[libribook.com] Traumatic Scar Tissue Management 1st Edition

Pathophysiological Consideration
Normal levels of glucocorticoids are believed to be immunomodulatory.
However, when stress increases levels of glucocorticoids, suppression of
inflammatory and immune responses occur. Cortisol has been shown to
decrease circulating leukocytes and inhibit the migration of leukocytes to
the site of injury or infection by decreasing capillary permeability and
inhibiting chemotaxis. Elevated cortisol levels have also been found to
inhibit certain cytokines such as interleukin 1– prolonging the wound
healing process (Lusk & Lash 2005, Guyre et al. 2008, Lucas 2011).