Inflammation and repair mnemonic

Mediators of the acute inflammatory response to recall by function

The mnemonic

Vasodilate, Leak, Attract

What each word stands for

  • VasodilateHistamine, prostaglandins and nitric oxide widen vessels
  • LeakHistamine and bradykinin raise permeability
  • AttractC5a, LTB4 and IL-8 are chemotactic for neutrophils

Why it matters clinically

Links each drug target to an effect, such as antihistamines for leak and NSAIDs for prostaglandins.

Where it stops being reliable

A broad grouping; it leaves out pain mediators, fever mediators and many others.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Inflammation and repair mnemonic?

Vasodilate, Leak, Attract. It helps you recall: Mediators of the acute inflammatory response to recall by function.

What does "Vasodilate" stand for?

Histamine, prostaglandins and nitric oxide widen vessels

What does "Leak" stand for?

Histamine and bradykinin raise permeability

What does "Attract" stand for?

C5a, LTB4 and IL-8 are chemotactic for neutrophils

What are all the parts of the Vasodilate, Leak, Attract mnemonic?

Vasodilate: Histamine, prostaglandins and nitric oxide widen vessels; Leak: Histamine and bradykinin raise permeability; Attract: C5a, LTB4 and IL-8 are chemotactic for neutrophils.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Inflammation and repair in Pathology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

A broad grouping; it leaves out pain mediators, fever mediators and many others.

How is this useful clinically?

Links each drug target to an effect, such as antihistamines for leak and NSAIDs for prostaglandins.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Pathology question about Inflammation and repair.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.