Diseases of Immune System Flashcards
What is the key problem that causes autoimmune diseases?
Many genetic and environmental factors –> loss of self-tolerance
i. Tolerance: ability to recognize self
Although many are unknown
Describe the main cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
Autoantibodies against many nuclear components (DNA, histones,
nucleolar antigens) –> forms immune complex
ii. Antigen + antibody immune complex in circulatory system and
deposits in tissues –> damage
Describe the main cause of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
a. What do the autoantibodies target?
b. How do the autoantibodies damage tissues?
i. Autoantibodies against many nuclear components (DNA, histones,
nucleolar antigens) –> forms immune complex
ii. Antigen + antibody immune complex in circulatory system and
deposits in tissues –> damage
Describe some of the symptoms of SLE. Focus on: (7) a. Skin lesions b. Mucous membrane or oral lesions c. Joints d. Nonspecific problems – fever and fatigue.
Symptoms: butterfly rash (malar rash), fatigue, fever, swollen and painful
joints, photosensitivity, mouth ulcers (with striae)
Describe the main cause of myasthenia gravis
Autoantibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on skeletal
muscle –> degradation of the receptor
ii. Fewer Ach receptors –> muscle weakness –> flaccid paralysis (no
contraction)
Describe the main cause of myasthenia gravis
a. What do the autoantibodies target?
b. What happens to the ACh receptor on skeletal muscle and how does this affect muscle contraction?
Autoantibodies to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on skeletal
muscle –> degradation of the receptor
ii. Fewer Ach receptors –> muscle weakness –> flaccid paralysis (no
contraction)
Describe some of the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (3)
Symptoms: difficulty chewing or swallowing, drooping eyelid, drooping
mouth (from muscle weakness)
Describe some of the symptoms of myasthenia gravis (3)
Focus on:
a. Eye, mouth, swallowing.
Symptoms: difficulty chewing or swallowing, drooping eyelid, drooping
mouth (from muscle weakness)
Describe the main cause of Sjogren syndrome.
autoimmune destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands
Cause
1. Primary: isolated – only have Sjorgren, Sicca syndrome - only
affects salivary and lacrimal glands
- Secondary: often associated with other autoimmune diseases –
rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus
Describe the main cause of Sjogren syndrome.
a. What do the autoantibodies target?
b. How does this affect salivary and lacrimal secretions?
autoimmune destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands
Cause
1. Primary: isolated – only have Sjorgren, Sicca syndrome - only
affects salivary and lacrimal glands
- Secondary: often associated with other autoimmune diseases –
rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus
Describe the main cause of Sjogren syndrome.
c. What is the difference between the primary and secondary form?
autoimmune destruction of salivary and lacrimal glands
Cause
1. Primary: isolated – only have Sjorgren, Sicca syndrome - only
affects salivary and lacrimal glands
- Secondary: often associated with other autoimmune diseases –
rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus
Describe some of the symptoms of Sjogren syndrome. Focus on:
a. Oral problems
b. Eye problems
c. What happens to salivary glands?
.
Describe some of the symptoms of Sjogren syndrome.
.
a rash on the patient’s face in the shape of a butterfly is noted. She states that she thought this was just a sunburn. The patient states that they have been very fatigued lately, occasionally have had a fever for ‘no reason’, and the joints in their hands seem a little swollen and painful.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is suspected (SLE)
A 42-year-old male goes to his dentist for a routine checkup. The dentist notices that the corner of the patients mouth is drooping and his eyelid is a little droopy too. The dentist asks if the patient has had any difficulty chewing or swallowing. And the patient exclaims ‘Yes, how did you know!’
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