Isotonic Saline Nebulization and Lung Function in Children With Mild Respiratory Ailments.

Nebulization with saline solution, although commonly used to alleviate respiratory symptoms, particularly in children, is often questioned concerning its effectiveness. In this study, we investigated the effects of isotonic saline nebulization on lung function in 40 children (mean age of 14±1 years) suffering from different types of airway disorders. Measurements were carried out directly before and up to 15 min after nebulization, for six days in a row, always on the same day time in the morning. The children were divided into two study groups according to the baseline ratio of forced expired volume in one second/forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), below and above 80 %. We found significant improvements after saline nebulization in FEV1, mid-expiratory flow at 50 % and 75 % of FVC (MEF50 and MEF75), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) in the group with the baseline FEV1/FVC less than 80 %. In contradistinction, children with an index greater than 80 % displayed no appreciable changes in the lung function variables when compared with the baseline level before saline nebulization. We conclude that isotonic saline nebulization might mitigate the functional signs of threatening pulmonary obstruction and as such may be clinically useful in pediatric patients with mild respiratory problems.

The insulin, glucose and cholesterol level and activity of lysosomal enzymes in the course of the model alloxan diabetes.

OBJECTIVES: The study was carried out on fifty male rabbits of the New Zealand White breed. Diabetes was caused by a single, intravenous alloxan injection. Rabbits which had glycaemia 7th day after the alloxan administration higher than 11 millimol/litre were selected for the studies. They were divided into 5 groups: I - control (without diabetes); II - 3-week diabetes; III - 6-week diabetes; IV - 3-month diabetes; V - 6-month diabetes. METHODS: In control and experimental rabbits the activity of beta-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, lysosomal acid phosphatase, leucine aminopeptidase, cathepsin D, and lysosomal arylesterase was determined in lysosomal fractions of the liver and kidney. RESULTS: Alloxan caused lowering of the activity of all the investigated enzymes in the kidney and liver except lysosomal arylesterase. CONCLUSION: Alloxan injection caused a significant increase in the activity of all the investigated enzymes. The advisable lysosomal enzymes may be useful for the monitoring of the course and effectiveness of diabetes therapy.

Effect of melatonin administration on activities of some lysosomal enzymes in the mouse.

OBJECTIVES: Changes in the activity of beta-glucuronidase, N-acetyl-beta-glucosaminidase, cathepsin D and L, alanine aminopeptidase and lysosomal acid lipase in lysosomal fractions of the liver and kidneys of mice, which were administered 20 mg/kg b.w. of exogenous melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) for 7 and 14 days were investigated. METHODS: The slices of the liver and kidney were homogenized in 0.1M phosphate buffer, pH 7.0. Homogenates were subjected to differentiated centrifuging and determination of studied enzymes. RESULTS: Melatonin caused lowering of the activity of all the investigated lysosomal enzymes in the liver and kidney. CONCLUSION: Administration of melatonin was caused the lowering of the activity of the investigated lysosomal enzymes in comparison with values in control groups.