Inflammation & Immunity Flashcards
What is the purpose of inflammation?
Destroy infectious and injurious organisms
Wall off site of infection
Stimulate and enhance the immune response
Stimulate tissue healing
What are the characteristics of inflammation?
Occurs in vascular tissue Immediate Nonspecific No memory Will affect anything in the vicinity Self limiting
What are the activators of mast cells?
Local cellular injury
Bacterial endotoxins
Compliment proteins
Immunologic factors
What is the function of mast cells?
Immediate release of histamine
Synthesis of mediators
What is the function of basophils?
Release histamine and leuktrienes in bloodstream
Release heparin
What is the function of neutrophils?
Arrive during acute phases of inflammation
Phagocytosis of bacteria and debris
Release of other vasoactive mediators
What are the functions of eosinophils?
Release chemicals that control inflammation
Phagocytosis of parasites
Involved in allergic responses
What are the functions of monocytes/macrophages?
Phagocytosis of bacteria and cellular debris
Release of other vasoactive mediators
Promote wound healing
Local manifestations
Heat and redness
Pain
Edema/swelling
Systemic manifestations
Fever
Leukocytosis
Acute inflammation
Increased circulating plasma proteins
Increased erythrocytes sedimentation rate
Vascular response to systemic or severe inflammation
What is the role of the immune system?
Primary function: to prevent or eradicate infections
Involved in surveillance and destruction of cancer cells
Inflammatory response
Rapid
Nonspecific
No memory
Involves cells and plasma protein systems
Immune response
Slower Specific Memory Involves lymphocytes and antibodies Can be induced by vaccination
Antigen
A molecule that is recognized by lymphocytes and reacts with antibodies
What are some examples of foreign “non human” antigen
- flu virus
- bacteria
- pollen
- food allergens
