Antiserum
Antiserum
Antiserum (pronounced: an-tee-seer-uhm) is a blood serum that contains antibodies against specific antigens. It is used to provide passive immunity to many diseases.
Etymology
The term "antiserum" is derived from the Latin word "anti-" meaning "against", and the Latin word "serum", which refers to the clear liquid that separates from the blood when it clots.
Definition
An antiserum is a type of blood serum that contains specific antibodies. It is produced by stimulating the immune system with an antigen. This process is known as immunization. The resulting antiserum can be used to combat the specific antigen in other organisms.
Usage
Antiserum is used in diagnostic tests and in treatments for some diseases. For example, antiserum can be used in immunohistochemistry to examine the distribution of antigen in tissue. It can also be used in immunotherapy to treat diseases by boosting the body's immune response.
Related Terms
- Antibody: A protein produced by the body's immune system when it detects harmful substances, called antigens.
- Antigen: Any substance that causes your immune system to produce antibodies against it.
- Immunization: The process by which a person or animal becomes protected against a disease.
- Immunohistochemistry: A laboratory method that uses antibodies to check for certain antigens in a sample of tissue.
- Immunotherapy: A type of cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight cancer.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Antiserum
- Wikipedia's article - Antiserum
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