agonist

DEFINITION:

1. In anatomy, a prime mover.

2. In pharmacology, a drug that has affinity for and stimulateS physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring substances.

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

G protein

DEFINITION:

Any of a family of similar heterotrimeric proteins of the intracellular portion of the plasma membrane that bind activated receptor complexes and, through conformational changes and cyclic binding and hydrolysis of GTP, directly or indirectly effect alterations in channel gating and so couple cell surface receptors to intracellular responses. Some G proteins are named for their activities, e.g., G_s stimulates and G_I inhibits enzyme activity.

coupled

DEFINITION:

See coupling.

receptors

DEFINITION:

See definitions under "receptor."

GPCR

DEFINITION:

G-protein-coupled receptor.

internalized

DEFINITION:

Describing the mental process whereby certain attributes, attitudes, or standards of others are unconsciously taken as one's own.

GPCR

DEFINITION:

G-protein-coupled receptor.

cytoplasmic

DEFINITION:

Pertaining to or contained in the cytoplasm.

receptors

DEFINITION:

See definitions under "receptor."

cell surface

DEFINITION:

See plasma membrane.

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

V2 vasopressin receptor

DEFINITION:

The molecular structure within a cell or on the surface to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

agonist

DEFINITION:

1. In anatomy, a prime mover.

2. In pharmacology, a drug that has affinity for and stimulateS physiologic activity at cell receptors normally stimulated by naturally occurring substances.

G protein

DEFINITION:

Any of a family of similar heterotrimeric proteins of the intracellular portion of the plasma membrane that bind activated receptor complexes and, through conformational changes and cyclic binding and hydrolysis of GTP, directly or indirectly effect alterations in channel gating and so couple cell surface receptors to intracellular responses. Some G proteins are named for their activities, e.g., G_s stimulates and G_I inhibits enzyme activity.

coupled

DEFINITION:

See coupling.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

protein

DEFINITION:

Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen, and which are widely distributed in plants and animals. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique, genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. They serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, etc., and are involved in oxygen transport, muscle contraction, electron transport, and other activities throughout the body, and in photosynthesis.

binding protein - any of a number of plasma proteins (See below) that bind to hormones of low solubility (chiefly the thyroid and steroid hormones), thus providing a transport system for them; some are specific for particular hormones, while others bind to any sparingly soluble hormones. Called also carrier protein or transport protein (See below).

carrier proteins - A binding protein (See above).

plasma proteins - The hundreds of different proteins present in blood plasma, including carrier proteins (such as albumin, transferrin, and haptoglobin), fibrinogen and other coagulation factors, complement components, immunoglobulins, enzyme inhibitors, precursors of substances such as angiotensin and bradykinin, and many other types of proteins.

transport protein - binding protein (See above).

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

V2 receptor

DEFINITION:

See under receptor .

receptors

DEFINITION:

See definitions under "receptor."

internalized

DEFINITION:

Describing the mental process whereby certain attributes, attitudes, or standards of others are unconsciously taken as one's own.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

expressed

DEFINITION:

1. Showing a detectable effect of a gene.

2. Made known; shown.

3. Squeezed out; extracted by pressing.

cell surface

DEFINITION:

See plasma membrane.

ligand

DEFINITION:

1. A molecule that binds to another molecule, used especially to refer to a small molecule that binds specifically to a larger molecule, e.g., an antigen binding to an antibody, a hormone or neurotransmitter binding to a receptor, or a substrate or allosteric effector binding to an enzyme.
2. A molecule that donates or accepts a pair of electrons to form a coordinate covalent bond with the central metal atom of a coordination complex.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

phosphorylated

DEFINITION:

See phosphorylation.

mediated

DEFINITION:

Accomplished by the aid of an intervening medium.

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

truncation

DEFINITION:

The state of having the end shortened or cut squarely off.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

phosphorylated

DEFINITION:

See phosphorylation.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

cell surface

DEFINITION:

See plasma membrane.

vasopressin

DEFINITION:

1. One of two octapeptide hormones formed by the neuronal cells of the hypothalamic nuclei and stored in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis), the other being oxytocin. It stimulates the contraction of the muscular tissue of the capillaries and arterioles, raising the blood pressure. It promotes contraction of the intestinal musculature and increases peristalsis, and also exerts some contractile influence on the uterus. It also has a specific effect on the epithelial cells of the distal portion of the uriniferous tubule, augmenting resorption of water independently of solutes, resulting in concentration of urine and dilution of blood serum. Its rate of secretion is regulated chiefly by the osmolarity of the plasma.

