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Fluorouracil
Fluorouracil A much-used anticancer drug that belongs to the family of drugs called antimetabolites. Full name: 5-fluorouracil. Abbreviation: 5-FU. 5-FU is a pyrimidine antagonist. 5-FU is similar in structure to the pyrimidine base thymine and functions to inhibit DNA synthesis both by blocking the formation of normal pyrimidine nucleotides via both enzyme inhibition and by interfering with DNA synthesis after incorporation into a growing DNA molecule. 5-FU is also able to block the production of RNA and thereby induce cell death. 5-FU affects the processing of messenger RNA (mRNA), ribosomal RNA (rRNA), transfer RNA (tRNA), and small nuclear RNA (snRNA). 5-FU may also inhibit cell growth is through its ability to prevent the synthesis of thymine nucleotides from uracil nucleotides.
RELATED TERMS--------------------------------------
Family
1. A group of individuals related by blood or marriage or by a feeling of closeness. 2. A biological classification of related plants or animals that is a division below the order and above the genus. 3. A group of genes related in structure and in function that descended from an ancestral gene. 4. A group of gene products similarly related in structure and function and of shared genetic descent. 5. Parents and their children. The most fundamental social group in humans.
Pyrimidine
A nitrogen-containing, double-ring, basic compound that occurs in nucleic acids. The pyrimidines in DNA are cytosine and thymine; in RNA, cytosine and uracil.
Antagonist
"In biochemistry, an antagonist acts against and blocks an action. For example, insulin lowers the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood, whereas another hormone called glucagon raises it; therefore, insulin and glucagon are antagonists. An antagonist is the opposite of an agonist which stimulates an action. Antagonists and agonists are key players in pharmacology and in the chemistry of the human body."
Base
A chemical compound that either donates hydroxide ions or absorbs hydrogen ions when dissolved in water. Bases and acids are referred to as opposites because the effect of an acid is to increase the hydronium ion concentration in water, whereas bases reduce this concentration. Arrhenius bases are water-soluble and always have a pH greater than 7 in solution.
Thymine
A nitrogenous base, one member of the base pair AT (adenine-thymine).
Blocking
A sudden obstruction or interruption in spontaneous flow of thinking or speaking, perceived as an absence or deprivation of thought.
Nucleotides
The components of DNA, consisting of phosphate, a sugar derivative and one of the following bases: adenine, cytosine, guanine, or thymine. They are represented by their initial letters in a nucleotide sequence.
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.
Incorporation
A primitive defense mechanism, operating unconsciously, in which the psychic representation of a person, or parts of the person, is figuratively ingested.
Cell
Fundamental structural unit of all life. The cell consists primarily of an outer plasma membrane, which separates it from the environment; the genetic material (DNA), which encodes heritable information for the maintainance of life; and the cytoplasm, a heterogeneous assemblage of ions, molecules, and fluid.
Death
1. The end of life. The cessation of life. (These common definitions of death ultimately depend upon the definition of life, upon which there is no consensus.) 2. The permanent cessation of all vital bodily functions. (This definition depends upon the definition of "vital bodily functions.") See: Vital bodily functions. 3. The common law standard for determining death is the cessation of all vital functions, traditionally demonstrated by "an absence of spontaneous respiratory and cardiac functions." 4. The uniform determination of death.
Uracil
A nitrogenous base normally found in RNA but not DNA; uracil is capable of forming a base pair with adenine.
SIMILAR TERMS--------------------------------------
Fluocet
Fluocet is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluocinolone acetonide
Fluocinolone acetonide is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluocinonide
Fluocinonide is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinonide.
Fluocinonide emulsified base
Fluocinonide emulsified base is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinonide.
Fluonid
Fluonid is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluor-op
Fluor-op is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluorometholone.
Fluorescein
A compound used as a diagnostic aid to show injuries of the cornea or retina of the eye.
Fluorescein angiograms
Photographs of the back of the eye, taken after a fluorescent dye is placed in the blood stream.ÿ This is used to test the circulation in the retina of the eye.
Fluorescein angiography
Fluorescein Angiography is a diagnostic test used to assess pathology that affects the retina, choroid and/or iris of the eye. Fluorescein angiography is used to assess the blood flow of the eye and abnormal states are referred to as either hyperfluorescence or hypofluorescence relative to the normal amount of fluorescence. Fluorescein angiography involves an intravenous injection of sodium Fluorescein ( a dye) into the antecubical vein ( a vein in the arm) and then photographs are taken of the eye as the dye enters and leaves the blood system of the eye. The doctor will evaluate prefilling ( i.e., what the retina and choroid look like before the dye enters the eye), transit ( i.e., first passage of dye through the retina and choroid), recirculation (i.e., fluoroscien has become equally distributed throughout the eye and then starts to circulate through again) and later phase ( i.e., as the fluoroscien is eliminated from the body by the kidneys). The test lasts about 30 minutes. Nausea and vomiting are the most common side effects, occurring in about 5% or less of patients. Severe side effects ( e.g., anaphylaxis, death) have been reported but are very rare.
Fluorescein Angiography
A method of taking a picture of the flow of blood in the vessels of the eye by tracing the progress of an injected dye.
Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH)
A technique that can be used for prenatal diagnosis, in which specifically designed fluorescent molecules are used to "light up" particular genes or sections of chromosomes to make them visible under a microscope. The fluorescence makes even small abnormalities in the chromosomes visible.
Fluorescent antibody
An antibody coupled with a fluorescent dye, used with a fluorescence microscope to detect antigen on cells, tissues, or microorganisms.
