Cellular and Vascular Phenomena in Inflammation

This chapter discusses methods that are currently in use for measuring the various aspects of inflammatory reaction. The methods are the earliest visible responses, which may be followed by platelet deposition and polymorphonuclear leukocyte (PMNL) I margination in the microvasculature and subsequent PMNL infiltration into the tissues. If the reaction proceeds to tissue and vascular injury, fibrin and additional platelet deposition may develop (thrombosis) and red-cell extravasation (hemorrhage) may occur. In the later stages of acute inflammation, and certainly during delayed hypersensitivity of T lymphocyte-mediated inflammatory reactions, infiltration of the involved tissue with blood monocytes and lymphocytes also occurs. Although the skin is a convenient tissue in which to elicit inflammation, it does not allow for the recovery of cells and of in vivo generated mediators. If the study requires the latter, it is most advisable to induce inflammation in a serous cavity, such as the peritoneal or the pleural space. The preference is the pleural cavity of rabbits, because it allows sequential sampling in the conscious animal without interference by bowel or ommentum as is often the case in the peritoneum.