Inflammatory Mediators

Abstract

Inflammation is the complex pathophysiologic response of tissue injury or infection. Biochemical mediators released during inflammation intensify and propagate the inflammatory response leading to organ dysfunction and major problem in many clinical conditions such as sepsis, severe burns, acute pancreatitis, hemorrhagic shock, and trauma. Inflammatory mediators are soluble, diffusible molecules that act systemically and locally at the site of injury or infection. Inflammation causes stimulation of body’s defense system; activation of leukocytes causes release of inflammatory mediators at a site of infection or inflammation which control the later accumulation and activation of other cells. These mediators secrete primarily from blood plasma, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, platelets, mast cells, endothelial cells lining the blood vessels, and damaged tissue cells. This chapter summarizes recent studies that demonstrate the critical role played by inflammatory mediators in the pathogenesis of acute and chronic inflammation. It is reasonable to speculate that elucidation of the key mediators in inflammation, coupled with the discovery of specific inhibitors, would make it possible to develop clinically effective anti-inflammatory therapy.