Question

Complement is groups of enzymes that are activated by several triggers; a. an antigen-antibody complex (Classical pathway) b. Lectin coating the mannose, a carbohydrate found on the surface of fungi, bacteria and viruses (Lectin pathway) c. C3b binding to the surface of a microbe (Alternative pathway). The Complement cascade is a series of chemical reactions in which the products of one reaction become the catalyzts for the next reaction. Some killer items to learn about Complement are
1.Complement proteins cleave inactive complement protiens that form fagments which are activated to achieve significant roles in the complement system.

2.Complement protiens may form new enzymes, increase vascular permeability, increase diapedesis, enhance inflammation, act as opsonins, and attract phagocytes.

3. The end product of a full complement cascade is a membrane attachk complex (MAC)which forms circular holes in the cell membrane of the pathogen leading to lysis and pathogen cell death.

6. Would the complent cascade be effective against a viral infection? If so why, is not why not?

Inflammation may be described as a reddening of an area, hot to the touch and swollen, however for this discussion the emphasis is on what are the cells and cell signals that contribute to those signs and symptoms of an inflammatory response. Please know the following:

Bradykinin forms in the process of blood clotting and is a powerful vasodilaltor.

Prostaglandin is realeased by macrophages using Toll-like recptors and NOD proteins and is a vasodilator.

7. What type of drug inhibits the production of prostaglandins? What effect does this class of drugs have on inflammation? p460

Answer 1

6. Complements are serum proteins that get activated upon antigen binding. The ultimate effect of the complement system is that they form a membrane attack complex on the pathogen which makes holes and kills the organism.

The complement system is ineffective against viruses as they do not contain any cellular organization.

7. Prostaglandins are arachidonic acid-derived hydrophobic molecules that mediate the inflammatory process. They induce blood flow and chemotaxis to the site of infection/injury.

All Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) act through the inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis.

Ex: Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Celecoxib and Diclofenac