Chemical Mediators Flashcards

1
Q

What are chemical mediators?

A

Chemical mediators are molecules that are released by cells and have an effect on other cells, altering their function.

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2
Q

Name a type of chemical mediator.

A

Histamine

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3
Q

True or False: Chemical mediators are only produced during inflammation.

A

False

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4
Q

What is the role of chemical mediators in the immune response?

A

Chemical mediators help regulate the immune response, including inflammation and allergic reactions.

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5
Q

What are the main types of chemical mediators?

A

The main types of chemical mediators are histamines, prostaglandins, and cytokines.

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6
Q

Fill in the blank: Chemical mediators are also known as _______ signaling molecules.

A

Autacoid

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7
Q

What is the function of histamine in the body?

A

Histamine is involved in allergic reactions, inflammation, and gastric acid secretion.

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8
Q

Which type of chemical mediator is involved in fever and pain perception?

A

Prostaglandins

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9
Q

True or False: Cytokines are only produced by immune cells.

A

False

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10
Q

What role do cytokines play in the immune response?

A

Cytokines regulate cell communication and immune responses, including inflammation.

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11
Q

What are the two main categories of cytokines?

A

The two main categories of cytokines are pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines.

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12
Q

Fill in the blank: Chemical mediators are crucial for maintaining _______ balance in the body.

A

Homeostatic

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13
Q

Which chemical mediator is involved in vasodilation and increased vascular permeability?

A

Histamine

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14
Q

True or False: Prostaglandins are only produced during inflammation.

A

False

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15
Q

What is the main function of prostaglandins in the body?

A

Prostaglandins regulate inflammation, blood flow, and clot formation.

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16
Q

What effect do prostaglandins have on the stomach lining?

A

Prostaglandins protect the stomach lining by promoting mucus production.

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17
Q

Which type of chemical mediator is involved in cell signaling and immune responses?

A

Cytokines

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18
Q

True or False: Chemical mediators are only produced by immune cells.

A

False

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19
Q

What is the primary function of chemical mediators in the body?

A

The primary function of chemical mediators is to coordinate responses to injury, infection, or inflammation.

20
Q

Fill in the blank: Chemical mediators are released in response to _______ stimuli.

A

Various

21
Q

Which chemical mediator is involved in promoting smooth muscle contraction and pain perception?

A

Prostaglandins

22
Q

True or False: Cytokines only have pro-inflammatory effects.

A

False

23
Q

What are some examples of pro-inflammatory cytokines?

A

Examples of pro-inflammatory cytokines include interleukins and tumor necrosis factor.

24
Q

What is the function of anti-inflammatory cytokines?

A

Anti-inflammatory cytokines help regulate the immune response and reduce inflammation.

25
Q

Fill in the blank: Chemical mediators play a key role in the body’s _______ response.

A

Inflammatory

26
Q

Autocrine secretions

A

Autocrine secretions are signals that a cell sends to itself. The cell releases a chemical, like a hormone or protein, which then binds to receptors on the same cell to trigger a response. This helps the cell regulate its own functions.

27
Q

Neurocrine secretions

A

Neurocrine secretions involve nerve cells (neurons) releasing chemicals, like neurotransmitters, that travel across a small gap (synapse) to communicate with other cells. This process allows neurons to send signals to other neurons, muscles, or glands to trigger actions like movement or hormone release.

28
Q

Panacrine secretions

A

Panacrine secretions are when a cell releases signals that affect a wide range of nearby cells or tissues. Unlike autocrine (self-targeting) or paracrine (neighbor-targeting), panacrine signaling can influence many different types of cells in the surrounding area.

29
Q

Endocrine secretions

A

Endocrine secretions are when glands release hormones into the bloodstream. These hormones travel through the blood to target distant organs or cells in the body, helping regulate processes like growth, metabolism, and mood.

