Injury to skin can cause release of inflammatory mediators such as...

• A. Neurotransmitters, peptides, cytokines, and lipids
• B. Only histamine
• C. Oxygen radicals only
• D. Antibodies

Answer: (A)

Injury to the skin triggers a cascade where various cells release signaling molecules that start and propagate inflammation. These mediators come from different chemical families, including neurotransmitters (like substance P and serotonin), peptides (such as bradykinin), cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1), and lipids (prostaglandins, leukotrienes). Together they promote vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, recruit neutrophils, and sensitize nerve endings, producing redness, swelling, and pain. This broad mix is why the option listing neurotransmitters, peptides, cytokines, and lipids best describes what gets released after injury. Other choices are too narrow: histamine is important but not the only mediator; reactive oxygen species are damaging byproducts rather than the main signaling mediators; antibodies belong to the adaptive immune response and aren’t the immediate inflammatory mediators released by injured tissue.