[The interrelation of the "local" and the "general" in inflammation]

The relationships between the local and the general in inflammation are analysed basing on the literature and original data. Local chemoattraction is postulated to be an underlying factor initiating primary local cooperation of cells relevant to inflammation. Being essential in this cooperation, macrophage seems to warrant both the local developments and triggering of general mechanisms of regulation which are relevant to control over subsequent secondary cell cooperation. The latter is biologically aimed at localization of the inflammation focus and separation of its pathogenic factors from intact internal medium. General mechanisms of inflammation control are provided by neuroendocrine, immune, vascular, coagulative, fibrinolytic and other systems, and operate through the products of the acute phase, by immune defence factors and rearrangement of nervous regulation of homeostasis in intact organs and tissues. The result of the regulation manifests with sequential presentation of the inflammation stages in time, correlation of local and general responses intensity. Eventually, local inflammation and lesion involve stress and intoxication which are not considered direct attributes of inflammation, nevertheless can influence general regulatory systems concerned with the course of local inflammation. It is concluded that inflammation implies dialectic unity of local and systemic responses of the body outlined to resolve inflammation and restore homeostasis.