| alpha-antitrypsin deficiency | <enzyme> A specific enzyme (alpha 1 antitrypsinase) that when absent genetically can result in panacinar emphysema (lung disease) and liver disease. There is no specific treatment for this condition other than supportive care for the liver and lung complications. Medications such as alpha-1proteinase inhibitor is given regularly to these patients. Incidence: approximately 1 in 10,000. (02 Jan 1998) |
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| alpha-blocker | An agent that competitively blocks alpha-adrenergic receptors; used in the treatment of hypertension. Synonym: alpha-blocker. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha blocking | The attenuation of the occipital alpha rhythm (8-14 Hz brain waves as seen on an electroencephalogram), produced by opening the eyes or by intense mental concentration. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha cell | <biology> A type of cell in the pancreas (in areas called the islets of Langerhans). Alpha cells make and release a hormone called glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood. (09 Oct 1997) |
| Alpha cells | Alpha cell's of pancreas or of anterior lobe of hypophysis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha cells of anterior lobe of hypophysis | Acidophil cell's that constitute about 35% of the cell's of the anterior lobe. There are two varieties: one that elaborates somatotropin, another that elaborates prolactin. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha cells of pancreas | Cell's of the islets of Langerhans that secrete glucagon. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha chain disease | A vague or indefinite term; could be used for alpha-heavy-chain disease (a lymphoplasma cell proliferative disease usually seen in Mediterranean men, characterised by intestinal involvement with steatorrhoea, often progressive with fatal outcome) or a thalassaemia (a genetic abnormality in the alpha globin chain of haemoglobin). (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha channeling | <radiobiology> Term for an idea (so far theoretical) in magnetic confinement fusion, the idea is that plasma waves can be used to control the alpha particles produced in a fusion reactor, to transfer their energy directly to fuel ions, and to help push them out of the plasma. This could potentially help to substantially improve the power output capabilities of fusion plasmas. (09 Oct 1997) |
| alpha-chloralose | A conjugate of chloral and glucose used as an anaesthetic in laboratory animals; it does not depress cardiovascular reflexes as much as most other anaesthetic agents. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha-chlorohydrin | <chemical> 3-chloro-1,2-propanediol. A chlorinated propanediol compound that has shown anti-fertility activity in males and has been used as a chemosterilant in rodents. Pharmacological action: chemosterilants, contraceptive agents, male. Chemical name: 1,2-Propanediol, 3-chloro- (12 Dec 1998) |
| alpha-chymotrypsin-induced glaucoma | Transient secondary glaucoma following the use of alpha-chymotrypsin in cataract extraction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha-cortol | 5b-Pregnane-3a,11b,17,20a,21-pentaol; the 5b enantiomer of alpha-allocortol;a reduction product of cortisone, present in the urine, differing from cortisone in that the three keto groups are reduced to hydroxyls. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha-cortolone | 3a,17a,20a,21-Tetrahydroxy-5b-pregnane-11-one;the 5b enantiomer of alpha-allocortolone; a reduction product of cortisone, present in the urine, differing from cortisone in that two of the keto groups (at positions 3 and 20) are reduced to hydroxyls. (05 Mar 2000) |
| alpha-d-galactosidase | <enzyme> An enzyme catalyzing the hydrolysis of alpha-d-galactosides to release free d-galactose. A deficiency of type A alpha-d-galactosidase is associated with Fabry's disease. Synonym: melibiase. (05 Mar 2000) |