A compound that inhibits symport of sodium, potassium, and chloride primarily in the ascending limb of Henle, but also in the proximal and distal tubules. This pharmacological action results in excretion of these ions, increased urinary output, and reduction in extracelluar fluid. This compound has been classified as a loop or high ceiling diuretic.

Oral contraceptives which owe their effectiveness to hormonal preparations.

Compounds obtained by chemical synthesis which possess estrogenic activity, but differ in structure from naturally occurring estrogens.

Long chain organic acid molecules that must be obtained from the diet. Examples are LINOLEIC ACIDS and LINOLENIC ACIDS.

Amino acids that are not synthesized by the human body in amounts sufficient to carry out physiological functions. They are obtained from dietary foodstuffs.

Disorder of lower esophagogastric motility due to failure of the lower esophageal sphincter to relax with swallowing. It is sometimes caused by degeneration of the ganglion cells of the myenteric plexus or of the vagal motor nuclei.

Thin, filamentous protein structures, including proteinaceous capsular antigens (fimbrial antigens), that mediate adhesion of E. coli to surfaces and play a role in pathogenesis. They have a high affinity for various epithelial cells.

Senescence of the red blood cell. Lacking the organelles that make protein synthesis possible, the mature erythrocyte is incapable of self-repair, reproduction, and carrying out certain functions performed by other cells. This limits the average life span of an erythrocyte to 120 days.

Aggregation of erythrocytes probably resulting from changes in the negative surface charge (zeta potential) of the cells caused by the dielectric effect of proteins in the surrounding plasma, especially asymmetric macromolecules like fibrinogen and gamma-globulin.

cis-13-Docosenoic Acids. 22-Carbon monounsaturated, monocarboxylic acids.