Glossary
Nephron: The microscopic structure in the kidney in which blood is filtered and urine is formed.Glomeruli: Network of microscopic blood vessel structures in the kidney, responsible for filtering waste from the blood.
Albumin: The main protein in blood plasma. Low levels of serum albumin occur in people with malnutrition, inflammation, and serious liver and kidney disease.
Autoimmune disease: When the immune system mistakes self tissues (self antigens) as foreign antigen (non self) and results in an inappropriate immune response it results in an autoimmune disease.
Antibodies: Protein produced by white blood cells, which neutralize or destroy foreign proteins in the body (antigens). When infected with virus or bacteria, the body produces antibodies, which destroy the invading microorganisms.
Immunoglobulins: Defensive substances produced by the body against foreign harmful particles
Immunosuppressive therapy: Therapy used to decrease the body''s immune response, such as drugs given to prevent transplant rejection.
Steroids: Drugs used to relieve swelling and inflammation.
Plasmapheresis: A procedure whereby plasma (which contains proteins, such as antibodies) is separated and removed from the blood and replaced with another solution, such as saline or albumin.
