Pneumonia from the point of view of organ interaction

Abstract

Functional interaction between parenchyma components, stroma, and hematopoietic cell populations of the alveoli under acute inflammation have been described in this review. Cells interact via cytokines and growth factors; a role of this interaction for the pathogenesis of pneumonia is also discussed. We suppose a need of omprehensive research of pneumonia pathogenesis in terms of all structural components of inflammation focus. Thereafter we introduced a concept of interaction systems. Parenchymal elements, such as type I and type II pneumocytes, brush cells, and stromal elements, such as interstitial tissue, fibers, cell populations, alveolar capillaries, and autonomic nerve terminals, are describes in the article. Certain aspects of pneumonia pathogenesis are poorly understood including mechanisms of neutrophil migration to the alveoli and a role of interaction systems in this process. We offer to apply the term of interaction systems relating to the lung tissue when investigating pneumonia.