Allergic alveolitis among agricultural workers in eastern Poland: a study of twenty cases.

The aim of this study was to identify the specific agents which caused extrinsic allergic alveolitis (EAA) in the selected group of 20 agricultural workers from eastern Poland. The microbiological analysis of the samples of plant materials or dusts reported by the patients as causing symptoms has been carried out, followed by allergological tests (inhalation challenge, agar-gel precipitation test, inhibition of leukocyte migration, skin test) with extrinsic microbial antigens. It was found that the causative agents of allergic alveolitis in the examined group of patients were mesophilic, non-branching bacteria associated with grain dust, mostly Pantoea agglomerans (synonyms: Erwinia herbicola, Enterobacter agglomerans) and Arthrobacter globiformis (each in eight cases). The remaining agents were Alcaligenes faecalis (in two cases), and Brevibacterium linens and Staphylococcus epidermidis (in one case each). On the basis of the clinical picture, the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) and allergological tests, the diagnosis of the chronic form of the disease was stated in 14 patients and an acute form - in 6 patients. EAA patients demonstrated in the BAL fluid a typical lymphocytic alveolitis both in terms of percentage and absolute number of lymphocytes. Also, the numbers of eosinophils and neutrophils were significantly higher in EAA patients.

Autoradiographic localisation of substance P (NK1) receptors in human primary visual cortex.

This study utilised autoradiography to examine [125I]-Bolton Hunter substance P (BHSP) binding in postmortem human visual cortex. In the primary visual area, layers I-III, IVC and VI exhibited low levels of BHSP binding, while high levels were observed in layers IVB and V. Because cells in layers IVB and V are known to be involved in processing direction-specific stimuli, it is possible that SP plays a role in modulating this visual process.

Functional role of rRNAs in plant translation system tested with antisense strategy.

There are regions in rRNA which are evolutionary conserved and exposed on ribosomal surface. We selected in plant material (Lupinus luteus) two of them: the alpha-sarcin domain of 26S rRNA (L-rRNA) and C loop of 5S rRNA, to be further investigated using antisense oligomers as research tools. We found inhibition of the model polypeptide biosynthesis (up to 80%) due to specific hybridization of oligomers addressed to alpha-sarcin domain and loop C. Based on our results we present the evidence for the key role played by these regions of rRNAs during protein biosynthesis in plant system. According to our hypothesis, conformational changes of these two regions are synchronised and cooperative during transition of pre- to post-translocation state of the ribosome. The correlation of structure and activity of rRNA domains in translation is shown.

[Pulmonary tuberculosis in youth treated at the Clinic of Lung Diseases and Tuberculosis in 1990-1994]. / Zapadalnosc na gruzlice pluc miodych leczonych w klinice chorób pluc i gruzlicy w latach 1990-1994.

An analysis of pulmonary tuberculosis morbidity risk factors has been presented among patients treated in the Clinic during the period 1990-94. Among the morbidity risk factors, apart from the presence of concomitant diseases, the deterioration of the standard of living of the population and the low level of health education, observed even among people with higher education, was of prime importance, followed by a limited number of radiographic, catastral examinations.

[Difficulties with diagnosis of lung cancer]. / Trudnosci z rozpoznaniem raka pluc.

52 year old patient with pulmonary tuberculosis in the past, was admitted to hospital because of massive hemoptysis. The cause of hemoptysis was not find during routine examinations. TK of lungs revealed only cirrhosis and bronchiectases in upper right lobe. During thoracotomy lung cancer was recognised.

[Tuberculous meningitis--a diagnostic and treatment problem]. / Gruzlicze zapalenie opon mózgowo-rdzeniowych--problem diagnostyczny i leczniczy.

Tuberculous meningitis is one of the most serious form of tuberculosis. The delay in diagnosing of tuberculous meningitis results in high mortality. An early diagnosis allows to achieve successful effects of treatment.

[Blood platelets as one hemostatic indicator in patients with bronchial asthma]. / Plytki krwi jako jeden z wykladników hemostazy u chorych na astme oskrzelowa.

