|
An excessive accumulation of serous fluid in tissue spaces or a body cavity. |
|
|
Ethylenediarnine tetraacetate. A crystalline acid, C10H16N2O8, that acts as a strong chelating agent. The sodium salt of EDTA is used as an antidote for metal poisoning, an anticoagulant, and an ingredient in a variety of industrial reagents. |
|
|
Enzyme immunoassay |
|
|
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay Scientists can design ELISAs in various ways to accommodate their specific application. The initial step is to adsorb one of the reactants--either the primary antibody, in order to capture the target antigen, or the antigen itself--to the solid phase (i.e. microtiter plate wells). After the excess is washed away, the second component is added and reacts specifically with the first. The final step is the chromogenic reaction of the enzyme with its substrate that identifies the complex bound to the solid phase. The amount of colored end product is proportional to the amount of target substance in the test. In what is called an ELISA sandwich assay, a suitable antibody is adsorbed first to the solid phase, and the excess washed away. Then the sample is applied to the wells. If the target substance is present in the sample, it will be specifically bound by the antibody on the well's surface. Unbound substances are washed away. Next, a second enzyme-labeled antibody is added, which binds to another epitope on the antigen, leaving an enzymatic tag. When the chromogenic substrate is added, the enzyme converts it to a brightly colored product that signifies the antigen's presence. Antibodies can also be detected rather than antigens in an ELISA system. The choice of ELISA enzyme label is highly dependent on an investigator's application. The two most common enzyme choices are horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). MEDLINEplus |
|
|
Enzyme-linked immuno-spot The ELISpot assay was first described two decades ago as a useful assay for the detection of specific immune responses on a single cell level. The optimization of the assay through the introduction of specifically designed antibodies, 96-well plates, automated reader systems and other tools has broadened its application. Today, the ELISpot assay is used for a wide range of applications including monitoring of immune responses in patients undergoing immunotherapeutical treatment, or specific immunological response patterns in patients with infectious, cancerous or autoimmune diseases. It is an important tool for identifying antigenicpeptides and creating vaccination strategies. The advantage of the ELISpot assay is the possibility to identify antigen-specific T- or B cells on a single cell level without long-term in vitro culture or addition of exogenous cytokines like IL-2. Therefore, the response measured mirrors closely in vivo conditions. The ELISpot assay exhibits an outstanding high sensitivity. Furthermore, the ELISpot assay overcomes the hurdle of working with radioactive substances or fresh cells only. The ELISpot Resource Group |
|
|
A clot that travels from the site where it formed to another location in the body. Thrombi or emboli can lodge in a blood vessel and block the flow of blood in that location depriving tissues of normal blood flow and oxygen. This can result in damage, destruction (infarction), or even death of the tissues (necrosis) in that area. MEDLINEplus |
|
|
Solid mass blocking the circulation in the blood vessel. |
|
|
Any factor or mechanism acting or derived from the system from which the analytical sample is taken. |
|
|
see Sepsis |
|
|
One of a large class of complex proteinaceous substances of high molecular weight formed in and produced by living matter which are responsible for promoting the chemical reactions upon which life depends (e.g. digestion, respiration, reproduction). They accomplish this by acting like catalysts while themselves undergoing little or no change. Their action is often specific and reversible and may be dependent upon temperature, pH, and the presence of various coenzymes and activators (metallic salts, vitamins, etc.) |
|
|
White blood cells active in allergic diseases, fighting parasitic infections, and other disorders. An eosinophil count may be ordered if the blood differential is abnormal, or if there is suspicion for specific types of diseases. Increased levels of eosinophils (eosinophilia) are most often associated with allergic diseases and with parasites (such as worms). MEDLINEplusBloodline |
|
|
Thin layer of flat epithelial cells that lines serous cavities, lymph vessels, and blood vessels. |
|
|
Membranous tissue composed of one or more layers of cells separated by very little intercellular substance and forming the covering of most internal and external surfaces of the body and its organs. |
|
|
Localized region on the surface of an antigen capable of eliciting an immune response and of combining with a specific antibody to counter that response. |
|
|
See red blood cell |
|
|
See Factor VII deficiency |
|
|
Activation of the clotting mechanism that begins with an extrinsic source such as tissue factor released from traumatized endothelium. |
|
|
Any factor or mechanism added to the sample either in vivo or to the sample in vitro. |