ATOPY

Question 1

What are Atopic sensitivities?

Answer 1

Type I hypersensitivity

Question 2

What are characteristics of allergens?

Answer 2

• Protein, often with side chains (induce T cell response)
• enzymatically active
• low dose
• low molecular weight
• highly soluble
• stable
• MHC binding peptide contained within

Question 3

What are the Th2 cytokines?

Answer 3

•IL-4, -5, -9, -13

Question 4

•Cells of innate & adaptive immunity under the skin & mucosa are specialized to secrete…

Answer 4

Th2 cytokines

Question 5

Where are mast cells prominent?

Answer 5

•Especially prominent skin & mucosa

Question 6

Mast cells have preformed pro-inflammatory mediators in their granules… what are they?

Answer 6

–histamine (2-5 pg/cell)
–serotonin
–heparin
–serine proteases

Question 7

What are the lipid mediators (eicosanoids) associated with mast cells?

Answer 7

–prostaglandin D2
–leukotrienes

Question 8

What immune cell is the major contributor to tissue damage?

Answer 8

Eosinophils

Question 9

What substance can stimulate histamine release from mast cells independent of IgE?

Answer 9

Major Basic Protein MBP

Question 10

Describe the onset, power and duration of Leukotrienes

Answer 10

•Slower onset, much more powerful and have a much longer duration than histamine in bronchoconstriction

Question 11

What do leukotrienes cause…

Answer 11

•Leukotrienes cause an increase in capillary permeability and mucus production (due to mucus gland hypertrophy)

Causes a lasting bronchoconstriction

Question 12

What environmental risk factors should we be aware of regarding allergies?

Answer 12

–infectious disease, pollution, allergen levels, dietary changes

Question 13

What three things are involved in “priming”

Answer 13

• T & B activation & expansion induced by allergens
• Production of IgE
• “Sensitized” or Atopic