Chronic Inflammation

Question 1

Discuss the physiological methods used to modify the acute inflammatory response, give examples of techniques involved.

Answer 1

• cold application:
  
  • decrease the activity of lysosomes released from dead cells e.g ice pack on injury.
• Applied pressure:
  
  • decrease the amount of expansion from swelling prevent further damage. E.g wrapping injured area with bandage.- Heat application:
  • increase fluid drainage, removing waste products e.g heat pack
• Elevation:
  
  • increase fluid drainage, removing waste products e.g elevating leg on chair while sitting.

Question 2

Which cells are involved in chronic inflammation?

Answer 2

Macrophages
Lymphocytes
Plasma cells
Antibodies

Question 3

What are the hallmarks of chronic inflammation?

Answer 3

Dangerous P platers faces tougher rules

• Dense infiltration and buildup of:
  
  • macrophages
  • lymphocytes
  • plasma cells
• proliferation of fibroblasts
• proliferation of small blood vessels
• Fibrosis
• Tissue damage
• Reduced exudates phenomena

Question 4

Discuss the role of macrophages in chronic inflammation.

Answer 4

Contribute to progressive tissue damage and functional impairment.
BENEFICIAL EFFECTS:
- Phagocytosis
- Regulation of t-lymphocytes response
- release of mediators which:
* stimulate fibroblast function and proliferation
* endothelial cell proliferation
* are chemotactic for cells of IS
* release of toxic substances
HARMFUL EFFECTS:
- release of substances which are toxic to surrounding (normal) cells
- Accumulation of many cells in the tissue causing dysfunction

Question 5

How does chronic inflammation cause tissue damage?

Answer 5

• disruption of tissue architecture and function
• Gradual replacement of normal cells by inflammatory cells
• Necrosis of affected and surrounding tissues
• Fibrosis: increased collagen formation, changes the original state of the tissue.

Question 6

Define the word granuloma

Answer 6

Inflammation found in many diseases. Occurs when immune system attempts to wall of substances it perceives as foreign but is unable to eliminate.

Question 7

Why do granuloma a occur? Discuss cellular events.

Answer 7

Occurs because of a tissue response to the presence of a material which cannot be digested by macrophages.

• Macrophages
  
  • Ingest but cannot digest the noxious agents
  • Lose their motility
  • differentiate into epithelioid cells
• Epithelioid cells
  
  • congregate into giant cells
• Giant cells
  
  • formed via fusion of macrophages
• Lymphocytes
  
  • surround the outside of granuloma
• Fibroblasts
  
  • form a capsule over time

granuloma may undergo calcification

Question 8

List and discuss the systemic effects of inflammation!

Answer 8

• lymphangitis
  
  • inflammation of the lymph vessels
• Lymphadenitis
  
  • inflammation of lymph nodes
• Exudates
  
  • going into the lymph channel within the lymphatic area
• Fever mediated by pyrogens
  
  • exogenous pyrogens(external source)
  • endogenous pyrogens (internal source)
• Leucocytosis
  
  • Increase production and release of WBC’s

Question 9

List possible outcomes of the acute inflammatory response. For each of the outcomes listed explain the structural and functional significance for the individual

Answer 9

• Complete resolution( complete healing): return to pre-injury state
• Healing by scarring:
  
  • When a great amount of tissue damage or irreversible damage, but allows return to functioning as close to normal as possible.
• abscess formation:
  
  • wall off damaged tissue with necrosis of WBC’s forming puss causing a decrease in function.
• chronic inflammation:
  
  • the inflammation doesn’t stop.