Effect of anthracycline antibiotics on the reconstituted mitochondrial tricarboxylate carrier.

The effect of anthracycline antibiotics on the activity of the partially purified and reconstituted tricarboxylate carrier system of the rat liver mitochondria was studied. It was found that the citrate/citrate exchange activity is inhibited by Br-daunomycin and with less potency by doxorubicin, daunomycin, epirubicin and idarubicin. The inhibition of the citrate transport activity is concentration and time-dependent. Cardiolipin protects against the inhibition by Br-daunomycin and the reconstituted citrate transport activity depends upon the ratio of cardiolipin/Br-daunomycin.

[Allergic bronchial asthma in childhood: etiopathogenic, clinical and therapeutic considerations]. / L'asma bronchiale allergico nell'infanzia: considerazioni etiopatogenetiche, cliniche e terapeutiche.

The latest developments in the understanding of the etiopathogenesis of bronchial asthma in childhood are briefly described. The Authors emphasize the central role of inflammation and different cell types recruitment and distinguish three phases: early, late and chronic inflammation. Current views on bronchial hyperreactivity and the vicious circle represented by causative allergic and extra-allergic factors are discussed. Clinically, the role of respiratory infections, sinusitis, gastroesophageal reflux, and so-called asthma-equivalent symptoms (recurrent laryngospasm, asthma-equivalent chronic cough) are also discussed. Lastly, the pharmacologic activity of the main classes of drugs on the various stages of asthmatic response are reviewed and the rationale for appropriate use is presented.