Blood groups and transfusion reactions - Tutorial 8

Question 1

Define the term antigen

Answer 1

• A substance that is recognised as foreign by the immune system and generates an immune response

Question 2

List the six different types of blood transfusion reactions

Answer 2

1. Acute Haemolytic
2. Febrile
3. Mild Allergic
4. Anaphylactic and severe allergic
5. Circulatory overload
6. Sepsis

Question 3

Describe what causes a febrile reaction

Answer 3

Reaction to donor WBC, platelets or plasma proteins

Question 4

Describe the two major physiological events that occur during an acute
haemolytic reaction

Answer 4

• The recipients antibodies attack the antigens on the donors red blood cells

This is severe because the recipient will produce antibodies in huge numbers to attack the donor’s RBCs

Question 5

Name the two types cholinergic receptors

Answer 5

• Nicotinic receptors
  -Muscarinic receptors

Question 6

State the main locations for each of these two receptors

Answer 6

• Nicotinic:
• Cells of adrenal medullae (secretion of adrenaline and noradrenaline)
• Neuromuscular end plates of skeletal muscles (muscle contraction)
• Muscarinic:
• Effectors innervated by parasympathetic nerves (smooth muscle, cardiac muscle and glands)
• Sweat glands
  Skeletal muscle blood vessels

Question 7

• Describe the effect of administering an agonist medication on these receptors

Answer 7

Is a substance that binds to and activates a receptor (mimicking the effect of a natural neurotransmitter or hormone)

Question 8

• Describe the effect of administering an antagonist medication on these
  receptors

Answer 8

Is a substance that binds to and blocks a receptor thereby preventing a natural neurotransmitter or hormone form having an effect

Question 9

Name the two hormones that activate adrenergic receptors

Answer 9

Adrenaline and Noradrenaline