Inflammation

What is inflammation? An inflammation is the immune system's response to an invading organisms or substances.  These may be bacteria, viruses, fungi, allergens, or, in the case of an autoimmune disease, the bodies own tissue. A typical example of inflammation is the painful red swelling associated with acne.

The Inflammatory Response Trauma- mast cells produce histamine capillaries dilate and become leaky--- fluid enters the tissues- (swelling)pain receptors are stimulated (pain)-- phagocytes are attracted to area by chemical signals- dilation of blood vessels increases blood flow to area (thus, redness, heat, and pain)

Steps in Inflammation 1. TRAUMA

2. Mast cells produce histamine

3. Capillaries dilate and become leaky

During vasodilation, capillaries dilate

What’s Going On?

4. Fluid enters tissue (edema)

Here is edema, fluid in the tissues Here is edema, fluid in the tissues. This is called “pitting edema” because you can press your finger into the skin leave a depression .

6. Phagocytes are attracted to area by chemotaxis

Edema of the larynx. The airway is narrowed, which is life-threatening.

5. Pain receptors are stimulated

Chronic inflammation leads to scarring (tan to white bronchial tissue)

Foot of a diabetic with amputated toes

Why amputation? Diabetes causes artherosclerosis and narrowed arteries. The resultant depletion of blood to the limbs results in poor healing following an infection.

One macrophage here has "pigged out" by surrounding a neutrophil, a red blood cell, and a nuclear fragment.

Neutrophil animation http://myspacetv.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=vids.individual&videoid=6096088

An indicator of inflammation is an increase in the white blood cell count—specifically neutrophils