Glossary of Bio-Medical Terms
Z
RETURN TO INDEX Zalcitabine
AN = an antiviral; inhibits HIV replication
MS = A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has been replaced by a hydrogen. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication at low concentrations, acting as a chain-terminator of viral DNA by binding to reverse transcriptase. Its principal toxic side effect is axonal degeneration resulting in peripheral neuropathy.
UI = D016047
Zambia
AN = a republic in southern Africa; X ref NORTHERN RHODESIA is its former name
MS = A republic in southern Africa, south of DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO and TANZANIA, and north of ZIMBABWE. Its capital is Lusaka. It was formerly called Northern Rhodesia. Under the jurisdiction of the British South Africa Company 1889-1924, it became a British Protectorate in 1924, then part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1953-63. It became an independent republic in 1964. The country takes its name from the Zambezi River flowing through it, the fourth longest on the continent. Za (river) also gave its name to Zaire. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p1370 & Room, Brewers' Dictionary of Names, 1992, p608)
UI = D015024
Zearalenone
AN = a mycotoxin & non-steroidal estrogen; do not confuse with zearalanone (index under ZEARALENONE /analogs)
MS = (S-(E))-3,4,5,6,8,10-Hexahydro-14,16-dihydroxy-3-methyl-1H-2-benzoxacyclotetradecin-1,7(8H)-dione. One of a group of compounds known under the general designation of resorcylic acid lactones. Cis, trans, dextro and levo forms have been isolated from the fungus Gibberella zeae (formerly Fusarium graminearum). They have estrogenic activity, cause toxicity in livestock as feed contaminant, and have been used as anabolic or estrogen substitutes.
UI = D015025
Zeatin
AN = a plant growth regulator
MS = An aminopurine factor in plant extracts that induces cell division. (Grant & Hackh's Chemical Dict, 5th ed)
UI = D015026
Zebrafish
AN = NIM when exper animal; when IM, qualif permitted
MS = A species of North American fishes of the family Cyprinidae. They are used in embryological studies and to study the effects of certain chemicals on development.
UI = D015027
Zein
AN = a plant protein
MS = A protein obtainable from corn. It has a molecular weight of about 40,000. It does not contain tryptophan or lysine. (Dorland, 28th ed)
UI = D015028
Zellweger Syndrome
AN = multiple abnorm: note X ref; do not use /congen & do not coord with INFANT, NEWBORN, DISEASES CATALOG: do not use /in inf
MS = A rare, autosomal recessive congenital syndrome of multiple abnormalities. Some of the principal characteristics are cerebral dysfunction, defective myelinization, craniofacial abnormalities, renal cysts, hepatomegaly, and biliary dysgenesis. Absence of liver and kidney peroxisomes is the underlying basic defect.
UI = D015211
Zenker's Diverticulum
AN = an esophageal diverticulum; inflamm divertic or diverticulitis: coord IM with DIVERTICULITIS (NIM)
MS = A diverticulum at the junction of the pharynx and esophagus. It is caused by continuous irritation of an anatomically weak area of the posterior hypopharynx by food bolus and neuromuscular incoordination of the swallowing mechanism. (Dorland, 27th ed; CMIT, 5th ed.)
UI = D016672
Zeolites
AN = aluminum silicates; cation exchangers, molecular sieves, water softeners & adsorbents
MS = Zeolites. A group of crystalline, hydrated alkali-aluminum silicates. They occur naturally in sedimentary and volcanic rocks, altered basalts, ores, and clay deposits. Some 40 known zeolite minerals and a great number of synthetic zeolites are available commercially. (From Merck Index, 11th ed)
UI = D017641
Zeranol
AN = a synthetic non-steroidal estrogen
MS = (3S,7X)-3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12-Decahydro-7,14,16-trihydroxy-3-methyl-1H-2-benzoxacyclotetradecin-1-one. A non-steroidal estrogen analog.
