Opsonins
Historical document, translated for reference. It reflects medical knowledge of the 1920s–30s and is not medical advice.
Summary
This article defines opsonins as substances found in normal blood serum that enhance the phagocytosis of bacteria. It explains that their action involves altering the bacterial surface, thereby facilitating their ingestion by phagocytes.
Encyclopedia entry (1928–1936)
OPSONINS (from the Greek opson—seasoning, a delicacy), substances in normal blood serum that enhance the phagocytosis of various bacteria. The action of opsonins is directed at altering the surface of the bacterium, as a result of which it is more easily engulfed by phagocytes (for more details, see Phagocytosis).
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Cite this page
“Opsonins.” Soviet Medical Encyclopedia. English translation of Bolshaya Meditsinskaya Entsiklopediya, 1st ed. (Moscow, 1928–1936), ed. N. A. Semashko. https://sovietmedicalencyclopedia.pages.dev/article/opsonins/