| antinuclear | Having an affinity for or reacting with the cell nucleus. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| antinuclear antibody | <immunology> Antinuclear antibody is an antibody that react against components of the cell nucleus such as DNA, RNA, histone or non-histone proteins. These antibodies are present in a variety of immunologic or autoimmune diseases including systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, polymyositis, dermatomyositis and in persons taking hydralazine, procainamide or isoniazid. A serologic measurement for antinuclear antibodies can aid in the diagnosis of unexplained arthritis, rashes or chest pains. Acronym: ANA (12 Jan 1998) |
| antinuclear factor | A factor, usually antibodies, present in serum with strong affinity for nuclei and detected by fluorescent antibody technique; present in lupus erythematosus, rheumatic arthritis, and certain other autoimmune conditions; may also be present at lower levels in normal individuals. (05 Mar 2000) |
| antibodies, antinuclear | See: Antinuclear antibodies. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| fluorescent antinuclear antibody test | FANA test, a test for antinuclear antibody components; used, in particular, for the diagnosis of collagen-vascular diseases. (05 Mar 2000) |