Glossary

Category: I

  • Impotence

    A sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis. Inability to achieve or maintain a penile erection of sufficient quality to engage in successful sexual intercourse (i.e., male erectile disorder). Lacking in masculine sexual power, strength, or vigor; contrast with potency. Two types are described by Masters and…

  • Impetigo

    Impetigo

    A contagious, bacterial skin infection characterized by blisters that may itch, caused by a Streptoccocus bacterium or Staphylococcus aureus and mostly seen in children. A highly contagious skin infection caused by bacteria, usually occurring around the nose and mouth; commonly occurring in children. Gym itch. A bacterial skin infection caused by either the streptococci or…

  • Immunotoxin

    A man-made protein that consists of a targeting portion linked to a toxin. A conjugate formed by attaching a toxic molecule (e.g., ricin) to an agent of the immune system (e.g., a monoclonal antibody), that is specific for the pathogen or tumor to be killed. The immune system-agent portion (of the conjugate) delivers the toxic…

  • Immunostimulant

    Agent that stimulates an immune response. An agent that stimulates either innate or acquired immunity. In the U.S., immunotherapy is relegated to experimental medicine, but a number of plant substances are used in Europe as immunostimulants. The presumption of immunostimulation is that you increase native resistance and let it run its course. American Standard Practice,…

  • Immunoreactive

    Reacting to particular antigens or haptens.  

  • Immunomodulatory

    Capable of modifying or regulating one or more immune functions. Having the ability to modify the immune response or function of the immune system. An agent that can stimulate or reduce the body’s immune responses.  

  • Immunogenicity

    The property enabling a substance to provoke an immune response. The property which makes a substance able to produce an immune response in an organism. The characteristic of a substance that can provoke an immune response. This includes how ‘foreign’ a substance entering or contacting the body is; route of entry; dose; number and period…

  • Immune modulator

    A substance that affects or modulates the functioning of the immune system. Promotes coordinated response by the body’s immune defenses to counter infection and inflammation. Strengthens and modulates the immune system.  

  • Ileus

    A temporary disruption of intestinal peristalsis due to non-mechanical causes. Obstruction of the intestines. An intestinal obstruction resulting from paralysis of bowel motility caused by peritonitis q.v. or other inflammatory processes. Of the intestine, usually distension caused by loss of muscular action in the bowel. Disturbance in the coordinated contractions of intestinal muscle so that…

  • IKappa B or IkB-beta

    A protein of the NFKappa-B inhibitor family.