Chapter 36: Immunology

acquired immunity

protection from infection or disease that is developed by the body over time after exposure to an antigen transferred to the person from an outside source such as from the mother through the placenta or as a serum

active immunity

acquired immunity that occurs following exposure to an antigen and results in the production of antibodies specific for the antigen; protection against disease developed after birth as a result of a direct exposure FC to the disease

allergen

substance capable of inducing an allergic reaction or specific hypersensitivity

Most allergens are _____

Proteins

allergic reaction

exaggerated response by the immune system to a foreign substance

allergy

hypersensitive state acquired through exposure to a particular allergen

anaphylaxis

life-threatening allergic reaction

angioedema

localized swelling of deeper tissues and/or mucosa caused by fluid leaks from capillaries into interstitial spaces

angioneurotic edema

marked edema of the skin that usually involves the head, neck, face, and upper airway

antibody

substance produced by B lymphocytes in response to the presence of a foreign antigen that will combine with and control or destroy the antigen, thus preventing infection

antigen

substance that is capable, under appropriate conditions, of inducing a specific immune response

basophil

granular white blood cell that, similarly to a mast cell, releases histamine and other chemicals that control constriction and dilation of blood vessels during inflammation and allergic responses

cellular immunity

type of immunity resulting from a direct attack on a foreign substance by specialized cells of the immune system

delayed hypersensitivity

immune response triggered by re-exposure to an antigen the person was previously sensitized to, takes a while for the reaction to occur after re-exposure

histamine

product of mast cells and basophils that causes vasodilation, capillary permeability, bronchoconstriction, and contraction of the gut

humoral immunity

long-term immunity to a foreign antigen provided by B lymphocytes that react against the invading antigen by producing antigen-specific antibodies and memory cells that enable quick production of these antibodies if the same antigen appears again

Hymenoptera

order of highly specialized insects such as bees and wasps

hypersensitivity

exaggerated and harmful immune response

immediate hypersensitivity

immune response that develops swiftly following re-exposure to an antigen. Immediate hypersensitivity reactions are usually more severe than delayed reactions

immune response

body’s reactions that inactivate or eliminate pathogens, abnormal cells, or foreign antigens

immune system

body’s mechanism for defending against foreign invaders

immunoglobulin (Ig)

Another term for antibodies

induced active immunity

type of immunity achieved through vaccination given to generate an immune response that results in the development of antibodies specific for the injected antigen

mast cell

large cells, resembling bags of granules, that reside near blood vessels and are part of the immune system. When stimulated by injury, chemicals, or allergic responses, they activate the inflammatory response by degranulation and synthesis

natural immunity

genetically predetermined immunity that is present at birth

naturally acquired immunity

type of immunity that begins to develop after birth and is continually enhanced by exposure to new pathogens and antigens throughout life

passive immunity

acquired immunity that results from administration of antibodies either from the mother to the infant across the placental barrier or through vaccination

pathogen

microorganism capable of producing infection or disease, such as a bacterium or a virus

primary response

initial, generalized response to an antigen

secondary response

swift, strong response of the immune system to repeated exposures to an antigen;. response by the immune system if the body is exposed to the same antigen again

Which response phase do antibodies specific to the antigen release?

secondary response

sensitization

initial exposure of a person to an antigen that results in an immune response

slow-reacting substance of anaphylaxis (SRS-A)

substance released from basophils and mast cells that causes spasm of the bronchiole smooth muscle, resulting in an asthma-like attack and occasionally asphyxia

the active constituent of SRS-A

leukotriene

toxin

any poisonous chemical secreted by bacteria or released following destruction of the bacteria; any chemical (drug, poison, venom, or other) that causes adverse effects on an organism that is exposed to it

urticaria

hives

What are the two most common causes of fatal anaphylaxis?

Penicillin and hymenoptera stings

Most common food allergy?

Peanuts

An allergic reaction to blood products is called _____

hemolytic reaction

What is the FIRST intervention for anaphylaxis

Oxygen

Most frequently used antihistamine?

Benadryl

Corticosteroids will help _____

Suppress inflammatory response

What drug class will help with bronchospasms associated with severe allergic reactions?

Beta-Agonists