| toxin | <pharmacology> A poison, frequently used to refer specifically to a protein produced by some higher plants, certain animals and pathogenic bacteria, which is highly toxic for other living organisms. Such substances are differentiated from the simple chemical poisons and the vegetable alkaloids by their high molecular weight and antigenicity. Origin: Gr toxikon = arrow poison, from Gr. Toxikos = of or for a bow (18 Nov 1997) |
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| toxin spectrum | A figure in the form of a spectrum used by Ehrlich to represent the neutralizing power of antitoxin in the presence of toxin, toxone, etc. (05 Mar 2000) |
| erythrogenic toxin | <protein> Toxin produced by strains of Streptococcus pyogenes responsible for scarlet fever. Three antigenic variants of the toxin are known. It is a small protein that is complexed with hyaluronic acid and can intensify the effects of other toxins such as endotoxin and streptolysin O. (18 Nov 1997) |
| extracellular toxin | <protein> Toxin released from gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria as opposed to endotoxins that form part of the cell wall. Examples are cholera, pertussis and diphtheria toxins. Usually specific and highly toxic. (18 Nov 1997) |
| acoustic tetanus | Experimental tetanus induced by a faradic current, the speed of which is estimated by the pitch of the vibrations. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anodal closure tetanus | An obsolete term for a tetanic muscular contraction occurring during the time the circuit is closed, the current then running, while the positive pole is applied. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anodal duration tetanus | An obsolete term for the period of muscular contraction occurring at the anode when the electric circuit is closed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anodal opening tetanus | An obsolete term for a tonic contraction in a muscle, to which the anode is applied, when the circuit is opened. (05 Mar 2000) |
| apyretic tetanus | 1. Hyperexcitability of nerves and muscles due to decrease in concentration of extracellular ionised calcium, which may be associated with such conditions as parathyroid hypofunction, vitamin D deficiency and alkalosis or result from ingestion of alkaline salts, it is characterised by carpopedal spasm, muscular twitching and cramps, laryngospasm with inspiratory stridor, hyperreflexia and choreiform movements. 2. Tetanus. (18 Nov 1997) |
| benign tetanus | A disorder marked by intermittent tonic muscular contractions of the extremities, especially the hands and feet (carpopedal spasm), accompanied by paresthesias and, when severe, by crowing respirations due to laryngospasm and seizures; results from hypocalcaemia, caused by various disorders, including gastrointestinal abnormalities. Synonym: intermittent cramp. (05 Mar 2000) |
| generalised tetanus | The most common type of tetanus, often with trismus as its initial manifestation; the muscles of the head, neck, trunk and limbs become persistently contracted, and then painful paroxysmal tonic contractions (tetanic seizures) are superimposed; the high mortality rate (50%) is due to asphyxia or cardiac failure. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal closure tetanus | An obsolete term for a tetanic muscular contraction occurring during the time the circuit is closed, the current then running, while the negative pole is applied. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal duration tetanus | An obsolete term for a tetanic contraction occurring on application of the cathode or negative pole, while the circuit is closed. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal opening tetanus | An obsolete term for a tonic contraction in a muscle, to which the cathode is applied; when the circuit is opened, the contraction is suddenly interrupted. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cephalic tetanus | A type of local tetanus that follows wounds to the face and head; after a brief incubation (1-2 days) the facial and ocular muscles become paretic yet undergo repeated tetanic spasms. The throat and tongue muscles may also be affected. Synonym: cerebral tetanus, head tetanus, hydrophobic tetanus, rose cephalic tetanus, Rose's cephalic tetanus. (05 Mar 2000) |