Tulehdusvasteille

Tulehdusvasteille, often translated as inflammatory response, is the body's complex reaction to harmful stimuli such as pathogens, damaged cells, or irritants. It is a protective mechanism designed to eliminate the initial cause of cell injury, clear out damaged cells and tissues resulting from the original insult and the block, and initiate tissue repair.

The inflammatory response is characterized by a series of events involving various cell types, soluble mediators, and blood vessels. Key features include redness, heat, swelling, pain, and loss of function, collectively known as the cardinal signs of inflammation. These signs are a result of increased blood flow to the affected area, increased permeability of blood vessels, and the migration of immune cells from the bloodstream into the injured tissue.

Acute inflammation is a rapid and short-lived response that typically resolves within minutes to days. It is crucial for fighting infections and initiating healing. If the initial cause of inflammation is not removed, or if the inflammatory process itself becomes dysregulated, chronic inflammation can develop. Chronic inflammation can persist for weeks, months, or even years and is associated with a wide range of diseases, including autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular disease, and cancer.

The mediators of inflammation are molecules that regulate the inflammatory process. These include cytokines, chemokines, prostaglandins, and histamine, among others. These mediators signal to various cells, attracting them to the site of injury, increasing vascular permeability, and influencing the behavior of immune cells. Understanding the mechanisms of inflammation is fundamental to understanding many diseases and developing therapeutic strategies.