| calcium channel | <physiology> A membrane channel that is specific for calcium. It is a voltage-dependent cell membrane glycoproteins selectively permeable to calcium ions. They are categorised as l, t, n, or p types based on the activation and inactivation kinetics, ion specificity, and sensitivity to drugs and toxins. (12 May 2002) |
|---|---|
| calcium channel agonist | <pharmacology> Agents that increase calcium influx into calcium channels of excitable tissues. This causes vasoconstriction in vascular smooth muscle and/or cardiac muscle cells as well as stimulation of insulin release from pancreatic islets. Therefore, tissue-selective calcium agonists have the potential to combat cardiac failure and endocrinological disorders. They have been used primarily in experimental studies in cell and tissue culture. (12 Dec 1998) |
| calcium channel antagonist | <pharmacology> A class of drugs that act by selective inhibition of calcium ion influx through or across cell membranes or on the release and binding of calcium in intracellular pools. Calcium channel blockers are used primarily in the treatment of certain heart conditions and stroke. As they are inducers of vascular and other smooth muscle relaxation, they are also used in the treatment of hypertension and cerebrovascular spasms, as myocardial protective agents, and in the relaxation of uterine spasms. Synonym: calcium antagonist, calcium channel-blocker, slow channel-blocking agent. (12 May 2002) |
| calcium channel-blocker | <pharmacology> A class of drugs that act by selective inhibition of calcium ion influx through or across cell membranes or on the release and binding of calcium in intracellular pools. Calcium channel blockers are used primarily in the treatment of certain heart conditions and stroke. As they are inducers of vascular and other smooth muscle relaxation, they are also used in the treatment of hypertension and cerebrovascular spasms, as myocardial protective agents, and in the relaxation of uterine spasms. Synonym: calcium antagonist, calcium channel-blocker, slow channel-blocking agent. (12 May 2002) |
| calcium chloride | <chemical> Calcium chloride (cacl2). A salt that occurs as white, hard fragments or granules. It is used as a calcium replenisher, administered intravenously, has been used as an acid-producing diuretic and urinary acidifier and to control bleeding in such conditions as purpura, intestinal bleeding, and small multiple haemorrhages. It is also a specific antidote for magnesium poisoning, administered intravenously. Chemical name: Calcium chloride (CaCl2) (12 Dec 1998) |
| calcium citrate | <chemical> A colourless crystalline or white powdery organic, tricarboxylic acid occurring in plants, especially citrus fruits, and used as a flavoring agent, as an antioxidant in foods, and as a sequestrating agent. Pharmacological action: antioxidants. (12 Dec 1998) |
| calcium compound | Inorganic compounds that contain calcium as an integral part of the molecule. (12 Dec 1998) |
| calcium current | Inflow of calcium ions through specific calcium channels. Critically important in release of transmitter substance from presynaptic terminals. (18 Nov 1997) |
| calcium cyanamide | <drug> This drug is used to treat alcoholism, if a person takes this drug and then drinks any alcohol at all, they will get sick (headache, nausea, vertigo, etc.) (09 Oct 1997) |
| calcium deficiency | A low blood calcium (hypocalcaemia) makes the nervous system highly irritable with tetany (spasms of the hands and feet, muscle cramps, abdominal cramps, overly active reflexes, etc.). Chronic calcium deficiency contributes to poor mineralization of bones, soft bones (osteomalacia) and osteoporosis; and, in children, rickets and impaired growth. Food sources of calcium include dairy foods, some leafy green vegetables such as broccoli and collards, canned salmon, clams, oysters, calcium-fortified foods, and tofu. According to the National Academy of Sciences, adequate intake of calcium is 1 gram daily for both men and women. The upper limit for calcium intake is 2.5 grams daily. (12 Dec 1998) |
| calcium-dependent protein kinase | <enzyme> Mw 51,000; requires ca; not stimulated by calmodulin, phospholipids or diacylglycerol; phosphorylates casein and histones forming primarily phosphoserine and phosphothreonine, respectively Registry number: EC 2.7.1.- Synonym: paramecium ca-dependent protein kinase (26 Jun 1999) |
| calcium dependent regulator protein | <protein> (CDRP) Early name for calmodulin. (18 Nov 1997) |
| calcium dependent sulfhydryl protease | <enzyme> Hydrolyzes actin binding protein; enzyme from platelets Registry number: EC 3.4.22.- Synonym: cdsp (26 Jun 1999) |
| calcium, dietary | Calcium compounds used as food supplements or in food to supply the body with calcium. Dietary calcium is needed during growth for bone development and for maintenance of skeletal integrity later in life to prevent osteoporosis. (12 Dec 1998) |
| calcium dobesilate | <chemical> A drug used to reduce haemorrhage in diabetic retinopathy. Pharmacological action: haemostatics. Chemical name: Benzenesulfonic acid, 2,5-dihydroxy-, calcium salt (2:1) (12 Dec 1998) |