HghStudy Definitions

Adrenal Glands
Pronounced - uh-DREE-nul
A pair of small glands, each of which sits on top of each kidney. These glands produce hormones that help to control the body's heart rate, blood pressure, the way food gets used, and other functions. They make the hormone adrenaline, which the body releases in response to stress. Also called suprarenal gland.

Ameliorate
To make something better or become better, improve.

Amino Acids
A group of 20 different kinds of small molecules that link together in long chains to form proteins. Often referred to as the "building blocks" of proteins.

"Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute"

Antibody
Proteins made by the immune system that bind to structures (antigens) they recognize as foreign to the body.

Antigen
A structure foreign to the body, such as a virus. The body usually responds to antigens by producing antibodies.

Ataxia
Ataxia often occurs when parts of the nervous system that control movement are damaged. People with ataxia experience a failure of muscle control in their arms and legs, resulting in a lack of balance and coordination or a disturbance of gait. More about Ataxia

Autoimmune Disease
A disease in which the body's defense system malfunctions and attacks a part of the body itself rather than foreign matter.

B

Blood/Brain Barrier
A membrane that controls the passage of substances from the blood into the central nervous system.

Bone Marrow
Pronounced - bone MAYR-oh
The soft, sponge-like tissue in the center of most bones. It produces white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.

Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)
BSE is a chronic (lasting a long time) degenerative disease that affects the central nervous system of cattle. BSE is named because of the spongy appearance of the brain tissue of infected cattle examined under a microscope. More about Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE)

C

Cerebrospinal Fluid
The colorless liquid, consisting partially of substances filtered from blood and partially by secretions released by brain cells, that circulates around and through the cavities of the brain and spinal cord. Physicians use a variety of tests - electrophoresis, isoelectric focusing, capillary isotachophoresis, and radioimmunoassay - to study cerebrospinal fluid for abnormalities often associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Cholesterol
A substance similar to fat that is found in the blood, muscles, liver, brain, and other body tissues. The body produces and needs some cholesterol. Too much cholesterol can make fats stick to the walls of the arteries and cause a disease that decreases or stops circulation.

Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)
Chronic (lasting a long time) wasting disease (CWD) is a fatal, neurological disease of farmed and wild deer and elk. The disease has been identified in wild and captive mule deer, white tailed deer and North American elk, and in captive black tailed deer. More about Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)
Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is a rare, degenerative, invariably fatal brain disorder. It affects about one person in every one million people per year worldwide, in the United States there are about 200 cases per year. More about Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD)

Cytokines
Powerful chemical substances secreted by T cells. Cytokines are an important factor in the production of inflammation and show promise as treatments for Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

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D

Dementia
Dementia is not a specific disease. It is a descriptive term for a collection of symptoms that can be caused by a number of disorders that affect the brain. People with dementia have significantly impaired intellectual functioning that interferes with normal activities and relationships. More about Dementia

Demyelination
Damage caused to myelin by recurrent attacks of inflammation. Demyelination ultimately results in nervous system scars, called plaques, which interrupt communications between the nerves and the rest of the body.

Diabetes
The short name for the disease called diabetes mellitus. Diabetes results when the body cannot use blood glucose as energy because of having too little insulin or being unable to use insulin.

DNA
DNA stands for deoxyribonucleic acid, the chemical substance from which genes are made. The molecule that encodes genetic information. DNA is a double-stranded molecule held together by weak bonds between base pairs of nucleotides. The four nucleotides in DNA contain the bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). In nature, base pairs form only between A and T and between G and C; thus the base sequence of each single strand can be deduced from that of its partner.

E

Endogenous
Something produced within the body; endogenous growth - growing from within.

Experimental Allergic Encephalomyelitis (EAE)
A chronic (lasting a long time) brain and spinal cord disease similar to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) which is induced by injecting myelin basic protein into laboratory animals.

F

Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI)
Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI) is an inherited disease that affects a brain region called the thalamus, which is partially responsible for controlling sleep. The disease causes dementia and a progressive insomnia that eventually leads to a complete lack of sleep. More about Fatal Familial Insomnia (FFI)

Fatigue
Tiredness that may accompany activity or may persist even without exertion.

Feline Spongiform Encephalopathy (FSE)
Feline Spongiform Encephalopathy (FSE) is a Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE) or Prion disease of domestic cats and captive exotic felines, first reported in Great Britain in 1990. Other countries, such as Norway, Liechtenstein and France, have also reported cases. More about Feline Spongiform Encephalopathy (FSE)

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G

Gadolinium
A chemical compound given during magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that helps distinguish new lesions from old.

Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS)
Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker (GSS) disease is an extremely rare, neurodegenerative brain disorder. It is almost always inherited and is found in only a few families around the world. More about Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinker Disease (GSS)

Gestational Age
Gestational age is the time measured from the first day of the woman's last menstrual cycle to the current date, measured in weeks. Gestational age can be determined before or when the baby is born. A pregnancy of normal gestation is approximately 40 weeks, with a normal range of 38 to 42 weeks. Infants born before 37 weeks are considered premature. Infants born after 42 weeks are considered postmature. (Gestation is the period of time between conception and birth of a baby, during which the fetus grows and develops inside the mother's uterus).

H

HGH Hormone
Known as human growth hormone, or hGH, it is produced in the pituitary gland of humans, and the hormone is secreted throughout a person's lifetime. HGH promotes growth in children and plays an important role in adult metabolism. Also known as: somatotropin, somatotrophin, somatropin, somatotrophic hormone, and somatotropic hormone. More about HGH Hormone

Human Growth Foundation
Their mission is to support families of children with physical growth problems and to help medical science better understand the process of growth. The Human Growth Foundation distributes funds for basic and clinical growth research. More about Human Growth Foundation

Human Leukocyte Antigen (HLA)
Antigens, tolerated by the body, that correspond to genes that govern immune responses. Also known as major histocompatibility complex.

Humatrope
A man-made form of growth hormone (somatropin). Humatrope is the same in its chemical structure as the growth hormone that is naturally produced by the pituitary gland. Humatrope is administered by injecting it into the fatty tissue under the skin - subcutaneously. More about Humatrope

I

Idiopathic
A disease of unknown cause; of unknown origin.

IGF-1
IGF-1 stands for Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, also called somatomedin C, a protein produced by the liver in response to growth hormone (GH). IGF-1 carries out some of the effects of growth hormone (GH) at the tissue level.

Immunoglobulin G (IgG)
An antibody containing substance produced by human plasma cells in diseased central nervous system plaques. Levels of IgG are increased in the cerebrospinal fluid of most Multiple Sclerosis (MS) patients.

Immunosuppression
Pronounced - IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-shun
Suppression of the immune system functions and its ability to fight infections and other diseases. Many medications under investigation for the treatment of MS are immunosuppressants.

Immunosuppressive
Pronounced - IH-myoo-noh-suh-PREH-siv
Describes the ability to decrease the body's immune system responses.

Inherit
In genetics (genetics is the study of inheritance patterns of specific traits), to receive genetic material from your parents through biological processes.

Intramuscular
Into the muscle tissue. Example - Injecting a substance into the muscle - an intramuscular injection.

Intravenous
Into or within a vein. Intravenous usually refers to a way of giving a drug or other substance through a needle or tube inserted into a vein. Also called I.V.

Interferons
Cytokines belonging to a family of antiviral proteins that occur naturally in the body. Gamma interferon is produced by immune system cells, enhances T-cell recognition of antigens, and causes worsening of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms. Alpha and beta interferon probably exert a suppressive effect on the immune system and may be beneficial in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

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J

There are no entries for the letter J.

K

Kuru
Kuru is a rare and fatal brain disorder that occurred at epidemic levels during the 1950s - 1960s among the Fore people in the highlands of New Guinea. The disease was the result of the practice of ritualistic cannibalism among the Fore, in which relatives prepared and consumed the tissues (including brain) of deceased family members. More about Kuru

L

Lesion
An abnormal change in the structure of an organ due to disease or injury.

Lyophilized
Lyophilization or freeze drying is a process in which water is removed from a product after it is frozen and placed under a vacuum, allowing the ice to change directly from solid to vapor without passing through a liquid phase. The process consists of three separate, unique, and interdependent processes - freezing, primary drying (sublimation), and secondary drying (desorption).

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M

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
A non-invasive scanning technique that enables investigators to see and track Multiple Sclerosis (MS) lesions as they evolve. MRI is a procedure in which radio waves and a powerful magnet linked to a computer are used to create detailed pictures of areas inside the body. These pictures can show the difference between normal and diseased tissue. MRI makes better images of organs and soft tissue than other scanning techniques, such as computed tomography (CT) or x-ray. MRI imaging is especially useful for imaging the brain, the spine, the soft tissue of joints, and the inside of bones. Also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging or NMRI.
MRI

Myelin
A fatty covering insulating nerve cell fibers in the brain and spinal cord, myelin facilitates the smooth, high-speed transmission of electrochemical messages between these components of the central nervous system and the rest of the body. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), myelin is damaged through a process known as demyelination, which results in distorted or blocked signals.

