Transcript Chapter 39 Agents That Affect Immunity - Delmar

Chapter 39
Agents That Affect
Immunity
Immune System Functions
Recognize and dispose of foreign material
such as:
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Bacteria
Viruses
Fungi
Protozoa
Worms
Drugs
Food
Transplanted organs
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Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Immune System
Responds to foreign agents (antigens)
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Forms antibodies
Recognizes and destroys antigens
Reason for an allergic reaction
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Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Types of Immunity
Active immunity
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Administration of an antigen, a weakened
or killed vaccine
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Stimulates your immune system to form
antibodies against the disease
Lasts for many years
(continues)
Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
(continued)
Types of Immunity
Passive immunity
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Administration of preformed antibodies
Provides instant protection
Short duration
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Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Interferons and Interleukins
Low molecular weight proteins
Regulate the immune and
inflammatory response
They are used to:
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Treat cancer
Stimulate T cell production
Promote blood cell formation
Treat several inflammatory diseases
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Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.
Immunosuppressant Agents
Prevent organ rejection
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Kidney
Liver
Heart
Lungs
Mechanism of action is unclear
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They suppress T lymphocytes
Combined with corticosteroids
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Avoid Infections
Clients need to avoid infection.
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Go out, but wear a mask
Immunosuppressant agents are expensive.
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Cost $50,000/year or more
Require federal and state assistance
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Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.