Enhanced expression of interferon-inducible protein 10 associated with Th1 profiles of chemokine receptor in autoimmune pulmonary inflammation of MRL/lpr mice

MRL/Mp-lpr/lpr (MRL/lpr) mice spontaneously develop systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)-like disease. The natural history of the pulmonary involvement and the underlying mechanism of leukocyte infiltration into the lungs of MRL/lpr mice and SLE patients remains elusive. We aimed to investigate the expression profiles of chemokines and chemokine receptors in the lung of the SLE-prone mouse. We examined the correlation between lung inflammation and expression of IP-10 (interferon-γ-inducible protein 10), a CXC chemokine, and TARC (thymus- and activation-regulated chemokine), a CC chemokine, in MRL/lpr mice, MRL/Mp-+/+ (MRL/+) mice, and C57BL/6 (B6) control mice. The extent of cell infiltration in the lung was assessed histopathologically. Reverse transcriptase PCR showed up-regulation of IP-10 mRNA expression in the lungs (P < 0.05) of MRL/lpr mice, in comparison with MRL/+ or B6 mice. The increase paralleled increased expression of a specific IP-10 receptor, CXCR3, and correlated with the degree of infiltration of mononuclear lymphocytes. In contrast, lung expression of TARC and its specific receptor, CCR4, were suppressed in MRL/lpr mice. Immunohistology showed that macrophage-like cells were the likely source of IP-10. Flow cytometric analyses revealed that the CXCR3-expressing cells were mainly infiltrating CD4 T cells and macrophages, which correlated with the degree of mononuclear lymphocyte infiltration. Recent data suggest that Th1 cells and Th1-derived cytokines play an important role in the development of SLE-like disease in MRL/lpr mice. Our results suggest that IP-10 expression in the lung is involved, through CXCR3, in the pathogenesis of pulmonary inflammation associated with migration of Th1 cells

The Efficacy of PAF Antagonist TCV-309 in a Canine Single Lung Allotransplantation after 24 hour . Preservation

To evaluate the efficacy of TCV-309, platelet activating factor (PAF) antagonist, we investigated the use of this agent when added to the Euro-Collins solution or administered to the donor and the recipient as well as the Euro-Collins solution in the preservation of a canine lung for 24 hours. The function of the graft was assessed before harvesting and one hour after reperfusion by a unilateral pulmonary artery occlusion test. In the ECS group, donor lungs were flushed with 500 ml of the Euro-Collins solution containing 375 μg TCV-309. In the TCV group, donor and recipient dogs were pretreated with TCV-309, and donor lungs were flushed as the ECS group. Donor dogs received TCV-309 100 μg/kg bolus followed by continuous infusion of 500 μg/kg/hr for one hour. Recipient dogs received TCV-309 100 pg/kg bolus followed by continuous infusion of 500 μg/kg/hr for two hours, encompassing two hours of reperfusion. Better posttransplantation pulmonary function was obtained in the TCV group. In conclusion the PAF antagonist TCV-309 is a beneficial agent when it is administered to the donor and the recipient and added to the Euro-Collins solution in a canine model of a single lung transplantation after 24 hr preservation

Surgery for pulmonary aspergillosis

Surgery for pulmonary aspergillosis was evaluated in 20 patients who underwent surgery. These included pulmonary aspergillosis in 17, bronchial aspergillosis in 2 and pleural aspergillosis in 1, respectively. The operative procedures were mainly lobectomy and segmentectomy except for one in whom fenestration was carried out. With advances in development of drugs such as fluconazole and miconazole, surgical outcome was improved without any operative death related to surgery as far as healthy polmonary tissues are preserved. Nevertheless, it is emphasized that severity of preexisting disorder should be precisely assessed prior to surgery

CEA in Esophageal Cancer Tissues

The presence of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) was assessed in cancer tissues of 53 patients with esophageal carcinoma. Positive rates of CEA staining in tissues were 81.1%. Well differentiated carcinomas tended to be well stained. The survival time in positive tissue CEA patients was longer than that in negative one. The measurement of a presence of tissue CEA is of help to judge the prognosis

Availability of Low Potassium UW Solution for a 24 Lung

A comparative study of preservation solution was made in a 24 hour storaged donor lung between original UW (University of Wisconsin) solution (k = 120mEq/l) and Low potassium UW (k = 30mEq/l) solution. Preservation of a donor lung with low potassium UW solution was superior to that with original UW solution in terms of static compliance and pulmonary vascular resistance. In conclusion, the use of low potassium UW solution is of great value to storage a donor lung

Surgery for Traumatic Injury of the Trachea and Bronchus

Surgery for traumatic disruption of the trachea and the bronchus was evaluated with respect to the surgical outcome in three with tracheal injury and four with bronchial injury. In this series, the results were satisfied except for one who underwent delayed operation. Experience seems to indicate that the primary care to ensure security of air way is of great value in life-saving and guarantee of the outcome including pulmonary function following surgery. In conclusion, it is emphasized that the fortuitous result and preservation of pulmonary function are mandatory for pertinent treatment with expediously precise diagnosis

Surgery for Early Esophageal Carcinoma

Early esophageal carcinomas are clinicopathologically evaluated in 11 patients whose carcinomas are limited to the epithelium (ep) and the mucosa (mm). Most of ep and mm carcinomas were detected by mass-screening without any symptom. Even when mass examination for gastric lesion is attempted, precise examination of the esophagus should be made at the same time. It is assured that a ep and mm esophageal carcinoma ensured satisfactory outcome. It is emphasized that early detection is only a way to improve the surgical outcome of the treatment for esophageal carcinomas

Surgery for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer in the Elderly over 80 Years of Age

The surgical outcome was evaluated in 14 patients over 80 years of age with non-small cell lung cancer. The satisfactory results are predicted as far as surgical indication is limited to favorable candidates. Further postoperative cares for age-related diseases are required in a follow-up study. It is documented in 1989 that the mean survival age of 70 years old is 15.8 years in life and that of 80 years old is 8.67 years in Japan.1) However, the mean survival age is now tremendously increasing. The major items of concern include therapeutic choice for elderly patients with malignant disease. The surgical indication for lung cancer patients of the aged is shifting from 70 years of age to 80. In this study, the validity of surgery for patients over 80 years of age is assessed on the basis of a result of clinical experience