reagin (redirected from reagins)

re·a·gin  (r-jn)

n.

1. An antibody found in the blood of individuals having a genetic predisposition to allergies such as asthma and hay fever.

2. A substance present in the blood of individuals having a positive serological test for syphilis.

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[reag(ent) + -in.]

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rea·ginic (r-jnk) adj.

rea·gini·cal·ly adv.

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reagin [ˈrɪədʒɪn]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Biochemistry) Immunol a type of antibody that is formed against an allergen and is attached to the cells of a tissue. The antigen-antibody reaction that occurs on subsequent contact with the allergen causes tissue damage, leading to the release of histamine and other substances responsible for an allergic reaction

[from German reagieren to react + -in]

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

reagin - an immunoglobulin E that is formed as an antibody against allergens (such as pollen); attaches to cell membranes causing the release of histamine and other substances responsible for the local inflammation characteristic of an allergy IgE, immunoglobulin E - one of the five major classes of immunoglobulins; present primarily in the skin and mucous membranes