Read the following passage carefully and answer the given questions. Plasmodium, a tiny protozoan is responsible for the disease malaria. Different species of Plasmodium (P. vivax, P. malaria and P. falciparum) are responsible for different types of malaria. Of these, malignant malaria caused by Plasmodium falciparum is the most serious one and can even be fatal. Innate immunity consist of four types of barriers. These are- (i) Physical barriers- skin on our body is the main barrier which prevents entry of the micro-organisms. (ii) Physiological barriers- Acid in the stomach, saliva in the mouth, tears from eyes-all prevent microbial growth. (iii) Cellular barriers- Certain types of leukocytes (WBC) of our body like polymorpho-nuclear leukocytes (PMNL-neutrophils) and monocytes and natural killer (type of lymphocytes) in the blood as well as macrophages in tissues can phagocytose and destroy microbes. (iv) Cytokine barriers- virus-infected cells secrete proteins called interferons which protect non-infected cells from further viral infection. Allergy is due to the release of chemicals like histamine and serotonin from the mast cells. The use of drugs like anti-histamine, adrenalin and steroids quickly reduce the symptoms of allergy. Drugs like barbiturates, amphetamines, benzodiazepines, and other similar drugs, that are normally used as medicines to help patients cope with mental illnesses like depression and insomnia, are often abused. |
Which one of the following drugs or chemicals can not quickly reduce the symptoms of allergy? |
Anti-histamine Adrenalin Serotonin Steroids |
Serotonin |
The correct answer is Option (3) → Serotonin The exaggerated response of the immune system to certain antigens present in the environment is called allergy. The substances to which such an immune response is produced are called allergens. The antibodies produced to these are of IgE type. Common examples of allergens are mites in dust, pollens, animal dander, etc. Symptoms of allergic reactions include sneezing, watery eyes, running nose and difficulty in breathing. Allergy is due to the release of chemicals like histamine and serotonin from the mast cells. For determining the cause of allergy, the patient is exposed to or injected with very small doses of possible allergens, and the reactions studied. The use of drugs like anti-histamine, adrenalin and steroids quickly reduce the symptoms of allergy. |