| natural killer cell stimulating factor | <cytokine> A 75 kD heterodimeric cytokine composed of disulfide-bonded 40 kD and 35 kD subunits that was originally identified by its ability to induce cytotoxic effector cells in synergy with less than optimal concentrations of interleukin-2. It is released by macrophages in response to infection and promotes the activation of cell-mediated immunity. Specifically, IL-12 triggers the maturation of Thl CD4 cells, specific cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses and an increase in the activity of NK cells and consequently, it is the initiator of cell-mediated immunity. It enhances the lytic activity of NK cells, induces interferon production, stimulates the proliferation of activated T-cells and NK cells. Is secreted by human B lymphoblastoid cells (NC 37). May play a role in controlling immunoglobulin isotype selection as it also inhibits IgE synthesis (even in the presence of anti-IFN monoclonal antibody) and as a growth factor for activated CD4+ and CD8+ T-cells independently of interleukin-2, and for CD56+ NK cells but not resting peripheral blood mononuclear cells or resting or activated tonsillar B-cells. It is likely that interleukin 12 has a major role in protective immunity against viruses and is under study as an immunotherapy in HIV infection. Formerly referred to as cytotoxic lymphocyte maturation factor. Acronym: IL-12 (12 Dec 1998) |
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| immunoglobulins, thyroid-stimulating | Autoantibodies that bind to the thyroid-stimulating hormone (tsh) receptor (receptors, thyrotropin) on thyroid epithelial cells. The autoantibodies mimic tsh causing an unregulated production of thyroid hormones characteristic of graves' disease. (12 Dec 1998) |
| insulin-stimulating peptide | <chemical> 71-amino acid containing peptide; corresponds to residues 115-143 and 144-184 of bovine serum albumin with the exception of a tyrosine insertion between residues 155 and 156; consists of two chains with mw 5000 and 3400 for each chain Synonym: h-isp, insulin-stimulating protein (05 Dec 1998) |
| interstitial cell-stimulating hormone | <protein> Synonym for luteinising hormone. (18 Nov 1997) |
| islet-cell-stimulating antibodies | <immunology> Autoantibodies to a putative beta-cell receptor; stimulate the release of insulin both in rodents and man; may be analogous to the thyroid stimulating antibodies that cause grave's hyperthyroidism Synonym: icsta (05 Dec 1998) |
| thyroid stimulating antibody | <endocrinology, immunology> Long acting thyroid stimulator is an autoantibody found in many cases of primary thyrotoxicosis which causes hyperplasia of the thyroid by undetermined mechanisms. Human thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin is a different antibody found in all or nearly all cases of primary thyrotoxicosis and may act by binding to the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor site, causing increased synthesis of thyroglobulin. (18 Nov 1997) |
| thyroid stimulating hormone | <endocrinology> Polypeptide hormone (28 kD), secreted by the anterior pituitary gland, that activates cyclic AMP production in thyroid cells leading to production and release of the thyroid hormones (T4 and T3). T4 and T3 blood levels feedback on the pituitary gland and decrease thyroid stimulating hormone production when T3 and T4 levels are high. (27 Sep 1997) |
| thyroid-stimulating hormone | thyroid stimulating hormone |
| thyroid-stimulating hormone-releasing factor | <protein> See thyrotrophic releasing hormone. (18 Nov 1997) |
| thyroid-stimulating hormone stimulation test | TSH stimulating test, a test that measures the uptake of 131I in the thyroid gland before and after administration of thyroid-stimulating hormone; useful in distinguishing primary hyperthyroidism (increased TSH serum concentration) from secondary or tertiary hyperthyroidism (low TSH serum concentrations). (05 Mar 2000) |
| thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin | <protein> A test that measures the amount of an antibody (thyroid stimulating antibody) which is directed against a receptor for TSH on the thyroid gland. This antibody acts like TSH and stimulates the thyroid to produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. The presence of this antibody generally indicates Grave's disease (hyperthyroidism). (27 Sep 1997) |
| thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins | In Graves' disease, the antibodies to TSH receptors in the thyroid gland. These antibodies are produced by B-lymphocytes and stimulate the receptors, causing hyperthyroidism. Formerly known as LATS (long-acting thyroid stimulator). (05 Mar 2000) |
| follicle-stimulating hormone | <hormone> An acidic glycoprotein secreted by the anterior pituitary gland. In women, follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the development of ovarian follicles (eggs) and stimulates the release of oestrogens. In men, follicle-stimulating hormone stimulates the production of sperm. Abnormal follicle-stimulating hormone levels may be seen in the following conditions: hypopituitarism, Klinefelter syndrome, polycystic ovary disease, Turner's syndrome and ovarian failure. Synonym: follitropin. Acronym: FSH (12 Sep 2002) |
| follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing factor | A decapeptide of hypothalamic origin capable of accelerating pituitary secretion of follitropin. Synonym: follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing factor, follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone. Origin: follicle-stimulating hormone + L. Libero, to free, + -in (05 Mar 2000) |
| follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone | A decapeptide of hypothalamic origin capable of accelerating pituitary secretion of follitropin. Synonym: follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing factor, follicle-stimulating hormone-releasing hormone. Origin: follicle-stimulating hormone + L. Libero, to free, + -in (05 Mar 2000) |