Systemic Effects of Inflammations

The systemic effects of inflammation include:

a. Fever

b.  Endocrine & metabolic responses

c. Autonomic responses

d. Behavioral responses

e. Leukocytosis

f. Leukopenia

g. Weight loss

a.  Fever  

Fever is the most important systemic manifestation of inflammation. It is coordinated by the hypothalamus & by cytokines (IL -1, IL-6, TNF-α) rekeased from macrophages and other cells. 

b.  Endocrine and metabolic responses include:

- The liver secrets acute phase proteins such as:

C-reactive proteins

Serum Amyloid A

Complement and coagulation proteins

- Glucocorticoids (increased)

- Vasopressin (decreased)

c.  Autonomic responses include:

-  Redirection of blood flow from the cutaneous to the deep vascular bed.

-  Pulse rate and blood pressure (increased)

- Sweating (decreased)

d.  Behavioral responses include:

 - Rigor, chills, anoroxia, somnolence, and malaise.

 e.  Leucocytosis is also a common feature of inflammation, especially in bacterial infections.  Its usual count is 15,000 to 20,000 cells/mm3. Most bacterial infections induce neutrophilia. Some viral infections such as infectious mononucleosis, & mumps cause  lymphocytosis. Parasitic infestations & allergic reactions such as bronchial ashma & hay fever induce eosinophilia. 

f.  Leukopenia is also a feature of typhoid fever and some parasitic infections.

 g.  Weight loss is thought to be due to the action of IL-1 and TNF-α which increase catabolism in skeletal muscle, adipose tissue and the liver with resultant negative nitrogen balance.

References

Bezabeh ,M. ; Tesfaye,A.; Ergicho, B.; Erke, M.; Mengistu, S. and Bedane,A.; Desta, A.(2004). General Pathology. Jimma University, Gondar University Haramaya University, Dedub University.