UI = D015029
Zidovudine
AN = an antimetabolite; inhibits HIV replication
MS = A dideoxynucleoside compound in which the 3'-hydroxy group on the sugar moiety has been replaced by an azido group. This modification prevents the formation of phosphodiester linkages which are needed for the completion of nucleic acid chains. The compound is a potent inhibitor of HIV replication, acting as a chain-terminator of viral DNA during reverse transcription. It improves immunologic function, partially reverses the HIV-induced neurological dysfunction, and improves certain other clinical abnormalities associated with AIDS. Its principal toxic effect is dose-dependent suppression of bone marrow, resulting in anemia and leukopenia.
UI = D015215
Zimbabwe
AN = a republic in southern Africa; note X ref SOUTHERN RHODESIA: Northern Rhodesia is now ZAMBIA
MS = A republic in southern Africa, east of ZAMBIA and BOTSWANA and west of MOZAMBIQUE. Its capital is Harare. It was formerly called Rhodesia and Southern Rhodesia. The region was under the administration of the British South Africa Company from 1889 to 1923 when it became a self-governing British colony. Zimbabwe was a member of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland 1953-63. It was granted independence by the British in 1980 when it became Zimbabwe. The name is from that of a famous archaeological site whose name is the Bantu zimba we bahwe, (house of stones) from zimba, the plural of imba (house) + bahwe (stones). It refers to ruins comprising an acropolis with huge walls of monoliths fitted without mortar. (From Webster's New Geographical Dictionary, 1988, p1013, 1374 & Room, Brewer's Dictionary of Names, 1992, p610)
UI = D015030
Zimeldine
AN = a serotonin uptake inhib
MS = 3-(4-Bromophenyl)-N,N-dimethyl-3-(3-pyridinyl)-2-propen-1-amine. An inhibitor of serotonin uptake formerly used in the treatment of depression in doses of 200-300 mg daily. It was withdrawn worldwide in September 1983 because of the risk of Guillain-Barre syndrome associated with its use. (From Martindale, The Extra Pharmacopoeia, 29th ed, p385)
UI = D015031
Zinc
AN = a trace element; Zn-64; /defic /physiol permitted
MS = A metallic trace element that has the atomic symbol Zn, atomic number 30, and atomic weight 65.38. It is necessary in the diet, forms an essential part of many enzymes, and plays an important role in protein synthesis and in cell division. Zinc deficiency is associated with anemia, short stature, hypogonadism, impaired wound healing, and geophagia. (From Dorland, 27th ed)
UI = D015032
Zinc Acetate
MS = A salt produced by the reaction of zinc oxide with acetic acid. It is used as a pharmaceutic necessity for zinc-eugenol cement and also as an astringent, styptic, and formerly as an emetic. (Dorland, 28th ed)
UI = D019345
Zinc Compounds
AN = inorganic; GEN or unspecified; prefer specifics; DF: ZINC CPDS
MS = Inorganic compounds that contain zinc as an integral part of the molecule.
UI = D017967
Zinc Fingers
AN = amino acids folded around a zinc atom, able to recognize a specific seq of 5 nucleotide pairs
MS = Domains in DNA- and RNA-binding proteins that contain amino acids which are folded into a single structural unit around a zinc atom that links two cysteines and two histidines. Each finger is postulated to recognize a specific sequence of about five nucleotide pairs.
UI = D016335
Zinc Isotopes
AN = Zn-66, 67, 68, 70; NIM; no qualif
MS = Stable zinc atoms that have the same atomic number as the element zinc, but differ in atomic weight. Zn-66-68, and 70 are stable zinc isotopes.
UI = D015033
Zinc Oxide
AN = a dermatol agent
MS = A mild astringent and topical protectant with some antiseptic action. It is also used in bandages, pastes, ointments, dental cements, and as a sunblock.
