Leuko Health Dictionary

A white plaque on mucous membranes caused by overgrowth of the tissues. It is occasionally a pre-cancerous condition.... leukoplakia

White blood cells, of whatever race or creed.... leukocytes

Having abnormally high numbers of white blood cells, usually the result of a non-viral infection.... leukocytosis

Having abnormally low numbers of white blood cells.... leukopenia

A group of naturally occurring, slow-reacting substances (SRSS) which have powerful smooth-muscle stimulating properties, particularly on bronchial smooth muscle. Leukotrienes are a metabolic derivative of PROSTAGLANDINS. Leukotriene receptor antagonists, such as montelukast and za?rlukast, are drugs useful in asthma.... leukotrienes

Pale patches on skin due to loss of pigmentation. May follow a skin disease or from handling chemicals. Vitiligo is a modified form of the disease. There is no known cure, although Dr Wm Burton (Ellingwood) found Butternut useful. Seeds of Psoralea corylifolia appear to be indicated. (Indian Journal of Pharmacy 26:141.1964)

See entry: HIMALAYAN COW PARSLEY. ... leukoderma

(HLA) A type of protein belonging to the group known as histocompatibility antigens, which play a role in the immune system.... human leukocyte antigen

Any type of white blood cell.... leukocyte

A rare group of inherited childhood diseases in which the myelin sheaths that form a protective covering around many nerves are destroyed. These diseases cause severely disabling conditions, such as impaired speech, blindness, deafness, and paralysis, and are always fatal.... leukodystrophies

See vaginal discharge.... leukorrhoea

A group of antiallergy drugs, such as montelukast and zafirlukast, used to prevent symptoms of mild to moderate asthma. The drugs work by blocking the effects of leukotrienes – naturally occurring substances released in the lungs during an allergic reaction.

Because they are not bronchodilator drugs, and will not relieve an existing attack, they are usually used with bronchodilators and inhaled corticosteroids to reduce the frequency of attacks.

Side effects include gastrointestinal disturbances and headache.

Skin and hypersensitivity reactions may also occur.... leukotriene receptor antagonists

n. a bacterial *exotoxin that selectively destroys white blood cells (leucocytes).... leukocidin

n. see leucostasis.... leukostasis

n. a chemical, present in inflammatory exudates, that attracts white blood cells (leucocytes) and increases the permeability of blood capillaries. It is probably produced by injured cells.... leukotaxine

n. the condition of having white hair. This may be seen with other, underlying, conditions, such as *vitiligo.... leukotrichia

n. one of a class of powerful chemical agents synthesized from arachidonic acid by mast cells, basophils, macrophages, and various other tissues. Leukotrienes are involved in inflammatory reactions and the immune response: they increase the permeability of small blood vessels, cause contraction of smooth muscle, and attract neutrophils to the site of an infection.... leukotriene

one of a class of drugs that prevent the action of *leukotrienes by blocking their receptors on cell membranes, such as those in the airways. These drugs are used in the management of asthma for their effects in relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways and in reducing inflammation in the bronchial linings. Examples are montelukast and zafirlukast; side-effects may include headache and abdominal pain or gastrointestinal upsets.... leukotriene receptor antagonist

a cytotoxin responsible for increased virulence of *Staphylococcus aureus (see leukocidin). It may cause fatal necrotizing pneumonia or, more commonly, deep skin abscesses that tend to recur frequently. [Sir P. N. Panton (1877–1950) and F. C. Valentine (20th century), British pathologists]... panton–valentine leukocidin