Immuno- combining form denoting immunity or immunological response. Health Dictionary

The ability to resist infection and to heal. The process may involve acquired immunity, (the ability to learn and remember a specific infectious agent), or innate immunity (the genetically programmed system of responses that attack, digest, remove, and initiate inflammation and tissue healing).... immunity

A level of immunity found in a community of animals/humans and related to a particular infection to which the community has been exposed.... herd immunity

The body’s defensive reaction to microorganisms, cancer cells, transplanted tissue, and other substances or materials that are recognized as antigenic or “foreign”.

The response consists of the production of cells called lymphocytes, substances called antibodies, or immunoglobulins, and other substances and cells that act to destroy the antigenic material.

(See also immune system.)... immune response

A defence mechanism involving the coordinated activity of two subpopulations of TLymphocytes, helper T-Cells and killer T-Cells. Helper T-Cells produce a variety of substances that stimulate and regulate other participants in the immune response. Killer T-Lymphocytes destroy cells in the body that bear foreign antigens (e.g. cells that are infected with viruses or other microorganisms).... cell-mediated immunity

A document used during the consent process which is the basis for explaining to people the risks and potential benefits of a study or care intervention and the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved.... consent form

The number of completed or returned survey instruments (questionnaires, interviews, etc) divided by the total number of persons who would have been surveyed if all had participated. Usually expressed as a percentage.... response rate

Stimulation of the retina of the EYE with light causes changes in the electrical activity of the cerebral cortex (see BRAIN). These changes can be measured from outside the skull and can give valuable information about the state of the visual pathway from the retinal ganglion cells to the occipital cortex. Not only can it determine that function is normal, it can also help to diagnose some causes of poor VISION.... visual evoked response

The tracing of electrical activity in the brain in response to a specific external stimulus. The procedure is similar to that for an EEG.

The technique is used to check the functioning of various sensory systems (such as sight, hearing, or touch). The information obtained can be used to reveal abnormalities caused by inflammation, pressure from a tumour, or other disorders, and to help confirm a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.... evoked responses

Arousal of the sympathetic part of the autonomic nervous system in response to fear but which also occurs in anxiety disorders. Adrenaline (epinephrine), noradrenaline (norepinephrine), and other hormones are released from the adrenal glands and nervous system, leading to a raised heart-rate, pupil dilation, and increased blood flow to the muscles. These effects make the body more efficient in either fighting or fleeing the apparent danger.... fight-or-flight response

(ABR audiometry, brainstem evoked response audiometry, BSER) an objective test of hearing that measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and *brainstem following sound stimulation using repeated clicks or brief tones.... auditory brainstem response audiometry

(ASSR) an objective test of hearing that measures the electrical activity in the auditory nerve and *brainstem following sound stimulation using a modulated continuous tone.... auditory steady state response

(BRM) a therapeutic agent, such as *interferon or *interleukin, that influences the body’s defence mechanisms to act against infection and disease. In small amounts, these substances are produced naturally by the body; larger doses have been genetically developed for use against rheumatoid arthritis, hepatitis, and cancer (especially melanoma and renal cancer).... biological response modifier

see auditory brainstem response audiometry.... brainstem evoked response audiometry

(CERA) an objective test of hearing that measures the electrical activity in the *cerebral cortex following sound stimulation.... cortical evoked response audiometry

a failure of the body to distinguish between materials that are ‘self’, and therefore to be tolerated, and those that are ‘not self’, against which it mounts an *immune response. Tolerance results from the interaction of antigens with lymphocytes under conditions in which the lymphocytes are not activated but rendered unresponsive.... immunological tolerance

n. the way in which the body or part of the body reacts to a *stimulus. For example, a nerve impulse may produce the response of a contraction in a muscle that the nerve supplies.... response

a form of *behaviour therapy given for severe *obsessions. Patients are encouraged to abstain from rituals and repetitive acts while they are in situations that arouse anxiety. For example, a hand-washing ritual might be treated by stopping washing while being progressively exposed to dirt. The anxiety then declines, and with it the obsessions.... response prevention

see shock.... systemic inflammatory response