Tsh Receptor Antibodies: From 1 Different Sources
autoantibodies targeted against the *thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) receptor of the thyroid cells. They can activate the TSH receptor, leading to the hyperthyroidism of *Graves’ disease, or they can block the TSH receptor, causing *hypothyroidism.
A site on the membrane surrounding a cell (see CELLS) that binds to the hormone OESTROGENS. This activates the cell’s reaction to the hormone. Anti-oestrogen drugs such as TAMOXIFEN used to treat breast cancer (see BREASTS, DISEASES OF) prevent the oestrogen from binding to these receptors.... oestrogen receptor
These are drugs that block the action of HISTAMINE at the H2 receptor (which mediates the gastric and some of the cardiovascular effects of histamine). By reducing the production of acid by the stomach, these drugs – chie?y cimetidine, ranitidine, famotidine and nizatidine – are valuable in the treatment of peptic ulcers (healing when used in high dose; preventing relapse when used as maintenance therapy in reduced dose), re?ux oesophagitis (see OESOPHAGUS, DISEASES OF), and the ZOLLINGERELLISON SYNDROME. These drugs are now being supplanted by PROTON-PUMP INHIBITORS and HELICOBACTER PYLORI eradication therapy. (See also DUODENAL ULCER.)... h2 receptor antagonists
An arti?cially prepared antibody (see ANTIBODIES) obtained from cell clones – a genetically identical group of cells – and comprising a single type of immunoglobulin. It neutralises only one speci?c ANTIGEN. The antibodies are prepared by linking antibody-forming lymphocytes (see LYMPHOCYTE) from the spleen of mice with myeloma cells from mice. Monoclonal antibodies are used in the development of new vaccines and in the study of human cells, hormones, and micro-organisms. Research is under way for their use in the treatment of some forms of cancer. (See IMMUNOLOGY.)... monoclonal antibodies
See H-receptor antagonists.... histamine-receptor antagonists
autoantibodies that are directed against phospholipid-binding plasma proteins found in *antiphospholipid antibody syndrome, which is characterized by venous and arterial thrombosis and recurrent miscarriages.... anticardiolipin antibodies
(EGFR) a protein on the surface of cells (see receptor) that binds with epidermal *growth factor and is therefore involved in cell division. EGFR is expressed at increased levels in numerous tumours, particularly of the head and neck, and in colorectal cancer, in which it can be a target for antibody therapy with *cetuximab. *Tyrosine kinase inhibitors acting specifically on the EGFR include gefitinib and erlotinib in lung and pancreatic cancer.... epidermal growth factor receptor
see islet cell antibodies.... gad antibodies
a group of drugs used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They mimic the actions of *glucagon-like peptide-1 in regulating the rise in blood glucose levels after eating and they also enhance satiety (see incretin). As these drugs respond to a falling blood glucose level there is a reduced tendency to *hypoglycaemia compared with *sulphonylurea drugs and insulin therapy itself. They are given by subcutaneous injection and three of them are licensed for use in the UK: exenatide (Byetta; twice daily dosing), liraglutide (Victoza; once daily dosing), and lixisenatide (Lyxumia; once daily dosing).... glp-1 receptor agonists
a group of autoantibodies directed against components of the insulin-secreting beta cells of the pancreas. They are usually detectable in the blood of people presenting with type 1 diabetes. Antibodies against *glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) in the beta cells have become a more specific test for islet cell antibodies, to help confirm a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.... islet cell antibodies
one of a class of drugs that prevent the action of *leukotrienes by blocking their receptors on cell membranes, such as those in the airways. These drugs are used in the management of asthma for their effects in relaxing the smooth muscle of the airways and in reducing inflammation in the bronchial linings. Examples are montelukast and zafirlukast; side-effects may include headache and abdominal pain or gastrointestinal upsets.... leukotriene receptor antagonist
a receptor on synapses that binds the *neurotransmitter glutamate and also binds its *agonist NMDA (N-methyl-D-aspartate). This receptor is involved in learning, memory, mood, and cognition; its overactivity is associated with chronic pain. NMDA-receptor antibodies are associated with an *encephalitis preceded by psychiatric symptoms, often in patients with ovarian malignancy (teratoma). NMDA-receptor antagonists (e.g. *amantadine, *memantine hydrochloride, *riluzole) are used in the treatment of (among other conditions) epilepsy, Alzheimer’s disease, and chronic pain syndromes.... nmda receptor
see anti-oestrogen.... oestrogen-receptor antagonist
(PRRT) a type of radiotherapy used to treat neuroendocrine tumours (NETs; see neuroendocrine system). A *radionuclide is combined with a relevant *peptide to create a so-called radiopeptide, which is injected into the patient’s bloodstream. Because NETs have an overexpression of peptide receptors, the radiopeptide binds to the tumour, delivering a high dose of radiation directly to the cancer cells. The chief merit of PRRT is this ability to target delivery of radionuclides for highly localized treatment. A similar technique, using a gamma emitter as the radionuclide, can be used for locating and imaging NETs.... peptide receptor radionuclide therapy
a cell or group of cells found between muscle fibres that responds to stretching of the muscle by transmitting impulses to the central nervous system through the sensory nerves. Stretch receptors are part of the *proprioceptor system necessary for the performance of coordinated muscular activity.... stretch receptor
autoantibodies directed against the cells of the thyroid gland, which serve as a marker of autoimmune thyroid disease. There are two main types: antibodies directed against the thyroid peroxidise (TPO) enzyme; and anti-thyroglobulin, directed against the thyroid colloid (see thyroid gland). The highest level of thyroid antibodies is found in *Hashimoto’s disease.... thyroid antibodies
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