Fig. 2.

Endocrine and immune system changes following burn injury. Burn injury triggers the immediate release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, catecholamines and stress hormones, followed by a counter anti-inflammatory response and a shift towards a T helper type 2 (Th2) immune environment. Activation of mast cells contributes to this phenotype which is thought to be sustained, resulting in long-term suppression of the immune system. IL interleukin, NK natural killer