Inflammatory Mediators Flashcards
1
Q
What are some examples of mediator types ?
A
- platelet activating factors
- vasoactive amines
- plasma protein systems
- cytokines
- lipid mediators
2
Q
Describe vasoactive amines
A
- histamine
- serotonin
- cause immediate & short-lived responses including;
vasodilation, smooth muscle contraction - involves mast cells, basophils & eosinophils
3
Q
Describe the 2 aspects of the plasma protein system
A
- kinin system
- complement system
- clotting/fibrinolysis system
4
Q
Describe the kinin system
A
= short lived peptides that cause;
- smooth muscle contraction
arteriolar dialtion
- pain
- autacoids = biological factors which act like local hormones, brief duration & act near site of biosynthesis
5
Q
Describe cytokines
A
- proteins secreted by all cells
- innate & adaptive roles
6
Q
Describe the properties of cytokines
A
- short, self limited secretion
- pleiotropism
- redundancy
- synergy or antagonism
- local or systemic
- bind specific receptors
- receptor expression also determines cytokine effects
7
Q
What can cytokines induce ?
A
- gene expression
- differentiation
- proliferation
- activation
8
Q
What control/feedback mechanism involve cytokines ?
A
- decoy cytokine receptors
- kinase blockers
- phosphatases
- transcription factor blockers
9
Q
What are the 3 types of cytokine functional groupings ?
A
- haematopoietic
- innate
- adaptive
10
Q
Describe Chemokines
A
- chemotactic cytokines with a distinct structure = CC or CXC motif
11
Q
Describe cytokine receptors
A
- need a target or receiver
- cytokines receptor are many & varied
- expression levels determines responses
- expression affected by various factors
12
Q
What are the functions of prostaglandins ?
A
- vasodilation
- oedema potentiation
- inhibit platelet aggregation
13
Q
What are the functions of thromboxanes ?
A
- vasocontriction
- platelet aggregation
14
Q
What are the functions of leukotrienes ?
A
- vasoconstriction
- bronchospasm
- increased permeability
- chemotaxis
