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During an allergic reaction, mast cells release histamines and heparin. What respective roles do these chemicals play?

a) reduce inflammation and inhibit blood clotting
b) reduce inflammation and facilitate blood clotting
c) increase tissue inflammation and inhibit blood clotting
d) reduce tissue inflammation and inhibit blood clotting

User Poliakoff
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Final answer:

Mast cells release histamines to increase tissue inflammation and heparin to inhibit blood clotting during an allergic reaction, making the correct answer (c).

Step-by-step explanation:

During an allergic reaction, mast cells release histamines and heparin to play distinct roles in the body’s response.

Histamine acts as an inflammatory mediator, which increases tissue inflammation by causing vasodilation and increased blood flow to the affected area, resulting in symptoms such as itching, swelling, and redness.

On the other hand, heparin is an anticoagulant that helps to inhibit blood clotting. Therefore, the correct answer to the question is c) increase tissue inflammation and inhibit blood clotting.

User Eric Christensen
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