immunity - the body's defense system against external influences.The term is derived from the Latin word translated as "liberation" or "getting rid of anything."Hippocrates called it "self-healing power of the body," as Paracelsus called "the power to heal."The first thing to understand in terms related to the main defenders of our body.
natural and acquired immunity
Back in the old days doctors were known human immunity to diseases of animals.For example, the plague in dogs or chicken cholera.This is called innate immunity.It is given to a person at birth and persists throughout life.
The second type of immunity appears in person only after he will bring disease.For example, typhoid and scarlet fever - early infection, which doctors discovered sustainability.In the course of the disease the body produces antibodies that protect it from some microbes and viruses.
great importance immunity that after the treatment the body is ready to meet the re-infection.This is facilitated by:
- saving model antibodies for life;
- recognition body "friend" of the disease and rapid organization of defense.
There is a softer way to get the immune system - is vaccination.There is no need to fully experience the disease.Just enter the bloodstream weakened by illness, to "teach" the body to fight it.If you want to find out, which gave humanity the opening of immunity, it should start to learn the history of discoveries.
little history
first vaccination was made in 1796.Edward Genero was convinced that artificial infection with smallpox from the blood of cows - the best option for the acquisition of immunity.But in India and China were infected with the human smallpox long before it began to do in Europe.
In the 90 years of the XIX century, Emil von Behring has published details of their work.They reported that the acquisition of immunity is sufficient to infect an animal is not intact diphtheria bacteria, but only some toxins isolated from nih.Preparaty made from the blood of such animals, were called sera.They became the first remedy to give to mankind the discovery of the immune system.
Serum as the last chance
If a person is ill and can not cope with their own illness, he administered the serum.It contains ready-made antibodies that the patient's body, for whatever reason can not work out on their own.
This extreme measures are necessary only if the patient's life is in danger.Antibodies for serum extracted from the blood of animals that already have immunity to the disease.They receive it after vaccination.
most important thing that has given mankind the discovery of immunity - is understanding of the body as a whole.Scientists have finally figured out how antibodies appear and what they need.
Antibodies - fighters with dangerous toxins
antitoxin became known substance, neutralizing the waste products of bacteria.It appears in the blood only when entering these dangerous compounds.Then all such substances became known as the general term - "antibodies".
Nobel Prize in Chemistry Arne Tizelius experimentally proved that antibodies - proteins are common, but having a higher molecular weight.And two other scientists - Edelman and Porter - have deciphered the structure of some of them.An antibody consists of four proteins: two heavy and two light.Molecule itself is shaped like Susumu Tonegawa rogatku.A later he showed remarkable ability of our genome.DNA regions which are responsible for the synthesis of antibodies capable of changing in every cell of the body.And they are always ready at any danger they may change so that the cell will produce protective proteins.That is, the body is always ready to give birth to many diverse antibodies.This diversity far exceeds the number of possible alien influences.
value of opening immunity
The discovery of the immune system and put forward the theory of all his actions will allow scientists and doctors to better understand the structure of our body, the mechanisms of its reactions to viruses and bacteria.This helped to win such a terrible disease like smallpox.And then there were found a vaccine against tetanus, measles, tuberculosis, whooping cough and many others.
All these advances in medicine have allowed much to increase the average human lifespan and improve quality of care.
In order to better understand what has given mankind the discovery immunity enough to read about life in the Middle Ages, when there were no vaccines and serums.See how medicine has changed dramatically, and how much better and safer was live!
But there is still a lot of discoveries and advances in the study of the human body.And everyone is able to contribute to the future of humanity.Enough to have a basic understanding of the most important questions of biology and know how to develop the story of the discovery of immunity to share this with their children and friends.Perhaps you will awaken to a new generation interested in science!