Fluorescent in situ hybridization
An important molecular cytogenetic method for identifying chromosomes and parts of chromosomes, deciphering chromosome rearrangements, and locating genes on chromosomes.
Fluorescent microscope
A microscope equipped to examine material that fluoresces under ultraviolet light. Fluorescence microscopy is based on the principle that fluorescent materials emit visible light when they are irradiated with ultraviolet rays or with violet-blue visible rays.
Fluorescent treponemal antibody absorbed test
A blood serum screening test for syphilis designed to demonstrate the presence or absence of specific antibodies directed against the organism (Treponema pallidum) responsible for syphilis.
Fluoridation
1. In general, treatment with fluoride. 2. Specifically, the addition of fluoride to a water supply to help prevent dental caries.
Fluoride
A compound of fluorine with another element or radical. Fluoride compounds are present in drinking water and some foods. Fluoride ions replace hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite in teeth, forming fluorapatite, which leads to fewer cavities. Fluoride compounds are therefore added to some toothpastes and dentists may also give a yearly fluoride treatment. It is generally recommended that fluorides be added to water supplies in which the natural level is less than 0.7 ppm in water to increase the concentration to 0.7-1.2 ppm. The addition of fluoride to water systems is one of the major achievements in public health in the 20th century. Fluoride, in combination with calcium and vitamin D, also increases bone mass and lowers the risk of backbone fractures associated with osteoporosis. The only accepted adverse effect of fluoridation is dental fluorosis.
Fluorine f-18
Fluorine f-18 is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): sodium fluoride, f-18.
Fluorobody
A hybrid molecule that combines the affinity and specificity of an antibody with the visibility of a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GSP provides the antibody with a built-in detection system.
Fluoroplex
Fluoroplex is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluorouracil.
Fluoroscopy
An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. Fluoroscopy uses x-ray to produce real-time video images. After the x-rays pass through the patient, instead of using film, they are captured by a device called an image intensifier and converted into light. The light is then captured by a TV camera and displayed on a video monitor.
Fluorosis
An abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine, characterized chiefly by mottling of the teeth.
Fluothane
Fluothane is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): halothane.
Fluotrex
Fluotrex is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluocinolone acetonide.
Fluoxetine
A drug used to treat depression. It belongs to the family of drugs called antidepressants.
Fluoxetine hcl
Fluoxetine hcl is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluoxetine hydrochloride.
Fluoxymesterone
Fluoxymesterone is a prescription or over-the-counter drug which is (or once was) approved in the United States and possibly in other countries. Active ingredient(s): fluoxymesterone.
PREVIOUS AND NEXT TERMS--------------------------------------
Fluoridation
1. In general, treatment with fluoride. 2. Specifically, the addition of fluoride to a water supply to help prevent dental caries.
Fluoride
A compound of fluorine with another element or radical. Fluoride compounds are present in drinking water and some foods. Fluoride ions replace hydroxyl ions in hydroxyapatite in teeth, forming fluorapatite, which leads to fewer cavities. Fluoride compounds are therefore added to some toothpastes and dentists may also give a yearly fluoride treatment. It is generally recommended that fluorides be added to water supplies in which the natural level is less than 0.7 ppm in water to increase the concentration to 0.7-1.2 ppm. The addition of fluoride to water systems is one of the major achievements in public health in the 20th century. Fluoride, in combination with calcium and vitamin D, also increases bone mass and lowers the risk of backbone fractures associated with osteoporosis. The only accepted adverse effect of fluoridation is dental fluorosis.
Fluorobody
A hybrid molecule that combines the affinity and specificity of an antibody with the visibility of a green fluorescent protein (GFP). The GSP provides the antibody with a built-in detection system.
Fluoroscopy
An x-ray procedure that makes it possible to see internal organs in motion. Fluoroscopy uses x-ray to produce real-time video images. After the x-rays pass through the patient, instead of using film, they are captured by a device called an image intensifier and converted into light. The light is then captured by a TV camera and displayed on a video monitor.
Fluorosis
An abnormal condition caused by excessive intake of fluorine, characterized chiefly by mottling of the teeth.
Fluorouracil
Flush
(1) A redness of the skin, typically over the cheeks or neck. A flush is usually temporary and brought on by excitement, exercise, fever, or embarrassment. Flushing is an involuntary (uncontrollable) response of the nervous system leading to widening of the capillaries of the involved skin. Also referred to as a blush (or, as a verb, to blush). Flushing may also be caused by medications or other substances that cause widening of the capillaries, such as niacin. (2) Flush also means to wash out a wound or body area.
Flutter, atrial
Well-organized but overly rapid contractions of the atrium of the heart (usually at a rate of 250-350 contractions per minute).
Flying, fear of
An irrational fear of flying is called aerophobia. Aerophobia also refers to irrational fear of fresh air or drafts of air. A virtual reality program that simulates the experience of take-offs, landings, normal flying and turbulence reportedly helps some people overcome their fear of flying.
FMDV
Foot-and-mouth disease virus.
FMF (familial Mediterranean fever)
An inherited disorder featuring short recurring crises of severe abdominal pain and bouts of fever. Other symptoms include arthritis, chest pain from inflammation of the lung cavity, and skin rashes. Between attacks, the patient seems healthy. Amyloidosis (the abnormal deposition of a particular protein, called amyloid, in various tissues of the body) is a potentially serious complication and can develop without overt attacks of FMF. The kidney is a prime target for the amyloid.
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