Blood function

Different t T)es of body cells show different sensitivities to nuclear radiation. Cells that divide most rapidly tend to be most easily damaged. These include bone marrow, white blood cells, blood platelets, the lining of the gastrointestinal tract, and cells in the gonads. Consequently, the S3Tnptoms of radiation sickness include loss of blood functions and gastrointestinal distress. 

Health effects vary considerably for different chemicals. The likelihood and degree of damage depend on several characteristics of a chemical. Main factors are type and form of substance, type and rate of exposure, and what happens to the substance in the body. Most hazardous materials affect particular organs of the body. For example, some will damage tissue, such as skin and eyes, on contact. Some affect respiration. Some damage nerves and other elements of the central nervous system. Some affect oxygen transport by the blood or other blood functions. 

Hematopoietic agents. Affect the blood system, including the blood-forming organs, leading to reduced blood functions and cyanosis, and loss of consciousness. Examples carbon monoxide, cyanides, aniline, benzene, arsenic, fluoride. 

Chilukuri, N., Duysen, E.G., Parikh, K., et al., 2009. Adenovirus-transduced human butyrylchoHnesterase in mouse blood functions as a bioscavenger of chemical warfare nerve agents. Mol. Pharmacol. 76,612-617. 

Each component of blood has a function ia the body. Red cells transport oxygen and carbon dioxide between the lungs and cells ia the tissues. White cells function as defense of the body. Platelets are important for hemostasis, ie, the maintenance of vascular iategrity. Plasma, an aqueous solution containing various proteias and fatty acids, transports cells, food, and hormones throughout the body. Some proteias ia plasma play a role ia clotting, others are messengers between cells. 

A new field of transfusion medicine, cell therapy, has developed with the better understanding of the function of different cell types ia the body. In cell therapy, various malignancies are treated by transfusion of specific cell types from blood. Therefore, more and more specialized methods for separating blood iato the various components are required. 

White Blood Cells. White blood cells, or leukocytes, have varying function and morphology. Mononuclear leukocytes include lymphocyte B and T-ceUs, monocytes, and progenitor cells. Polynuclear granulocytes include neutrophils, basophils, and eosinophils. The most important groups in cell separation are lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes. 

Penicillamine (29) can be effective in patients with refractory RA and may delay progression of erosions, but adverse effects limit its useflilness. The most common adverse side effects for penicillamine are similar to those of parenteral gold therapy, ie, pmritic rash, protein uria, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Decreased or altered taste sensation is a relatively common adverse effect for penicillamine. A monthly blood count, platelet count, and urinalysis are recommended, and also hepatic and renal function should be periodically monitored. Penicillamine is teratogenic and should not be used during pregnancy. 

Protein-Based Substitutes. Several plant and animal-based proteins have been used in processed meat products to increase yields, reduce reformulation costs, enhance specific functional properties, and decrease fat content. Examples of these protein additives are wheat flour, wheat gluten, soy flour, soy protein concentrate, soy protein isolate, textured soy protein, cottonseed flour, oat flour, com germ meal, nonfat dry milk, caseinates, whey proteins, surimi, blood plasma, and egg proteins. Most of these protein ingredients can be included in cooked sausages with a maximum level allowed up to 3.5% of the formulation, except soy protein isolate and caseinates are restricted to 2% (44). 

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