Immunology Practice Test For Exam 2

Cyclosporine is known to have nephrotoxic effects, meaning it can damage the kidneys. One of the ways this damage can manifest is through electrolyte imbalances. This means that taking cyclosporine can disrupt the normal levels of electrolytes in the body, such as sodium, potassium, and calcium. This can lead to various symptoms and complications related to kidney function. Therefore, the statement that a common side effect of cyclosporine is nephrotoxicity that manifests in the form of electrolyte imbalances is true.

Corticosteroids are commonly used for their anti-inflammatory effect. These medications work by reducing inflammation in the body, which can help alleviate symptoms in a variety of conditions such as asthma, allergies, arthritis, and skin conditions. By suppressing the immune system and reducing inflammation, corticosteroids can provide relief and improve overall health. Therefore, it is true that corticosteroids are primarily used for their anti-inflammatory effect.

When a transplant patient is taking cyclosporine, it is important to note that cyclosporine is metabolized by the liver using a specific enzyme. Fluconazole, on the other hand, is known to inhibit this enzyme, thereby reducing its activity. As a result, the metabolism of cyclosporine is slowed down, leading to an increase in its levels in the body. Hence, when a transplant patient is given fluconazole for a fungal infection, the levels of cyclosporine are expected to increase.

Diabetics are at substantially increased risk of adverse side effects from taking glucocorticoids due to increased gluconeogenesis causing hyperglycemia, the downregulation of the immune response adding to the already impaired immune response seen in these patients, and impaired wound healing compounding with their already impaired ability to heal wounds. However, mood disorders being more pronounced and leading to higher rates of depression is not a reason why diabetics are at increased risk of adverse side effects from taking glucocorticoids.

Calcineurin inhibitors, such as cyclosporine and tacrolimus, are immunosuppressive drugs commonly used in organ transplantation. These inhibitors work by blocking the production of IL-2, a cytokine that plays a critical role in the activation and proliferation of T cells. By inhibiting IL-2, calcineurin inhibitors suppress the immune response, preventing the rejection of transplanted organs. Blocking IL-1, IL-3, or IFN-gamma is not the primary mechanism of action for calcineurin inhibitors.

Hydrocortisone is the correct answer because it is described as a corticosteroid that does all of the jobs equally and blends in with the natural steroids. This suggests that hydrocortisone has a balanced and versatile effect compared to the other options. Methylprednisolone, prednisone, and dexamethasone are not as suitable because they are either more polarized or have specific roles that do not align with the description given.

Fludrocortisone is the correct answer because it is a synthetic corticosteroid that primarily acts on the kidneys. It is used to treat conditions such as Addison's disease, where the body does not naturally produce enough of the hormone aldosterone. Fludrocortisone helps regulate sodium and potassium levels in the body by increasing sodium reabsorption and promoting potassium excretion in the kidneys. This medication does not occur naturally in the body and has a specific effect on the renin-angiotensin system.

Dexamethasone is the correct answer because it is a corticosteroid that is known for its potent anti-inflammatory effects. It works by inhibiting the production of prostaglandins, which are responsible for inflammation and pain. The statement in the question suggests that this corticosteroid is more aggressive and effective in stopping prostaglandins compared to other options.

Glucocorticoids are known to increase gluconeogenesis, which is the process of synthesizing glucose from non-carbohydrate sources such as amino acids and fatty acids. This response is anabolic because it promotes the production of glucose, which is essential for energy metabolism and maintaining blood glucose levels. Gluconeogenesis is stimulated by glucocorticoids as a way to provide a constant supply of glucose to the body during times of stress or fasting.

Tetanus is not a live vaccine and is thereby not affected by the administration of IVIG.

The first dose of a live vaccine is generally enough to provide protection while inactivated vaccines require multiple doses.

Cyclosporine is a medication used to suppress the immune system in transplant patients. St. John's Wort is an herbal supplement that can induce certain enzymes in the liver, leading to increased metabolism and decreased levels of other drugs. Since St. John's Wort can enhance the metabolism of cyclosporine, it is expected that the levels of cyclosporine would decrease in the presence of St. John's Wort.

Sucrose content in IVIG administration can contribute to renal dysfunction. Sucrose is a type of sugar that can increase osmotic load on the kidneys, leading to increased fluid retention and potential damage to the renal system. This can result in impaired kidney function and renal dysfunction. Therefore, the sucrose content in IVIG can be a contributing factor to renal dysfunction.

If you do not administer live vaccines at the same time, you must wait 28 days to allow the immune system's response to die down before administering another live vaccine.

