16 Flashcards
What is a recurrent episodic bout of coughing and difficult breathing from airway inflammation?
asthma
What 2 things is asthma associated with?
genetic linkage
environmental factor related to immunological challenge
Which T cell response is associated with asthma?
TH2
Infections from what 2 organisms lead to no asthma?
helminth
hep A
What is allergic asthma triggered by?
allergen-induced mast cell activation and release of inflammatory mediators[histamines/leukotrienes]
True or false–asthmatic initiation is characterized by airway constriction and decreased mucus secretion? Why?
False, increased mucus secretion
What do inflammatory mediators do once released from mast cell activation?
recruit additional inflammatory cells (eosinophil and neutrophils)
THIS LEADS TO A SECOND WAVE OF INFLAMMATION
What can chronic airway inflammation perpetuate? what is the result?
- airway hyperresponsiveness to environmental irritants
- asthmatic episodes are triggered in the absence of the original aggravating allergen
What are the 2 clinical features of asthmatic airway?
- bronchial hyperreactivity to aerosolized histamine/adenosine as measured by reduced FEV
- Increased eosinophil numbers beneath the airway epithelium, and sputum/lavage
What can control the early reaction of allergic asthma response?
prophylactic corticosteroids and cromolyn?
What can palliate symptoms once the early reaction of asthma is initiated?
B2 adrenergic receptor agonists
What can reduce the late reaction?
inhaled corticosteroids at or before initiation of the early reaction
Asthma therapies target (try to do) what 2 things?
- acute symptoms (quick relief)
2. Reduce airway hyper-responsiveness (long term control)
What is the general job of a quick reliever in asthma? Key example?
promote relaxation of smooth muscle which leads to dilation
For example: B2 adrenergic receptor agonist
What are the long term controllers of asthma?
- anti-inflammatories that target leukotriene and mast cells degranulation
- long acting agents to reduce probability of airway constriction
What are 2 examples of a way to prevent airway constriction long term?
longer acting B2-adrenergic receptor agonists, methylxanthines)
What creates arachidonic acid?
phospholipase A2 acts n phospholipids
What key enzyme initially allows production of leukotriene?
5-lipoxygenase
What does LTB4 do to blood vessels?
nothing
What does LTB4 do in smooth muscle?
nothing
What does LBT4 do in regards to leukocytes?
neutrophil chemotaxis
What does LTC4 do in blood vessels?
decreased coronary blood flow increase capillary permeability
What does LTC4 due on smooth muscle
constrict bronchial
What does LTC4 do in regards to a leukocytes?
eosinophil chemotaxis an degranulation
What does LTD4 do on blood vessels?
decrease coronary blood flow, increase capillary permeability