Allograft:
Organ or tissue transplant between individuals of the same species.
Antibody:
A protein substance developed by the body’s immune system in response to a foreign substance.
Antigen:
A molecule, substance, or foreign tissue that triggers an immune response. The most common response is the production of antibodies which, in turn, inactivate or destroy the antigen.
Anti-Rejection Medications:
Medications taken by organ recipients after their transplant. These medications are used to prevent rejection of the transplanted organ by suppressing the recipient’s immune system. Commonly used anti-rejection medications may include Cyclosporine, Neoral, Imuran and Prednisone.
Blood Type:
The "type" of blood, identified by antigens A, B, AB, or none (type O) on red blood cells.
ABO Blood Group or Blood Type:
The "type" of blood, identified by antigens A, B, AB, or none (type O) on red blood cells.
Brain Death:
Death resulting from total, irreversible loss of all brain functions. Brain death occurs in patients who have suffered severe trauma or injury to the brain. As a result of the trauma or injury, the brain swells and obstructs its own blood supply. Without blood flow, all brain tissue dies. Artificial support systems may maintain functions such as heartbeat and respiration for a few days, but not permanently. Specific tests and examinations are used by physicians to confirm brain death. Brain death is an established medical and legal diagnosis of death.
Brain Stem:
Stem-like extension at the base of the brain that controls basic, life-sustaining functions such as heart rate, respiration, and body temperature regulation.
Cardiac Death:
Death resulting from total, irreversible loss of heartbeat and respiration.
Cerebral Blood Flow Scan:
A test used to determine the amount of blood flow to the brain. A cerebral blood flow scan that shows no blood flow to the brain confirms that brain death has occurred.
Compatibility:
Closeness in matching of blood type and tissue type between a donor and recipient. Helps to determine whether or not a transplanted organ will be rejected.
