Pathology: Inflammation Overview

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Questions and Answers

What characterizes the production of exudates during acute inflammation?

Fluid with high protein concentration and frequently inflammatory cells (correct)

Fluid that inhibits immune cell function and promotes bacterial growth

Fluid with low protein concentration and high cell density

Fluid with no measurable cellular components

Which beneficial effect is associated with fibrin formation during acute inflammation?

Prevention of bacterial spread and enhancement of phagocytosis (correct)

Facilitation of bacterial spread throughout the body

Enhancement of tissue rupture leading to necrosis

Impairment of immune response through systemic activation

Which type of phagocytic cells is primarily involved in the acute inflammatory response?

Eosinophils

Neutrophils (correct)

Basophils

Platelets

What is a possible harmful effect associated with acute inflammation?

Tissue necrosis leading to further inflammatory responses Signup and view all the answers

Which condition is NOT typically associated with chronic inflammation?

Acute hypersensitivity reactions Signup and view all the answers

What is the most likely outcome when acute inflammation successfully eliminates the offending agents?

Complete resolution Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of exudate during acute inflammation?

Is primarily composed of red blood cells Signup and view all the answers

Among the following cells, which are primarily involved in chronic inflammation?

Monocytes and macrophages Signup and view all the answers

What is a potentially harmful effect of chronic inflammation?

Promotion of atherosclerosis Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is a common cause of chronic inflammation?

Persistent infections by low-toxicity microorganisms Signup and view all the answers

Which type of chronic inflammation features granuloma formation?

Specific inflammation Signup and view all the answers

What is a common macrophage response to chronic inflammatory conditions?

Epithelioid cell aggregation Signup and view all the answers

Which factor contributes to the progression from acute to chronic inflammation?

Unresolved abscess formation Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the appearance of epithelioid cells in granulomas?

Modified macrophages with epithelial cell-like appearance Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a major cause of granulomatous inflammation?

Gestational diabetes Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary systemic effect of inflammation mediated by cytokines like IL-1?

Fever through hypothalamic coordination Signup and view all the answers

Which response is typically associated with leukocytosis during inflammation?

An elevation in neutrophil counts during bacterial infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of acute phase proteins secreted by the liver during inflammation?

To aid in the inflammatory response and combat infection Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the effect of IL-1 and TNF-α on weight loss during inflammation?

They increase catabolism in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue Signup and view all the answers

Which leukocyte type is primarily associated with eosinophilia during allergic reactions?

Eosinophils Signup and view all the answers

Which type of inflammation is characterized by the transformation of macrophages into epithelia-like cells, resulting in the formation of granulomas?

Chronic inflammation Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

KAAF University College, School of Nursing/MW/PHN, Pathology

Focus of the lecture is on Inflammation
Lecturer: Richmond Kwakyie

Inflammation: Causes, Signs, and Definition

Inflammation is derived from the Latin word "inflammare" meaning to burn
Inflammation is a localized response of living vascular tissues to exogenous/endogenous stimuli
Inflammation is a protective mechanism for the body, to localize and eliminate the causative agent, and limit tissue injury
Inflammation is a physiologic (protective) response to injury, as observed by Sir John Hunter in 1794
Inflammation is not a disease itself but a salutary operation subsequent to injury/disease.
It aims to rid the organism of initial causes (e.g., microbes, toxins) and their consequences (e.g., necrotic cells)

5 Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Pain (dolor): Partly due to tissue stretching/destruction from inflammation, pus under pressure in an abscess cavity, and inflammatory chemicals like bradykinin, prostaglandins, and serotonin.
Heat (calor): Resulting from increased blood flow (hyperemia) due to dilated blood vessels, particularly in affected tissue regions.
Redness (rubor): Due to dilation of small blood vessels within damaged tissue; often seen in cellulitis.
Swelling (tumor): Caused by fluid accumulation in the extravascular space due to increased vascular permeability (the leaking of fluid from blood vessels).
Loss of function: The affected area suffers inhibition due to pain and immobilization caused by the severe swelling.

Causes of Inflammation

Physical agents: Mechanical injuries, temperature changes, radiation injuries
Chemical agents: Drugs and toxins
Biological agents (infectious): Bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites
Immunologic disorders: Hypersensitivity reactions, autoimmunity, immunodeficiency
Genetic/metabolic disorders: Gout, diabetes mellitus

Nomenclature of Inflammatory Lesions

Inflammatory lesions often end with the suffix "-itis"
Inflammation of the appendix is called appendicitis
Inflammation of meninges is called meningitis

Classification: Acute Inflammation

Acute inflammation is an immediate and early response to injury
Relatively short duration (minutes to days)
Characterized by exudation of fluids and plasma proteins (edema) and the emigration of predominantly neutrophilic leukocytes to the injury site.

