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times they fail to recognize, and attack and kill the very cells they have been entrusted to defend. The results are disastrous for the body. Such a failure to recognize its own cells can result from a number of causes which result in the production of antibodies or sensitized lymphocytes againt the body's own cells. Autoimmune damage may also occur accidentally, if the release of chemicals by the system kills not only the invaders but also the normal cells the "innocent bystanders”. Some form of arthritis, anemia, some muscular disorders and other diseases are believed to be the results of autoimmune reactions.
Hypersensitivity and Allergy
A hypersensitive immunity system reacts to environmental antigens, such as microscopic pollen grains, dust particles to an inappropriately extreme degree as though they were major threats to life. Such a complex of immune responses is called allergy and the antigens that cause it are called allergenes. They may be caried in the air and inhaled; they may be constituents of food; or they may come in contact with the skin. In susceptible individuals, allergens stimulate the production of a special class of antibodies. The result is watery eyes, sneezing, bronchial spasm (asthma) or skin rashes.
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