Myelin Basic Protein (MBP)
A major component of myelin. When myelin breakdown occurs, as in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), myelin basic protein (MBP) can often be found in abnormally high levels in the patient's cerebrospinal fluid. When injected into laboratory animals, myelin basic protein (MBP) induces experimental allergic encephalomyelitis, a chronic (lasting a long time) brain and spinal cord disease similar to Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Myoclonus
Myoclonus describes a symptom and generally is not a diagnosis of a disease. It refers to sudden, involuntary jerking of a muscle or group of muscles. Myoclonic twitches or jerks usually are caused by sudden muscle contractions, called positive myoclonus, or by muscle relaxation, called negative myoclonus. More about Myoclonus

N

Non-Invasive
Pronounced - NON-in-VAY-siv
In medicine, for example, non-invasive describes a procedure that does not require inserting an instrument through the skin or into a body opening. In cancer, non-invasive describes disease that has not spread outside the tissue in which it began.

Non-Pyrogenic
Not causing heat or fever in the body.

O

Optic Neuritis
An inflammatory disorder of the optic nerve that usually occurs in only one eye and causes visual loss and sometimes blindness. It is generally temporary.

Origin
The beginning of existence of something.

Ovaries
Pronounced - o-var-eez
Two reproductive organs - about the size of an almond or grape - one on each side of the uterus, in the pelvis of a female. The ovaries contain eggs (ova) and make female hormones. When one of the ovaries releases an egg about once each month as part of the menstrual cycle, it is called ovulation.

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P

Pancreas
Pronounced - PAN-kree-as
The pancreas is located in the abdomen, behind your stomach and in front of your spine. The pancreas is a gland that makes enzymes that help the body break down and use nutrients in food. It also produces the hormone insulin and releases it into the bloodstream to help the body control blood sugar levels. The pancreas is an organ of the digestive system.

Paresthesias
Abnormal sensations such as numbness, prickling, or pins and needles.

Pathogenesis
The origin and development of any disease condition.

Peptide
Any compound consisting of two or more amino acids in a chain, much like beaded chain bracelets, a small protein fragment. When animal meat proteins are digested, they break down first into peptides and then into their amino acid constituents.

Peptide Bond
The chemical link joining amino acids in peptides and proteins.

Peptide

"Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute"

Pineal Gland
Pronounced - PIN-ee-al
A tiny cone shaped organ located near the center of the brain that produces the hormone melatonin. Also called pineal body or pineal organ or epiphysis.

Pituitary Gland
Pronounced - Puh-too-eh-ter-ee
A small, pea-sized gland that hangs from the hypothalamus, a structure at the base of the brain, by a thread-like stalk that contains both blood vessels and nerves. It controls a system of hormones in the body that regulate growth, metabolism, the stress response, and functions of the sex organs via the thyroid gland, adrenal gland, ovaries, and testes. The pituitary also makes growth hormone and endorphins, special chemicals that help provide natural pain relief from within the body.

Plaques
Patchy areas of inflammation and demyelination typical of Multiple Sclerosis (MS), plaques disrupt or block nerve signals that would normally pass through the regions affected by the plaques.

Polypeptide
A protein or part of a protein made of a chain of peptides or amino acids joined by a peptide bond. A polypeptide chain usually consists of 100 or fewer amino acids. A protein is made up of one or several polypeptide chains.

Prion Protein
Prion proteins occur in both a normal form, which is a harmless protein found in the body's cells, and in an infectious form, which causes disease. Prion is short for proteinaceous infectious particle. Prion diseases or transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) are a family of rare progressive neurodegenerative disorders that affect both humans and animals. They are distinguished by long incubation periods, characteristic spongiform changes associated with neuronal loss, and a failure to induce inflammatory response. More about Prion Protein

Prognosis
Pronounced - prog-NO-sis
A prediction of the course and outcome of a disease, the chance of recovery or recurrence.

Protein
The product of the genetic information encoded in a gene. Proteins are made up of amino acids. Enzymes are one type of protein.

Q

There are no entries for the letter Q.

R

Receptor
A protein on a cell's surface that allows the cell to identify antigens.

Recombinant
Produced by genetic engineering. Also refers to a new organism or compound produced by inserting the genetic material of one organism into the genetic material of another organism.

Recombinant DNA molecules
A combination of DNA molecules of different origin that are joined using recombinant DNA technologies.

Recombinant DNA (rDNA)
The technique of isolating DNA molecules and inserting them into the DNA of a cell - "recombining DNA". Also known as genetic engineering.

