Alpha-feto Protein: From 1 Different Sources
A protein produced in the gut and liver of the FETUS. Abnormality in the fetus, such as neural tube defect, may result in raised levels of alphafeto protein in the maternal blood. In DOWN’S (DOWN) SYNDROME, levels may be abnormally low. In either case, screening of the pregnancy should be carried out, including AMNIOCENTESIS to check the amount of alpha-feto protein in the amniotic ?uid. The protein may also be produced in some abnormal tissues in the adult – in patients with liver cancer, for example.
The presence of protein in the urine, sometimes a symptom of kidney compromise. See ALBUMINURIA... proteinuria
Molecular constituent of all cells comprising amino acid building blocks.... protein
A protein produced in the body in response to inflammation.... c-reactive protein
(Greek) The firstborn child; the first letter of the Greek alphabet... alpha
See “Type I error”.... alpha (i) error
A statistic commonly used to reflect the reliability of a measurement scale. See “reliability”.... alpha (i) statistic
Also called adrenoceptor-blocking agents or alpha blockers, these drugs stop the stimulation of alpha-adrenergic receptors at the nerve endings of the SYMPATHETIC NERVOUS SYSTEM by HORMONES with ADRENALINE-like characteristics. The drugs dilate the arteries, causing a fall in blood pressure, so they are used to treat HYPERTENSION and also benign enlargement of the PROSTATE GLAND. Examples of this group of drugs are doxazosin, indoramin, phentolamine and prazosin. The drugs should be used with caution as some may cause a severe drop in blood pressure when ?rst taken.... alpha adrenergic blockers
Reagent used by intradermal administration in the Mantoux (tuberculin) test for TB.... purified protein derivative (ppd)
A group of drugs used to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) and urinary symptoms due to enlargement of the prostate gland. Alpha-blockers are also used to treat urinary retention caused by an enlarged prostate gland (see prostate, enlarged). Side effects of the drugs may include dizziness and fatigue due to a sudden drop in blood pressure, nausea, dry mouth, and drowsiness.... alpha-blocker drugs
Proteins present in blood plasma, including albumin, blood clotting proteins, and immunoglobulins.... plasma proteins
Large molecules consisting of hundreds or thousands of amino acids linked into long chains. Proteins may also contain sugars (glycoproteins) and lipids (lipoproteins). There are 2 main types of proteins. Fibrous proteins are insoluble and form the structural basis of many body tissues. Globular proteins are soluble and include all enzymes, many hormones, and some blood proteins, such as haemoglobin.... proteins
The formation of protein molecules through the joining of amino acids.... protein synthesis
see sympathomimetic.... alpha agonist
(alpha-adrenergic blocker) a drug that prevents the stimulation of alpha *adrenoceptors at the nerve endings of the sympathetic nervous system by noradrenaline and adrenaline: it therefore causes relaxation of smooth muscle, including widening of arteries (vasodilatation) and a drop in blood pressure. Alpha blockers include *doxazosin, *phentolamine, *phenoxybenzamine, *indoramin, *prazosin, *alfuzosin, and *tamsulosin.... alpha blocker
any member of a group of *oral hypoglycaemic drugs, including acarbose (Glucobay), used for treating type 2 *diabetes mellitus. They reduce the breakdown and absorption of carbohydrates in the intestine by blocking the action of an important enzyme (?-glucosidase) in this process. Side-effects include flatulence and diarrhoea.... alpha-glucosidase inhibitor
a protein of low molecular weight found in the urine of patients with multiple *myeloma and rarely in patients with *lymphoma, *leukaemia, and *Hodgkin’s disease. [H. Bence-Jones (1814–73), British physician]... bence-jones protein
combining form denoting a fetus.... feto
(PTH-RP) a protein that is secreted by certain malignant tumours and is the main cause of malignant *hypercalcaemia. PTH-RP, which has effects similar to *parathyroid hormone, stimulates generalized bone resorption and excessive calcium reabsorption in the kidney tubules. It is most commonly produced by lung tumours, squamous-cell carcinomas of other organs, melanomas, and tumours of the breast, liver, pancreas, bladder, and prostate.... parathyroid hormone-related protein
an enzyme that catalyses the transfer of a phosphate group from ATP to a specific amino acid residue of an intracellular protein (usually serine, threonine, or tyrosine), thereby affecting the biological activity of the protein. Protein kinase inhibitors are drugs that block the action of protein kinases in tumour cells and are used in the treatment of cancer. They include *sorafenib, *sunitinib, and *temsirolimus. See also tyrosine kinase inhibitor.... protein kinase
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