Catechol-O-methyltransferase COMT. An enzyme that catalyzes the degradation of catecholamines, including the neurotransmitters dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine. COMT is also important in the metabolism of catechol drugs used in the treatment of hypertension, asthma, and Parkinson disease. A genetic polymorphism (a common normal variant) in COMT contributes to the responses to pain and stress.
Abbreviation for catechol-O-methyltransferase.
A cellular protein whose shape allows it to hold together several other molecules in close proximity to each other. In this way, enzymes are able to induce chemical reactions in other substances with little expenditure of energy and without being changed themselves. Basically, an enzyme acts as a catalyst.
Chemical substances that carry impulses from one nerve cell to another; found in the space (synapse) that separates the transmitting neuron's terminal (axon) from the receiving neuron's terminal (dendrite).
A neurotransmitter that works in an axis with serotonin.
One of two chemicals (the other is norepinephrine) released by the adrenal gland that increases the speed and force of heart beats. It dilates the airways to improve breathing and narrows blood vessels in the skin and intestine so that an increased flow of blood reaches the muscles and allows them to cope with the demands of exercise.
A hormone produced by the adrenal glands that also acts as a neurotransmitter for nerve cells. Part of the fight-or-flight response.
The chemical activity that occurs in cells, releasing energy from nutrients, or using energy to create other substances, such as proteins.
Drugs intended for human or veterinary use, presented in their finished dosage form. Included here are materials used in the preparation and/or formulation of the finished dosage form.
Asthma is a chronic, inflammatory lung disease characterized by recurrent breathing problems. People with asthma have acute episodes or when the air passages in their lungs get narrower, and breathing becomes more difficult. Sometimes episodes of asthma are triggered by allergens, although infection, exercise, cold air and other factors are also important triggers.
Illness or sickness often characterized by typical patient problems (symptoms) and physical findings (signs). Disruption sequence: The events that occur when a fetus that is developing normally is subjected to a destructive agent such as the rubella (German measles) virus.
Hereditary. Having to do with the genes.
Literally, "having many shapes"; in genetics polymorphism means occurring in more than one form within a species; the existence of multiple alleles at a particular genetic locus.
An unpleasant sensory or emotional experience primarily associated with tissue damage, or described in terms of tissue damage, or both.
Mental or physical tension that results from physical, emotional, or chemical causes.
One of the biogenic amines, including epinephrine, which is both a hormone (adrenaline) and a neurotransmitter; and dopamine, a neurotransmitter.
Abstract attitude. This is a type of thinking that includes voluntarily shifting one's mind set from a specific aspect of a situation to the general aspect; It involves keeping in mind different simultaneous aspects of a situation while grasping the essentials of the situation. It can involve breaking a situation down into its parts and isolating them voluntarily; planning ahead ideationally; and/or thinking or performing symbolically. A characteristic of many psychiatric disorders is the person's inability to assume the abstract attitude or to shift readily from the concrete to the abstract and back again as demanded by circumstances.
Data evaluated by sorting values into various categories (for example, severe, moderate, and mild).
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A cataract that occurs in the center (the nucleus) of the lens.
A cataract that develops independently of other diseases. A primary cataract is in contrast to a secondary cataract, one that is secondary to another disease.
A cataract that develops secondary to another disease or surgery. The other disease may, for example, be glaucoma or retinal detachment. A secondary cataract is in contrast to a primary cataract, one that develops independently of any other disease.
A cataract just above the center (the nucleus) of the lens.
1. Characterized by marked motor abnormalities including immobility (catalepsy or stupor), excessive motor activity (purposeless agitation), extreme negativism, mutism, posturing or stereotyped movements, echolalia, and/or echopraxia.2. A person with catatonia or catatonic schizophrenia.
A catheter (a tube) that is passed through a vein to end up in the thoracic (chest) portion of the vena cava (the large vein returning blood to the heart) or in the right atrium of the heart.
Catheter, central venous
A catheter (tube) that is passed through a vein to end up in the thoracic (chest) portion of the vena cava (the large vein returning blood to the heart) or in the right atrium of the heart.
A flexible plastic tube (a catheter) inserted into the bladder to provide continuous urinary drainage.
A venous catheter used for hemodialysis (dialysis of the blood). A hemodialysis catheter is a type of central venous catheter. It may be inserted into the subclavian, internal jugular, or femoral veins. Subclavian catheters generally may be used for 2 to 6 weeks. Hemodialysis catheters are often for relatively short-term use because of an acute need for dialysis or because chronic dialysis is just starting.
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