There have been tremendous advances in understanding the cellular mechanisms involved in sepsis and contributing to the development of multiple organ dysfunction and mortality in this setting. The chapters in this book provide up-to-date insights into important pathways that are initiated by sepsis.

Inhalt
Setting the Scene.- Setting the Scene.- The Inflammatory Response.- Genetics and Severe Sepsis.- Cell Signaling Pathways of the Innate Immune System During Acute Inflammation.- Early-Onset Pro-inflammatory Cytokines.- The Significance of HMGB1, a Late-Acting Pro-inflammatory Cytokine.- Nitric Oxide.- Involvement of Reactive Oxygen and Nitrogen Species in the Pathogenesis of Acute Lung Injury.- Heat Shock Proteins in Inflammation.- Fibrosis in the Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.- Resolution of Inflammation.- The Cellular Immune Respone.- Compartmentalized Activation of Immune Cells During Sepsis and Organ Dysfunction.- The Neutrophil in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Organ Dysfunction Syndrome.- The Role of the Macrophage.- The Role of the Endothelium.- Differential Effects of Pro-Inflammatory Mediators on Alveolar Epithelial Barrier Function.- Mechanisms and Pathways of Dysfunction.- Macrocirculatory Disturbances.- The Microcirculation Is a Vulnerable Organ in Sepsis.- The Cholinergic Anti-inflammatory Pathway: Connecting the Mind and Body.- Coagulation in Sepsis.- The Role of Insulin and Blood Glucose Control.- Dysfunction of the Bioenergetic Pathway.- Metabolic Pathways.- Cell Death and Acute Lung Injury.- Mechanisms of Immunodepression after Central Nervous System Injury.- Organ-specific Mechanisms of Dysfunction.- Pulmonary Dysfunction.- The Gut.- Endogenous Danger Signals in Liver Injury: Role of High Mobility Group Box Protein-1.- Sepsis-induced Acute Renal Failure and Recovery.- Sepsis-Induced Brain Dysfunction.- Myocardial Depression in Sepsis and Septic Shock.- Skeletal Muscle.