| human gamma globulin | A preparation of the proteins of liquid human plasma, containing the antibodies of normal adults; it is obtained from pooled liquid human plasma from a number of donors and may be prepared by precipitation with organic solvents under controlled conditions of pH, ionic strength, and temperature. Synonym: human normal immunoglobulin. (05 Mar 2000) |
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| human gene therapy | <molecular biology, technique> Insertion of normal DNA directly into cells to correct a genetic defect. (09 Oct 1997) |
| human genetics | The study of the genetic aspects of humans as a species. Compare: medical genetics. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human genome | The full collection of genes in a human being. (12 Dec 1998) |
| human genome initiative | <molecular biology> Collective name for several projects begun in 1986 by the Department of Energy to create an ordered set of DNA segments from known chromosomal locations, develop new computational methods for analysing genetic map and DNA sequence data, and develop new techniques and instruments for detecting and analysing DNA. This initiative is now known as the Human Genome Program. The national effort, led by DOE and National Institute of Health, is known as the Human Genome Project. (09 Oct 1997) |
| human genome project | <molecular biology> A worldwide project to determine the DNA sequence of all the DNA in humans, funded primarily by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), the European Commission (EC), and the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries. The project will be completed in stages, beginning with a genetic map of man and a sequencing of all human cDNA. As part of the Human Genome Project, the genomes of several other plant and animal models are being studied. (14 Nov 1997) |
| human granulocytic ehrlichiosis | A form of ehrlichiosis in a patient with a history of tick bite. Characterised by leukopenia, thrombocytopenia, and mild liver damage. (Thought to be predominantly a granulocytic form of ehrlichiosis.) The species of Ehrlichia that is the agent of this disease is unknown at present. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human growth hormone | <endocrinology> A protein produced in the pituitary gland that stimulates the liver to produce somatomedins, which stimulate growth of bone and muscle. (09 Oct 1997) |
| human immunodeficiency virus | <virology> A type of retrovirus (human immunodeficiency virus) that is responsible for the fatal illness acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Two strains have been identified. Type 1: the retrovirus recognised as the agent that induces AIDS. Type 2: a virus closely related to HIV-1 that also leads to immune suppression. HIV-2 is not as virulent as HIV-1 and is epidemic only in West Africa. Acronym: HIV (11 Nov 1997) |
| human leukaemia-associated antigens | Antigen's on the surface of leukaemic cells which seem not to be present on the surfaces of the same type of normal cells; the myeloblast antigen of acute myelogenous leukaemia found in chronic myelogenous leukaemia is thought to be associated with a "blastic" transformation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human leukocyte antigen | <immunology> A genetic fingerprint on white blood cells and platelets, composed of proteins that play a critical role in activating the bodys immune system to respond to foreign organisms. Acronym: HLA (16 Dec 1997) |
| human leukocyte-associated antigens | Proteins on the outer part of body cells that help fight illness. These proteins vary from person to person. Scientists think that people with certain types of HLA antigens are more likely to develop insulin-dependent diabetes.The HLA antigens are also responsible for histocompatibility reactions. (09 Oct 1997) |
| human lymphocyte antigen | A system designation for the gene products of at least four linked loci (A, B, C, and D) and a member of subloci on the sixth human chromosome which have been shown to have a strong influence on human allotransplantation, transfusions in refractory patients, and certain disease associations; more than 50 alleles are recognised, most of which are at loci HLA-A and HLA-B; autosomal dominant inheritance. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human measles immune serum | Obtained from the blood of a healthy person who has survived an attack of measles. Synonym: measles convalescent serum. (05 Mar 2000) |
| human menopausal gonadotropin | A hormone of pituitary originally obtained from the urine of postmenopausal women now produced synthetically; used to induce ovulation. See: menotropins. (05 Mar 2000) |