From the Guidelines
The immune response leads to vasodilation through the release of inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines, which trigger the cardinal signs of inflammation, including heat, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function. The immune response plays a central role in inflammation by coordinating both protective and potentially harmful reactions to injury or infection. When tissue damage or pathogens are detected, immune cells like neutrophils and macrophages rapidly infiltrate the area, releasing inflammatory mediators that trigger vasodilation and increase blood flow to the affected area 1.
Key Mechanisms
- The release of cytokines, such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, which stimulate the production of prostaglandins and other inflammatory mediators 1
- The activation of immune cells, such as neutrophils and macrophages, which release chemokines and other signaling molecules that attract more immune cells to the area
- The increased production of nitric oxide, which is a potent vasodilator and contributes to the increased blood flow and permeability of blood vessels
Clinical Management
In clinical practice, inflammation management focuses on targeting specific components of this immune response. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen (400-800mg every 6-8 hours) or naproxen (250-500mg twice daily) inhibit cyclooxygenase enzymes to reduce prostaglandin production. Corticosteroids such as prednisone (typically 5-60mg daily depending on condition severity) broadly suppress immune function by inhibiting multiple inflammatory pathways. For chronic inflammatory conditions, disease-modifying agents are employed, including methotrexate (7.5-25mg weekly for rheumatoid arthritis), hydroxychloroquine (200-400mg daily for lupus), and biological agents like adalimumab (40mg subcutaneously every other week for inflammatory bowel disease or psoriasis) that target specific cytokines.
Tailoring the Management Approach
The management approach should be tailored to the underlying cause, with acute inflammation often requiring short-term interventions while chronic conditions necessitate long-term strategies that balance inflammation control with minimizing treatment side effects. Understanding the immune mechanisms involved helps clinicians select appropriate therapies that target specific inflammatory pathways while preserving beneficial immune functions 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Immune Response and Vasodilation
- The immune response leads to vasodilation through the release of various chemical mediators, including histamine, bradykinin, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes 2, 3.
- These mediators cause blood vessels to dilate, allowing for increased blood flow to the affected area, which is a characteristic feature of inflammation.
- Histamine, in particular, plays a significant role in modulating the immune response and inflammation, and its effects are dependent on its interaction with its four histamine receptors 2.
Role of Immune Response in Inflammation
- The immune response is a critical component of inflammation, and it involves the activation of various immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and T cells 3, 4.
- These immune cells release chemical mediators, such as cytokines, chemokines, and prostaglandins, which promote inflammation and attract other immune cells to the affected area.
- The immune response also involves the activation of various intracellular pathways, including the cyclo-oxygenase pathway, which leads to the production of prostaglandins and other pro-inflammatory mediators 5, 4.
Management of Immune Response in Clinical Practice
- The management of immune response in clinical practice involves the use of various anti-inflammatory drugs, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroids, and antihistamines 3, 5, 6.
- NSAIDs, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, work by inhibiting the cyclo-oxygenase enzyme and reducing the production of prostaglandins and other pro-inflammatory mediators 5, 6.
- Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, work by suppressing the immune response and reducing inflammation, and are often used to treat conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and asthma 3.