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A definition of the term "chemokines" is presented. It refers to the family of small cytokines with chemotactic properties which signal through seven transmembrane receptors coupled to G1 proteins. A discussion of the physiologic functions of chemokines is provided. Synonyms for the term are given.

A definition of the term "lats in cell-cycle regulation and tumorigenesis" is presented. This term refers to lats, or large tumor suppressor genes. The lats family of genes were discovered from work in the Drosophila melanogaster fruit fly model system. Humans were found to have two homologs of the fly gene, which are capable of rescuing developmental defects and tumor phenotypes caused by lats mutilation when expressed in the fly.

An encyclopedia entry for the term "stress" is presented. It refers to any natural or experimentally contrived circumstance that poses an actual or perceived threat to an animal's well being. There are a number of preclinical models that have been developed to study stress such as restraint and heat or cold. In humans, chronic and repeated stress has been shown to impair immune function.

The article presents an encyclopedia entry for "apoptosis." An overview of the four development phases of apoptosis is provided. There are a number of physiologic and pharmacologic stimuli that can induce the process of apoptosis. Numerous drugs have been found to induce apoptosis in experimental conditions or as side effects.

This entry provides the definition of the term "Tachypnea." The term refers to the increased number of breaths per minute.

An encyclopedia entry for the term "stress" is presented. It refers to the sum of the biological reactions to any adverse stimulus, physical, mental, or emotional, internal or external, that tends to disturb the organism's homeostasis.

An encyclopedia entry for responder cell frequency is presented. It states that in limiting dilution analysis, the frequency of a specific cell type is estimated based on its functional response to specific stimulation.

The article presents the meaning of the acronym PEF. PEF is also known as peak expiratory flow. It refers to the measurement of the rate of exhalation of air.

A definition of the term "Lytic Unit" is presented. It refers to a value assigned to a quantity of effector cells needed to kill a certain percentage of a predetermined number of target cells.

A definition of the term "hypovolemia" is presented. It is the inadequate intake of fluids due to the elevated demand, loss of fluid or both. The severe forms result in decreased ventricular filling with hypovolemic shock.

A definition for FEV1 is presented. It refers to the forced expiratory volume in the first second of exhalation. It is linked with asthma.

A definition of the term "orexins" is presented. The term refers to orexin A and orexin B, or hypocretins, which are two hypothalamic neuropeptides derived from the same precursor by proteolytic processing. Orexin A and orexin B stimulate food consumption when injected into the cerebral ventricles of rats.

A definition of the term "potassium homeostasis" is presented. It refers to the maintaining and regulating of a relatively stable and mostly internal potassium balance. In general, it refers to the maintenance of potassium balance in any compartment such as in the blood.

A reference entry for the term "craving" is presented. The World Health Organization defines this term as the desire to experience the effects of a previously experience pscyhoactive substance. However, there is debate on whether this term describes a physiological, subjective or behavioral state.

An encyclopedia entry for respiration rate is presented. Respiration rate is defined as the amount of oxygen consumption by a tissue or organ per unit time. It is also known as O2 consumption rate or O2 uptake rate.

A definition of the term "normoxic" is presented. It refers to a state of having a physiologically adequate supply of oxygen. It is derived from the term normoxia.

A definition of the term "normoxia" is presented. It refers to the physiological oxygen partial pressure distribution in a defined tissue, allowing unrestricted function and activity of cells making up the tissue or organ. A derivative of this term is normoxic, which refers to a physiologically adequate supply of oxygen.