| immunoglobulin M | <immunology> An immunoglobulin M molecule (970 kD) is built up from five immunoglobulin G type monomers joined together, with the assistance of J chains, to form a cyclic pentamer. Immunoglobulin M binds complement and a single molecule bound to a cell surface can lyse that cell. Immunoglobulin M is usually produced first in an immune response before immunoglobulin G. The human red cell isoantibodies are immunoglobulin M antibodies. Heavy chain (mu chain) is rather larger than the heavy chains of other immunoglobulins. (30 Mar 1998) |
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| immunoglobulin superfamily | <immunology> A large group of proteins with immunoglobulin like domains. most are involved with cell surface recognition events. Sequence homologyy suggests that immunoglobulins, MHC molecules, some cell adhesion molecules and cytokines receptors share close homology and thus belong to a multigene family. (30 Mar 1998) |
| immunoglobulin switch region | Site on a segment of a B-cell immunoglobulin heavy-chain gene where recombination or rearrangement can occur, expressed as isotype or allotype switching, maturation of immune response, or recombination of DNA molecules. It is found on genes encoding all five immunoglobulin heavy chains. (12 Dec 1998) |
| immunoglobulin variable region | That region of the immunoglobulin (antibody) molecule that varies in its amino acid sequence and composition, confers the antigenic specificity, and is thought to comprise the binding site for the antigen. It is located at the n-terminus of the fab fragment of the immunoglobulin. It includes hypervariable and framework regions, vh family subgroups, and the complementarity-determining region. (12 Dec 1998) |
| intravenous immunoglobulin | <pharmacology> A sterile solution of concentrated antibodies extracted from healthy people. IVIG is used to prevent bacterial infections in people with low or inappropriate antibody production. Injected into a vein or muscle. (09 Oct 1997) |
| tetanus immunoglobulin | <protein> A protein antibody to tetanus toxin, given as passive immunity for those lacking any prior tetanus vaccination. (27 Sep 1997) |
| accessory thyroid | An isolated mass, or one of several such masses, of thyroid tissue, sometimes present in the side of the neck, or just above the hyoid bone (suprahyoid accessory thyroid gland), or even as low as the arch of the aorta. Synonym: glandula thyroidea accessoria, accessory thyroid, prehyoid gland, suprahyoid gland, thyroidea accessoria, thyroidea ima, Wolfler's gland. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accessory thyroid gland | An isolated mass, or one of several such masses, of thyroid tissue, sometimes present in the side of the neck, or just above the hyoid bone (suprahyoid accessory thyroid gland), or even as low as the arch of the aorta. Synonym: glandula thyroidea accessoria, accessory thyroid, prehyoid gland, suprahyoid gland, thyroidea accessoria, thyroidea ima, Wolfler's gland. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anaplastic carcinoma of the thyroid | <oncology, tumour> An aggressive form and rare form of thyroid cancer that is one of the most rapidly growing and invasive types of thyroid cancer. It commonly occurs in people over 60 years of age and may cause obstruction of the trachea. The cause is unknown but exposure to radiation may be a factor. Thyroid function tests are usually normal. Hoarse voice, cough and coughing up blood are common symptoms. Examination may reveal nodules in the thyroid gland. Diagnosis is made via biopsy. Treatment is surgical with or without radiation therapy. (27 Sep 1997) |
| cancer, thyroid | Cancer of the gland in front of the neck that normally produces thyroid hormone which is important to the normal regulation of the metabolism of the body. There are four major types of cancer of the thyroid gland. Persons who received radiation to the head or neck in childhood should be examined by a doctor every 1 to 2 years. The most common symptom of thyroid cancer is a lump, or nodule, that can be felt in the neck. The only certain way to tell whether a thyroid lump is cancer is by examining the thyroid tissue obtained using a needle or surgery for biopsy. (12 Dec 1998) |
| receptors, thyroid hormone | Proteins, usually found in the nucleus, that specifically bind thyroid hormones and regulate DNA transcription. These proteins, termed c-erba, are activated by hormones and cause differentiation of erythroid progenitor cells which irreversibly lose proliferative potential. Thus c-erba proteins act as growth suppressors. The c-erba proteins are encoded by at least two genes, c-erba alpha and c-erba beta. Each of these has two isoforms. Mutations in the ligand-binding domain of the beta form causes thyroid hormone resistance syndrome. (12 Dec 1998) |
| giant cell carcinoma of thyroid gland | A rapidly progressive undifferentiated carcinoma observed in the thyroid gland, characterised by numerous, unusually large, anaplastic cells derived from glandular epithelium of the thyroid gland. (05 Mar 2000) |
| glandular branches of inferior thyroid artery | <anatomy, artery> Branches of inferior thyroid artery to thyroid and parathyroid glands, anastomosing with branches of superior thyroid artery. Synonym: rami glandulares arteriae thyroideae inferioris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| pharyngeal branch of inferior thyroid artery | <anatomy, artery> Distributed to laryngopharynx. Synonym: rami pharyngeales arteriae thyroideae inferioris. (05 Mar 2000) |
| middle thyroid vein | <anatomy, vein> It passes from the thyroid gland across the common carotid artery with the inferior thyroid arteries to empty into the internal jugular vein. Synonym: vena thyroidea media. (05 Mar 2000) |