# Inflammation & Fevers Both inflammation and fevers are induced by [[cytokines]] during an immune response Fevers function similarly to inflammation in the sense that both rely on heat to reduce how effectively invading bacteria can reproduce ### Inflammatory Cytokines | Name | Producer | | --- | --- | | TNF-$\alpha$ | | ## Inflammation Inflammation is often a result of your [[Anki Flashcards/Courses/Molecular Biology II/Chapter 17 - The Genetic Code|immune system]] fighting back against pathogens trying to infect your tissue. An **inflammatory mediator** is any substance released by various cell types that contributes to the production of inflammation at a site of infection or trauma This alters the characteristics of the [[Histology|endothelium]], making the lining of nearby blood vessels **leaky** and allowing [[The Lymphatic System|effector T cells]] and antibodies to flow from the blood stream into the tissue to fight the infection hepatitis - "inflammation of the liver" A surface wound following the abrasion of the skin introduces bacteria in the underlying connective tissue. Some effector cells in the damaged tissue sense the presence of bacteria, and in response to it send out soluble proteins called cytokines. Cytokines interact with other cells to trigger an innate immune response. Cytokines induce dilation of local blood capillaries, which increases the blood flow to the infected area. Increased blood flow causes the skin to redden and become warm during inflammation. Vascular dilation introduces gaps between the cells of endothelium, making it permeable. The permeable or leaky endothelium increases the leakage of blood plasma into the infected connective tissue. Accumulation of blood fluid is one reason behind edema or swelling associated with inflammation. Permeable or leaky endothelium also allows some of the white blood cells to move from the blood into the inflamed tissue. Once in the tissue, the white blood cells begin to clear the pathogen by phagocytosis. The benefit of inflammation is that it enables cells and molecules of the immune system to be brought rapidly into the infected tissue. The state of inflammation induced in the infected tissue resolves the infection by clearing the pathogen and repairing the damaged tissue. ![[Inflammation Flowchart.png]] ### Symptoms of Inflammation There are **five major symptoms** associated with inflammation: 1. Heat 2. Swelling 3. Redness 4. Pain 5. Loss of Function ### The Inflammasome Inflammasomes are protein complexes which produce large amount of inflammatory cytokines, ramping up the immune response in the process.