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Growth factor
Growth factor A naturally occurring protein chemical that stimulates cell division and proliferation. It is produced by normal cells during embryonic development, tissue growth, and wound healing. Tumors, however, produce large amounts of growth factors.
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Protein
Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. Their roles include enzymatic catalysis, transport and storage, coordinated motion, nerve impulse generation and many others.
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.
Embryonic
Undeveloped, related to the embryo.
Development
The process of growth and differentiation.
Tissue
Biological tissue is a group of cells that perform a similar function.The study of tissues is known as histology, or, in connection with disease, histopathology.The classical tools for studying the tissues are the wax block, the tissue stain, and the optical microscope, though developments in electron microscopy, immunofluorescence, and frozen sections have all added to the sum of knowledge in the last couple of decades.
Wound
A wound is a physical trauma where the skin is torn, cut or punctured. Exposed to air, there is not only a significant chance of death due to loss of blood, but increased chance of bacteria entering the wound or an infection.
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Growth Hormone
The hormone released from the pituitary gland. It interacts with fat cells to release fatty acids, and with the liver to produce insulin-like growth factors.
Growth Hormone-Releasing Hormone (GHRH)
The hormone released from the hypothalamus. GHRH causes the release of growth hormone from the pituitary. GHRH uses cyclic AMP as its second messenger.
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Generic
A drug not protected by a trademark. Also, the scientific name as opposed to the proprietary, brand name.
Genesis
The beginning of a process.
Glia (neuroglia)
Supportive tissue of the brain. There are three types of glial tissue: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes and microglia. Glial cells do not conduct electrical impulses, as opposed to neurons.
Glioma
Any tumor arising from glial tissue.
Glucocorticosteroids
Medications used to decrease swelling around tumors.
Growth factor
Generalized vaccinia
Secondary lesions of the skin following vaccination which may occur in subjects with previously healthy skin but are more common in the case of traumatized skin, especially in the case of eczema (eczema vaccinatum). In the latter instance, generalized vaccinia may result from mere contact with a vaccinated person. Secondary vaccinial lesions may also occur following transfer of virus from the vaccination to another site by means of the fingers (autoinnoculation).
Glanders
A chronic debilitating disease of horses and other equids, as well as some members of the cat family, caused by Pseudomonas mallei; it is transmissible to humans. It attacks the mucous membranes of the nostrils of the horse, producing an increased and vitiated secretion and discharge of mucus, and enlargement and induration of the glands of the lower jaw.
Granulocytopenia
Less than the normal number of granular leukocytes in the blood.
Generalisability, generalisation
The extent to which the findings of a clinical trial can be reliably extrapolated from the subjects who participated in the trial to a broader patient population and a broader range of clinical settings.
Good clinical practice (GCP)
A standard for the design, conduct, performance, monitoring, auditing, recording, analyses, and reporting of health research that provides assurance that the data and reported results are credible and accurate, and that the rights, integrity, and confidentiality of subjects are protected.
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