| penicillamine | <drug> Product of acid hydrolysis of penicillin that chelates heavy metals (lead, copper, mercury) and assists in their excretion in cases of poisoning. Also used in treatment of rheumatoid arthritis although its mode of action as an antirheumatic drug is not clear. (18 Nov 1997) |
|---|---|
| bacterial capsules | An envelope of loose gel surrounding a bacterial cell which is associated with the virulence of pathogenic bacteria. Some capsules have a well-defined border, whereas others form a slime layer that trails off into the medium. most capsules consist of relatively simple polysaccharides but there are some bacteria whose capsules are made of polypeptides. (12 Dec 1998) |
| brood capsules | Small hollow projections from the lining membrane of a hydatid cyst from which the scoleces arise. (05 Mar 2000) |
| capsules | Hard or soft, soluble containers of a suitable substance, for enclosing a dose of medicine, usually for oral administration. (12 Dec 1998) |