Allergy

Section I. The Immune Systemand Inflammation: Antigen Presentation and the Major Histocompatibility Complex. Immunoglobulin Structure and Genetics. T and B Lymphocytes. Natural Killer Cells. Chemokines/Histamine Releasing Factors. Structure, Function, And Synthesis of Ige. Receptorfor Ige and Initiation of Allergic Reactions. Biochemical Events in Basophil and Mast Cell Secretion. Basophils and Mast Cells. Eosinophils and Disease. Lipid Mediators. The Complement System: Mechanisms of Activation, Regulation, And Biological Functions. Bradykinin Formation: Plasma and Tissue Pathways. Endothelial Cells and Cell Adhesion. Chemotaxis and Phagocytosis. Late Phase Reaction. The Autonomic Nervous System, Neuropeptides and Allergy. Section II. Assessment of Allergic Diseases: Diagnostic Testing: Skin Tests, Ige Quantitation. Respiratory Physiology in Asthma: Pulmonary Function Testing, Bronchoprovocation and Mucociliary Clearance. Airborne Allergies and Allergic Extracts. Structure and Function of the Upper Airway: Rhinoscopy. Imaging Techniques in Nasal Allergy and Sinusitis. Section III. Allergic Diseases: Epidemiology of Allergy. Allergic Rhinitis, Non-Allergic Rhinitis, And Ocular Allergy. Nasal Polyps and Sinusitis. Asthma in Infants and Children. Asthma: Pathogenesis and Treatment. Exercise and Asthma. Occupational Induced Asthma. Allergic Bronchopulmonary Aspergillosis. Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis. Adverse Reactions to Foods. Anaphylaxis. Urticaria and Angioedema. Atopic Dermatitis and Contact Reactions. Drug Reactions. Erythema Multiforme and Stevens-Johnson Syndrome. Insect Sting Allergy. Section IV. Therapeutic Modalities: Adrenergic and Cholinergic Agents. Antihistamines. Cromolyn Sodium. Theophylline: Role of Importance in the Treatment of Asthma. Corticosteroids and Anti-Metabolites. Immunotherapy and Effects on Cytokine and Cells. Section V. Immunologic Diseases: Congenital and Acquired Immunodeficiency. AIDS. Autoimmunity. Rheumatoid Arthritis. Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Scleroderma. Vasculitis. Systemic Mastocytosis. The Idiopathic Hypereosinophilic Syndrome.