Inflammation and Immunity

Questions and Answers

What is the mechanism of action of corticosteroids in inhibiting the inflammatory pathway?

Corticosteroids bind to glucocorticoid receptors, inducing mRNA expression of Annexin, which inhibits phospholipase A2, thereby shutting down the entire inflammatory pathway.

What are the major adverse effects of long-term corticosteroid use?

Immunosuppressive effects, inhibited tissue growth, osteoporosis, and behavioral disturbances.

How do corticosteroids differ from NSAIDs in their mechanism of action?

Corticosteroids inhibit the entire inflammatory pathway by inhibiting phospholipase A2, whereas NSAIDs selectively inhibit prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting COX enzyme.

What is the primary target of NSAIDs in their anti-inflammatory mechanism?

The COX enzyme, which is responsible for prostaglandin synthesis. Signup and view all the answers

Why is the efficacy of NSAIDs often empirical?

The efficacy of NSAIDs varies due to individual differences in response to the drug. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of local inflammation in the body, and how does it achieve this?

The primary role of local inflammation is to provide early protection by restricting tissue damage to the site of infection, and it achieves this by activating macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells through pattern recognition receptors, which leads to the recruitment of immune cells and the release of chemical mediators. Signup and view all the answers

What are the four hallmarks of a localized acute inflammatory response?

The four hallmarks of a localized acute inflammatory response are swelling, redness and heat, pain, and loss of function. Signup and view all the answers

What is the key difference between acute and chronic inflammation, and what are the consequences of chronic inflammation?

The key difference between acute and chronic inflammation is that acute inflammation is a self-limiting response that resolves once the infection is cleared, whereas chronic inflammation is a pathogenic, progressive shift in the type of cells that leads to simultaneous destruction and healing of tissue. The consequences of chronic inflammation are ongoing tissue damage and potential organ dysfunction. Signup and view all the answers

What are the types of inflammatory mediators released by inflammatory cells, and what are their roles in driving inflammation?

The types of inflammatory mediators released by inflammatory cells are eicosanoids, platelet activating factor (PAF), C5a (complement system), and histamine. These mediators drive inflammation by recruiting immune cells, increasing vascular permeability, and stimulating the release of other chemical mediators. Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of pattern recognition receptors in the activation of inflammatory cells?

Pattern recognition receptors are significant because they recognize and bind to specific microbial patterns, which activates macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells, leading to the initiation of the inflammatory response. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Inflammation

Inflammation is a protective attempt to remove injurious stimuli and start healing.
It is a host's defense to infectious stimuli and the beginning of the disease process (-itis).
Local inflammation provides early protection (innate immunity) by restricting tissue damage to the site of infection.

Mechanisms of Inflammation

Microbes activate macrophages, dendritic cells, and mast cells by interacting with pattern recognition receptors (PRR).
Acute inflammation involves increased movement of leukocytes (immune cells) and plasma from blood into injured tissues.
Recruited cells are activated and release chemical arsenal (weaponry and messengers).

Hallmarks of Localized Acute Inflammatory Response

Swelling due to increased vascular permeability.
Redness and heat due to increased blood volume (vasodilation) and endogenous pyrogens (fever).
Pain via stimulation of neuronal pathways.
Loss of function via combination of pain and tissue damage.

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a pathogenic, progressive shift in the type of cells.
It involves simultaneous destruction and healing of tissue (ongoing acute inflammation that is not resolved).

Inflammatory Mediators

Eicosanoids, platelet activating factor (PAF), C5a (complement system), and histamine are released by inflammatory cells and drive inflammation.

Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (SAIDS)

Corticosteroids inhibit phospholipase A2 enzyme to shut down the entire inflammatory pathway.
They inhibit prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and platelet activating factors.
Corticosteroids have major adverse effects due to interaction with endogenous pathways, so long-term use is not encouraged.
They have immunosuppressive effects, inhibit tissue growth, cause osteoporosis, and behavioral disturbances.
Hydrophobic; easily pass-through cell membrane.
Binds to glucocorticoid receptors (translocating into nucleus).
Induces mRNA expression of Annexin (inhibitor of phospholipase A2) and inhibits synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes.

Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS)

NSAIDS inhibit selective pathway, only inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis by inhibiting COX (cyclo-oxygenase) enzyme.
They are anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic (lower temperature), and analgesic (pain relief).
Frequently empirical (variations in how effective it is).

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Description

Learn about the process of inflammation, its mechanisms, and role in innate immunity. Understand how the body responds to infectious stimuli and restricts tissue damage.