MLT GlobeBasic Pathology: Inflammation – page 2
134 Basic Pathology MCQs on Inflammation with answers and explanations.
Major basic protein released from eosinophil granules is especially toxic to:
Major basic protein is cationic and toxic to parasites (and to epithelial cells, as in asthma).
Which statement about the purpose of inflammation is INCORRECT?
Inflammation delivers leukocytes and plasma proteins to remove microbes and dead cells and to start repair. Supplying gases is not its role.
Granulomatous inflammation is a feature of many diseases. Which condition does NOT usually produce granulomas?
Tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, cat-scratch disease and schistosomiasis are classic granulomatous diseases. Pneumococcal lobar pneumonia is an acute, neutrophil-rich exudative inflammation.
Which interleukin is the classic endogenous pyrogen, acting on the hypothalamus to raise body temperature?
IL-1 (with TNF and IL-6) induces prostaglandin E2 synthesis in the hypothalamus, resetting the thermostat and causing fever.
An area of caseous necrosis surrounded by epithelioid macrophages, giant cells and lymphocytes forms a nodular lesion called a:
This nodular collection of activated macrophages around caseation is a granuloma, typical of tuberculosis. An abscess contains pus with neutrophils.
Inflammation as described classically (vascular leakage and leukocyte emigration) occurs in which kind of tissue?
The inflammatory response depends on blood vessels delivering leukocytes and plasma proteins, so it develops in vascularized tissues.
Aspirin relieves both the pain and the fever of an infection. Which mediators does it inhibit?
Aspirin and NSAIDs block cyclooxygenase, reducing prostaglandin synthesis, which drives pain and fever.
Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are formed from arachidonic acid released from which cell membrane component?
Phospholipase A2 releases arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids; cyclooxygenase and lipoxygenase then convert it to prostaglandins and leukotrienes.
Which complement fragment is the most potent chemoattractant for neutrophils?
C5a is a strong chemotactic agent and anaphylatoxin. C3b is an opsonin, and C5b starts the membrane attack complex.
Which class of small secreted proteins acts as messengers that activate and regulate immune and inflammatory cells?
Cytokines (interleukins, TNF, interferons, chemokines) are secreted proteins that mediate communication and activation among immune cells.
A collection of pus composed of neutrophils, necrotic cells and edema fluid is characteristic of:
Pyogenic bacteria such as staphylococci cause suppurative inflammation with pus formation.
Activated endothelium increases production of which vasoactive gas that relaxes vascular smooth muscle?
Endothelial NO synthase generates nitric oxide, which causes vasodilation and inhibits platelet aggregation.
During phagocytosis, neutrophils rapidly consume oxygen to generate superoxide through NADPH oxidase. This is called:
The respiratory (oxidative) burst produces reactive oxygen species that kill ingested microbes; it is defective in chronic granulomatous disease.
Killing of ingested bacteria inside the phagolysosome depends mainly on:
Reactive oxygen species (with NO and lysosomal enzymes) kill microbes. C3b is an opsonin, and selectins mediate rolling.
The principal cellular source of tumor necrosis factor in inflammation is the:
TNF is produced mainly by activated macrophages and dendritic cells, with smaller contributions from T cells, mast cells and endothelium.
Which of the following is NOT an effect of histamine?
Histamine dilates arterioles, increases venular permeability and contracts bronchial smooth muscle. Collagen synthesis is driven by growth factors such as TGF-beta.
Which of the following is NOT an action of endothelial nitric oxide?
NO relaxes vascular smooth muscle and inhibits platelet and leukocyte activation, so it is protective against thrombosis. It does not constrict vessels.
A localized collection of pus within a cavity formed by tissue destruction (an abscess) results from:
Abscesses are focal suppurative lesions caused by pyogenic bacteria, with a central mass of neutrophils and necrotic debris.
Which feature best distinguishes acute from chronic inflammation?
Acute inflammation starts rapidly, lasts minutes to days, and features fluid exudate and neutrophils. The other options are features of chronic inflammation.
Which substance is NOT a component of the complement system?
Complement comprises plasma proteins such as C1-C9 and regulators. IL-1 is a cytokine secreted by macrophages.