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Chapter 50 Assessment of Immune Function. The Immune System. Immunity: the body’s specific protective response to invading foreign agent or organism Immunopathology: the study of diseases that result from dysfunction of the immune system Immune disorders: see Table 50-1 Automimmunity
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The Immune System • Immunity: the body’s specific protective response to invading foreign agent or organism • Immunopathology: the study of diseases that result from dysfunction of the immune system • Immune disorders: see Table 50-1 • Automimmunity • Hypersensitivty • Gammopathies • Immune deficiencies: primary and secondary
Lymphocytes • B lymphocytes mature in the bone marrow; T lymphocytes mature in the thymus where they also differentiate into cells with various functions
Immune Function • Natural immunity: nonspecific response to any foreign invader • White blood cell action: release cell mediators such as histamine, bradykinin, and prostaglandins, and engulf (phagocytize) foreign substances • Inflammatory response • Physical barriers, such as intact skin, chemical barriers, and acidic gastric secretions or enzymes in tears and saliva • Acquired immunity: specific against a foreign antigen • Result of prior exposure to an antigen • Active or passive
Defenses • Phagocytic immune response • Humoral or antibody response • Cellular immune response
Role of Antibodies • Agglutination of antigens • Opsonization • Promote release of vasoactive substances; activation of complement system and phagocytosis • Act in concert with other components of the immune system • Types of immunoglobulins: IgA, IgD, IgE,IgG, and IgM
Cellular Immune Response • B lymphocytes: humoral immunity • Produce antibodies or immunoglobulins • T lymphocytes: cellular immunity • Attack invaders directly, secrete cytokines, and stimulate immune system responses • Helper T cells • Cytotoxic T cells • Memory cells • Suppressor T cells (suppress immune response)
Non-T and Non-B Lymphocytes Involved in Immune Response • Null cells • Destroy antigen coated with antibody • Natural killer cells • Defend against microorganisms and some malignant cells
Variables That Affect Immune System Function • Age and gender • Nutrition • Presence of conditions and disorders: cancer/neoplasm, chronic illness, autoimmune disorders, surgery/trauma • Allergies • History of infection and immunization • Genetic factors • Lifestyle • Medications and transfusions: see Table 50-6 • Pyschoneuroimmunologic factors
Tests to Evaluate Immune Function • WBC count and differential • Bone marrow biopsy • Humoral and cellular immunity tests • Phagocytic cell function test • Complement component tests • Hypersensitivty tests • Specific antigen–antibody tests • HIV infection tests • See Chart 50-3