Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
A rapidly progressive, often fatal viral infection of the brain. Commonly abbreviated as PML.
PML is believed to be due to the Jacob-Creutzfeldt (JC) papovavirus. The virus infects oligodendrocytes (support cells in the brain).
The signs and symptoms of PML include headaches, memory loss, changes in mental status, speech and vision difficulties, loss of strength, limb weakness, seizures, partial paralysis and loss of coordination. The disease leads to coma and then to death.
Read Also:
- Progressive supranuclear palsy
A neurologic disorder of unknown origin that gradually destroys cells in many areas of the brain, leading to serious and permanent problems with the control of gait and balance. The most obvious sign of the disease is an inability to aim the eyes properly, which occurs because of damage in the area of the brain […]
- Progressive vaccinia
A severe complication of smallpox vaccination that occurs because of an immune defect in the vaccinated individual or in a susceptible contact of that person. In progressive vaccinia, the primary vaccination site does not heal but rather expands with extensive necrosis (death of tissue), eventually covering large portions of body with extensive destruction of normal […]
- Proinflammatory
Capable of promoting inflammation. For example, air pollution may have proinflammatory effects.
- Prokaryote
An organism whose cells lack a discrete nucleus and other special subcellular compartments. Bacteria and viruses are prokaryotes. Humans are not prokaryotes, but rather eukaryotes.
- Prolactin
A hormone secreted by the pituitary gland that stimulates lactation (milk production). It also has many other functions, including essential roles in the maintenance of the immune system. Abnormally high prolactin can delay puberty, interfere with ovulation in women, decrease libido in men, and decrease fertility. Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) may be due to a benign […]