Sign In



Remember Me

MedlinePlus®

A service of the National Library of Medicine.

Resource Library


Powered by Dorland's Medical Dictionary for Healthcare Consumers
 

This information is provided by an independent source. Merck & Co., Inc. is not responsible for this content. Please discuss any and all treatment options with your healthcare professional. The manufacturer of a product generally has the most complete information about that product.
 
Return to Main Index >> How to Use  
 


Dorland Logo
A |  B |  C |  D |  E |  F |  G |  H |  I |  J |  K |  L |  M |  N |  O |  P |  Q |  R |  S |  T |  U |  V |  W |  X |  Y |  Z

 
allergy (alīәr-je)   a state of abnormal and individual hypersensitivity acquired through exposure to a particular substance called an allergen; reexposure reveals a heightened capacity to react. There are three major types of allergies: (1) delayed-reaction ones, caused by sensitized lymphocytes; (2) antigen-antibody reactions between gamma immunoglobulin antibodies (immunoglobulins) and antigens; and (3) atopic or inherited allergies, in which there are large numbers of sensitizing antibodies called IgE antibodies.




Elsevier Logo
Copyright 2007. An Elsevier publication. All rights reserved.
Click here for important legal information about Dorland's Medical Dictionary.

 
 
    Print This Page   Add To My Folder