LEUCOCYTOLYSIN Meaning and
Definition
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Leucocytolysin is a noun that refers to a substance or enzyme that is capable of causing the destruction or lysis of white blood cells, also known as leukocytes. It is derived from the Greek words "leukos," meaning "white," "cyto," meaning "cell," and "lysis," meaning "destruction."
Leucocytolysin is a crucial component of the immune system, as it plays a significant role in the body's defense mechanism against infections and foreign invaders. It is produced and released by various immune cells, such as neutrophils, macrophages, and natural killer cells, in response to the presence of pathogens or abnormal cells.
The main function of leucocytolysin is to selectively target and destroy invading microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, and fungi, by puncturing their cell membranes and causing them to rupture. By targeting and eliminating these pathogens, leucocytolysin helps to prevent the spread and progression of infections throughout the body.
Although leucocytolysin primarily acts on the pathogens, it can, in certain cases, also cause damage to healthy tissues and cells surrounding the infected area. This collateral damage can lead to inflammation and tissue destruction, playing a role in the progression of certain inflammatory diseases.
The study and understanding of leucocytolysin's properties and functions are crucial in the field of immunology and infectious disease research. Researchers aim to harness and manipulate the actions of leucocytolysin to develop novel therapeutic approaches for combating infectious diseases and to better understand the immune response.
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Leucocidin, an antibody destructive to the white blood-cells.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LEUCOCYTOLYSIN
- leucocytolyshn
- leucocytolysif
- leucocytolysil
- leucocytolysio
- leucocytwolysin
- l eucocytolysin
- le ucocytolysin
- leu cocytolysin
- leuc ocytolysin
- leuco cytolysin
- leucoc ytolysin
- leucocy tolysin
- leucocyt olysin
- leucocyto lysin
- leucocytol ysin
- leucocytoly sin
- leucocytolys in
- leucocytolysi n
Etymology of LEUCOCYTOLYSIN
The word "leucocytolysin" comes from Greek roots. It is derived from "leuko" meaning "white" (referring to white blood cells), "cyto" meaning "cell", and "lysin" which means "a substance that causes dissolution or destruction". Therefore, the word "leucocytolysin" essentially means a substance that causes the dissolution or destruction of white blood cells.
