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Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) A blood test used to find Helicobacter pylori bacteria. Also used to diagnose an ulcer.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Blood
The life-maintaining fluid which is made up of plasma, red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), and platelets; blood circulates through the body's heart, arteries, veins, and capillaries; it carries away waste matter and carbon dioxide, and brings nourishment, electrolytes, hormones, vitamins, antibodies, heat, and oxygen to the tissues.
Bacteria
Single-celled microorganisms which can exist either as independent (free-living) organisms or as parasites (dependent upon another organism for life).
Diagnose
To identify a disease.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Enzyme
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.
Enzyme (natural catalyst)
Any of numerous proteins and protein-nonprotein compounds that living cells produce and that can initiate, or affect the speed of, specific chemical reactions.
Enzyme defect
A disorder resulting from a deficiency (or functional abnormality) of an enzyme. In 1902 Archibald Garrod first attributed a disease to an enzyme defect: an inborn error of metabolism. Today, newborns are routinely screened for certain enzyme defects such as PKU (phenylketonuria) and galactosemia, an error in the handling (metabolism) of the sugar galactose.
Enzyme replacement
A strategy designed to replace missing enzyme activity in a patient. This strategy currently involves the administration of a purified protein (the enzyme) by intravenous infusion.
Enzyme, lysosomal
An enzyme in an organelle (a little organ) called the lysosome within the cell. Lysosomal enzymes degrade (break down) macromolecules (large molecules) and other materials (such as bacteria) that have been taken up by the cell during the process of endocytosis. In endocytosis, macromolecules and particles from outside the cell are taken up by the cell via a progressive invagination (inpouching) and eventual pinching off of a region of the cell membrane, forming a membrane-bound vesicle (bubble) within the cytoplasm of the cell. The vesicle then fuses with the lysosome and the lysosomal enzymes carry out their appointed task of destruction (by hydrolysis). Quite amazingly, the lysosomal enzymes do not normally damage the cell itself.
Enzyme, restriction
An enzyme from bacteria that can recognize specific base sequences in DNA and cut the DNA at that site (the restriction site). A restriction enzyme acts as a biochemical scissors. Also called a restriction endonuclease. Bacteria use restriction enzymes to defend against bacterial viruses called bacteriophages (or phage). When a phage infects a bacterium, it inserts its DNA into the bacterium so that it is replicated. The restriction enzyme prevents replication of the phage DNA by cutting it into many pieces. Restriction enzymes were named for their ability to restrict, or limit, the number of strains of bacteriophage that can infect bacteria.
Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
An assay in which an enzyme is linked to an antibody and a coloured substrate is used to measure the activity of bound enzyme and, hence, the amount of bound antibody.
Enzymes
Proteins that act as a catalysts in mediating and speeding a specific chemical reaction.
Enzymes, yellow
A group of respiratory enzymes that catalyze reactions in the body permitting cells to respire or breathe. These biochemical reactions are termed oxidation-reduction reactions.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Enteritis
An irritation of the small intestine.
Enterocele
Condition caused by weakened muscles in the pelvis in which a portion of the intestines bulges into the top of the vagina.
Enteroscopy
An examination of the small intestine with an endoscope. The endoscope is inserted through the mouth and stomach into the small intestine.
Enterostomal therapy nurse
A nurse who cares for patients with an ostomy. See also Ostomy.
Enterostomy
An ostomy, or opening, into the intestine through the abdominal wall.
Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
Eosinophilic gastroenteritis
Infection and swelling of the lining of the stomach, small intestine, or large intestine. The infection is caused by white blood cells (eosinophils).
Epicardium
The membrane that covers the outside of the heart.
Epidural anesthesia
Method of pain relief used during surgery or childbirth in which an anesthetic is injected into a small area surrounding the spinal cord (the ePIDural space) to block pain nerve impulses from the lower half of the body.
Episiotomy
Incision made in the skin between the vagina and anus to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate childbirth.
Epithelial cells
One of many kinds of cells that form the epithelium and absorb nutrients. See also epithelium.
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