2. [USP], A pharmaceutical preparation of the same principle, prepared synthetically or obtained from the posterior pituitary of healthy domestic animals used for food by man; used mainly as an antidiuretic in the treatment of acute or chronic diabetes insipidus, administered intramuscularly as a test of hypothalamo-neurohypophysial-renal function in distinguishing central from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; it may also be used to stimulate smooth muscle tissue, especially to induce vasoconstriction in the presence of hemorrhage. Called also antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

protein

DEFINITION:

Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen, and which are widely distributed in plants and animals. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique, genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. They serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, etc., and are involved in oxygen transport, muscle contraction, electron transport, and other activities throughout the body, and in photosynthesis.

binding protein - any of a number of plasma proteins (See below) that bind to hormones of low solubility (chiefly the thyroid and steroid hormones), thus providing a transport system for them; some are specific for particular hormones, while others bind to any sparingly soluble hormones. Called also carrier protein or transport protein (See below).

carrier proteins - A binding protein (See above).

plasma proteins - The hundreds of different proteins present in blood plasma, including carrier proteins (such as albumin, transferrin, and haptoglobin), fibrinogen and other coagulation factors, complement components, immunoglobulins, enzyme inhibitors, precursors of substances such as angiotensin and bradykinin, and many other types of proteins.

transport protein - binding protein (See above).

multiple

DEFINITION:

1. More than one.

2. Occurring in or affecting various parts of the body at once.

3. The product of a quantity by an integer.

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

serine

DEFINITION:

A naturally occurring, nonessential amino acid, 2-amino-3-hydroxypropionic acid; it may be synthesized from glycine, and is used as a dietary supplement and feed additive, in biological studies and tests, and in culture media. Symbol Ser.

carboxy terminus

DEFINITION:

The end of the peptide chain carrying the free alpha carboxyl group of the last amino acid.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

retention

DEFINITION:

1. The act or process of keeping in possession, or of holding in place or position.
2. The persistent keeping within the body of matter normally excreted.
3. In cavity preparation, the prevention of displacement of a restoration.
4. In orthodontic therapy, the period during which the patient is wearing an appliance(s) to maintain and stabilize the teeth in the position into which they were moved.

retention of urine - Accumulation of urine within the bladder because of inability to urinate.

alanine

DEFINITION:

A nonessential amino acid, a-aminopropanoic acid, occurring in proteins; high levels also occur free in plasma. It is synthesized from pyruvate. Abbreviated Ala.

serines

DEFINITION:

Naturally occurring, nonessential amino acids, 2-amino-3-hydroxypropionic acid; they may be synthesized from glycine, and are used as a dietary supplement and feed additive, in biological studies and tests, and in culture media. Symbol Ser.

quantitative

DEFINITION:

1. Denoting or expressing a quantity.
2. Relating to the proportionate quantities or to the amount of the constituents of a compound.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

phosphate

DEFINITION:

1. Any salt of phosphoric acid or its anions, particularly referring to orthophosphate (inorganic phosphate).
2. Any ester of phosphoric acid or of one of its salts or anions; an organic phosphate.

mutant

DEFINITION:

1. A gene or organism that has undergone genetic mutation.

V2Rs

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptors.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

hormone

DEFINITION:

A product of living cells that circulates in body fluids and produces a specific effect on the activity of cells remote from its point of origin; especially: one exerting a stimulatory effect on a cellular activity.

hypophysiotropic hormones - Hormones produced by the hypothalamus, usually releasing hormones (see below), which maintain the endocrine functions of cells of the adenohypophysis.

neurohormone - A hormone secreted by a specialized neuron into the bloodstream, the cerebrospinal fluid, or the intercellular spaces of the nervous system.

releasing hormones - Hormones elaborated in one structure that cause the release of hormones from another structure, such as those from the hypothalamus that act on the adenohypophysis. The term is applied to substances of established chemical identity, whereas substances of unknown chemical structure are called releasing factors .

molecular

DEFINITION:

Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules.

hypothesis

DEFINITION:

