| aging | The gradual changes in the structure and function of humans and animals that occur with the passage of time, that do not result from disease or other gross accidents, and that eventually lead to the increased probability of death as the person or animal grows older. It does not apply to microorganisms. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| aging, premature | Changes in the organism associated with senescence, occurring at an accelerated rate. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cell aging | The decrease in the cell's ability to proliferate with the passing of time. Each cell is programmed for a certain number of cell divisions and at the end of that time proliferation halts. The cell enters a quiescent state after which it experiences cell death via the process of apoptosis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| clonal aging | The deterioration in successive generations of a clone; thus paramecia and other simple forms, if allowed to reproduce asexually for a number of generations, invariably undergo deterioration, the characters of each group of descendants progressively departing from those of the original sexually produced ancestor. (05 Mar 2000) |
| skin aging | The process of aging due to changes in the structure and elasticity of the skin over time. It may be a part of physiological aging or it may be due to the effects of ultraviolet radiation, usually through exposure to sunlight. (12 Dec 1998) |
| erythrocyte aging | Senescence of the red blood cell. Lacking the organelles that make protein synthesis possible, the mature erythrocyte is incapable of self-repair, reproduction, and carrying out certain functions performed by other cells. This limits the average life span of an erythrocyte to 120 days. (12 Dec 1998) |
| veterinary drugs | Drugs used by veterinarians in the treatment of animal diseases. The veterinarian's pharmacological armamentarium is the counterpart of drugs treating human diseases, with dosage and administration adjusted to the size, weight, disease, and idiosyncrasies of the species. In the united states most drugs are subject to federal regulations with special reference to the safety of drugs and residues in edible animal products. (12 Dec 1998) |
| cytotoxic drugs | <pharmacology> Anti-cancer drugs which act by killing or preventing the division of cells. See: chemotherapy. (13 Nov 1997) |
| psychotropic drugs | A loosely defined grouping of drugs that have effects on psychological function. Here the psychotropic agents include the antidepressive agents, hallucinogens, and tranquillising agents (including the antipsychotics and anti-anxiety agents). (12 Dec 1998) |
| neuroleptic drugs | Literally nerve seising: used of chlorpromazine like drugs. Antagonise the effects of dopamine. Origin: Gr. Lepsis = a taking hold (18 Nov 1997) |
| street drugs | Drugs obtained and often manufactured illegally for the subjective effects they are said to produce. They are often distributed in urban areas, but are also available in suburban and rural areas, and tend to be grossly impure and may cause unexpected toxicity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| designer drugs | Drugs designed and synthesised, often for illegal street use, by modification of existing drug structures (e.g., amphetamines). Of special interest are mptp (a reverse ester of meperidine), mda (3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine), and mdma (3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine). Many drugs act on the aminergic system, the physiologically active biogenic amines. (12 Dec 1998) |
| drugs, chinese herbal | Chinese herbal or plant extracts which are used as drugs to treat diseases or promote general well-being. The concept does not include synthesised compounds manufactured in china. (12 Dec 1998) |
| drugs, essential | Drugs considered essential to meet the health needs of a population as well as to control drug costs. (world health organization action programme on essential drugs, 1994, p3) (12 Dec 1998) |
| drugs, generic | Drugs whose drug name is not protected by a trademark. They may be manufactured by several companies. (12 Dec 1998) |