30
Q

H1

A

Receptor subtype and active state

H1: Activates phospholipase C

Locations / Effects

Postcapillary venules: Increased permeability
Vascular beds: Vasodilation (rapid, short-lived)
Central nervous system (CNS): Appetite suppression; control of fluid balance, blood pressure, body temperature
Peripheral nerve endings: Pain and itching sensations
Respiratory and gastrointestinal smooth muscle: Contraction
Heart: Positive chronotropy and inotropy
Immune cells: Enhanced release of histamine from mast cells and basophils; T helper cell priming; enhanced antigen-presenting cell capacity

31
Q

H2

A

Receptor subtype and active state

H2: Activates adenylate cyclase

Locations / Effects

Stomach: Increased gastric acid secretion
Vascular beds: Vasodilation (slow, prolonged)
CNS: Control of fluid balance, blood pressure, body temperature
Respiratory and gastrointestinal smooth muscle: Relaxation
Heart: Positive chronotropy
Immune cells: Modulation of immune function

32
Q

H3

A

Receptor subtype and active state

H3: Inhibits adenylate cyclase

Locations / Effects

Axon terminals: Autoinhibition
CNS: Regulates release of neurotransmitter from dopaminergic, cholinergic, adrenergic and serotonergic nerves; control of locomotion, bodyweight, body temperature
Immune cells: Immunomodulation

33
Q

H4

A

Receptor subtype and active state

H4: Inhibits adenylate cyclase

Locations / Effects

Immune cells: Chemotaxis; a role in autoimmune disease

34
Q

Histamine is made in all tissues with higher concentration in the nerve cells and blood vessels

A

False - Correct. This answer is false. Histamine is released from all tissues with higher concentration in cells of the skin, lungs and gastrointestinal tract (not nerves and blood vessels).

35
Q

Histamine is an autacoid (i.e. acts near the tissue where it is made)

A

True - Correct. This answer is true. Histamine is an autacoid or biological factor which acts like a local hormone near the site of synthesis.

36
Q

When histamine is released, blood vessels dilate, while increased flow of blood and leakage of fluid occurs

A

True - Correct. This answer is true. Histamine causes the surrounding blood vessels to dilate and increase in permeability so fluid and cells of the immune system leak from the bloodstream and migrate to the site.

37
Q

The medicines termed antihistamines usually antagonise H3 receptors

A

False - Correct. The answer is false. Antihistamines usually antagonise H1 receptors.

38
Q

The mother states:

“I have given my daughter an antihistamine for hay fever and now she is very drowsy”.

“Should I be worried? Are there any safety concerns?”

A

The antihistamine given to this child has caused the drowsiness as it has crossed the blood-brain barrier. As the nurse, you should check that the medication dose given was appropriate for the child’s age and size. You should advise the mother to observe the child’s airway and breathing, and seek further advice if concerned.

39
Q

Nitric oxide is a chemical mediator which can cause vasoconstriction

A

False - Correct. The answer is false. Nitric oxide is a chemical mediator which can cause vasodilation (not vasoconstriction).

40
Q

Serotonin is a chemical mediator that can enhance peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract

A

True - Correct. The answer is true. Serotonin is a chemical mediator that can enhance peristalsis in the gastrointestinal tract.

41
Q

Drugs that block the synthesis of prostaglandins can be used to relieve inflammation and pain

A

True - Correct. The answer is true. Drugs (such as NSAIDs) that block the synthesis of prostaglandins can be used to relieve inflammation and pain.

42
Q

Prostaglandins are chemical mediators of inflammation

A

True - Correct. The answer is true. Prostaglandins are chemical mediators of inflammation.

43
Q

Prostaglandins antagonists cause smooth muscle constriction so can be used to induce labour

A

False - Correct. The answer is false. Prostaglandins agonists (not antagonists) can cause smooth muscle constriction so can be used to induce labour.

44
Q

Serotonin agonists such as Ondansetron can block serotonin HT3 receptors to relieve nausea and vomiting

A

False - Correct. The answer is false. Serotonin antagonists (not agonists) can block serotonin HT3 receptors to relieve nausea and vomiting.

45
Q

Serotonin (indirect) agonists can be used to treat depression and anxiety

A

True - Correct. The answer is true. Serotonin agonists (such as SSRIs and SSNIs) can be used to treat depression and anxiety.

46
Q

Nitrate drugs (such as nitroglycerin) convert to nitric oxide in the body and can be used to manage chest pain

A

True - Correct. The answer is true. Nitrate drugs (such as nitroglycerin) convert to nitric oxide in the body and can be used to manage chest pain.