Local inflammation

Local inflammation is a protective response of the body's immune system to tissue injury, infection, or foreign substances occurring at a specific site. It is characterized by five cardinal signs: heat, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function. This complex biological process involves multiple cellular components, primarily leukocytes (neutrophils, macrophages, dendritic cells, mast cells, lymphocytes) that extravasate from the bloodstream into affected tissues. It also involves numerous molecular mediators, including cytokines (e.g., TNF-α, IL-1, IL-6, IL-10), chemokines, vasoactive chemicals (e.g., prostaglandins, histamine), the complement system, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and adhesion molecules. The inflammatory process follows a sequence from initiation by DAMPs or PAMPs, through vascular responses (vasodilation, increased permeability), leukocyte recruitment, stimulus elimination, to eventual resolution and repair. It can be acute (rapid, short-term, neutrophil-dominant) or chronic (prolonged, involving mononuclear cells, potentially leading to tissue damage). While essential for host defense, dysregulation of local inflammation can contribute to various pathologies.

Other names

Inflammation

Drugs targeting local inflammation modulate its various components and processes. NSAIDs inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin production. Corticosteroids suppress multiple inflammatory pathways. Cytokine inhibitors target specific inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-6, or IL-1 to regulate the immune response. Selective immunomodulators target specific components of the inflammatory cascade to mitigate its effects.