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A-fragments form distinct structural domains of approximately 76 amino acids, coded for by a single exon within the complement protein gene. The C3a, C4a and C5a components are referred to as anaphylatoxins: [4] [5] they cause smooth muscle contraction, vasodilation, histamine release from mast cells, and enhanced vascular permeability. [5]
It has been known for more than one hundred years that an intravenous injection of histamine causes a fall in the blood pressure. [30] The underlying mechanism concerns both vascular hyperpermeability and vasodilation. Histamine binding to endothelial cells causes them to contract, thus increasing vascular leak.
Endogenous substances and drugs that cause vasodilation are termed vasodilators. Many of these substances are neurotransmitters released by perivascular nerves of the autonomic nervous system [ 6 ] Baroreceptors sense blood pressure and allow adaptation via the mechanisms of vasoconstriction or vasodilation to maintain homeostasis .
These endothelial products include nitric oxide and endothelin-1 that are released in response to either chemical stimuli, like histamine, or increased shear stress on the blood vessel (meaning the amount of stress exerted by blood on the blood vessel walls). While nitric oxide causes vasodilation, endothelin-1 causes vasoconstriction.
A vasoactive substance is an endogenous agent or pharmaceutical drug that has the effect of either increasing or decreasing blood pressure and/or heart rate through its vasoactivity, that is, vascular activity (effect on blood vessels).
The extent of vasoconstriction may be slight or severe depending on the substance or circumstance. Many vasoconstrictors also cause pupil dilation. Medications that cause vasoconstriction include: antihistamines, decongestants, and stimulants. Severe vasoconstriction may result in symptoms of intermittent claudication. [1]
Anaphylactic shock is caused by a severe anaphylactic reaction to an allergen, antigen, drug, or foreign protein causing the release of histamine which causes widespread vasodilation, leading to hypotension and increased capillary permeability. Signs of anaphylaxis Signs typically occur after exposure to an allergen and may include:
Patch testing is a method used to determine if a specific substance causes allergic inflammation of the skin. It tests for delayed reactions. It is used to help ascertain the cause of skin contact allergy or contact dermatitis. Adhesive patches, usually treated with several common allergic chemicals or skin sensitizers, are applied to the back.