UI = D015034
Zinc Oxide-Eugenol Cement
AN = a dent cement; D25-26 qualif
MS = Least irritating of the cements. The powder is essentially zinc oxide with strengtheners and accelerators. The liquid is basically eugenol. (Boucher's Clinical Dental Terminology, 4th ed, p50)
UI = D015035
Zinc Phosphate Cement
AN = a dent cement; D25-26 qualif
MS = A material used for cementation of inlays, crowns, bridges, and orthodontic appliances and occasionally as a temporary restoration. It is prepared by mixing zinc oxide and magnesium oxide powders with a liquid consisting principally of phosphoric acid, water, and buffers. (From Bouchers' Clinical Dental Terminology, 3d ed)
UI = D015036
Zinc Radioisotopes
AN = Zn-60-63, 65, 69, 71, 72; NIM; /blood-csf-urine /metab permitted but not for tracer studies ( = /diag use)
MS = Unstable isotopes of zinc that decay or disintegrate emitting radiation. Zn atoms with atomic weights 60-63, 65, 69, 71, and 72 are radioactive zinc isotopes.
UI = D015037
Zinc Sulfate
MS = A compound given in the treatment of conditions associated with zinc deficiency such as acrodermatitis enteropathica. Externally, zinc sulfate is used as an astringent in lotions and eye drops. (Reynolds JEF(Ed): Martindale: The Extra Pharmacopoeia (electronic version). Micromedex, Inc, Englewood, CO, 1995)
UI = D019287
Zineb
AN = an agric fungicide
MS = ((1,2-Ethanediylbis(carbamodithioato))(2-))zinc. An agricultural fungicide of the dithiocarbamate class. It has relatively low toxicity and there is little evidence of human injury from exposure.
UI = D015038
Zingiberales
MS = This plant order includes 8 families, 66 genera, and about 1,800 species. These herbaceous perennials are mainly found in the wet tropics. Members include the banana family (Musaceae), ginger (Zingiber officinale), and cardamom (Amomum and Elettaria).
UI = D019862
Zinostatin
AN = an antineoplastic antibiotic
MS = An antitumor isolate from the culture filtrate of the F-41 variant of Streptomyces carzinostaticus. It is a protein of known amino acid sequence with a molecular weight of approximately 11,500 and possessing a regulatory function on the metabolism of DNA. In this process, that is first an inhibition of DNA biosynthesis followed by the degradation of DNA, zinostatin functions in a manner analogous to that of the much higher molecular weight antibiotic MITOMYCIN C. Zinostatin is also a potent cytostatic agent active against gram-positive organisms.
UI = D009353
Ziram
AN = an indust fungicide
MS = (T-4)-Bis(dimethylcarbamodithioato-S,S')zinc. An industrial fungicide with low mammalian toxicity, although it does possess an irritant capacity for skin and mucous membranes.
UI = D015039
Zirconium
AN = Zr-90; Zr-91, 92, 94, 96 = ZIRCONIUM (IM) + ISOTOPES (NIM); Zr-81-89, 93, 95, 97, 98 = ZIRCONIUM (IM) + RADIOISOTOPES (IM)
MS = Zirconium. A rather rare metallic element, atomic number 40, atomic weight 91.22, symbol Zr. (From Dorland, 28th ed)
UI = D015040
Zolazepam
AN = a nonbarbiturate sedative
MS = 4-(2-Fluorophenyl)-6,8-dihydro-1,3,8-trimethylpyrazolo(3,4-e)(1,4)diazepin-7(1H)-one. A pyrazolodiazepinone with pharmacological actions similar to anti-anxiety agents. It is commonly used in combination with TILETAMINE to obtain immobilization and anesthesia in animals.
UI = D015041
Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome
AN = peptic ulcer with gastric hyperacidity & islet cell tumors; do not use /blood supply /chem /second /secret /ultrastruct
MS = A triad comprising intractable, sometimes fulminating, and in many ways, atypical ulcers; extremely elevated gastric acidity; and gastrin-secreting non-beta islet cell tumors, usually of the pancreas, but sometimes in other sites (e.g., the duodenum), which may be single or multiple, large or small, benign or malignant. (Dorland, 27th ed)
UI = D015043
Zona Fasciculata
AN = middle zone of adrenal cortex
MS = The wide middle zone of the adrenal cortex. This zone consists of large lipid-laden cells radially arranged in parallel cords. It converts pregnenolone to cortisol by a series of enzymatically regulated steps. A small amount of corticosterone is formed as a by-product of cortisol synthesis.
