sensitization

Immunization, especially with reference to antigens (immunogens) not associated with infection; the induction of acquired sensitivity or of allergy.

- autoerythrocyte s. autoerythrocyte s. syndrome.

- covert s. aversive conditioning or training to rid oneself of an unwanted behavior during which the patient is taught to imagine unpleasant and related aversive consequences while engaging in the unwanted habit.

- photodynamic s. the action by which certain substances, notably fluorescing dyes (acridine, eosin, methylene blue, rose bengal) absorb visible light and emit the energy at wavelengths that are deleterious to microbes or other organisms in the dye-containing suspension, or selectively destroy cancer cells sensitized by intravenous porphyrin and exposed to red laser light. SYN: photosensitization (2).

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sen·si·ti·za·tion also Brit sen·si·ti·sa·tion .sen(t)-sət-ə-'zā-shən, .sen(t)-stə-'zā- n

1) the action or process of making sensitive or hypersensitive <allergic \sensitization of the skin>

2) the process of becoming sensitive or hypersensitive (as to an antigen) also the resulting state

3) a form of nonassociative learning characterized by an increase in responsiveness upon repeated exposure to a stimulus compare HABITUATION (3)

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n.

1. alteration of the responsiveness of the body to the presence of foreign substances. In the development of an allergy, an individual becomes sensitized to a particular allergen and reaches a state of hypersensitivity. The phenomena of sensitization are due to the production of antibodies.

2. (in behaviour therapy) a form of aversion therapy in which anxiety-producing stimuli are associated with the unwanted behaviour. In covert sensitization the behaviour and an unpleasant feeling (such as disgust) are evoked simultaneously by verbal cues.

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sen·si·ti·za·tion (sen″sĭ-tĭ-zaґshən) 1. immunization. 2. sensibilization (def. 1). 3. exposure to allergen that results in the development of hypersensitivity. 4. the coating of erythrocytes with antibody so that they are subject to lysis by complement in the presence of homologous antigen, the first stage of a complement fixation test.