Recombinant DNA Technology
A procedure used to join together DNA segments in a cell-free system (an environment outside a cell or organism). Under appropriate conditions, a recombinant DNA molecule can enter a cell and replicate there, either autonomously or after it has become integrated into a cellular chromosome.

Reconstitution
The dissolving of a dried product into a solvent or diluent.

Renal
Pronounced - REE-nul
Of the kidneys. A renal disease is a disease of the kidneys. Renal failure means the kidneys have stopped working properly.

RNA
RNA stands for Ribonucleic acid. The structure of RNA is similar to that of DNA. RNA delivers DNA's genetic message to the cytoplasm of a cell where proteins are made. There are several classes of RNA molecules, including messenger RNA, transfer RNA, ribosomal RNA, and other small RNAs, each serving a different purpose. ("Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute.")

RNA

"Courtesy: National Human Genome Research Institute"

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S

Scrapie
Scrapie is a fatal, degenerative disease affecting the central nervous system of sheep and goats. It is among a number of diseases classified as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs). Infected flocks that contain a high percentage of susceptible animals can experience significant production losses. More about Scrapie

Somatostatin
A hormone widely distributed throughout the body, especially in the hypothalamus and pancreas, that acts as an important regulator of endocrine and nervous system function by inhibiting the secretion of several other hormones such as HGH, insulin, and gastrin. It exerts its biologic actions by binding to specific high affinity receptors on the cell surface.

Somatropin
Human growth hormone, natural and synthetic. Synthetic is a man-made version of growth hormone. Growth hormone is a substance that stimulates growth of the long bones in the arms and legs by affecting growth of cartilage, bone, and muscle cells. It also increases the size of body organs and increases the number of red blood cells.

Spasticity
Involuntary muscle contractions leading to spasms and stiffness or rigidity. In Multiple Sclerosis (MS), this condition primarily affects the lower limbs.

Subcutaneous
Fatty tissue under the skin. Example, subcutaneous injection - an injection of a substance into the fatty tissue under the skin.

Synthetic
Pronounced - sin-THEH-tik
Substances that are man made in the laboratory instead of taken from nature.

Synthesized
The formation of complex compounds by combining two or more chemicals.

Systemic
Pronounced - sis-TEH-mik
Affecting the whole body.

T

T Cells
One type of white blood cell that attacks virus infected cells, foreign cells, and cancer cells. T cells are immune system cells that develop in the thymus gland. T cells also produce a number of substances that regulate the immune response. Findings suggest that T cells are implicated in myelin destruction. T cells also called T lymphocyte.

Testes
Pronounced - TES-tis
Testes are the male sex glands. There are two egg-shaped glands behind the penis in a pouch of skin called the scrotum. The testes make and store sperm, and make the male hormone testosterone. One is called a testicle.

Thymus Gland
The thymus gland is located in the chest behind the breastbone. The thymus gland produces thymosin, which plays an important role in the development of the body's immune system.

Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland is located in front of the neck below the larynx or voice box. The thyroid gland consists of two lobes, one on each side of the windpipe. It is a 2 inch long, butterfly shaped gland weighing less than an ounce. The thyroid helps regulate growth and metabolism.

Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy (TME)
Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy (TME) is a rare illness that affects the central nervous system of ranch raised mink. It was first detected in the United States in 1947. Since then, TME outbreaks have been reported in numerous locations worldwide, including the United States, Canada, Finland, Germany, and the republics of the former Soviet Union. More about Transmissible Mink Encephalopathy - TME

Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy (TSE)
Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), also known as prion diseases, are a group of rare degenerative brain disorders characterized by tiny holes that give the brain a "spongy" appearance. These holes can be seen when brain tissue is viewed under a microscope. More about Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs)

Transverse Myelitis
An acute spinal cord disorder causing sudden low back pain and muscle weakness and abnormal sensory sensations in the lower extremities. Transverse myelitis often remits spontaneously, however, severe or long lasting cases may lead to permanent disability.

U

There are no entries for the letter U.

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V

variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)
As of February 2004, 156 cases of the human form of mad cow disease, known as variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD), have been reported worldwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). But there has never been a case of vCJD contracted in the United States. More about variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (vCJD)

Vial
A small glass bottle with a flat bottom, short neck and flat flange designed for stoppering.

w

White Matter
Nerve fibers that are the site of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) lesions and underlie the gray matter of the brain and spinal cord.

X

There are no entries for the letter X.

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Y

There are no entries for the letter Y.

Z

There are no entries for the letter Z.

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Human Growth Foundation
Pituitary Society
Pituitary Network Association
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