In article <4tp2kh$o66 at nadine.teleport.com>, semerson at teleport.com (Steve
Emerson) wrote:
> Betty Bridges (bcb56 at ix.netcom.com) wrote:
> : Can anyone explain the pathogenesis of sensitization to chemicals?
>[snip].
>> As a layman, I believe that chemicals somehow activate or
> increase MAO or MAOB activity, which results in neurotransmitter
[snip]
I don't know how the sensitization might be modulated by MAO etc., but the
underlying process is that contact sensitivity to chemicals is an immune
response mediated by T cells. Certain chemicals and metal ions bind to
histocompatibility antigens or to self peptides bound to
histocompatibility antigens in such a way to make them look foreign to T
lymphocytes, and provoke an immune reponse. The T cells release
inflammatory cytokines that cause the pathology.
David C. Parker
Oregon Health Sciences University voice: (503)494-1498
Molecular Microbiology & Immunology fax: (503)494-6862
3181 SW Sam Jackson Pk Rd, L220 internet: parkerd at ohsu.edu
Portland, Oregon 97201-3098
