Physiology of Normal White Blood Cells

Question 1

Cytokines

Answer 1

low molecular weight, regulatory proteins/glycoproteins
messenger molecules, secreted by wbcs
assist in regulating the development of immune effector cells
act locally - paracrine signalling

Question 2

Chemokines

Answer 2

induce directed chemotaxis in local responsive cells
act as attractants for leucocytes, recruit monocytes and neutrophils
e.g. MCP-1 - monocyte chemotactic protein 1

Question 3

Inflammation

Answer 3

bacteria trigger macrophages to release cytokines and chemokines
vasodilation, migration
components: BVs, phagocytes, plasma proteins

Question 4

Cell adhesion to endothelium

Answer 4

Initial Contact: P selectin and E selectin on endothelium recognised by oligosaccharides on leucocytes
Tighter adhesion: intercellular adhesion molecules (ICAMs) on endothelium recognised by integrins on leukocytes

Question 5

Recognition

Answer 5

macrophage mannose receptor: ligand is conserved carbohydrate structure
scavenger receptor: ligand is anionic polymers, acetylated and oxidised LDL
toll like receptor: various ligands

Question 6

Atherosclerosis - 3 areas of pathogenesis

Answer 6

endothelial cell dysfunction
inflammation
dysregulation of lipid metabolism

Question 7

Damage of endothelium

Answer 7

production of chemokines and cytokines
recruitment of monocytes
development into foam macrophages/foam cells

Question 8

Damage to endothelium & Deposition of lipids

Answer 8

potential exposure of collagen

platelet activation and coagulation