Final answer:
Substances such as (a) histamine, (b) leukotrienes, (c) prostaglandins, and (d) platelet activating factor are crucial in mediating the inflammatory response, each contributing to various inflammation characteristics like swelling, pain, and increased blood flow.
Step-by-step explanation:
The substances that play a role in the inflammatory response include:
- Histamine: Causes vasodilation and increases the permeability of capillaries, leading to swelling.
- Leukotrienes: Attract neutrophils by chemotaxis and increase vascular permeability.
- Prostaglandins: Cause vasodilation and are a major cause of pain associated with inflammation. They are targeted by NSAIDs like aspirin and ibuprofen which relieve pain by inhibiting their production.
- Platelet activating factor: Along with prostaglandins, it is released by activated platelets and contributes to inflammation and vasoconstriction.
Following tissue injury, these mediators facilitate various aspects of the inflammatory process including the attraction of white blood cells and the increase of blood flow to the affected area.