Category: Ah-Al

One in a family of structurally related proteins that are prominently expressed in the central nervous system. Aggregated alpha-synuclein proteins form brain lesions that are hallmarks of some neurodegenerative diseases (synucleinopathies). The gene for alpha-synuclein, which is called SNCA, is on chromosome 4q21. Defects in this protein are believed to be related to the development of Parkinson disease.

A tiny mass of material composed of two protons and two neutrons. Alpha particles do not travel very far from their radioactive source. They cannot pass through a piece of paper, clothes or even the layer of dead cells which normally protects the skin. Because alpha particles cannot penetrate human skin they are not considered…

An honor society, the medical school equivalent of Phi Beta Kappa of undergraduate school.

An essential fatty acid found in flaxseed oil, canola oil and walnuts. Abbreviated ALA.

A protein produced by the body in response to an infection. There are 3 major classes of interferon — alpha, beta, and gamma.

The coiled structure of many proteins consisting of a single chain of amino acids stabilized by hydrogen bonds. The alpha helix was first proposed by Linus Pauling and Robert Corey in a brilliant series of paper in the early 1950s. It is also known as the Pauling-Corey helix.

The statistical error made in testing a hypothesis when it is concluded that a result is positive, but it really is not. Also known as false positive.

A type of cell found in areas within the pancreas called the islets of Langerhans. Alpha cells make and release glucagon, which raises the level of glucose (sugar) in the blood.

A drug that blocks receptors in arteries and smooth muscle. This action relaxes the blood vessels and leads to an increase in blood flow and a lower pressure for the control of hypertension. The action in the urinary tract enhances urinary flow in prostatic hypertrophy (enlarged prostate). The alpha blockers include doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress), and The alpha…

A progressive disease of the nervous system characterized by spasticity (tightness), myoclonus and dementia and by liver problems with jaundice and cirrhosis. This disorder, first described by Alpers in 1931 as “Diffuse progressive degeneration of gray matter of cerebrum”, usually begins early in life with convulsions. A continuous seizure (status epilepticus) is often the final event. Alpers disease is due to more than one cause. Some cases are inherited as…