Chemical mediator

Chemical Mediator

A chemical mediator is a type of molecule that is involved in the transmission of signals from one cell to another. These mediators can be produced by cells and released into the extracellular space, where they can bind to receptors on other cells and trigger a response. Chemical mediators play a crucial role in many biological processes, including inflammation, immune response, and cell growth and differentiation.

Types of Chemical Mediators

There are several types of chemical mediators, including:

• Cytokines: These are proteins that are produced by cells of the immune system. They play a key role in regulating immune responses and inflammation.

• Hormones: These are chemical messengers that are produced by glands in the body. They travel through the bloodstream to target cells, where they trigger a response.

• Neurotransmitters: These are chemicals that transmit signals across a synapse from one neuron to another.

• Eicosanoids: These are lipid mediators that are involved in a wide range of physiological processes, including inflammation and immune responses.

Role in Disease

Abnormalities in the production or function of chemical mediators can lead to a variety of diseases. For example, overproduction of certain cytokines can lead to chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases, while deficiencies in certain neurotransmitters can lead to neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and depression.

Research and Therapeutic Applications

Research into chemical mediators has led to the development of a number of therapeutic strategies for treating diseases. For example, drugs that block the action of certain cytokines are used to treat autoimmune diseases, while drugs that increase the levels of certain neurotransmitters are used to treat depression and other mental health disorders.

See Also

• Signal transduction
• Cell signaling
• Inflammatory mediator
• Neurotransmission

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