What occurs in an allergic reaction and in a transplant rejection reaction??!?
An allergic reaction is due to the cross-linkage of antibodies on the cell walls of basophiles (mobile) or mast cells (fixed). These cells, primed by B cells in the immune system, degranulate histones and release hystamine. Hystamine then engages the tissues around the release site, causing inflammation, increased permeability of the lymph and blood vessels, and fluid accumulation. During transplant rejection, CD8 cells and macrophages identify foreign “self” antibodies presented on the surface implanted tissues. These cells then launch a form of chemical warfare to kill the tissues, believing that it is either a parasite or a virus-infected cell.
