[Inflammation, immunity and surgery]

The activation of endothelial and phagocytic cells, with concomitant formation of a range of adhesive molecules and inflammatory mediators, are integral parts of the host response to injurious agents (trauma, infection, altered antigens, toxins, chemicals etc.). The excessive mediator responses are associated with increased morbidity and lethality. Cytokines, soluble mediators secreted by cells, play an integral role in the metabolic and immune responses to the injurious agents. Widespread tissue damage, when associated with fulminant sepsis may induce massive release of cytokines (TNF, IL-1, IL-6), triggering certain steps of reactions involving multiple organs and culminating in the systemic inflammatory response syndrome, sepsis syndrome or multiple organ failure syndrome. (Fig. 2, Ref. 21.)