Glossary of Terms antibody:
an antibody is a protein (also called an immunoglobulin) that is manufactured by lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) to neutralize an antigen or foreign protein. A monoclonal antibody recognizes a very specific proteins, while a polyclonal antibody can recognizes many different proteins. antigen: an antigen is a substance that can trigger an immune response, resulting in production of an antibody as part of the body's defense against infection and disease. Antigens can be foreign proteins (those not found naturally in the body) or, in the case of autoimmune diseases, can be found on the cells and tissues of the body. . autoimmune disease: A process in which the body's immune system causes illness by mistakenly attacking healthy cells, organs, or tissues in the body that are essential for good health. Diabetes, multiple sclerosis systematic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and many others are autoimmune diseases. beta cell: A cell that makes insulin. Beta cells are located in the islets of the pancreas. Blood glucose: The main sugar found in the blood and the body's main source of energy. Also called blood sugar. Blood glucose level: The amount of glucose in a given amount of blood. It is noted in milligrams in a deciliter, or mg/dL. Blood sugar: See blood glucose. clinical trial: a research study in human volunteers to answer specific health questions. Carefully conducted clinical trials are the safest and fastest way to find treatments that work in people and new ways to improve health. Different kinds of clinical trials include those to study prevention options, new treatments or new ways to use existing treatments, new screening and diagnostic techniques, and options for improving the quality of life for people who have serious medical conditions. Diabetes mellitus: A condition characterized by hyperglycemia resulting from the body's inability to use blood glucose for energy. In type 1 diabetes, the pancreas no longer makes insulin and therefore blood glucose cannot enter the cells to be used for energy. In type 2 diabetes, either the pancreas does not make enough insulin or the body is unable to use insulin correctly. Diabetologist: A doctor who specializes in treating people who have diabetes. lymphocytes: These specific blood cells direct the immune system, and can be classified as B cells (or B lymphocytes) and T cells (or T lymphocytes). Unlike other white blood cells, lymphocytes can recognize and remember invading bacteria and viruses. T cell (T lymphocyte): Type of white blood cell. Lymphocytes make up a quarter to a third of the white blood cells. Then there are two types of lymphocytes, B and T cells. The T lymphocytes help the B cells make antibodies as part of the immune response.
|
Toll-free study info:
|
