What mediator is primarily responsible for initiating the urticaric response?

The mediator primarily responsible for initiating the urticaric response is immunoglobulin E (IgE). In cases of urticaria, often referred to as hives, the body reacts to certain allergens or trigger factors, leading to the activation of mast cells and basophils. When an allergen enters the body, it binds to IgE antibodies that are already attached to the surface of these immune cells. This cross-linking of IgE triggers the degranulation of mast cells and basophils, resulting in the release of various inflammatory mediators, including histamine.

Histamine is a key player in producing the characteristic symptoms of urticaria, which include itchiness, redness, and swelling due to increased vascular permeability and vasodilation. Therefore, the role of IgE in sensitizing the immune response to allergens is crucial to the development of urticaric reactions.

While cyclic AMP, prostaglandins, and prednisone are involved in other aspects of inflammatory and immune responses, they do not serve as the primary initiators of urticaria. Cyclic AMP is a secondary messenger that can influence various cellular responses but is not specifically responsible for the initial allergic reaction. Prostaglandins play a role in the broader