Exam 3: Allergy Overview Flashcards
Allergies:
is an exaggerated response to certain antigens called allergens
Some allergens might include?
Pollen, Bee Venom, Peanuts, Penicillin
What is the immune profile of an allergy response?
It includes antibodies of IgE, mast cells, and eosinophils
Susceptibility to allergies is a combination of?
Genes and environment
Where are mast cells concentrated?
In the mucosa and areas under the skin
What are the two important molecules in reference to allergies?
Histamine and Leukotriene
Histamine is responsible for what physical symptoms of allergies?
- Coughing
2. Swelling and Redness
What are the 3 treatments we can use for allergies?
- Anti-Histamine
- Leukotrine Blockers
- Albuterol
The 2 main classes of Anti - Inflammatory Drugs:
Steroids and Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
What is the function of natural steroid hormones?
divert energy from the immune system to the flight or fight response. Used for the inhibition of unwanted immune responses
What was the first NSAID discovered?
Aspirin that was obtained from willow bark
How does NSAIDS work?
inhibit the cyclooxygenase enzyme that makes potent inflammatory mediators
Patient with a high level of eosinophils in the blood suffer :
Damage to their nerves and the endocardium of the heart
Atopy:
The natural tendency to develop allergic disease
What makes allergens immunogenic?
Hypothesized that there is a structural similarity between allergens and the immunogenic peptides in parasites