Abstract
The activation of a pro-inflammatory cascade after burn injury appears to be important in the development of subsequent immune dysfunction, susceptibility to sepsis and multiple organ failure. Macrophages are major producers of pro-inflammatory mediators and their productive capacity for these mediators is markedly enhanced following thermal injury. Thus, macrophage hyperactivity (as defined by increased productive capacity for pro-inflammatory mediators) appears to be of critical importance in the development of post-burn immune dysfunction. This review will focus on the current state of knowledge with regards to the role of macrophages in the development of post-burn immune dysfunction. Particular areas of discussion include: nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme systems, macrophages and the T-helper (Th)-1/Th-2 cytokine responses, alterations in macrophages signal transduction and a potential role for γ/δ T-cells in the development of macrophage hyperactivity following thermal injury. A more comprehensive understanding of the relationship between macrophage activity and post-burn immune dysfunction will hopefully provide the basis for improved therapeutic regimes in the treatment of burn patients.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 1-14 |
Number of pages | 14 |
Journal | Burns |
Volume | 29 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Feb 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Burns
- Immune dysfunction
- Inflammation
- Macrophages
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
- Critical Care and Intensive Care Medicine