Entzündungsmediator

Entzündungsmediatoren are signaling molecules that play a crucial role in the inflammatory process. They are released by various cells in the body, including immune cells and damaged tissue cells, in response to injury or infection. These mediators orchestrate the complex cascade of events that constitute inflammation, which is a protective response aimed at eliminating the initial cause of cell injury, clearing out necrotic cells and tissues damaged as a result of the original insult and the acute response, and initiating tissue repair.

There are numerous types of Entzündungsmediatoren, each with specific functions. They can be broadly categorized into several groups, including lipid mediators like prostaglandins and leukotrienes, peptide mediators such as cytokines and chemokines, and amines like histamine. These molecules act locally on blood vessels, nerve endings, and surrounding cells, as well as systemically to influence the entire organism.

Key functions of Entzündungsmediatoren include increasing blood flow to the site of injury (vasodilation), making blood vessels more permeable to allow immune cells to reach the affected area (vascular permeability), and attracting more immune cells to the site (chemotaxis). They can also contribute to pain, fever, and the overall feeling of malaise associated with inflammation.

While essential for defense and repair, dysregulation or excessive production of Entzündungsmediatoren can lead to chronic inflammatory diseases, such as arthritis, asthma, and inflammatory bowel disease, highlighting their dual role in health and disease. Understanding these mediators is vital for developing therapeutic strategies to control inflammation and treat a wide range of conditions.