Classification of inflammatory mediators

1. Substances stored irrespective of need and released when required
   • Histamine
   • Serotonin
2. Substances synthesized in cells as required when inflammatory events dictate
   • Leucotrines
   • Prostaglandins
   • Cytokines
3. Cascades that are activated as part of the inflammatory response
   • Clotting cascade
   • Complement cascade - opsonins, chemoattractants, anaphylactic agents
   • Kinin cascade

Prime plasma-derived mediators in acute inflammation

• Fibrin-related peptides and plasmin
• Kallikrein and bradykinin
• C3a C5a

CRP

C-reactive protein
Half-life ~6hours
Marker of acute inflammation
Protein derived produced in liver
Functionally similar to IgG (but not specific)