Category: A

Self-regulation of a biochemical, enzymatic, genetic, metabolic, or pharmacological process.  

A theory of aging, originally proposed by Dr. Ray Walford, in which aging is thought to occur because antibodies develop, attack, and destroy the normal cells in the body. According to this theory, a progressive deficiency in immunological tolerance results in the inability to distinguish self from foreign structures.  

Destruction of the adrenal cortex by circulating autoantibodies. The disease is more common in women than in men; its cause is unknown. In industrialized countries it is the most common cause of Addison’s disease. The adrenal medulla is spared. Patients with autoimmune adrenalitis often have other autoimmune conditions, especially thyroiditis, vitiligo, and pernicious anemia.  

Treatment by withdrawal and injection intramuscularly of one’s own blood. The therapeutic approach of treating a disease by extracting a portion of the patient’s own blood and then injecting it into a muscle.  

A test of the rate of hemolysis of sterile defibrinated whole blood incubated at 37°C. Normal cells hemolyze at a certain rate, but red blood cells from persons with certain types of disease (such as hereditary spherocytosis) hemolyze at a faster rate.  

Hemolysis of one’s blood cells by one’s own serum.  

An antibody that acts on the blood cells of the individual in whose blood it is formed.  

An enhanced form of endoscopic examination of the lining of an organ in which the organ is examined with light with specific limited wavelengths. This monochromatic light helps distinguish normal tissues from precancerous or malignant tissues and may increase the likelihood of obtaining a useful biopsy specimen during endoscopy.  

Self-gratification of the sexual instinct, usually by manual stimulation of erogenous areas, especially the penis or clitoris.  

The dissemination to broad areas of skin of a previously localized dermatitis. It is an autoimmune reaction, apparently triggered by T lymphocytes sensitized to keratinocyte antigens.