disease that results in an increase in function due to chronic inflammation.
Thyrotoxicosis: Graves’ disease
