Immune System - Nonspecific Immunity

Question 1

What does Nonspecific Immunity refer to from a general standpoint?

Answer 1

Refers to - Generalized defense systems

• helps fight off infection of any type

Question 2

What does the First Line of defense consist of in Nonspecific Immunity?

Answer 2

Barriers such as Skin and Mucus Membrane

Question 3

First Line of Defense regarding Skin contains?

Answer 3

Keratin - strong mechanical barrier
- keratin Squamous Epi.
Skin secretions - (acidic environment = pH 3-5)
- Inhibits bacterial growth

Question 4

First Line of Defense regarding Mucous Membranes contains?

Answer 4

Acidic secretions of the GI tract - pH of 1. And vagina with pH of 5

Mucus = glue to trap bacteria, viruses, dirt

Cilia - to remove foreign debris

Nasal hair - trap

Saliva, tears = lysozyme (Antimicrobrial Enzymes)
- provides for mechanical washing

Question 5

What happens when Pathogens break through Front Line of defense?

Answer 5

A nonspecific Second Line of Defense is activated

Question 6

What does nonspecific Second Line of Defense consist of generally?

Answer 6

Cellular and chemical barriers

A. Phagocytic cells
B. Non-Phagocytic cells
C. Inflammation - nonspecific
D. Antimicrobial Proteins
E. Fever

Question 7

Phagocytic cells: How is Phagocytosis performed

Answer 7

Performed by 3 out of 6 types of Leukocytes

1. Neutrophils (granulocyte) phagocytosis
2. Eosinophils (granulocyte) Fights parasitic infections, also performs phagocytosis
3. Monocytes (Agranulocyte) Become phagocytic when matured into macrophages WBC’s
4. Mechanism of Phagocytosis

Question 8

Explain the Mechanism of Phagocytosis

Answer 8

-Microbe adheres to Phagocyte

-Phagocyte forms PseudoPods that engulf antigen particle

-Phagocytic Vesicle forms

-Lysosome containing hydrolase enzymes fuses with phagocyte

-Phagolysosome is formed

Question 9

Mechanism of phagocytosis part 2: What happens after Phagolysosome is formed?

Answer 9

-Enzymes are released

-Antigen is broken down

-Broken down residual material is released through exocytosis

Question 10

Non-Phagocytic Cells are known as? Be very general

Answer 10

Natural Killer Cells (NK cells)

Question 11

What are Non-Phagocytic cells involved in?

Answer 11

-Large granular Lymphocytes

-Not the same as Agranular Lymphocytes

-Not involved in antibody production/specific immunity

-Wonder freely in the blood and lymph

-Kill any damaged cells (cancer) or foreign invader, non-specific

-Kill by punching holes in the invaders membrane with PERFORINS = Cytolytic Enzymes

Question 12

Nonspecific Inflammation is? Be General

Answer 12

The bodies natural response to local damage and invasion

Question 13

What is the function of Nonspecific Inflammation

Answer 13

3 basic roles

-Kill or destroy the injury causing substance/microbes

-Wall off invading organism to keep from spreading

-Repairs the injured tissue

Question 14

What are the Four Cardinal Signs of Inflammation

Answer 14

A. Redness - causes vasodialation, warm

B. Pain - extra fluids in area pushing on nerves

C. Heat

D. Swelling - Results in extra fluid

Question 15

Antimicrobial Protiens

Answer 15

1. Compliment System
   - group 20 plasma proteins
   - normally inactive
   - produced by liver
   - antibody- antigen complex activates compliment proteins
   (IgG binds w/ Ag)
   - ⬆️ inflammation
   - role in antibody mechanisms of action
2. Interferons
   - interferes with brutal replication by interfering w/ ribosomes
   - secreated by lymphocytes & leukocytes
   - stimulates phagocytosis & NKC

Question 16

What is the compliment system?
What activates it?
Does it have a role in nonspecific or specific immunity & how?

Answer 16

Compliment System
- group 20 plasma proteins
- normally inactive
- produced by liver
- antibody- antigen complex activates compliment proteins
(IgG bind w/ Ag)
- ⬆️ inflammation
- role in antibody mechanisms of action
—> Ab bind to bacteria compliment proteins sneak around bac defenses & punch hole in membrane
- IgG binding with Ag trigger compliment proteins—> ⬆️ phagocytosis & inflammation

Question 17

What are interferons?
What are they an example of?
Nonspecific or specific?
Example of diseases w/ relation

Answer 17

Interferons = group of proteins
- interferes with brutal replication by interfering w/ ribosomes
- secreated by lymphocytes & leukocytes
- stimulates phagocytosis & NKC
- HIV, herpes

Question 18

What are the cells that collect during the inflammatory response? What are the chemicals released by these cells?

Answer 18

Cells
1. Phagocytes
2. Lymphocytes
3. Mast cells

Chemicals
1. Histamines
2. Kinins
3. Prostaglandins
4. Cytokines / Lymphokines

Question 19

Pyrogen
What secretes this? And when?
What does this affect and what does this cause?

Answer 19

Pyrogen are chemicals secreted by leukocytes & macrophages when they are exposed to foreign substance.
Affects: Brainstem / Hypothalamus
Causes: ⬆️ body temp = fever🌡️

Question 20

Why does fever occur?
What is the result ?
What is the result it temp is too high?

Answer 20

Infection is not longer localized -> systemic

Result:
- elevated temp🌡️
- Liver & Spleen with hold Fe & Zn from circulation (bc needed for viral replication/ bac reproduction)
- metabolism rate ⬆️
- repair process ⬆️
- if temp too high—> denature proteins (enzymes) & body can’t function