| antigenic modulation | Loss of detectable antigen from the surface of a cell after incubation with antibodies. This is one method in which some tumours escape detection by the immune system. Antigenic modulation of target antigens also reduces the therapeutic effectiveness of treatment by monoclonal antibodies. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| modulation | Alteration in the effectiveness of voltage gated or ligand gated ion channels by changing the characteristics of current flow through the channels. The mechanism is thought to involve second messenger systems. (18 Nov 1997) |
| modulation transfer function | <microscopy> A mathematical function that expresses the ability of an optical or electronic device to transfer signals faithfully as a function of the spatial or temporal frequency of the signal. The modulation transfer function is the ratio of percentage modulation of a sinusoidal signal leaving to that entering the device over the range of frequencies of interest. The modulation transfer function is usually presented as a graph of modulation transfer function versus log (frequency). For a square wave signal, the function is known as the CTF. Acronym: MTF (26 Mar 1998) |
| anamnestic response | <immunology> Archaic term now replaced by such terms as secondary immune response, immune memory. (18 Nov 1997) |
| audiometry, evoked response | A form of electrophysiologic audiometry in which an analog computer is included in the circuit to average out ongoing or spontaneous brain wave activity. A characteristic pattern of response to a sound stimulus may then become evident. Evoked response audiometry is known also as electric response audiometry. (12 Dec 1998) |
| auditory brainstem response audiometry | An electrophysiologic measure of auditory function utilizing responses produced by the auditory nerve and the brainstem to repetitive acoustic stimuli. (05 Mar 2000) |
| biological response modifier | <pharmacology, oncology> A substance used in adjuvant therapy that takes advantage of the bodys own natural defense mechanisms to inhibit the growth of a tumour. (16 Dec 1997) |
| biological response modifiers | Substances that stimulate the body's response to infection and disease. The body naturally produces small amounts of these substances. Scientists can produce some of them in the laboratory in large amounts and use them in cancer treatment. Also called BRMs. (12 Dec 1998) |
| biphasic response | Two separate and distinct responses that are separated in time, immediate reaction to an antigenic challenge followed by a recurrence of symptoms after an interval of quiescence. (05 Mar 2000) |
| booster response | The response of the immune system to the second or subsequent occasion on which it encounters a specific antigen. (18 Nov 1997) |
| brainstem evoked response audiometry | An electrophysiologic measure of auditory function utilizing responses produced by the auditory nerve and the brainstem to repetitive acoustic stimuli. (05 Mar 2000) |
| galvanic skin response | A change in electrical resistance of the skin, occurring in emotion and in certain other conditions. (12 Dec 1998) |
| recruiting response | <neurology> The gradual increase to a maximum in a reflex when a stimulus of unaltered intensity is prolonged. (12 Dec 1998) |
| partial response | <oncology> A decrease of at least 50 percent in the sum of the measurements of all evaluable target lesions or tumours seen in a study. (16 Dec 1997) |
| relaxation response | An integrated hypothalamic reaction resulting in decreased sympathetic nervous system activity which, physiologically and psychologically, is almost a mirror image of the body's response's to Cannon's emergency theory (flight or fight response); can be self-induced through the use of techniques associated with transcendental meditation, yoga, and biofeedback. See: emergency theory. (05 Mar 2000) |