Name: Waveney Charles,

Reg#: 10/0531/1079

Course: Pathophysiology

Vasculitis- Immunology and localization: a review This document reviewed the nature of localization in vasculitis. It was established that infectious organisms and immune response to damaged vessels are the principle causes of vasculitis. However the authors sought to explain why some vessels are affected while others are not. In order to explain this phenomenon it was determined that localization was the factor that contributed to vasculitis in certain vessels as against others. The immune complexes that are stationary at areas in the vessels normally damage surrounding tissues resulting in the presentations of vasculitis. The review focused on the factors that determined localization since controlling localization was deemed more effective than trying to deal with the ensuing pathologies that resulted from the immune responses. According to the review the factors determining localization depend in part upon the size of the complex, rate of deposition and clearance. Clearance was influenced by the affinity for and efficiency of the complement system. The incidence of localization in vasculitis favours certain vessels over others, due in part to the concentration of the blood, (blood stasis and hypoxia were found to contribute to localization) as well as the stress exerted on the body, (Pregnancy played a role as well). It was revealed via two investigative studies that phagocytosis and permeability were two essential processes not only to localization but also to the matter of clearance. Inability to effectively clear products of immune complexes from the site of vascular lesions contribute significantly to localized vasculitis. The review indicated that skin subjected to alterations in blood supply may become vulnerable to infection and this vulnerability maybe enhanced by injury to tissues caused by bacteria or other agents. Ryan (1976) believed that local stasis of blood and consequence hypoxia are essentials in progression of vasculitis contributing to changes in permeability, phagocytosis, clearance and repair. Other factors included, cold temperature ultraviolet radiation gravitational stasis and knocks or abrasions on the skin. The sites most prone to localized vasculitis were determined to be the calves, ankles of the lower legs in some women or the lower thighs and the lateral extensor aspect of the obese upper arm.

Name: Waveney Charles,

Reg#: 10/0531/1079

Course: Pathophysiology