UI = D015383
Zona Glomerulosa
AN = outer zone of adrenal cortex
MS = The narrow subcapsular outer zone of the adrenal cortex. This zone consists of granular cells which stain deeply and are arranged in rounded groups. It converts pregnenolone to aldosterone by a series of enzymatically regulated steps.
UI = D015384
Zona Pellucida
AN = A 11 qualif except /cytol
MS = The transport non-cellular envelope surrounding the mammalian ovum.
UI = D015044
Zona Reticularis
AN = inner zone of adrenal cortex
MS = The inner zone of the adrenal cortex. This zone consists of an anastomosing network of cells which resemble those of the zona fasciculata except for the fact that they contain less lipid. The mitochondria are elongated and contain a mixture of tubular and flattened cristae.
UI = D015385
Zoogloea
MS = A genus of PSEUDOMONADACEAE occurring as rod-shaped cells embedded in a gelatinous matrix. It includes Z. filipendula.
UI = D015045
Zoology
AN = SPEC: SPEC qualif; DF: ZOOL
UI = D015046
Zoomastigophora
AN = a class of protozoa
MS = A class of protozoa consisting of animal-like flagellates. Its organisms are heterotrophic and have one-to-many flagella. This class includes one superorder, Parabasalidea, and six orders: Choanoflagellida, KINETOPLASTIDA, Proteromonadida, Retortamonadida, DIPLOMONADIDA, and Oxymonadida.
UI = D016826
Zoonoses
AN = usually dis from animal to man but includes also dis from man to animal; can be bact, fungal, viral or parasitic; avoid qualif: few apply; not a coord for every zoonotic dis: index as ZOONOSES only when discussed: TN 199
MS = Diseases of non-human animals that may be transmitted to man or may be transmitted from man to non-human animals.
UI = D015047
Zooplankton
AN = live in almost all natural waters
MS = Minute free-floating animal organisms which live in practically all natural waters.
UI = D015048
Zoxazolamine
AN = a uricosuric & central muscle relaxant
MS = A uricosuric and muscle relaxant. Zoxazolamine acts centrally as a muscle relaxant, but the mechanism of its action is not understood.
UI = D015049
Zygoma
UI = D015050
Zygomatic Fractures
MS = Fractures of the zygoma.
UI = D015051
Zygomycosis
AN = fungus dis caused by various ZYGOMYCOTA; for dis caused by Mucorales, MUCORMYCOSIS is available
MS = Infection in humans and animals caused by fungi in the phylum Zygomycota. It includes MUCORMYCOSIS and entomophthoramycosis. The latter is a tropical infection of subcutaneous tissue or paranasal sinuses caused by fungi in the order Entomophthorales. Phycomycosis, closely related to zygomycosis, describes infection with members of Phycomycetes, an obsolete classification.
UI = D020096
Zygomycota
MS = A phylum of fungi, formerly included in the Phycomycetes, usually saprophytic or parasitic, especially for insects.
UI = D015052
Zygosaccharomyces
MS = A genus of ascomycetous fungi of the family Saccharomycetaceae, order SACCHAROMYCETALES.
UI = D020068
Zygote
AN = A 11 qualif & growth
MS = The fertilized ovum.
UI = D015053
Zygote Intrafallopian Transfer
AN = DF: note short X ref
MS = An assisted reproduction technique consisting of hormonal stimulation of the ovaries, laparoscopic follicular aspiration of oocytes, in-vitro fertilization, and intrafallopian transfer of the zygote by transabdominal cannulation at the pronuclear stage (before cleavage).
UI = D017388
Zymomonas
AN = non-pathogenic but spoils fermented beverages
MS = A genus of gram-negative, facultatively anaerobic, rod-shaped bacteria that is not known to be pathogenic for man, animals, or plants. Its organisms are spoilers for beers and ciders and in sweet English ciders they are the causative agents of a secondary fermentation known as "cider sickness." The species Z. mobilis is used for experiments in molecular genetic studies.
UI = D017355
Zymosan
AN = a polysaccharide
UI = D015054