A supposition that appears to explain a group of phenomena and is advanced as a basis for further investigation; a proposition that is subject to proof or to an experimental or statistical test.

phosphorylated

DEFINITION:

See phosphorylation.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

A cell

DEFINITION:

1. Alpha cell (definition 1).
2. Acidophil (definition 2).
3. Amacrine cell.

phenomenon

DEFINITION:

Any sign or objective symptom; any observable occurrence or fact.

principal cell

DEFINITION:

1. The fundamental cells of an organ, which usually have a specific function.
2. The principal cells are the chief cells, i.e., the most abundant cells of the parathyroid glands, being polygonal epithelial cells with a granular cytoplasm and vesicular nuclei, arranged in plates or cords, and which are rich in glycogen: the clear cells are more numerous and have relatively large nuclei and clear cytoplasm with few granules, while the dark cells are smaller with smaller and darker nuclei and finely granular cytoplasm with many granules. Intermediate forms also exist.

collecting duct

DEFINITION:

See under duct.

ligand

DEFINITION:

1. A molecule that binds to another molecule, used especially to refer to a small molecule that binds specifically to a larger molecule, e.g., an antigen binding to an antibody, a hormone or neurotransmitter binding to a receptor, or a substrate or allosteric effector binding to an enzyme.
2. A molecule that donates or accepts a pair of electrons to form a coordinate covalent bond with the central metal atom of a coordination complex.

bound

DEFINITION:

1. Having formed a weak, reversible chemical bond, e.g., antigen to antibody or hormone to receptor.

2. Constrained by or as if by bonds; confined, obliged.

3. Enclosed in a binding or cover.

4. Resolved, determined; also, sure.

5. Intending to go.

6. Limit, boundary.

7. Leap, jump.

8. Rebound, bounce.

9. Spring, bounce.

V2 receptor

DEFINITION:

See under receptor .

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

metabolic

DEFINITION:

Pertaining to or of the nature of metabolism.

organic

DEFINITION:

1. Pertaining to or arising from a body organ or the organs.
2. Having an organized structure.
3. Arising from an organism.
4. Pertaining to substances derived from living organisms.
5. Denoting chemical substances containing carbon.
6. Pertaining to or cultivated by the use of animal or vegetable fertilizers, rather than synthetic chemicals.

molecule

DEFINITION:

A very small mass of matter; the smallest amount of a substance which can exist alone; an aggregation of atoms; specifically, a chemical combination of two or more atoms which form a specific chemical substance. To break up the molecule into its constituent atoms is to change its character. The number and kind of atoms in a molecule vary with the compound.

receptors

DEFINITION:

See definitions under "receptor."

molecular structures

DEFINITION:

The molecules and the manner of their arrangement in constituting a whole.

hormonal

DEFINITION:

Pertaining to or of the nature of a hormone.

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

receptors

DEFINITION:

See definitions under "receptor."

hormone

DEFINITION:

A product of living cells that circulates in body fluids and produces a specific effect on the activity of cells remote from its point of origin; especially: one exerting a stimulatory effect on a cellular activity.

hypophysiotropic hormones - Hormones produced by the hypothalamus, usually releasing hormones (see below), which maintain the endocrine functions of cells of the adenohypophysis.

neurohormone - A hormone secreted by a specialized neuron into the bloodstream, the cerebrospinal fluid, or the intercellular spaces of the nervous system.

releasing hormones - Hormones elaborated in one structure that cause the release of hormones from another structure, such as those from the hypothalamus that act on the adenohypophysis. The term is applied to substances of established chemical identity, whereas substances of unknown chemical structure are called releasing factors .

cell surface

DEFINITION:

See plasma membrane.

cell

DEFINITION:

1. Any one of the minute protoplasmic masses that make up organized tissue, consisting of a nucleus which is surrounded by cytoplasm which contains the various organelles and is enclosed in the cell or plasma membrane. A cell is the fundamental, structural, and functional unit of living organisms.

2. A small, more or less closed space.

neuroglial cells - The cells of the supportive tissue of the central nervous system (neuroglia); these non-neural cells are of three kinds: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes (collectively termed macroglia) and microglia.

reticular cells - The cells forming the reticular fibers of connective tissue; those forming the framework of lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen are part of the reticuloendothelial system and under appropriate stimulation may differentiate into macrophages.

stem cell - 1. Any precursor cell.

