Immune system plasma cells

Catecholamines from non-neuronal intracellular and extracellular sources can interact with cells of the immune system. Recently, NE and EPI that can be released by activating stimuli have been detected in lymphocytes and macrophages [reviewed in 2], These cells may synthesize catecholamines and/or take up and store catecholamines from extracellular sources (i.e., NE released from sympathetic nerves or NE and EPI present in the plasma). 

In any battle, when the defence is outnumbered by the enemy, more troops are brought into the battle from the reserve. However, in the immune system, there are initially no reserve troops. When an antigen binds to its complementary antibody-receptor on B-cells, these are strongly stimulated to proliferate (clonal expansion). In addition, not only does the number of daughter cells increase but each quickly develops into what is known as an effector (or plasma) cell, in which the protein synthetic machinery increases through the development of the rough endoplasmic reticulum, so that there is a large increase in the number of antibodies synthesised and secreted. A simple description of the sequence of events is as follows ... 

Defense. The body uses both non-specific and specific mechanisms to defend itself against pathogens. The defense system includes the cells of the immune system and certain plasma proteins (see p. 294). 

In addition, a distinction is made between cellular and humoral immune responses. The T lymphocytes (T cells) are responsible for cellular immunity. They are named after the thymus, in which the decisive steps in their differentiation take place. Depending on their function, another distinction is made between cytotoxic T cells (green) and helper T cells (blue). Humoral immunity is based on the activity of the B lymphocytes (B cells, light brown), which mature in the bone marrow. After activation by T cells, B cells are able to release soluble forms of their specific antigen receptors, known as antibodies (see p. 300), into the blood plasma. The immune system s memory is represented by memory cells. These are particularly long-lived cells that can arise from any of the lymphocyte types described. 

Soluble antigen receptors, which are formed by activated B cells (plasma cells see p. 294) and released into the blood, are known as antibodies. They are also members of the immunoglobulin family (Ig see p. 296). Antibodies are an important part of the humoral immune defense system. They have no antimicrobial properties themselves, but support the cellular immune system in various ways ... 

By far, the most advanced technology in cnrrent nse is the hollow fiber techniqne. It has been reviewed extensively in the literature. Briefly, this configuration involves the cultivation of hepatocytes on the external surfaces of semipeimeable capillary hollow fiber membranes bundled together within a plastic shell. Nutrients and ultimately plasma from patient blood are circulated through the fibers. The cells in the capillaries provide hepatic function. In the current versions of this technology, cultured porcine hepatocytes are protected from the body s immune system by the semipermeable capillary membrane. 

Clonal Expansion of B Cells Plasma Cells 1866 Box 31 -E Evading the immune System... 

---