| desensitization, allergy | Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic, the aim being to modify or stop the allergy war (by reducing the strength of the IgE and its effect on the mast cells). This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, cats, and especially stinging insects (e.g., bees, hornets, yellowjackets, wasps, velvet ants, fire ants). Allergy immunotherapy usually takes 6 months to a year to become effective and shots (injections) are usually required for 3-5 years. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| drug allergy | Sensitivity (hypersensitivity) to a drug or other chemical. (05 Mar 2000) |
| immediate allergy | A type I allergic reaction; so called because in a sensitised subject the reaction becomes evident usually within minutes after contact with the allergen (antigen), reaches its peak within an hour or so, then rapidly recedes. See: immediate reaction, anaphylaxis. Compare: delayed allergy. (05 Mar 2000) |
| immunotherapy, allergy | Stimulation of the immune system with gradually increasing doses of the substances to which a person is allergic, the aim being to modify or stop the allergy war (by reducing the strength of the IgE and its effect on the mast cells). This form of treatment is very effective for allergies to pollen, mites, cats, and especially stinging insects (e.g., bees, hornets, yellow jackets, wasps, velvet ants, fire ants). Allergy immunotherapy usually takes 6 months to a year to become effective and shots (injections) are usually required for 3-5 years. (12 Dec 1998) |
| test, skin, for allergy | A test done on the skin to identify the allergy substance (allergen) triggering the allergic reaction. A small amount of the suspected allergy substance is placed on the skin. The skin is then gently scratched through the small drop with a special sterile needle. If the skin reddens and, more importantly, swells, then allergy to that substance is probable. (12 Dec 1998) |
| latent allergy | Allergy that causes no signs or symptoms but can be revealed by means of certain immunologic tests with specific allergens. (05 Mar 2000) |
| amorphous insulin zinc suspension | Sterile suspension of insulin in buffered water for injection, modified by the addition of zinc chloride such that the solid phase of the suspension is amorphous; it contains 40 or 80 units per ml; the duration of action is equivalent to that of insulin injection. Synonym: amorphous insulin zinc suspension, semilente insulin. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anti-insulin | A factor, usually an antibody, which antagonises the action of insulin. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anti-insulin antibody | A serologic blood test that is used to detect antibodies to insulin. This test is performed in insulin dependent diabetics who exhibit insulin resistance. The presence of antibodies denotes a positive result. (27 Sep 1997) |
| biphasic insulin | <protein> A type of insulin that is a mixture of intermediate- and fast-acting insulin. (09 Oct 1997) |
| receptors, insulin | Cell surface proteins that bind insulin and trigger intracellular changes which influence the behaviour of cells. The best understood physiological consequence of insulin receptor activation is increased transport of glucose into most cells, which controls the rate of carbohydrate metabolism. The insulin receptor is a multifunctional protein complex that has intrinsic tyrosine kinase activity and is capable of autophosphorylation. (12 Dec 1998) |
| receptors, insulin-like-growth factor I | Specific proteins on or in cells to which insulin-like growth factor I (somatomedin c) binds and thereby modifies the function of the cells. These receptors contain transmembrane and cytosolic domains, bind igf-I preferentially, and have high-affinity sites for igf-II. The alpha-subunit has a mw of 130 kD and the beta subunit possesses tyrosine kinase activity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| receptors, insulin-like-growth-factor II | Specific proteins on or in cells to which insulin-like growth factor II and mannose-6-phosphate bind and thereby modify the function of the cells. These receptors have a mw of 250 kD and possess no tyrosine kinase activity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| regular insulin | A rapidly acting form of insulin which is a clear solution and may be administered intravenously as well as subcutaneously; may be mixed with longer acting forms of insulin to extend the duration of effect. Onset of effect occurs in 1/2 to 1 hour, peak effects are observed in 2 to 3 hours, and the duration of effect is about 5 to 7 hours. Synonym: globin insulin. (05 Mar 2000) |
| regular insulin injection | A preparation that may contain 20, 40, 80, 100, or 500 USP insulin units per ml, although the trend is toward standardizing all insulin preparations at 100 units per ml; it is administered subcutaneously, occasionally intravenously, and has a rapid onset of action, has a brief duration (5 to 7 hours), and is compatible for mixing with long-acting insulin preparations; used in the treatment of diabetic acidosis and insulin coma. Synonym: regular insulin injection. (05 Mar 2000) |