| dextrad | <anatomy> Toward the right side; dextrally. Origin: L. Dextra the right hand + ad to. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| dextral | Right, as opposed to sinistral, or left. <zoology> Dextral shell, a spiral shell the whorls of which turn from left right, or like the hands of a watch when the apex of the spire is toward the eye of the observer. Origin: From Dexter. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| dextrality | Right-handedness; preference for the right hand in performing manual tasks. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextran | High molecular weight polysaccharides synthesised by some micro organisms. Consist of D glucose linked by _ 1,6 bonds (and a few _ 1,3 and _ 1,4 bonds). Dextran 75 (average molecular weight 75 kD) has a colloid osmotic pressure similar to blood plasma, so dextran 75 solutions are used clinically as plasma expanders. They will also cause charge shielding and at the right concentrations induce flocculation of red cells, a trick that is used in preparing leucocyte rich plasma for white cell purification in the laboratory. Cross linked dextran is the basis for Sephadex. Commercially derived from strains of Leuconostoc mesenteroides. (18 Nov 1997) |
| dextran 110 | Dextran (average MW 110,000) available as 5% solution in water or saline solution; used as a plasma volume expander. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextran 40 | Dextran (average MW 40,000) used as a plasma volume expander and blood flow adjuvant. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextran 70 | Dextran (average MW 70,000) used as a plasma volume expander. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextran 75 | Dextran (average MW 75,000) used as a plasma volume expander. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextran sulfate | <chemical> Long-chain polymer of glucose containing 17-20% sulfur. It has been used as an anticoagulant and also has been shown to inhibit the binding of HIV-1 to CD4+ T-lymphocytes. It is commonly used as both an experimental and clinical laboratory reagent and has been investigated for use as an antiviral agent, in the treatment of hypolipidemia, and for the prevention of free radical damage, among other applications. Pharmacological action: anticoagulant, antiviral agents, indicators and reagents, plasma substitutes. Chemical name: Dextran, hydrogen sulfate (12 Dec 1998) |
| dextranase | <enzyme> An enzyme that breaks down dextran, which is a polysaccharide (chain of simple sugars) composed of glucose (a type of simple sugar) monomers (units of a polymer, such as a polysaccharide). (09 Oct 1997) |
| dextrans | <chemical> A group of glucose polymers made by certain bacteria. Dextrans are used therapeutically as plasma volume expanders and anticoagulant. They are also commonly used in biological experimentation and in industry for a wide variety of purposes. Pharmacological action: anticoagulant, plasma substitutes. (12 Dec 1998) |
| dextransucrase | <enzyme> A glucosyltransferase that builds poly(1,6-alpha-d-glucosyl), i.e., polyglucoses, dextrans, or alpha-glucans, from sucrose, releasing d-fructose residues. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextrase | <enzyme> Non-specific term for the complex of enzymes that converts dextrose (d-glucose) into lactic acid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextriferron | <drug, haematology> A colloidal solution of ferric hydroxide in complex with partially hydrolyzed dextrin, used in the treatment of iron-deficiency anaemia; it is suitable for intravenous administration and contains 20 mg of iron per ml. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dextrin | <chemistry> A translucent, gummy, amorphous substance, nearly tasteless and odorless, used as a substitute for gum, for sizing, etc, and obtained from starch by the action of heat, acids, or diastase. It is of somewhat variable composition, containing several carbohydrates which change easily to their respective varieties of sugar. It is so named from its rotating the plane of polarization to the right; called also British gum, Alsace gum, gommelin, leiocome, etc. See Achroodextrin, and Erythrodextrin. Origin: Cf. F. Dextrine, G. Dextrin. See Dexter. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |