Immune mechanisms in the pathogenesis of acute peritonitis G.V. Bulava

Acute inflammation of the peritoneum – peritonitis – often develops after injury to hollow visceral organs, intestinal necrosis, failure of anastomosis, or tumor processes. Subsequent microbial contamination of the abdominal cavity leads to infection, in response to which immune mechanisms are activated. The pathogenesis of inflammatory processes in the abdominal cavity and their features are largely determined by the structure and function of the peritoneum, as well as its close connection with the omentum. An important point in resolving peritonitis is to maintain the balance of cytokines, the activity of immunocytes and complement functioning in the immune lymphoid clusters of the peritoneum and omentum, and their collaborative action during inflammation. The review presents data on the structure and function of the peritoneum and omentum, the role of neutrophil, macrophage, lymphocytic links of the immune system, as well as those of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and complement in the development and cessation of acute inflammation in the abdominal cavity.