2. A blood cell progenitor, or mother cell, having the capacity for both replication and differentiation, and giving rise to various morphologically recognizable precursors of different blood cell lines, such as the proerythrocyte and myeloblast, which cannot self-replicate and must differentiate into more mature daughter cells.

receptors

DEFINITION:

See definitions under "receptor."

cell surface

DEFINITION:

See plasma membrane.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.

antidiuretic hormone

DEFINITION:

See vasopressin.

vasopressin

DEFINITION:

1. One of two octapeptide hormones formed by the neuronal cells of the hypothalamic nuclei and stored in the posterior lobe of the pituitary gland (neurohypophysis), the other being oxytocin. It stimulates the contraction of the muscular tissue of the capillaries and arterioles, raising the blood pressure. It promotes contraction of the intestinal musculature and increases peristalsis, and also exerts some contractile influence on the uterus. It also has a specific effect on the epithelial cells of the distal portion of the uriniferous tubule, augmenting resorption of water independently of solutes, resulting in concentration of urine and dilution of blood serum. Its rate of secretion is regulated chiefly by the osmolarity of the plasma.

2. [USP], A pharmaceutical preparation of the same principle, prepared synthetically or obtained from the posterior pituitary of healthy domestic animals used for food by man; used mainly as an antidiuretic in the treatment of acute or chronic diabetes insipidus, administered intramuscularly as a test of hypothalamo-neurohypophysial-renal function in distinguishing central from nephrogenic diabetes insipidus; it may also be used to stimulate smooth muscle tissue, especially to induce vasoconstriction in the presence of hemorrhage. Called also antidiuretic hormone (ADH).

AVP

DEFINITION:

Arginine vasopressin.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

AVP

DEFINITION:

Arginine vasopressin.

phosphorylated

DEFINITION:

See phosphorylation.

proteins

DEFINITION:

Any of a group of complex organic compounds which contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and usually sulfur, the characteristic element being nitrogen, and which are widely distributed in plants and animals. Proteins, the principal constituents of the protoplasm of all cells, are of high molecular weight and consist essentially of combinations of a-amino acids in peptide linkages. Twenty different amino acids are commonly found in proteins, and each protein has a unique, genetically defined amino acid sequence which determines its specific shape and function. They serve as enzymes, structural elements, hormones, immunoglobulins, etc., and are involved in oxygen transport, muscle contraction, electron transport, and other activities throughout the body, and in photosynthesis.

binding protein - any of a number of plasma proteins (See below) that bind to hormones of low solubility (chiefly the thyroid and steroid hormones), thus providing a transport system for them; some are specific for particular hormones, while others bind to any sparingly soluble hormones. Called also carrier protein or transport protein (See below).

carrier proteins - A binding protein (See above).

plasma proteins - The hundreds of different proteins present in blood plasma, including carrier proteins (such as albumin, transferrin, and haptoglobin), fibrinogen and other coagulation factors, complement components, immunoglobulins, enzyme inhibitors, precursors of substances such as angiotensin and bradykinin, and many other types of proteins.

transport protein - binding protein (See above).

cells

DEFINITION:

See definitions for "cell."

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

phosphorylated

DEFINITION:

See phosphorylation.

cell

DEFINITION:

1. Any one of the minute protoplasmic masses that make up organized tissue, consisting of a nucleus which is surrounded by cytoplasm which contains the various organelles and is enclosed in the cell or plasma membrane. A cell is the fundamental, structural, and functional unit of living organisms.

2. A small, more or less closed space.

neuroglial cells - The cells of the supportive tissue of the central nervous system (neuroglia); these non-neural cells are of three kinds: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes (collectively termed macroglia) and microglia.

reticular cells - The cells forming the reticular fibers of connective tissue; those forming the framework of lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen are part of the reticuloendothelial system and under appropriate stimulation may differentiate into macrophages.

stem cell - 1. Any precursor cell.

2. A blood cell progenitor, or mother cell, having the capacity for both replication and differentiation, and giving rise to various morphologically recognizable precursors of different blood cell lines, such as the proerythrocyte and myeloblast, which cannot self-replicate and must differentiate into more mature daughter cells.

cell surface

DEFINITION:

See plasma membrane.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

phosphorylation

DEFINITION:

The metabolic process of introducing a phosphate group into an organic molecule.

amino acids

DEFINITION:

See definition for "amino acid."

