Different roles of interleukin-10 in onset and resolution of asthmatic responses in allergen-challenged mice.

OBJECTIVE: Although interleukin (IL)-10 is an immunoregulatory cytokine produced by various cells including T cells, its precise role in asthma remains uncertain. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of IL-10 in experimental asthma using ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice. METHODOLOGY: Mice were challenged with OVA aerosol, and airway responsiveness and inflammation were measured. OVA-specific IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells were counted from lung cells collected by enzymatic digestion and stimulated ex vivo with OVA. The effects of an anti-IL-10 antibody on airway responsiveness and inflammation were also evaluated. RESULTS: The OVA challenge caused airway hyperresponsiveness and eosinophilic inflammation. A significant increase in IL-10-producing CD4+ T cells was observed, mainly in the CD45RB(low) subset, for several days after the OVA challenge. Anti-IL-10 antibody treatment before the OVA challenge did not affect eosinophilic inflammation but significantly inhibited airway hyperresponsiveness 24 h after the OVA challenge. However, anti-IL-10 antibody treatment just before the last OVA challenge significantly attenuated the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation without affecting airway responsiveness 2 weeks after the OVA challenge. CONCLUSIONS: Intrinsic IL-10 may have a distinct role in the early and late phases of asthmatic responses. In the early phase, IL-10 induces airway hyperresponsiveness, while in the late phase IL-10 contributes to the resolution of eosinophilic inflammation.

[Anesthetic management for cesarean section in a patient with hydrops foetalis].

In cases of hydrops foetalis, respiratory management is frequently required after delivery. We experienced 7 anesthetic managements for cesarean section in patients with hydrops foetalis. Spinal anesthesia was performed in 3 patients, because the transition of local anesthesia through the placenta was little. On the other hand, general anesthesia was performed in 4 patients because of babies requiring endotracheal intubation or fetal anesthesia immediately after a delivery. Before surgery, we discussed perioperative and anesthetic management among pediatricians, pediatric surgeons, and obstetricians in a conference. Since the anesthetic drugs used for the cesarean section have great influences on the fetus, the choice of anesthesia should be performed based on fetal conditions.