mast_cell_flashcards

Question 1

Front

Answer 1

Back

Question 2

What is the role of mast cells in inflammation?

Answer 2

Mast cells release inflammatory mediators that initiate and regulate the inflammatory response.

Question 3

What are the two major ways mast cells respond to stimulation?

Answer 3

Mast cells respond by degranulation (releasing stored mediators) and synthesis of new inflammatory mediators.

Question 4

What substances are released immediately after mast cell degranulation?

Answer 4

Histamine, chemotactic factors, and other biologically active substances are released immediately.

Question 5

What is the function of histamine in inflammation?

Answer 5

Histamine causes vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, leading to swelling and redness.

Question 6

What are chemotactic factors released from mast cells and their role?

Answer 6

Chemotactic factors attract immune cells like neutrophils and eosinophils to the site of inflammation.

Question 7

What is the long-term response of mast cells in inflammation?

Answer 7

Mast cells synthesize and release leukotrienes, prostaglandins, and platelet-activating factors for long-term effects.

Question 8

What role do leukotrienes play in inflammation?

Answer 8

Leukotrienes act similarly to histamine but have a more sustained effect in inflammation.

Question 9

What is the role of prostaglandins in inflammation?

Answer 9

Prostaglandins enhance inflammation by inducing vasodilation, increasing vascular permeability, and causing pain.

Question 10

What is the role of platelet-activating factor in inflammation?

Answer 10

Platelet-activating factor enhances vascular permeability and stimulates the aggregation of platelets.

Question 11

How does phospholipase A contribute to inflammation?

Answer 11

Phospholipase A generates arachidonic acid, which is a precursor for leukotrienes and prostaglandins.

Question 12

What are the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in inflammation?

Answer 12

TNF-α promotes inflammation by increasing vascular permeability and stimulating the release of other inflammatory mediators.

Question 13

What are interleukins, and how do they mediate inflammation?

Answer 13

Interleukins are cytokines that regulate immune responses and mediate the inflammatory process.

Question 14

What triggers the degranulation of mast cells?

Answer 14

Mast cell degranulation can be triggered by injury, immune responses, or pathogens.

Question 15

What are the structural features of mast cells that store inflammatory mediators?

Answer 15

Mast cells contain dense granules filled with biologically active substances like histamine and chemotactic factors.

Question 16

How do mast cells promote tissue proliferation during inflammation?

Answer 16

Mast cells release growth factors that promote tissue proliferation and repair during the healing process.

Question 17

What is the difference between mast cell degranulation and synthesis of mediators?

Answer 17

Degranulation is the release of pre-stored mediators, while synthesis involves the production of new mediators.

Question 18

What are the primary functions of leukotrienes compared to histamine?

Answer 18

Leukotrienes have similar effects to histamine but are more potent in sustaining the inflammatory response.

Question 19

How do prostaglandins contribute to pain during inflammation?

Answer 19

Prostaglandins sensitize nerve endings, contributing to the sensation of pain.

Question 20

What are the growth factors released by mast cells, and their role in tissue repair?

Answer 20

Mast cells release growth factors that stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.

Question 21

What is the immediate effect of mast cell degranulation on blood vessels?

Answer 21

Mast cell degranulation causes immediate vasodilation and increased vascular permeability, leading to swelling.