Question

Inflammation reaction is brought about by
A. Mast cells
B. Macrophages
C. Plasma cells
D. Adipose cells

Answer 1

Hint: Inflammation is the term that we use when any type of tissue injury occurs by heat, bacteria or some toxins. When such an injury occurs, the cells get damaged and release chemicals like histamines which further cause leaking in blood vessels and cause swelling. A particular white blood cell is known to be responsible for inflammation reactions.

Complete answer:
> Mast cells: They are the type of white blood cells containing many granules which are highly rich in chemicals like heparin and histamines. They possess a major, rather protective role where allergic and inflammatory reactions are concerned. Hence, this is one appropriate answer.

> Macrophages: They have a major task of phagocytosis. Apart from that, they are also vital for detection and destruction of bacteria. They perform the function of engulfing foreign bodies.

> Plasma cells: The B cells or B lymphocytes make the plasma cells. It is made in the bone marrow. The work of plasma cells is not to make antibodies that fight bacteria and viruses and stop infections. Hence, they are not related to inflammation as well.

> Adipose cells: They are the fat cells that are specialized in storing energy in the form of fats. These cells are found throughout the body. These cells do die but get replaced with the new ones. This option is also not true.

Hence, the correct answer is option (A).

Note: Mast cells are the derivatives from the bone marrow but they differ from other white blood cells because they are released into blood as mast cells progenitors and do not mature until terminal differentiation. Mast cells mature by the micro environmental conditions by factors such as cytokines and stem cell factor (SCF). Nerve growth factor (NGF) is also known to promote the maturation of mast cells.