What is the primary cause of anaphylaxis?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Systemic release of vasoactive mediators. Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that is primarily caused by the systemic release of vasoactive mediators such as histamine, prostaglandins, and leukotrienes from mast cells and basophils. These mediators lead to widespread vasodilation, increased vascular permeability, bronchoconstriction, and systemic hypotension, resulting in the characteristic symptoms of anaphylaxis.
Choice A (Immune complex deposition) is incorrect because anaphylaxis is not caused by the deposition of immune complexes but rather by the immediate hypersensitivity reaction.
Choice C (Localized mast cell degranulation) is incorrect because anaphylaxis involves systemic mast cell degranulation leading to widespread effects throughout the body, not just localized reactions.
Choice D (T cell activation) is incorrect because anaphylaxis is primarily mediated by IgE antibodies and mast cells, not T cells.