| anti-inflammatory agent, non-steroidal | Anti-inflammatory agents that are not steroids. In addition to anti-inflammatory actions, they have analgesic, antipyretic, and platelet-inhibitory actions. They are used primarily in the treatment of chronic arthritic conditions and certain soft tissue disorders associated with pain and inflammation. They act by blocking the synthesis of prostaglandins by inhibiting cyclooxygenase, which converts arachidonic acid to cyclic endoperoxides, precursors of prostaglandins. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis accounts for their analgesic, antipyretic, and platelet-inhibitory actions; other mechanisms may contribute to their anti-inflammatory effects. Certain nsaids also may inhibit lipoxygenase enzymes or phospholipase c or may modulate T-cell function. (ama drug evaluations annual, 1994, p 1814-5) (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| anti-inflammatory agent, steroidal | Steroidal agents capable of suppressing or counteracting the inflammatory process by acting on body mechanisms, without directly antagonizing the causative agents. (12 Dec 1998) |
| anti-inflammatory agent, topical | Anti-inflammatory agent that are applied to the skin and whose pharmacological effect only occurs at the area of application. (12 Dec 1998) |
| 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) |
| anti-kidney serum nephritis | Experimental glomerulonephritis produced by injection of antiserum to kidney. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anti-microsomal antibodies | Anti-microsomal antibodies or anti-thyroid microsomal antibodies measure for the presence of antibody to thyroid microsomes. The anti-microsomal antibody or microsomal antibody test is used to diagnose conditions such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and other autoimmune disorders. (27 Sep 1997) |
| anti-mitochondrial antibodies | A special serologic test that measures the level of antibodies to a particular portion of a cell (mitochondria). (27 Sep 1997) |
| anti-Monson curve | In dentistry, a curve of occlusion which is convex upward. Synonym: anti-Monson curve. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anti-obesity agents | Agents that increase energy expenditure and weight loss by neural and chemical regulation. Beta-adrenergic agents and serotoninergic drugs have been experimentally used in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (niddm) to treat obesity. (12 Dec 1998) |
| anti-P antibody | <haematology, investigation> A serologic blood test used to detect the Donath-landsteiner antibody in serum. This test is performed in cases of suspected paroxysmal cold haemoglobinuria. A normal result is indicated by an absence of antibodies. The antibody is directed toward the P-antigen complex which is located on the surface of red blood cells. In some way, cold temperatures trigger the antibody to bind to this site. (13 Jan 1998) |
| anti-platelet agents | Medications that, like aspirin, reduce the tendency of platelets in the blood to clump and clot. (12 Dec 1998) |
| anti-S | See MNSs blood group, Blood Groups appendix. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anti-streptolysin O titres | <immunology, microbiology> A special serologic test, known as anti-streptolysin O, that measures the quantity of antibody to a component of streptococcal bacteria. A useful diagnostic test for scarlet fever, rheumatic fever and other streptococcal disease. (13 Jan 1998) |
| anti-tac | Monoclonal antibody that recognises a drain of the IL-2 receptor. (05 Mar 2000) |