Hypersensitivity (Lecture 5) Flashcards
Hypersensitivity (definition)
A normal, but exaggerated/uncontrolled immune response to an antigen that can produce inflammation, cell destruction, or tissue injury
Immediate Hypersensitivity
Antibody Mediated. Minutes to Hours.
Delayed Hypersensitivity
Cell Mediated. Days or longer.
Immunization/Sensitization
An immunologic reaction dependent on the host’s response to a subsequent exposure to antigen.
Small quantities of antigen may favor sensitization by:
restricting the quantity of antibody formed
Allergic/Hypersensitive reaction may follow:
Second exposure to antigen. It reveals the existence of sensitization.
Most significant property of IgE antibodies
Can be specific for hundreds of different antigens (animal dander, pollens, food, molds, dust, metals, drugs, insect stings)
Allergy vs. Atopy
Originally Allergy meant any altered rxn to external substances
Originally Atopy referred to immediate hypersensitivity mediated by IgE antibodies
USED INTERCHANGEABLY
Allergen (definition)
Antigens that trigger allergic reactions
Allergen (properties)
Low molecular weight substances, can be inhaled, eaten, or administered as drugs
Different types of antigens can cause
Hypersensitivity
Latex - What is it? Where is it found?
Protein in the sap of Brazillian rubber tree
“natural rubbber products” made from sap. Disposable gloves, condoms, diaphragms.
Latex Allergies/reactions can be caused by?
Direct contact with latex
Inhaling airborne latex fibers
NOT synthetic latex
Frequency of latex allergies?
Rare, <1% of US population has a latex sensitivity
3 types natural latex reactions
- IgE mediated allergic rxns (Type I hypersensitivity)
- Cell-mediated contact dermatitis (Type IV hypersensitivity)
- Irritant dermatitis
What is Irritant Contact Dermatitis?
Reaction, not an allergy. Appears where latex has touched the skin. May be a warning sign that latex allergy may develop.
Irritant Contact Dermatitis symptoms
Swelling, redness, itching after latex exposures
Environmental Substances (definition/description)
Substances in the form of small molecules that can trigger reactions
Small molecules can diffuse into skin and act as haptens (delayed hypersensitivity with contact dermatitis)
Environmental Substances - Dust
Enters respiratory tract.
Mimics parasites.
Can stimulate antibodes (Immediate IgE, causing rhinitis or asthma; or IgG, can cause farmer lung)
Environmental Substances - Drugs
Administered orally, by injection, or on the skin
Hypersensitivity response mediated by IgE, IgG or T lymphs
Environmental Substances - Metals, Chemicals
Especially nickel. Can cause Type I rxn.
Haptens. Bind to body proteins or MHC, which is regonized by T cells, initiating a reaction
Infectious Agents that Cause Hypersensitivity Rxns
Influenza (damage respiratory epithelial cells, cytokine storm)
Streptococci (immune complex disease)