QuotePERFECT.
Chapter 17: Immunology: HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS Dr. Jaffar, USC school of medicine
A very good introduction that is also very thorough in terms of its coverage of the mediators involved in anaphylaxis. Really perfect for understanding the process involved. (At least as far as it has been elucidated thus far-- there is some thought that much food anaphylaxis might be basophil-mediated rather than mast-cell mediated, which would explain the absense of serum tryptase in so many of those patients.)
I will cross-post this into the twin thread, too.
QuoteMast cell activation through FcεR1 is central to the pathogenesis of allergic diseases, including anaphylaxis, allergic rhinitis, and allergic asthma. Activation of FcεR1 by polyvalent allergen recognized by bound IgE leads to the initiation of an immediate hypersensitivity reaction, as well as a late-phase reaction. The immediate reaction is determined by pre-formed mediators and rapidly synthesized lipid mediators and results in: erythema, edema, and itching in the skin; sneezing and rhinorrhea in the upper respiratory tract; cough, bronchospasm, edema, and mucous secretion in the lower respiratory tract; nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and cramping in the gastrointestinal tract; and hypotension. Late phase reactions are mediated by cytokines and chemokines and can occur 6–24 hours after the immediate reaction. Late phase reactions are characterized by edema and leukocytic influx and may play a role in persistent asthma.