THIS BRIEF review will cover only some of the important aspects of the subject but will try to define an outline from which one can gain a reasonable concept of current knowledge and proceed to further detailed investigation if he desires. One is also directed to recent detailed reviews1-3 which should be of considerable interest.
From the time of the original stimulus [heat, ultraviolet, toxins, antigens, trauma, etc] to the restitution of normal function there is a very complicated, and for the most part unknown, series of humoral and cellular events described by the ancient term, inflammation.
A mediator may be defined as an endogenous chemical agent which takes an active part in the development of the inflammatory response. We are then concerned primarily with chemical [mediator] agents which are associated with and responsible for the events occurring during inflammation.
Exogenous agents which induce inflammatory responses are not
PrefaceAcknowledgment
Chapter 1. Natural History of the Inflammatory Reaction
Earliest Theories on the Mechanism of Inflammation
Development of the Evidence
The Phagocytic System and Antibody Production
The Reticulo-Endothelial System [RES]
Factors which Influence Phagocytosis
Role of the Endothelial Cells
Role of Mast Cells
Conclusion
References
CHAPTER 2. Measurement of the Acute Inflammatory Reaction
Experimental Design
Peculiarities of the Methods Employed
Special Techniques
References
Chapter 3. Mediators of the Inflammatory Reaction
Mediators and "Immediators" of the Inflammatory Reaction
Histamine
Bradykinin and Related Kinins
High Molecular Permeability Factors
Combined Actions of Mediators
References
Chapter 4. Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Drugs
The Possible Mediators of Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Drugs
Effect of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Biogenesis and Releasing Systems of the Presumed Mediators
Reaction to Injury and Manifestation of Inflammation
Biochemical Aspects of Anti-Inflammatory Drug Reaction
Involvement of Nervous Structures in Inflammatory Reactions
Hormonal Influences on the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Drugs
Conclusions
References
Author Index
Subject Index
Other Titles in the Division
Both divinyl benzene copolymer [plastic] beads and schistosome eggs produce inflammatory reactions after intravenous deposition into the lung of a mouse. As reported previously, the schistosome egg granuloma is an immunologic reaction of the delayed hypersensitivity type; this inflammatory process is prevented by immunosuppressive measures, and characteristically demonstrates an anamnestic response. In contradistinction, the plastic bead granuloma appears to be characteristic of a foreign body reaction; it is unaffected by immunosuppressive measures and does not demonstrate an anamnestic response with repeated exposure. The data in this report suggest that the granuloma formation around plastic beads is a nonimmunologic reaction induced by chemical mediators of inflammation. This proposal is supported by the following findings: the plastic beads activate Hageman factor in normal human and mouse plasma; the plastic beads induce vascular permeability-enhancing activity as measured in guinea pig skin and kinin-like activity in normal human and mouse plasma that is dependent on Hageman factor; ellagic acid, an agent that activates Hageman factor in vivo and is reported to diminish kininogen by consumptive depletion, markedly depresses the plastic bead granuloma. These data are consistent with the idea that the plastic bead granuloma and perhaps other foreign body inflammatory reactions are in major part dependent on kinin formation.
Ellagic acid also suppressed the schistosome egg granuloma, but not to the same degree as the plastic bead granuloma. The implications of this observation are discussed in the text.
Silicosis and "blue velvet disease", pathologic processes associated with the deposition of silica and magnesium trisilicate, respectively, in the lung, and the induction of a foreign body reaction may also be dependent on the activation of chemical mediators of inflammation by the silica and magnesium trisilicate particles with immunologic mechanisms participating in only a minor way, if at all. The marked suppression of experimental silicosis and blue velvet disease in mice by ellagic acid supports this idea.
- Entertainment & Pop Culture
- Geography & Travel
- Health & Medicine
- Lifestyles & Social Issues
- Literature
- Philosophy & Religion
- Politics, Law & Government
- Science
- Sports & Recreation
- Technology
- Visual Arts
- World History
- On This Day in History
- Quizzes
- Podcasts
- Dictionary
- Biographies
- Summaries
- Top Questions
- Week In Review
- Infographics
- Demystified
- Lists
- #WTFact
- Companions
- Image Galleries
- Spotlight
- The Forum
- One Good Fact
- Entertainment & Pop Culture
- Geography & Travel
- Health & Medicine
- Lifestyles & Social Issues
- Literature
- Philosophy & Religion
- Politics, Law & Government
- Science
- Sports & Recreation
- Technology
- Visual Arts
- World History
- Britannica Classics
Check out these retro videos from Encyclopedia Britannica’s archives. - Demystified Videos
In Demystified, Britannica has all the answers to your burning questions. - #WTFact Videos
In #WTFact Britannica shares some of the most bizarre facts we can find. - This Time in History
In these videos, find out what happened this month [or any month!] in history. - Britannica Explains
In these videos, Britannica explains a variety of topics and answers frequently asked questions.
- Buying Guide
Expert buying advice. From tech to household and wellness products. - Student Portal
Britannica is the ultimate student resource for key school subjects like history, government, literature, and more. - COVID-19 Portal
While this global health crisis continues to evolve, it can be useful to look to past pandemics to better understand how to respond today. - 100 Women
Britannica celebrates the centennial of the Nineteenth Amendment, highlighting suffragists and history-making politicians. - Britannica Beyond
We’ve created a new place where questions are at the center of learning. Go ahead. Ask. We won’t mind. - Saving Earth
Britannica Presents Earth’s To-Do List for the 21st Century. Learn about the major environmental problems facing our planet and what can be done about them! - SpaceNext50
Britannica presents SpaceNext50, From the race to the Moon to space stewardship, we explore a wide range of subjects that feed our curiosity about space!