Immune Response and Pharmacological Management of Allergies

A set of flashcards covering key definitions and concepts related to allergens, immune responses, and pharmacological treatments relevant to allergies and autoimmune diseases.

Antigen

A substance that triggers an immune response.

Allergen

An antigen that causes an allergic reaction.

IgE

Immunoglobulin E, a type of antibody involved in type I hypersensitivity reactions.

Sensitisation Phase

The initial allergen exposure leading to IgE production and binding to mast cells.

Effector Phase

The phase where re-exposure to the allergen causes IgE cross-linking and mast cell degranulation.

Mast Cell Degranulation

The release of mediators that cause inflammation and allergic symptoms.

Leukotrienes

Mediators released from mast cells that contribute to inflammation.

Prostaglandins

Another type of mediator released from mast cells besides histamine.

H1 Antihistamines

Drugs that block H1 receptors to reduce histamine-mediated symptoms.

First-Generation Antihistamines

Antihistamines that cause sedation.

Second-Generation Antihistamines

Antihistamines that are less sedating.

Nasal Congestion

Mainly due to vasodilation, not just histamine.

Intranasal Corticosteroids

Reduce inflammation by suppressing inflammatory gene expression.

Cromoglicate

A drug that stabilizes mast cells and prevents degranulation.

Topical Nasal Decongestants

Relieve congestion by causing vasoconstriction of nasal blood vessels.

Rhinitis Medicamentosa

Rebound congestion caused by prolonged use of topical decongestants.

Adrenaline in Anaphylaxis

Acts through bronchodilation, vasoconstriction, and increased cardiac output.

Intramuscular Adrenaline

Preferred in anaphylaxis for rapid absorption and reliable plasma concentrations.

Food Allergy

An immune-mediated reaction to food.

Food Intolerance

A non-immune reaction to food.

Coeliac Disease

An autoimmune condition characterized by immune attack on intestinal tissue in response to gluten.

Villous Atrophy

Pathological effect caused by gluten, leading to malabsorption in the small intestine.

Autoimmunity

An immune response directed against self-antigens.

Loss of Self-Tolerance

Failure of immune mechanisms that prevent self-reactivity.

Type 1 Diabetes

An organ-specific autoimmune disease affecting pancreatic β-cells.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

A systemic autoimmune disease affecting multiple organs.

Cytokines

Proteins that promote inflammation and immune cell activation in autoimmune diseases.

Crohn's Disease

A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) causing transmural inflammation anywhere in the GI tract.

Ulcerative Colitis

An IBD characterized by superficial inflammation limited to the colon.

5-Aminosalicylates

Drugs that reduce inflammation by inhibiting prostaglandin synthesis in IBD.

Corticosteroids in IBD

Used to suppress acute inflammation during disease flares.

TPMT Activity

Must be checked before azathioprine therapy to prevent bone marrow toxicity.

Anti-TNF Therapy

Can increase the risk of infection.

Disease-Modifying Antirheumatic Drugs (DMARDs)

Medications aimed at slowing disease progression and preventing joint damage.

Methotrexate

A DMARD that inhibits folate metabolism, reducing immune cell proliferation.

Smooth Muscle

Muscle responsible for regulating blood vessel tone and gastrointestinal motility.

Calcium in Smooth Muscle Contraction

Activates myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) leading to contraction.

Aerosol

A suspension of fine particles in a gas.

Particle Size and Lung Deposition

Smaller particles penetrate deeper into the lungs.

Inertial Impaction

Affects large particles; prevents them from reaching the lungs.

Sedimentation

Affects medium-sized particles; leads to deposition in airways.

Aerodynamic Diameter

Determines particle behavior based on size, shape, and density.

Pulmonary Drug Delivery

Advantages include rapid onset of action.

Particles Larger than 10 µm

Rarely reach the alveoli due to deposition in upper airways.