Author: Glossary

Extremely sensitive and specific analytical technique using antibodies linked to an enzyme system to amplify sensitivity. A test used to detect antibodies to the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) virus in blood serum. This is a sensitive method for measuring the quantity of a substance. An antibody to the substance is prepared along with an enzyme…

Synthesis of new enzyme protein in response to some stimulus, normally a hormone, but sometimes a metabolic intermediate or other compound. An increase in the metabolic capacity of an enzyme system to detoxify, or metabolize, substances and clear them from the body. The process wherein some drugs provoke cells to synthesize more drug metabolizing enzymes,…

Used to assess nutritional status with respect to vitamins Eh, B2, and B6. A sample of red blood cells in a test-tube is tested for activity of the relevant enzyme before and after adding extra vitamin; enhancement of the enzyme activity beyond a standard level serves as an index of deficiency.  

Within the EU food additives may be listed on labels either by name or by their number in the EU list of permitted additives.  

Viruses that multiply mainly in the intestinal tract. Viruses that live in the gastrointestinal tract. Any virus that enters the body through the gastrointestinal tract, multiplies there, and then (generally) invades the central nervous system. Enteroviruses include Coxsackie viruses, echoviruses, polioviruses, and rhinoviruses. A family of viruses which include the poliomyelitis, coxsackie and echo groups of…

An enzyme secreted by the small intestinal mucosa which activates trypsinogen (from the pancreatic juice) to the active proteolytic enzyme. An enzyme produced by glands in the small intestine. An enzyme secreted by the glands of the small intestine that acts on trypsinogen to produce trypsin. It is part of the succus entericus. An enzyme…

Any disease or disorder of the intestinal tract.  

Obsolete name for enteropeptidase. The enzyme secreted in the duodenum and jejunum which converts the enzyme, trypsinogen, secreted by the pancreas, into trypsin.  

Reabsorption from the small intestine of many of the compounds secreted in bile. The return of the bile to the circulation and to the liver from the intestine. The path of bile salts and cholesterol from the liver to the gall bladder to the duodenum, returning to the liver via the portal circulation upon absorption…

Hormone secreted by the small intestine which inhibits the activity of the stomach. Its secretion is stimulated by fat; hence, fat in the diet inhibits gastric activity. A hormone released in the duodenum, which controls secretions of the stomach. A hormone from the small intestine (duodenum) that inhibits the secretion of gastric juice by the…