Introduction to inflammation Flashcards
(23 cards)
Define acute inflammation
the immediate defensive reaction of tissue to injury, in which vascular and exudative processes predominate
Define chronic inflammation
Prolonged and persistent inflammation; which may be a continuation of acute inflammation, or the result of an insidious insult, characterised by scar tissue formation
Explain the purpose and benefits of inflammation
purpose is to rid the body of the initial cause of injury, to break down cells damaged by injury in order to regenerate and repaid.
Innate immunity
beneficial effects =
1. the delivery of immune cells and proteins
2. Dilution of toxins
3. eliminate substance and allow repair/regeneration OR stimulate secondary immune system
4. Leaky vessels = increase fluid into area therefore drugs can enter.
What are the microscopic features of acute inflammation
Vascular changes:
- Vasodilation
- Increased blood flow
Exudative changes:
- Increased permeability due to increased interendothelial spaces
- Movement of fluid, proteins and cells from the vasculature into tissues that are damaged
Neutrophils (leukocytes):
emigrate out of blood system into tissue
accumulate in area of trauma
try to eliminate immune response trigger via phagocytosis
What are the macroscopic features of acute inflammation
erythema - redness of skin
oedema - swelling
warmth
pain
loss of function
List the outcomes of acute inflammation
- Resolution
- Persisting injury –> Chronic inflammation
List the outcomes of chronic inflammation
Repair and return
ongoing inflammation
change in tissue function
scarring and dysfunction
catastrophe (organ/patient death)
What are the key microscopic features of chronic inflammation
- Lymphocytes and macrophages
- Tissue destruction
- Attempts at healing
- Involves the adaptive immunity (a specific immune response).
Describe the patterns of chronic inflammation
Granulomas
Ulcers
Serous and Fibrinous
Suppuration
describe the formation of granulomas
a collection of macrophages/leukocytes.
Occur in chronic inflammation.
core = necrosis (collection of dead cells), macrophages surround this and T cells then surround the macrophages.
What key cells are involved in adaptive immunity and how do they work
Adaptive immunity = Chronic inflammation.
T Lymphocytes
- Th (helper) - tag the pathogen which alerts other immune cells that it needs to be killed
-Tc (cytooxic) - Degrade and engulf the pathogen
B lymphocytes
- Plasma cells - produce antibodies which attach are are specific to a pathogen and will only bind to one type of antigen.
List other mediators involved in the adaptive immune response
Monocytes/macrophages (leukocytes)
Interleukins
Acute phase proteins
complement proteins
Which cell type is responsive to allergies
Basophils
Which cell type is responsive to parasites
Eosinophils
Which cell type is responsive to acute inflammation/bacteria infection
Neutrophils
Which cell type is responsive to chronic inflammation/viral infection
lymphocytes
Describe the formation of Ulcers
A break in the epithelial surface
Can occur in acute or chronic inflammation
What feature would you see in a chronic ulcer that you wouldn’t see in an acute ulcer
Vascular and fibrovascular granulation tissue. This is evidence of regeneration
Serous inflammation is found when
accumulation of fluid in acute inflammation
Fibrinous inflammation is found when
Accumulation of fluid in chronic inflammation
What are the key macroscopic features of Crohns Disease
Can effect whole GI tract
Bowel inflamed, ulcers and fissures
Cobblestoning (alternating inflammation and ulceration)
Fistulae (passage from one epithelial lining surface to another)
Abscesses (accumulation of pus in tissue)
What are the key microscopic features of Crohns Disease
Transmural inflammation
Patchy, skip lesions
Chronic inflammatory cells predominate (lymphocytes)
Granulomas
What are the key macroscopic features of Ulcerative Colitis
Affects only the colon (large bowel)
Ulceration
Pseudopolyps (outpouching of normal mucosa)
