Test 1: Essays Flashcards
What specific part of the immune system becomes damaged in a person with AIDS?
Helper T cells (CD4+)
How does this losing helper T cells affect the rest of the immune system?
Because helper T cells are essential for both activating cytotoxic T cells and stimulating the proliferation of Ab-producing plasma B cells, both the cell-mediated and humoral arms of the immune system response
are seriously diminished.
What does a deficiency in cytotoxic T cells result in in AIDs patients?
Cytotoxic T cell activation is necessary for the recognition, attack, and destruction of both infected (virus, fungi, parasites, and some bacteria) and
cancerous cells, so a deficiency in this cell-mediated response leaves the AIDS patient more susceptible to infection (especially opportunistic pathogens that would not normally affect healthy persons) and tumor development (eg. Kaposi’s sarcoma).
What does a deficiency in Ab-producing plasma B cells result in in AIDs patients?
Activated B cells are necessary for the production of Abs to neutralize bacteria and bacterial toxins, as well
as to enhance phagocytosis and NK lymphocyte attack, so the AIDS patient also cannot mount effective combat defenses against these invaders due to inadequate antibody
generation.
What happens in the first stages of an inflammatory reaction?
Increases in capillary dilation and permeability, tissue swelling and redness, and local pain and tenderness. Blood flow slows, clotting occurs (if there is blood vessel damage), and inflammatory mediators are released from cells and activated in the plasma, causing blood vessels to dilate more and become more permeable, while attracting phagocytic leukocytes
What triggers the first stages of inflammation?
Cell or tissue damage due to physical, chemical, or microbiological assault
What key cells are involved in the first stages of inflammation?
Mast cells and white blood cells (especially neutrophils)
What key inflammatory mediators are released by cells in acute inflammation?
Histamine, prostaglandins, serotonin, free radicals, cytokines, and chemokines
