NR507: Advanced Pathophysiology

Chemicals secreted by cells – Hormones Neurotransmitters Cytokines Three Methods of Communication between cells – Gap junction Chemical secretion Remote Signaling Remote signaling - chemicals secreted can travel near or far to a specific cell Chemical secretion - cells secrete chemicals into the bloodstream Gap junction - A type of intercellular junction in animals that allows the passage of materials between cells. Signal transduction - A series of molecular changes that converts a signal on a target cell's surface to a specific response inside the cell. Cellular metabolism - all of the chemical reactions that are part of maintaining cellular function Anabolism - Metabolic pathways that construct molecules, requiring energy. Catabolism - Metabolic pathways that break down molecules, releasing energy. Anaerobic metabolism - The metabolism that takes place in the absence of oxygen; the principle product is lactic acid. Aerobic metabolism - The cellular process in which oxygen is used to metabolize glucose. Energy is produced in an efficient manner with minimal waste products. Leukotrienes - mediator of degranulation that tend to cause prolonged contractions of certain smooth muscles and their action contributes to the spasms of the bronchial tubes that occur during asthma attacks Prostaglandins - Intensify histamine and kinin effect Hapten - small molecule that has to bind to a larger molecule to form an antigen Tetrad of inflammation - redness Swelling Heat Pain First line of immunity - intact skin and mucous membranes Second line of immunity - Inflammation 2 types of inflammation - acute - 2 wks Chronic - 2 wks What are the 2 responses in acute inflammation? - Constriction of large vessel walls and dilation of capillaries How do mast cells recruit other WBC? - Release of chemotactic factors that signal other wbcs