Concept Questions

Take some time to write answers to these questions. If you can answer them, you have a good grasp of the material!

1. Define allergy and hypersensitivity. What accounts for the reactions that occur in these conditions?

2. What does it mean when a reaction is immediate or delayed? Give examples of each type. Describe several factors that influence types and severity of allergic responses.

3. How are atopic allergies similar to anaphylaxis? How are they different?

4. How do allergens gain access to the body? What are some examples of allergens that enter by these portals?

5. Trace the course of a pollen grain through sensitization and provocation in type I allergies. Include in the discussion the role of mast cells, basophils, IgE, and allergic mediators. Outline the target organs and symptoms of the principal atopic diseases and their diagnosis and treatment.

6. Describe the allergic response that leads to anaphylaxis. Include its usual causes, how it is diagnosed and treated, and two effective physiological targets for treatment. Explain how hyposensitization is achieved and suggest two mechanisms by which it might work.

7. What is the mechanism of type II hypersensitivity? Why are the tissues of some people antigenic to others? Would we be concerned about this problem if it were not for transfusions? What is the actual basis of the four ABO and Rh blood groups? Where do we derive our natural hypersensitivities to the A or B antigens that we do not possess? How does a person become sensitized to Rh factor? List consequences.

8. Explain the rules of transfusion. Illustrate what will happen if type A blood is accidently transfused into a type B person.

9. Contrast type II and type III hypersensitivities with respect to type of antigen, antibody, and manifestations of disease. What is immune complex disease? Differentiate between the Arthus reaction and serum sickness.

10. Explain the pathologic process in autoimmunity. Draw diagrams that explain five mechanisms to describe how autoimmunity develops. Describe four major types of autoimmunity, comparing target organs and symptoms.

11. Compare and contrast type I (atopic) and type IV (delayed) hypersensitivity as to mechanism, symptoms, eliciting factors, and allergens.

12. What is the molecular/cellular basis for a host rejecting the graft tissue? Account for a graft rejecting the host. Compare the four types of grafts. What does it mean to say that two tissues constitute a close match? Describe the procedure involved in a bone marrow transplant.

13. In general, what causes primary immunodeficiencies? Acquired immunodeficiencies? Why can T-cell deficiencies have greater impact than B-cell deficiencies? What kinds of symptoms accompany a B-cell defect? A T-cell defect? Combined defects? Give examples of specific diseases that involve each type of defect.

14. Name several medical conditions that require immunosuppressive drugs. Name some immunosuppressive drugs, and explain what they do.

15. Define cancer, and give some synonyms. Differentiate between a benign tumor and a malignant tumor, and give examples. How are cancers technically differentiated?

16. Describe a possible mechanism to account for transformation of a normal cell to a cancer cell. Describe the possible genetic and environmental factors that increase oncogenesis. How do infectious agents such as viruses cause cancer?

17. Relate how the immune system is involved in cancer.

18. Matching: Choose the description that best fits the cytokines.

1. histamine	a. a peptide involved in blood clotting and chemotaxis
2. leukotriene	b. a lipid that aggregates and lyses thrombocytes
3. prostaglandin	c. causes prolonged bronchospasm and mucous secretion in the lungs
4. platelet factor	d. increases inflammation and sensitivity to pain
5. bradykinin	e. a potent stimulus for smooth muscle and glandular secretion

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