Azathioprine - A
medication that suppresses the immune system
Dorsal Root Ganglia -
The dorsal root ganglia are groups of cells located close to the spinal
cord. These cells transmit information about the different sensations one
feels in the arms and legs to the brain.
Hematopoietic Stem Cells
- Hematopoietic stem cells are the cells from which various types of blood
cells develop.
Interstitial Lung Disease
- A disorder that results in progressive scarring of lung tissue that
eventually affects the ability to breath and get enough oxygen into the
bloodstream.
IVIG - IVIG stand for
intravenous immunoglobulins or IgG immunoglobulins. IVIG is a solution
that containts anti-bodies extracted from the plasma of over a thousand
blood donors. Although the mechanism of action of IVIG in treating PND is
not fully understood, it is thought that the large number of non-specific
antibodies in the IVIG blocks the abnormal antibodies in the patient.
Muscle Fiber - One of
the structural cells of the muscle
Neuromuscular Synapse
- The connection between a nerve cell and a muscle, where nerve impulses
are transmitted to initiate contraction of the muscle
Plasma Exchange -
Plasma exchange (also called plasmapheresis) is a procedure used to treat
several autoimmune diseases, including PND. The procedure consists of
removing blood from the patient and then separating the blood cells from
the plasma (which contains the antibodies). The blood cells are then
returned to the patient.
Sensory Deficits - A
neurological problem where there is a decreased ability to perceive
various sensations (e.g. touch, vibration, pain, temperature)
Synapse - The space
between the junction of two nerve cells (neurons)
T-cell - T-cells are
a type of white blood cell that help the body fight infections and other
disease
Waldënstron’s Macroglobulinemia
- A slow-growing type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma marked by abnormal level of
IgM antibodies in the blood andan enlarged liver, spleen or lymph nodes.
Also called lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.
