International Series of Monographs in Pure and Applied Biology, Modern Trends in Physiological Sciences, Volume 37: Chemical Mediators of the Acute Inflammatory Reaction traces the history of investigation into the acute inflammatory reaction from the early observations in invertebrates to the experiments of therapeutic significance for humans.This book focuses on mediators that are accepted as being commonly involved in the inflammatory reaction, such as histamine, kinins, serotonin, prostaglandins, and permeability factors. The topics discussed include the phagocytic system and antibody production; factors which influence phagocytosis; measurement of the acute inflammatory reaction; and combined actions of mediators. The reaction to injury and manifestation of inflammation and biochemical aspects of anti-inflammatory drug reaction are also covered.This volume is beneficial to anatomists, biochemists, physiologists, immunologists, pathologists, pharmacologists, and clinicians interested in acute inflammatory reaction.

PrefaceAcknowledgmentChapter 1. Natural History of the Inflammatory Reaction Earliest Theories on the Mechanism of Inflammation Development of the Evidence The Phagocytic System and Antibody Production The Reticulo-Endothelial System (RES) Factors which Influence Phagocytosis Role of the Endothelial Cells Role of Mast Cells Conclusion ReferencesCHAPTER 2. Measurement of the Acute Inflammatory Reaction Experimental Design Peculiarities of the Methods Employed Special Techniques ReferencesChapter 3. Mediators of the Inflammatory Reaction Mediators and "Immediators" of the Inflammatory Reaction Histamine Bradykinin and Related Kinins High Molecular Permeability Factors Combined Actions of Mediators ReferencesChapter 4. Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Drugs The Possible Mediators of Inflammation and Anti-Inflammatory Actions of Drugs Effect of Anti-Inflammatory Drugs on Biogenesis and Releasing Systems of the Presumed Mediators Reaction to Injury and Manifestation of Inflammation Biochemical Aspects of Anti-Inflammatory Drug Reaction Involvement of Nervous Structures in Inflammatory Reactions Hormonal Influences on the Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Drugs Conclusions ReferencesAuthor IndexSubject IndexOther Titles in the Division