Vocabulary List #5
ADCC Antibody dependent cellular cytotoxicity. A
cytotoxic reaction in which killer cells and other cells
bearing Fc receptors recognize target cells via specific
antibodies.
alternate pathway A series if enzyme reactions
triggered by foreign surfaces leading the generation of the
alternate C3 convertase (C3bBb).
anaphylatoxins Complement fragments with the
ability to stimulate mast cell degranulation.
arylsulphatase An enzyme which degrades SRS-A, a
mixture of LT and PG; produced and released by
eosinophils.
C' activation The process of initiating the
complement cascade.
cascade reactions An interlinked series of enzyme
reactions in which the products of one reaction catalyze a
second reaction, and so forth.
chemotactic factors Molecules which attract a
specific type of cell to the point of highest concentration,
usually the point of generation of the factors.
classical pathway A series of enzyme reactions
triggered by the binding of C1 to an immune complex, leading
to the generation of the classical C3 convertase (C42).
complement (C') A complex, linked enzyme and
aggregating protein system that is activated by factors such
as the combination of antigen and antibody and results in a
variety of biological consequences including cell lysis and
opsonization.
cytolysis The lysis of cells, either specifically
or nonspecifically.
histaminase An enzyme which degrades
histamine.
inflammation A complex set of reactions caused by
cells and soluble factors which are characterized by rubor,
calor, tumor, dolor (redness, heat, swelling, and pain).
kinins Vasoactive peptides.
lethal hit Cell death caused by direct contact
with an effector cell.
leukotrienes (LT) Metabolites of arachidonic acid
produced by the actions of lipoxygenase.
lymphotoxin Cytotoxic factors released by
lymphocytes.
opsonin A substance which facilitates the
phagocytosis of foreign particles.
perforins A family of proteins that has the
ability on polymerization to form tubes which insert into
cell membranes and provoke cell lysis.
prostaglandins (PG) Metabolites of arachidonic
acid produced by cyclooxygenase.
SRS-A Slow reacting substance of anaphylaxis. A
mixture of leukotrienes LT-C, LT-D, LT-E, and
prostaglandins, which are late phase products released by
mast cells and basophils.
terminal (attack) pathway The final cascade
sequence of complement which results in lysis. This may be
initiated by either the classical or the alternate
pathways.
tumor necrosis factors (TNF) Products produced by
macrophage and lymphocytes that can exert a direct toxic
effect on neoplastic cells.
vasoactive factors Molecules which effect the
vascular permeability and/or the level of
vasodilation/vasoconstriction.
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