Which of the following would you not expect to see in the first stage of inflammation?
a. Histamine
b. Kinins
c. Macrophages
d. Increased blood vessel permeability
e. Eicosanoids

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the stages of inflammation: The first stage of inflammation is characterized by the immediate response to injury or infection, which involves the release of chemical signals.
2. Identify the key players in the first stage: Histamine and kinins are among the chemical mediators released early in the inflammatory response, leading to increased blood vessel permeability.
3. Consider the role of macrophages: Macrophages are white blood cells that play a role in later stages of inflammation, primarily in phagocytosis and tissue repair.
4. Evaluate the function of eicosanoids: Eicosanoids are signaling molecules that can be involved in various stages of inflammation, including the initial response.
5. Determine which option is least likely to be involved in the first stage: Based on the roles of each component, identify which one is not typically associated with the immediate response in inflammation.

Key Concepts

Stages of Inflammation

Inflammation is a complex biological response to harmful stimuli, typically divided into three stages: the acute phase, the subacute phase, and the chronic phase. The first stage, acute inflammation, is characterized by immediate responses such as vasodilation and increased blood flow, leading to redness and heat. This stage primarily involves the release of chemical mediators that recruit immune cells to the site of injury.

Chemical Mediators of Inflammation

Chemical mediators are substances released during inflammation that facilitate the inflammatory response. Key mediators include histamine, which increases blood vessel permeability, and kinins, which promote vasodilation and pain. These mediators are crucial in the early stages of inflammation, as they help to recruit immune cells and enhance the inflammatory response.

Role of Macrophages

Macrophages are a type of white blood cell that play a vital role in the immune response, particularly during the later stages of inflammation. They are involved in phagocytosis, the process of engulfing and digesting pathogens and debris. While macrophages are essential for resolving inflammation and tissue repair, they are typically not prominent in the very early phase of inflammation, which is dominated by other mediators and cells.