Team Learning: Inflammation

Question 1

Neutrophil

Answer 1

• multi-lobed
• granular
• ACUTE inflammatory response to tissue injure: secrete enzymes that degrade tissue, ingest and destroy damaged tissue and phagocytose and digest foreign substances, including microorganisms

Question 2

Eosinophil

Answer 2

• typically bi-lobed
• large, orange-red granules
• associated with ALLERGIC REACTIONS, PARASITIC INFECTIONS, and CHRONIC INFLAMMATION. Modulate local immune responses by release of cytokines and interleukins –> may cause tissue damage

Question 3

Lymphocyte

Answer 3

• round to slightly indented nucleus
• scant pale blue cytoplasm
• main functional cells of immune system
• function depends on type:
• ->T cell: cell mediated immunity
• ->B cell: antibody production
• ->NK-cell: kill virus infected cells, tumor cells

Question 4

Monocyte

Answer 4

• indented nucleus
• abundant blue-gray cytoplasm with small azurophilic granules
• travel from bone marrow to tissues, where they differentiate into phagocytes of the mononuclear phagocyte system. Phagocytose bacteria, tissue debris, and other cells. Also present antigen to T-cells.

Question 5

Basophil

Answer 5

• bilobed nucleus but obscured by numerous large dark purple granules that stain with basic dyes
• functionally related to mast cells of CT. Mast cell precursor? Release vasoactive agents when stimulated.

Question 6

Presence of neutrophils indicates what?

Answer 6

acute inflammation

Question 7

Presence of lymphocytes indicates what?

Answer 7

chronic inflammation

Question 8

Presence of ulceration, lymphocytes, and neutrophils indicates what?

Answer 8

underlying chronic inflammation with acute inflammation due to ulceration

Question 9

Describe progression from acute to chronic inflammation

Answer 9

Acute inflammation will continue as long as there is a pathogen that the body is still fighting; if even is quick and then over (like a stab wound), then the inflammation will progress to include lymphocytes (this does not mean the inflammation is chronic, but it has moved to the ‘chronic’ response of the lymphocytes, since they are usually associated with chronic inflammation)

Question 10

Granulomas contain what microscopically?

Answer 10

• epithelioid cells (pink cytoplasm and kidney-bean shaped nucleus)
• may contain giant cells
• ring of lymphocytes around edge

Question 11

Contrast the general time course and transition of events characterizing acute and chronic inflammation

Answer 11

6-24 hrs: neutrophils present

• Monocytes will move in after 24 hours
• Macrophages can remain fixed at a site (proliferate); they can recruit lymphocytes to the area
• The body will fight off the infection/injury and remain “acute,” but if the damage continues it will progress to a chronic phase
• Macrophages that are fixed to the site (due to continued damage) recruit lymphocytes, plasma cells, etc. Neutrophils will remain if there is continued damage. Macrophages can stimulate fibroblasts to lay down collagen.

Question 12

Describe the role of blood vessels and WBCs in the inflammatory response

Answer 12

• blood vessels dilate to allow WBCs and proteins to enter the tissues
• WBCs are the effectors; they engulf and recognize pathogens and release factors to try to break them down