Post by erzulie on Aug 11, 2006 16:40:43 GMT -5
I could have sworn there was a thread already on this but I couldn't find it by doing a search. Anyway here is some fascinating information on our immune systems. I must say I was very surprised when I first read this:
Things that are wrong with the immune systems of women with endometriosis:
· High levels of activated macrophages in peritoneal fluid—This results in high levels of inflammatory cytokines, which causes a chronic inflammatory state in the pelvis
· Natural killer cells exhibit decreased cytoxicity-- Natural Killer cells are supposed to eat endometrial tissue when it is not in the uterus. In women with endometriosis, the NK cells usually don’t do this, and the endometriosis cells are usually resistant so if they try, it won’t work.
· Monocytes exhibit abherrant reactivity—They stimulate proliferation of endometrial tissue instead of suppressing its growth when it’s in the wrong place
· Polyclonal B cell activation-- B cells, which create antibodies, are supposed to attack invaders only. They should recognize that endometrial cells are part of the woman’s body and leave them alone even if they’re out of place. In women with endometriosis, the B cells are hyperactive and create antibodies for the endometrial cells. This just makes matters worse.
· Humoral immunity abnormalities—Abnormal production of the C’ protein C3 may result in the attraction and activation of unnecessarily high numbers of immune cell soldiers
· Cell-mediated immunity abnormalities—Immune cells respond to immune challenges with inappropriate armaments and with incorrect instructions for other cells
Taken from Endometriosis: The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health by Mary Lou Ballweg and the Endometriosis Association
Things that are wrong with the immune systems of women with endometriosis:
· High levels of activated macrophages in peritoneal fluid—This results in high levels of inflammatory cytokines, which causes a chronic inflammatory state in the pelvis
· Natural killer cells exhibit decreased cytoxicity-- Natural Killer cells are supposed to eat endometrial tissue when it is not in the uterus. In women with endometriosis, the NK cells usually don’t do this, and the endometriosis cells are usually resistant so if they try, it won’t work.
· Monocytes exhibit abherrant reactivity—They stimulate proliferation of endometrial tissue instead of suppressing its growth when it’s in the wrong place
· Polyclonal B cell activation-- B cells, which create antibodies, are supposed to attack invaders only. They should recognize that endometrial cells are part of the woman’s body and leave them alone even if they’re out of place. In women with endometriosis, the B cells are hyperactive and create antibodies for the endometrial cells. This just makes matters worse.
· Humoral immunity abnormalities—Abnormal production of the C’ protein C3 may result in the attraction and activation of unnecessarily high numbers of immune cell soldiers
· Cell-mediated immunity abnormalities—Immune cells respond to immune challenges with inappropriate armaments and with incorrect instructions for other cells
Taken from Endometriosis: The Complete Reference for Taking Charge of Your Health by Mary Lou Ballweg and the Endometriosis Association