Phospholipids forming blood platelets membrane are substrates for oxidative phosphorylation in electric and chemical activation of these cells. Beneficial effect of corticosteroids on the course of asthma is connected with inhibition of phospholipase A2. This enzyme is responsible for the generation of allergic reaction membrane mediators like leukotrienes, prostaglandins and other lipoxygenase products. Three groups of asthmatic patients were observed: I group--patients with mild asthma, II group--patients with moderate asthma, III group--patients with severe, corticosteroid-dependent bronchial asthma. Changes of platelets membrane phospholipids structure in these groups of asthmatic patients were analyzed. There were significant differences in membrane phospholipids structure between II and III group of patients and control subjects (p < 0.01).

N-methyl-D-aspartate R1 messenger RNA and [125I]MK-801 binding decrease in rat spinal cord after unilateral hind paw inflammation.

Recent evidence suggests that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors play an important role in the etiology and maintenance of chronic nociception. Previous studies have demonstrated that tissue injury or stimulation of nociceptive afferent projections results in the expansion of receptive fields, hyperalgesia and C-fiber-induced wind-up, events that can be inhibited by N-methyl-D-aspartate antagonists. This study examines the effect of unilateral hind paw inflammation on N-methyl-D-aspartate R1 messenger RNA and [125I]dizocilpine maleate binding in the L4-L5 segments of the lumbar spinal cord of rats. Spinal cords were examined at 7.5 h, three, seven and 20 days after injection of the left hind paw with 120 microliters of complete Freund's adjuvant. N-methyl-D-aspartate R1 messenger RNA, as measured with in situ hybridization, was observed to decrease bilaterally in laminae I, II and X of the lumbar spinal cord. This decrease was evident in laminae I and II at 7.5 h and three days after hind paw injection. In lamina X, a postinjection decrease in hybridization signal was observed at 7.5 h and seven days. A bilateral decrease in [125I]dizocilpine maleate binding was observed in laminae I and II at three, seven and 20 days after paw injection. This observed decrease in binding at the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor suggests a compensatory mechanism by which N-methyl-D-aspartate-mediated nociceptive events may be modulated.

NMDA R1 mRNA distribution in motor and thalamic-projecting sensory neurons in the rat spinal cord and brain stem.

The N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor is important in both sensory and motor neurotransmission. In this study we examine NMDA R1 mRNA hybridization signal over individual sensory and motor neurons in the spinal cord and brain stem. A significantly greater quantity of NMDA R1 mRNA was present in motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord and hypoglossal nucleus compared to thalamic projecting sensory neurons in the spinal cord dorsal horn, the spinal trigeminal nucleus pars caudalis and the cuneate and gracile nuclei. No significant difference in the quantity of NMDA R1 mRNA was observed between sensory neurons known to relay predominantly nociceptive information (trigeminothalamic and spinothalamic tract neurons) and that relay predominantly touch and proprioceptive information (dorsal column neurons).

Castration increases [125I]MK801 binding in the hippocampus of male rats.

This study examines the effect of castration and androgen replacement on [125I]MK801 binding in the hippocampus. In castrated male rats, [125I]MK801 binding was significantly increased in both the stratum oriens and radiatum and the pyramidal cell layer of CA1. In contrast, no increase in [125I]MK801 binding was observed in the stratum oriens and radiatum of CA1 of castrated rats that were treated with dihydrotestosterone. No change in [125I]MK801 binding was observed in the CA3 region or dentate gyrus after castration. The observed increase in [125I]MK801 binding in pyramidal cell neurons within CA1 suggests that androgens may potentially affect hippocampal function by modulating pyramidal cell NMDA receptors.

Distribution of NMDAR1 receptor subunit mRNA and [125I]MK-801 binding in the hypothalamus of intact, castrate and castrate-DHTP treated male rats.

