Non - Specific Immune Response

Question 1

Explain how changes in the blood vessels result in the redness and swelling seen at the site of inflammation

Answer 1

1. Skin is broken, allowing pathogens into the body.
2. Damaged cells (white blood cells/mast cells) in the connective tissue just below the skin release histamines.
3. Histamines cause arteriolar to dilate, increasing blood flow to the site (causing redness)
4. Histamines can cause capillary walls to become permeable (cells separate)
5. This allows blood plasma and phagocytes to leave the capillary, entering the connective tissue and causing swelling.

Question 2

Explain how changes in the blood vessels result in the redness and swelling seen at the site of inflammation

Answer 2

1. Skin is broken, allowing pathogens into the body.
2. Damaged cells (white blood cells/mast cells) in the connective tissue just below the skin release histamines.
3. Histamines cause arteriolar to dilate, increasing blood flow to the site (causing redness)
4. Histamines can cause capillary walls to become permeable (cells separate)
5. This allows blood plasma and phagocytes to leave the capillary, entering the connective tissue and causing swelling.

Question 3

How do interferons work in non-specific immune response?

Answer 3

1. Virus infects a cell
2. Infected cell makes interferon (protein)
3. Interferon leaves infected cell and moves to
   surrounding uninfected cells.
4. They bind to cell surface receptors on the uninfected cell causing it to make antiviral proteins.
5. This stops viruses from entering the uninfected cell.
6. Virus cannot multiply.