Microchimerism
Microchimerism (pronounced: mi·cro·chi·me·rism, /ˌmaɪkroʊˈkaɪməˌrɪzəm/) is a medical term that refers to the presence of a small number of cells in an organism that originated from another individual. This phenomenon is named after the mythical creature Chimera, which was composed of parts from different animals.
Etymology
The term "Microchimerism" is derived from the Greek words "micros" meaning small and "chimera" referring to a mythical creature composed of parts from different animals. The term was first used in the medical field in the late 20th century.
Causes
Microchimerism can occur naturally through the exchange of cells between mother and fetus during pregnancy, or it can be induced through organ transplantation or blood transfusion.
Implications
Microchimerism has been implicated in various health conditions, including autoimmune diseases, cancer, and transplant rejection. However, it can also have beneficial effects, such as contributing to tissue repair and improving the success of organ transplants.
Related Terms
- Chimerism: The presence of cells from two or more different organisms in a single individual.
- Fetal microchimerism: The presence of cells that originated from a fetus in the mother's body.
- Maternal microchimerism: The presence of cells that originated from the mother in the offspring's body.
See Also
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Microchimerism
- Wikipedia's article - Microchimerism
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