Cyclosporine is a medication that has a narrow therapeutic window, meaning that the difference between a safe and effective dose and a toxic dose is very small. Therefore, it is important to closely monitor the concentration of the drug in the blood. Trough concentrations refer to the lowest concentration of the drug in the blood, usually taken just before the next dose is administered. Peak concentrations, on the other hand, refer to the highest concentration of the drug in the blood, usually taken shortly after the dose is given. By monitoring these concentrations, healthcare providers can ensure that the drug is being dosed correctly and adjust the dosage if necessary to maintain therapeutic levels.

All three routes eventually cause transcription in the nucleus and eventually creates proteins. Corticosteroids are said to affect the transcription of thousands of genes in the cell of the body.

Type IV hypersensitivity reactions are mediated by T cells, specifically by CD4+ T cells. These T cells recognize antigens presented by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), such as macrophages and dendritic cells. Upon activation, T cells release cytokines that recruit and activate other immune cells, leading to inflammation and tissue damage. Eosinophils are not typically involved in type IV hypersensitivity reactions, as they are more commonly associated with type I hypersensitivity reactions. Neutrophils can also be activated in type IV hypersensitivity reactions, but dendritic cells are the primary APCs involved in presenting antigens to T cells. Therefore, dendritic cells are not activated in type IV hypersensitivity reactions.

Small donor pools of IVIG provide decreased diversity because there are fewer donors contributing to the pool, leading to a smaller range of antibodies present. This can result in decreased effectiveness in treating a wide range of conditions. Additionally, small donor pools can lead to increased batch variation due to the limited number of donors available for each batch. However, small donor pools can also have benefits such as decreased testing costs and decreased infection risk, as there are fewer samples to test and fewer potential sources of contamination.

These are in fact the two endogenous hormones AND are linked to the right action, but they are excreted from the cortex of the adrenal glands, not the medulla. Epinephrine and Norepinephrine are excreted from there.

Overstimulation of mineralocorticoid receptors can lead to an increase in sodium reabsorption in the kidneys, resulting in hypernatremia. This occurs because the excessive activation of mineralocorticoid receptors causes increased retention of sodium in the body, leading to higher levels of sodium in the blood. On the other hand, hypokalemia can occur due to the excessive excretion of potassium in the kidneys caused by mineralocorticoid receptor stimulation. This happens because increased sodium reabsorption in the kidneys leads to increased potassium excretion, resulting in lower levels of potassium in the blood.

Cyclosporine and tacrolimus are both immunosuppressive drugs used in organ transplantation. While both drugs have potential side effects, it is not accurate to say that cyclosporine has more nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity than tacrolimus. In fact, studies have shown that tacrolimus may have a higher risk of nephrotoxicity compared to cyclosporine. Therefore, the statement is false.

Live attenuated vaccines contain weakened forms of the virus or bacteria that cause the disease they are designed to protect against. These vaccines stimulate a strong immune response and provide long-lasting immunity. Varicella (chickenpox), Typhoid, Rotavirus, Influenza, Yellow Fever, and Zoster (shingles) are all examples of live attenuated vaccines. Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, Tetanus, Poliomyelitis, Rabies, and Anthrax do not have live attenuated vaccines available.

Corticosteroids modify the immune system through various methods. They can block the expression of inflammatory genes, demarginate white blood cells from storage compartments, and directly kill circulating T cells. However, they do not block plasma cell antibody production.

Corticosteroids do cause demargination of WBCs but only at vascular endothelial cells, not in the brain. Also Anatidaephobia is the fear that somewhere a duck is watching you.

Toxoid vaccinations do not provide immunity to the organism, just to the toxins that organism uses to cause disease.

Only type I reactions can respond from a desensitization regimen since it requires the crosslinkage of IgE antibodies.

Sudden withdrawal of supratherapeutic corticosteroids can cause iatrogenic adrenal insufficiency. This means that the adrenal glands are not able to produce enough cortisol, which is the hormone that helps the body respond to stress. As a result, increased stress can be a symptom of adrenal insufficiency.

Gengraf was created from sandimmune to stabilize the bioavailability and decrease dependence on bile.

Large donor pools of IVIG provide increased diversity, meaning that there is a wider range of antibodies present in the product. This can be beneficial as it increases the likelihood of finding the specific antibodies needed to treat various diseases or conditions. Additionally, large donor pools may also provide rare Ig (immunoglobulins), which are antibodies that are present in very low quantities in the general population. This can be particularly helpful for patients with rare or specific antibody deficiencies. However, having a larger donor pool can also result in increased testing costs and increased infection risk, as more donors need to be screened and tested for potential infections.

The reason the weight gain is neurologic is because corticosteroids cause you to have an increased appetite.