This study examines NMDAR1 receptor subunit mRNA expression and [125I]MK-801 binding in hypothalamic and limbic nuclei of intact, castrate and castrate-dihydrotestosterone propionate (DHTP)-treated male rats. In intact rats, the highest levels of NMDAR1 mRNA were observed in the supraoptic, suprachiasmatic, ventromedial and arcuate nuclei. Low levels of hybridization were observed in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, lateral preoptic area, lateral hypothalamic area and lateral septum. In castrated rats both NMDAR1 mRNA and [125I]MK-801 binding are significantly decreased in the lateral septum compared to castrate rats treated with DHTP, a non-aromatizable androgen. NMDAR1 mRNA was also significantly decreased in the supraoptic nucleus of castrate rats when compared to castrate rats treated with DHTP. These data suggest that androgens may modulate NMDA receptor function in some parts of the central nervous system.

Glutamate inhibition of the adrenergic-stimulated production of melatonin in rat pineal gland in vitro.

The effect of L-glutamate on the adrenergic-stimulated release of melatonin in the rat pineal gland was examined using an in vitro perfusion system. L-Glutamate by itself had no effect on melatonin secretion whereas L-glutamate administered prior to (-)-isoproterenol (beta-adrenergic agonist) and L-phenylephrine (alpha-adrenergic agonist) inhibited melatonin production by 42%. L-Glutamate did not inhibit melatonin secretion when glands were stimulated with (-)-isoproterenol alone. D-Glutamate, as well as the L-glutamate agonists kainate, N-methyl-D-aspartate, quisqualate, and trans-1-aminocyclopentane-1,3-dicarboxylic acid, had no effect on the (-)-isoproterenol- and L-phenylephrine-stimulated secretion of melatonin, which suggests that the inhibitory effects of glutamate are not mediated via any of the known glutamate receptor subtypes. The possibility that L-glutamate may be converted to another neuroactive compound (GABA) prior to the addition of (-)-isoproterenol and L-phenylephrine is suggested by the observation that simultaneous administration of L-glutamate with (-)-isoproterenol and L-phenylephrine did not inhibit melatonin production.

Characterization of a [3H]glutamate binding site in rat pineal gland: enhanced affinity following superior cervical ganglionectomy.

Glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter/neuromodulator involved in cell-to-cell communication within the central nervous system, is now believed to play a role in neuroendocrine function. In this study we describe a single, saturable, stereospecific, and temperature-, time-, and pH-dependent binding site for glutamate in the pineal gland of the rat (Kd = 612 +/- 23 nM, Bmax = 3.17 +/- 0.33 pmol/mg protein). After removal of the sympathetic innervation to the pineal gland, [3H]glutamate binding displayed a higher apparent affinity (Kd = 412 +/- 28 nM) (P < 0.05) without a change in binding site number (Bmax = 3.60 +/- 0.24 pmol/mg protein). No difference in [3H]glutamate binding site number was observed in pineal glands obtained from animals sacrificed during the middle of the light and dark periods. These data suggest a possible modulatory role for a glutamate binding site in pineal gland function.

Patterns and stability of cardiovascular responses to variations of the cold pressor test.

Test-retest reliabilities and patterns of heart rate and blood pressure responses were examined using variations in the cold pressor test in 113 normotensive white college men. Comparisons were made of stimulus site (forehead vs. foot) and bodily posture (seated vs. supine) across four separate groups of men. The stability of cardiovascular responses was examined over a 2-week-test-retest interval. Different cardiovascular response patterns emerged as a function of stimulation site and posture. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure increases were accompanied by bradycardia in the forehead cold pressor task but by tachycardia in the foot cold pressor task. Systolic blood pressure increases were larger for foot than for forehead stimulation. Heart rate increases were larger for supine than for seated men. Effects on response were independent of postural differences at baseline, and there were no stimulation site by posture interactions. The cardiovascular responses to stimulation did not attenuate across sessions in any experimental condition but were more reliable for foot than for forehead stimulation and for supine than for seated posture. Short-term stability for changes to the task approached that for baseline and task and was higher than has been reported elsewhere.

Immunocytochemical and circadian biochemical analysis of neuroactive amino acids in the pineal gland of the rat: effect of superior cervical ganglionectomy.

