International
Glossary of Terms - l
Index
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Terms
- Lactate dehydrogenase or lactic acid dehydrogenase (LDH)
- An enzyme important in provision of muscle energy (carbohydrate metabolism), that is present in many cells, particularly those of the heart, kidneys, liver, and skeletal muscle. Elevated blood levels of LDH may confirm a suspected heart attack.
- LDH
- See lactate dehydrogenase.
- LDL cholesterol
- See low density lipoprotein cholesterol.
- LH-RH
- Man-made compounds that are similar to the natural leutinizing hormone-releasing hormone which aids in the production of testosterone.
- Ligase chain reaction (LCR)
- A method of DNA amplification similar to PCR, except that it uses four primers instead of two and uses the enzyme ligase to ligate or join two segments of DNA. It can have greater specificity than PCR.
- Lipase
- An enzyme originating in the pancreas which helps to digest fats. Measuring blood levels of lipase will help screen for disease of the pancreas.
- Low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC)
- The protein-lipid combination that transports the major amount of the cholesterol in the blood. While LDLC helps in synthesis of bile acid and steroid hormones, elevated blood levels of LDLC (the "bad" cholesterol) have been linked to heart disease because it carries the cholesterol through the blood to the cells.
- Lymph nodes
- Small bean-shaped structures scattered along the vessels of the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes produce white blood cells and filter bacteria and cancer cells that may travel through the system.