reagin

reagin
1. Wolff-Eisner term for antibody. 2. Old term for the “Wassermann” antibody; not to be confused with the Prausnitz-Küstner antibody. 3. Antibodies that mediate immediate hypersensitivity reactions (IgE in humans). 4. SYN: homocytotropic antibody.
- atopic r. SYN: Prausnitz-Küstner antibody.

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re·agin rē-'ā-jən, -gən n
1) a substance that is in the blood of individuals with syphilis and is responsible for positive serological reactions for syphilis
2) an antibody (as IgE in humans) that mediates hypersensitive allergic reactions of rapid onset
re·agin·ic .rē-ə-'jin-ik, -'gin- adj

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n.
a type of antibody, formed against an allergen, that has special affinity for cell membranes and remains fixed in various tissues. Subsequent contact with the allergen causes damage to the tissues when the antigen-antibody reaction occurs. The damaged cells, particularly mast cell, release histamine and serotonin, which are responsible for the local inflammation of an allergy or the very severe effects of anaphylactic shock (see anaphylaxis). Reagins belong to the IgE class of immunoglobulin.

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re·a·gin (reґə-jin) [reagent + -in] 1. the antibody that mediates type I hypersensitivity reactions; in humans, IgE. 2. former name for the serum antibody detected by the Wassermann test.

Medical dictionary. 2011.

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Look at other dictionaries:

  • reagin — [rē ā′jin] n. [< REAGENT + IN1] a type of antibody in the blood associated with some allergic diseases …   English World dictionary

  • reagin — (re ah jin) Antibody that mediates immediate hypersensitivity reactions. IgE is the major reagin in humans …   Dictionary of microbiology

  • reagin — /ree ay jin, gin/, n. Immunol. 1. Also called Wassermann antibody. an antibody formed in response to syphilis and reactive with cardiolipin in various blood tests for the disease. 2. an antibody found in certain human allergies, as hay fever and… …   Universalium

  • reagin — re•a•gin [[t]riˈeɪ dʒɪn, gɪn[/t]] n. 1) imu an antibody formed in response to syphilis in various blood tests for the disease 2) bai (mcr imv)imu an antibody found in certain human allergies, as hay fever and asthma • Etymology: 1910–15; < G… …   From formal English to slang

  • reagin — noun Etymology: International Scientific Vocabulary, from reagent Date: circa 1911 1. a substance in the blood of persons with syphilis responsible for positive serological reactions for syphilis 2. an antibody (as IgE in humans) that mediates… …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • reagin — Reaginic antibodies; an outmoded term for IgE …   Dictionary of molecular biology

  • Reagin — Rea|gi̱n s; s, e (meist Mehrz.): vom Organismus gegen eingedrungene Infektionserreger gebildete Antikörper …   Das Wörterbuch medizinischer Fachausdrücke

  • Reagin — Re|a|gin das; s, e (meist Plur.) <zu ↑...in> vom Organismus gegen eingedrungene Infektionserreger gebildeter Antikörper (Med.) …   Das große Fremdwörterbuch

  • reagin — re·agin …   English syllables

  • reagin — n. a type of antibody, formed against an allergen, that has special affinity for cell membranes and remains fixed in various tissues. Subsequent contact with the allergen causes damage to the tissues when the antigen antibody reaction occurs. The …   The new mediacal dictionary

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