Glossary Flashcards
What is an aeroallergen?
An inhaled antigen (e.g. pollen, dust mite faeces)
What is adenylate cyclase?
Plasma membrane bound enzyme that synthesises the second messsenger cyclic AMP (cAMP) from ATP. Activity is stimulated by the Gs class of G-protein that is in turn positively regulated by beta-2 adrenoreceptors in airway smooth muscle.
What is airway resistance (Raw)?
Related to calibre of airway - increased in obstructive defect; normal in restrictive defect
What is antihistamine?
Antagonist of G-protein coupled histamine type 1 (H1) receptor resulting in anti-allergic actions on inflammatory cells (e.g. oral cetirizine) - fast onset of action - used in allergic type asthma and in allergic rhinitis.
What is an antileukotriene?
Antagonist of G-protein coupled cysteinyl leukotriene receptor - resutling in anti-allergic actions on cells (e.g. oral montelukast) and smooth
What is atopy?
An allergic state predisposition
What is atypical pneumonia?
Caused by an atypical organism which is intracellular, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, chlamydia pneumoniae, legionella pneum-ophilia - all respond to macrolide antibiotic such as erythromycin or tetracyclines such as deoxycycline or quinolones like ciprfloxacin.
What is a beta-2-adrenoceptor?
Plasma membrane bound G-protein coupled receptor on airway smooth muscle - natural sympathetic nervous system agonist is adrenaline (released from adrenal medulla) resulting in relaxation, exogenous agonists are fast onset, either short acting (inhaled salbutamol) or long acting (inhaled salmeterol, formoterol) and result in bronchodilation [i.e. smooth muscle relaxation] - used for asthma and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).
What is a broad spectrum antibiotic?
An antibiotic which covers a wide spread of Gram-positive and Gram-negative organisms - e.g. amoxicillin
What are bronchial breath sounds?
Abnormal harsh breath sounds transmitted from bronchi through consolidated lung and associated with crackles.
What are bronchodilators?
Drugs which relax bronchial smooth muscle and imporve airflow obstruction.
What is a chemokine?
A class of chemotactic cytokines (e.g. leukotriene B4 (LTB4))
What is chronic airflow obstruction?
A condition caused by smoking resulting in airflow obstruction which does not vary with time.
What is consolidation?
Filling of alveolar air sacs with solid tissues - due to infection or infarction.
What is Cor-pulmonale?
Pulmonary hypertension due to chronic hypoxic lung disease - pulmonary heart disease.
What is cyclic AMP (cAMP)?
Second messenger that activates the intracellular kinase protein kinase-A (PKA). Phosphorylation reactions mediated by PKA in airway smooth muscle causes relaxation.
What are cytokines?
A large family of polypeptides (e.g. interleukins), secreted by white blood cells, that act as messengers between cells, either stimulating, or inhibiting, the activity of various cells of the immune system.
What is exudate?
Inflammatory pleural effusion with protein content >30g/l (e.g. lung cancer) - usually unilateral.
What is the forced expiratory ratio?
Ratio of forced respiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) to forced vital capacity (FVC). Ration <75 per cent indicates obstructive defect.
What is gas transfer diffusion (TLCO or DLCO)?
Capability to transfer carbon monoxide across the alveoli-vascular bed - reduced in restrictive defect, normal in obstructive defect (unless emphysema)