Cardinal Signs of Acute Inflammation

Redness (rubor)
Heat (calor)
Swelling (tumor)
Pain (dolor)
Loss of Function

Cellular Response to Acute Inflammation

Migration, rolling, pavementing, and adhesion of leukocytes: Leukocytes move towards the site of injury.
Transmigration of leukocytes: Leukocytes escape from the venules (small veins) to enter the affected tissue
Chemotaxis: Leukocytes are directed to the injury site by chemical signals.
Phagocytosis: Engulfment and internalization of particulate matter (invading microorganisms, damaged cells, tissue debris) by phagocytic cells

Characteristics of Acute Inflammation Morphology

Exudates: Edema fluid with high protein concentration, often containing inflammatory cells

Beneficial Effects of Acute Inflammation

Dilution of toxins: Reduces concentration of chemical and bacterial toxins at the site of inflammation.
Protective antibodies: Antibodies are present at the inflammation site to destroy pathogens through phagocytosis or complement-mediated lysis
Fibrin formation: Prevents bacterial spread and enhances phagocytosis by leukocytes
Provisions of plasma mediator systems: Such as complement, coagulation and kinin systems

Harmful Effects of Acute Inflammation

Tissue destruction: Necrosis of tissue due to inflammation
Swelling: Can cause mechanical problems at specific locations (e.g., acute epiglottitis, meningitis)
Inappropriate response: Hypersensitivity reactions can overact

Outcomes of Acute Inflammation

Complete resolution
Healing by connective tissue replacement
Progression to chronic inflammation
Abscess formation

Chronic Inflammation

Prolonged inflammatory process (weeks or months)
Active inflammation, tissue destruction, and repair simultaneous.
Characterized by the presence of various cell types, including macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation (Persistent Infections)

Certain microorganisms with intracellular infection (TB, leprosy)
Low toxicity organisms that cause chronic inflammation and delayed hypersensitivity reactions
Endogenous and exogenous substances

Progression from Acute Inflammation

Acute inflammation often leads to chronic inflammation if acute inflammation fails to clear invaders.

Causes of Chronic Inflammation (Other)

Prolonged exposure to non-degradable but partially toxic substances (e.g., endogenous lipid in atherosclerosis, exogenous)

Specific Inflammation (Granulomatous Inflammation)

Characterized by the presence of granulomas
Granuloma is a microscopic aggregate of epithelioid cells (modified macrophages) and lymphocytes, often surrounding giant cells

Major Causes of Granulomatous Inflammation

Bacterial (e.g., TB, leprosy)
Fungal (e.g., histoplasmosis)
Helminthic (e.g., schistosomiasis)
Protozoal (e.g., leishmaniasis)
Chlamydial (e.g., lymphogranuloma venerum)
Inorganic material (e.g., beryllium)

Systemic Effects of Inflammation

Fever: Coordinated by the hypothalamus and cytokines (IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α)
Endocrine/Metabolic responses: Liver secrets acute-phase proteins (C-reactive proteins, serum amyloid A, complement and coagulation proteins, glucocorticoids and other substances).
Autonomic responses: Redirection of blood flow from cutaneous to vascular bed: Pulse rate/Blood Pressure increases
Behavioral responses: Rigor, chills, anorexia, somnolence, malaise
Leukocytosis: Increased leukocyte count
Leukopenia: Decrease in leukocyte count (e.g., typhoid fever)
Weight loss: Catabolism increase due to IL-1 and TNF-α, leading to nitrogen negative balance

Example of Inflammatory Diseases

Gonorrhea: Bacteria that cause infection that can lead to, inflammation, urethritis, and other conditions.

Cellular Response to Acute Inflammation (Assignment 2)

Migration, rolling, pavementing, and adhesion of leukocytes
Transmigration
Chemotaxis

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Description

This quiz covers the topic of inflammation, exploring its definition, signs, and causes. Students will learn about the physiological response of tissues to injury and the five cardinal signs of inflammation. Get ready to test your knowledge on this crucial aspect of pathology.