| gamma | <physics> Third letter in the Greek alphabet, variable used for a number of things in physics, in plasma physics gamma is often used as the variable for growth rates of instabilities. (09 Oct 1997) |
|---|---|
| gamma-Abu | gamma-aminobutyric acid |
| gamma alcoholism | Jellinek's term for a severe stage of alcoholism characterised by a progression from psychological to physiological dependence upon alcohol, including tissue dependence and withdrawal symptoms, with loss of control over alcohol intake and destructive effects on interpersonal relationships. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma aminobutyric acid | <biochemistry> An important amino acid which functions as the most prevalent inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. Gamma aminobutyric acid works in partnership with a derivative of Vitamin B-6, pyridoxine, to cross from the axons to the dendrites through the synaptic cleft, in response to an electrical signal in the neuron and inhibits message transmission. This helps control the nerve cells from firing too fast, which would overload the system. The action of gamma aminobutyric acid decreases epileptic seizures and muscle spasms by inhibiting electrical signals in this manner. Studies have shown that the site of action in the brain of benzodiazepams, including Valium, is directly coupled to the brain receptor for gamma aminobutyric acid. Acronym: GABA (05 Jan 1998) |
| gamma aminobutyric acid receptor | <physiology> Ligand gated chloride ion channel forming receptor opened by gamma aminobutyric acid. Two distinct types: A and B. A receptor: One of a family of neurotransmitter receptors with fast intrinsic ion channels that includes the glycine receptor and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Distinct from another major receptor family, the muscarininc acetylcholine receptor and rhodopsin, with no intrinsic ion channel. The A receptor is specifically blocked by bicuculline. It consists of two pairs of protein chains forming an A2B2 complex, the A chains bind benzodiazepine and the B chains bind GABA. The 4 subunits are thought to form a tight group with the chloride channel in the middle. There is considerable similarity between the amino acid sequences of the receptor subunits and those of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor suggesting that both receptors are derived from some evolutionary ancestor. See: amino acid receptor superfamily. B receptor: Brain receptor (80 kD) for the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma amino butyric acid. Differs from the A receptor both in agonist specificity (baclofen is a specific agonist) and its effects on cells. It modulates intracellular calcium levels through a Go mediated effect on N type calcium channels and also lowers intracellular cAMP levels by an effect on adenylyl cyclase, thereby reducing the secretion of catecholamines. (05 Jan 1998) |
| gamma-amylase | A hydrolase removing terminal alpha-1,4-linked d-glucose residues from nonreducing ends of chains, with release of beta-d-glucose. Synonym: acid maltase, amyloglucosidase, gamma-amylase, glucoamylase. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma angle | <ophthalmology> The angle formed between a line joining the fixation point to the centre of the eye and the optic axis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma-anticollagenase | <chemical> Serum protease inhibitor (26 Jun 1999) |
| gamma benzene hexachloride | <chemical> One of the purified isomers of hexachlorobenzene which is used as a scabicide and pediculicide applied topically to the skin in various lotions, creams, and shampoos; gamma benzene hexachloride can be absorbed through the skin. Resembles DDT in its actions but is less persistent. Incorrect name for 1,2,3,4,5,6-hexachlorocyclohexane (lindane). Synonym: hexachlorocyclohexane. Acronym: GBH (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma-butyrobetaine | Gamma-(Trimethylammonium) butyric acid;a betaine of gamma-aminobutyric acid; a precursor of carnitine by hydroxylation of the beta-carbon. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma cell of pancreas | A cell of the pancreatic islets of the guinea pig. Synonym: gamma cell of pancreas. Synonym: parafollicular cells. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma crystallin | The least rapidly mobile form of crystallin on electrophoresis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| gamma-cyanoaminobutyrate synthase | <enzyme> Homocystine + 2cn- yields gamma-cyanobutyric acid + scn-+ homocysteine; pyridoxal-5-phosphate dependent Registry number: EC 4.- (26 Jun 1999) |
| gamma-cystathionase | <enzyme> A multifunctional pyridoxal phosphate enzyme. In the final step in the biosynthesis of cysteine it catalyses the cleavage of cystathionine to yield cysteine, ammonia, and 2-ketobutyrate. Chemical name: L-Cystathionine cysteine-lyase (deaminating) Registry number: EC 4.4.1.1 (12 Dec 1998) |
| gamma efferent | The thin axon of a gamma motor neuron innervating the intrafusal muscle fibres of a muscle spindle. (05 Mar 2000) |