Semiquantitative immunocytochemistry by immuno-gold techniques revealed differences in the spatial distribution of glutamate, glutamine, and taurine within the pineal gland, with greatest labeling over pinealocytes, glia, and endothelia, respectively. At the subcellular level, glutamate labeling tended to be highest over pinealocyte synaptic ribbons and mitochondria, and lowest over lipid inclusions. Pineal levels of glutamate, glutamine and taurine, as measured by high performance liquid chromatography, did not vary over a light: dark cycle. Superior cervical sympathetic denervation, which abolishes pineal melatonin synthesis, resulted in a nearly 50% reduction in pineal glutamate levels, but had no effect on levels of glutamine and taurine. Other amino acids (alanine, arginine, aspartate, serine) were reduced by 23%-33% following sympathectomy. These data suggest an important role for glutamate in pinealocyte function(s) possibly related to the noradrenergic innervation of the gland.

Circadian analysis of mononuclear cells in the rat following pinealectomy and superior cervical ganglionectomy.

The role of the pineal gland and adrenocorticosteroids in circadian rhythmicity of immune function was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats that either had been pinealectomized (PX) or had undergone superior cervical ganglionectomy (SCGX), which functionally denervates the pineal. For both experiments, conducted between August and October, rats were entrained to a 10-h light:14-h dark cycle and fed ad libitum. The circadian rhythm in monocytes (ANOVA, p less than .01 for Control + Sham + PX samples) tended to parallel that of plasma corticosteroid levels (ANOVA, p less than .01) with the peak during early dark and the nadir at early light. In comparison, suppressor/cytotoxic T cells and B cells tended to be more frequent during early light with minimum levels during early dark (ANOVA, p less than .05 and .01, respectively, for Control + Sham + PX samples). Natural killer (NK) activity in control animals varied significantly (ANOVA, p less than .05) over the light:dark cycle with peak activity during early dark in the SCGX experiment, but was only slightly elevated during late dark in the PX experiment. PX animals exhibited increased frequency of NK cells, but only in samples collected during the day (t test, p less than .05). This effect was not observed in sham-operated PX controls and in SCGX animals. Neither PX nor SCGX had a significant (ANOVA) effect on plasma corticosterone levels. These observations in the rat are consistent with findings in mice and humans that corticosteroids play an important general role in circadian rhythmicity of immune functions. In contrast, the present study suggests that pineal gland influence of immune function(s) is more specific and that pineal gland interaction with NK cells has a circadian component.

[Significance of exposure tests in diagnosis of occupational asthma]. / Znaczenie testów ekspozycyjnych w rozpoznawaniu astmy zawodowej.

Twenty-eight patients aged from 32 to 60 years, including 18 female and 10 male, were examined because of bronchial asthma suspicion. They were employed in different professions, but more of them worked as baker or nurse. An occupation time was from 11 to 32 years, but first symptoms of bronchial asthma were noticed after 7-28 (mean 14 yrs.) years of work. At all patients the exposure test (inhalatory challenge) with some substances selected by disease history was performed. This above mentioned substances were mechanically polluted in air to simulate an occupational circumstances. The exposure was persisted from 5 to 30 minutes, according to observed disease symptoms. Spirometric tests were performed in 2 and 30 minutes after exposure, but in baker group also in 4 and 8 hours. At 26 patients a decrease higher than 20% of starting values of FEV1 was determined. In most cases there were immediate reactions, and at baker group--dual reactions. At two examined subjects no response of bronchial tree was observed but only burning of mucosa and cutaneous pruritus. For this reason at this group a diagnose of allergy to examined substances was established. Other ones 26 patients were diagnosed as occupational bronchial asthma.

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) effects on rat pineal neuroendocrine function.

This study investigated the effects of MRI on receptor-mediated activation of pineal gland indole biosynthesis. Exposure of rats to MRI reduced the effects of isoproterenol on pineal serotonin and N-acetylserotonin levels suggesting that strong magnetic fields and/or radio-frequency pulsing used in MRI inhibited beta-adrenergic activation of the gland. There was no effect of MRI on saline controls.