[The effect of different volume expanders on neutrophil granulocyte function in vitro]. / Der Einfluss verschiedener Volumenersatzmittel auf die Funktion von neutrophilen Granulozyten in vitro.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of kolloids on the immune system is not well documented. In this study we investigated the effects of gelatine, hydroxyethylstarch (HES), human albumine, and dextrane on neutrophil function and receptor expression by flow cytometry. METHODS: Whole blood of healthy volunteers was incubated for 30 minutes with either gelatine, HES (6% and 10%), dextrane 40 and 60, or human albumin 20%. Phagocytic capacity was determined by uptake of fluorescein-isothiocyanate labeled bacteria, the conversion of dihydrorhodamine 123 into fluorescent rhodamine 123 was used for oxidative burst measurements. Expression of complement receptors CD 11b and CD35 was investigated using fluorescein-isothiocyanate labeled antibodies. RESULTS: Incubation with gelatine significantly increased expression of complement receptors and oxidative burst. Dextranes and HES had no influence on neutrophil function. Human albumin reduced the oxidative burst, whereas CD 35 expression was increased. CONCLUSION: The physiological significance of these changes in a range of 10% has to be clarified in further investigations.

Active avoidance is impaired correlated with changes of spontaneous behaviour after lesions of the lateral parabrachial nucleus of rat.

Open field (OF) behaviour, active avoidance (CAR) acquisition and the neurological status of 14 male hooded rats of the Long-Evans strain were compared before and after bilateral electrocoagulation of the lateral parabrachial nucleus (PB1). The PB1 lesion syndrome was characterized by significantly more square crossings in spite of more grooming and significant longer duration for immobility in the OF. The exploratory activity was strongly reduced. PB rats moved more quickly, whenever they performed ambulation. The habituation quotient for ambulatory activity was insignificantly decreased but for exploratory activity significantly increased. PB rats were able to reproduce preoperatively learnt CAR in the Y-maze but not in the jump test and could not postoperatively acquire a new avoidance stereotype. The results indicate an important participation of PB1 in response selection and CAR acquisition.

[Long-term study of various immunologic functions in children with chronic nonspecific lung diseases]. / Langzeitbeobachtung verschiedener immunologischer Funktionen bei Kindern mit chronischen nicht spezifischen Lungenerkrankungen.

For 18 years we have analysed several parameters directly or indirectly involved in immunologic functions in 713 children (age: 0-14 years) suffering from CNSRD (frequently relapsing bronchitis, chronic bronchitis, frequently relapsing or chronic obstructive bronchitis, asthma bronchiale, cystic fibrosis). In all 6,067 data were evaluated. The estimation of the immunoglobulins (in serum and secretions) and the serum level of alpha-1-antitrypsin (alpha-1-AT) had the highest relevance for diagnosis and prognosis of CNSRD. Immunodeficiencies were detected in form of humoral antibody deficiency syndromes as well as local secretory IgA deficiency (MALT insufficiency). The results suggest that the MALT-insufficiency during early childhood is a high risk factor for the development of CNSRD, especially of obstructive lung diseases. In chronic bronchitis the mean levels of serum-IgA were significantly increased (p less than 0.001) and reactively increased serum mean levels of IgM and/or IgG were observed in some chronic bronchitis forms but not during the whole childhood. In homocygote and heterocygote defective alpha-1-AT types the prognosis of chronic lung disease (chronic obstructive bronchitis and/or bronchial asthma) was especially poor. Despite BCG vaccination in the neonatal period most children had negative tuberculin skin tests. This suggests that also the cellular immunofunctions may be depressed in children with CNSRD. Blood group, isoagglutinins, Zn and Fe serum levels had only limited importance for diagnosis and prognosis of the CNSRD. We recommend the estimation of these parameters in special cases only.

[Ocular blood flow of cats after local administration of pilocarpine, phenylephrine, and of a mixture of both drugs (author's transl)]. / Die Durchblutung des Katzenauges unter lokaler Verabreichung von Pilocarpin, Phenylephrin und einer Kombination beider Pharmaka.

Radioactively labelled microspheres (size 15 micron) were used to determine the regional blood flow in cats before and 15, 30 and 45 minutes after unilateral drug administration. In four experimental groups, each consisting of five animals, two drops of the drug were administered into the conjunctival sac. The blood flow increased in both eyes after administration of 2% pilocarpine and of Glauko Biciron, a mixture of 2% pilocarpine and 0.06% phenylephrine. No significant differences in the regional blood flows between the treated and untreated eye were found. After administration of 2% phenylephrine a decrease in blood flow was observed in both eyes, however earlier and more pronounced in the left eye. Thus, phenylephrine evoked the expected vasoconstrictive effect on the treated side. In the control group, which received physiological salt solution, the blood flow on the treated side decreased in most tissues, while an increase was observed on the untreated side.