Human Health and Diseases Question 10
10. Asthma may be attributed to
(a) bacterial infection of the lungs.
(b) allergic reaction of the mast cell in the lungs
(c) inflammation of the trachea
(d) accumulation of fluid in the lungs
Show Answer
Answer : b
Hints & Solutions
(b) A mast cell or a mastocyte is typically a white blood cell. It is a special kind of granulocyte, which is a part of the immune system and laden with histamine and heparin. Besides these, mast cells also secrete the prostaglandin (PG) D2, and leukotriene (LT) $C 4$, which are capable of inducing bronchoconstriction and mucosal edema, both features of asthma. Prostaglandins and leukotrienes are potent eicosanoid lipid mediators derived from phospholipase-released arachidonic acid that are involved in numerous homeostatic biological functions and inflammation.
