Glossary

Antigen - a substance capable of stimulating an immune response.

Escherichia coli(E. coli) - a species of bacteria commonly occurring as part of the normal intestinal flora in humans. Click here to view two electronmicrographs. For more information, What the Heck is an E. Coli ? is a good source. Click to view a Swimming E. coli.

E. coli O157:H7 - an E. coli bacterium which releases a toxin believed to cause Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome.

Efficacy - the power to produce an effect.

Encephalopathy - a disease of the brain.

Gastroenteric - within the gastrointestinal system.

Gastrointestinal System - the digestive system including the stomach, intestine and all accessory organs.

Hamburger Disease - a severe gastroenteric condition resulting from infection with E. coli O157:H7 associated with the ingestion of undercooked hamburger meat, cheese, and unpasteurized milk or fruit juices. Symptoms of the disease are severe vomiting and diarrhea and it can lead to Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome. To learn which simple actions can prevent the disease, Click here.

Hematologic - of or relating to blood or to the science that deals with blood and blood-forming organs.

Hemolytic anemia - anemia caused by excessive destruction of red blood cells.

Hemorrage - a copious discharge of blood from the blood vessels.

Immunoassay - the identification of a substance based on its capacity to act as an antigen.

In vivo - testing of a biological reaction in a living cell or organism.

Oligosaccharide - a carbohydrate or sugar composed of two to eight Monosaccharide(single carbohydrate or sugar) units joined by glycosidic bonds. Also known as a compound sugar or complex carbohydrate.

Pharmacological Studies(or Phase I Clinical Trials): These studies access the potential side effects on a healthy individual receiving the therapeutic compound.

Placebo - an inert or innocuous substance used in controlled experiments testing the efficacy of another substance.

Pre-Pharmacological Studies: These studies involve extensive testing on laboratory animals to establish the potential of a therapeutic product in an 'in vivo' disease model and if it has any adverse toxicology.

Prolapse - the falling down or slipping of a body part from its usual position.

Prophylactic - guarding from or preventing disease.

Renal - relating to, involving, or located in the region of the kidneys.

Serotype - a group of intimately related microorganisms distinguished by a common set of antigens.

SYNSORB is a synthetic oligosaccaride (complex carbohydrate) linked to an inert support. It binds to specific antibodies, cells and proteins, including certain bacterial toxins. Click to see diagrams illustrating how SYNSORB Pk works.

Therapeutic - of or relating to the treatment of disease or disorders by remedial agents or methods.

Therapeutic Studies(or Phase II and III Clinical Trials): These studies determine the manner with which the drug is administered to produce a prophylacticaction or significant beneficial effect against the disease. The studies use actual patients who have the condition the drug is designed to remedy.

Thrombocytopenia - persistent decrease in the number of blood platelets that is often associated with hemorrhagic conditions.

Toxic - of, relating to, or caused by a poison or toxin.

Toxicology - a non-therapeutic effect of a compound on laboratory animals or humans.

Toxin - a poisonous substance(a protein or glycoprotein) that is secreted by a bacteria and is toxic when introduced into the tissues and is capable of inducing antibody formation.

Should you have any further questions about the CPKDRC and its current projects, please contact Ms. Elaine Orrbine, Associate Director.