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

cell surface

DEFINITION:

See plasma membrane.

alanine

DEFINITION:

A nonessential amino acid, a-aminopropanoic acid, occurring in proteins; high levels also occur free in plasma. It is synthesized from pyruvate. Abbreviated Ala.

amino acid

DEFINITION:

An amphoteric organic acid containing the amino group NH₂; esp.: any of the alpha-amino acids that are the chief components of proteins and are synthesized by living cells or are obtained as essential components of the diet.

serines

DEFINITION:

Naturally occurring, nonessential amino acids, 2-amino-3-hydroxypropionic acid; they may be synthesized from glycine, and are used as a dietary supplement and feed additive, in biological studies and tests, and in culture media. Symbol Ser.

serines

DEFINITION:

Naturally occurring, nonessential amino acids, 2-amino-3-hydroxypropionic acid; they may be synthesized from glycine, and are used as a dietary supplement and feed additive, in biological studies and tests, and in culture media. Symbol Ser.

amino acids

DEFINITION:

See definition for "amino acid."

V2Rs

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptors.

affect

DEFINITION:

1. To produce an effect on; influence.

2. The external expression of emotion attached to ideas or mental representations of objects.

V2R

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptor.

cell

DEFINITION:

1. Any one of the minute protoplasmic masses that make up organized tissue, consisting of a nucleus which is surrounded by cytoplasm which contains the various organelles and is enclosed in the cell or plasma membrane. A cell is the fundamental, structural, and functional unit of living organisms.

2. A small, more or less closed space.

neuroglial cells - The cells of the supportive tissue of the central nervous system (neuroglia); these non-neural cells are of three kinds: astrocytes, oligodendrocytes (collectively termed macroglia) and microglia.

reticular cells - The cells forming the reticular fibers of connective tissue; those forming the framework of lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen are part of the reticuloendothelial system and under appropriate stimulation may differentiate into macrophages.

stem cell - 1. Any precursor cell.

2. A blood cell progenitor, or mother cell, having the capacity for both replication and differentiation, and giving rise to various morphologically recognizable precursors of different blood cell lines, such as the proerythrocyte and myeloblast, which cannot self-replicate and must differentiate into more mature daughter cells.

mutated

DEFINITION:

1. Changed in form, quality, or some other characteristic.
2. In genetics, having undergone a permanent transmissible change in the genetic material, usually in a single gene. Also, an individual exhibiting such a change.

V2Rs

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptors.

alanine

DEFINITION:

A nonessential amino acid, a-aminopropanoic acid, occurring in proteins; high levels also occur free in plasma. It is synthesized from pyruvate. Abbreviated Ala.

V2Rs

DEFINITION:

Vasopressin-2 receptors.

hormone

DEFINITION:

A product of living cells that circulates in body fluids and produces a specific effect on the activity of cells remote from its point of origin; especially: one exerting a stimulatory effect on a cellular activity.

hypophysiotropic hormones - Hormones produced by the hypothalamus, usually releasing hormones (see below), which maintain the endocrine functions of cells of the adenohypophysis.

neurohormone - A hormone secreted by a specialized neuron into the bloodstream, the cerebrospinal fluid, or the intercellular spaces of the nervous system.

releasing hormones - Hormones elaborated in one structure that cause the release of hormones from another structure, such as those from the hypothalamus that act on the adenohypophysis. The term is applied to substances of established chemical identity, whereas substances of unknown chemical structure are called releasing factors .

molecular

DEFINITION:

Of, pertaining to, or composed of molecules.

phosphorylated

DEFINITION:

See phosphorylation.

receptor

DEFINITION:

1. A molecular structure within a cell or on the surface characterized by (1) selective binding of a specific substance and (2) a specific physiologic effect that accompanies the binding, e.g., membrane receptors for peptide hormones, neurotransmitters, antigens, complement fragments, and immunoglobulins and nuclear receptors for steroid hormones.

2. A sensory nerve terminal that responds to stimuli of various kinds; classified in various ways including by the type of stimulus and by the location in the body.

V2 receptor - The structure to which the antidiuretic hormone, arginine vasopressin binds.