We investigated, in 36 healthy volunteers, the effects of prednisone and ketotifen on recovery of lymphocyte j2-adrenoceptor density (determined by (-)-'"iodocyanopindolol binding) and responsiveness (assessed by lymphocyte cyclic AMP IcAMPI responses to 10 AtM (-)-isoprenaline) after desensitization by the p2-agonist terbutaline. Terbutaline (3 X 5 mg/d) decreased lymphocyte #2-adrenoceptor density by -40-50%; concomitantly, lymphocyte cAMP responses to 10 ,gM (-)-isoprenaline were significantly reduced. After withdrawal of terbutaline 2-adrenoceptor, density and responsiveness gradually increased, reaching predrug levels after 4 d.Prednisone (1 X 100 mg orally) accelerated ,f2-adrenoceptor recovery; only 8-10 h after administration of the steroid ,62-adrenoceptor density and cAMP responses to (-)-isoprenaline had reached values not significantly different from pretreatment levels. Similar effects were obtained with ketotifen (2 mg; thereafter 2 X 1 mg/d for 4 d): 24 h after application of the drug (32-adrenoceptor density and cAMP responses to (-)-isoprenaline had reached pretreatment levels. Furthermore, ketotifen simultaneously applied with terbutaline completely prevented terbutaline-induced decrease in lymphocyte i2-adrenoceptor density and responsiveness. Prednisone (1 X 100 mg orally) or ketotifen (2 mg; thereafter 2 X 1 mg/d for 2 d) had no significant influence on lymphocyte #2-adrenoceptor density in healthy volunteers not pretreated with terbutaline, but shifted the ratio high-to-low affinity state of the lymphocyte j#2-adrenoceptor toward high affinity state.We conclude that glucocorticoids as well as ketotifen can accelerate recovery of density and responsiveness of lymphocyte B2-adrenoceptors desensitized by long-term treatment with 2-agonists. Such an effect may have clinical implications for preventing tachyphylaxis of asthmatic patients against therapy with 02-agonists.

Cell-based reconstruction therapies promise new therapeutic opportunities for bone regeneration. Unrestricted somatic stem cells (USSC) from cord blood and embryonic stem cells (ESCs) can be differentiated into osteogenic cells. The purpose of this in vivo study was to compare their ability to induce ectopic bone formation in vivo. Human USSCs and murine ESCs were cultured as both monolayer cultures and micromasses and seeded on insoluble collagenous bone matrix (ICBM). One week and 1, 2, and 3 months after implanting the constructs in immune-deficient rats, computed tomography scans were performed to detect any calcification. Subsequently, the implanted constructs were examined histologically. The radiological examination showed a steep increase in the mineralized bone-like tissue in the USSC groups. This increase can be considered as statistically significant compared to the basic value. Moreover, the volume and the calcium portion measured by computed tomography scans were about 10 times higher than in the ESC group. The volume of mineralization in the ESC group increased to a much smaller extent over the course of time, and the control group (ICBM without cells) showed almost no alterations during the study. The histological examinations parallel the radiological findings. Cord blood stem cells in combination with ICBM-induced ectopic bone formation in vivo are stronger than ESCs.

Bronchoscopic surfactant administration does not prevent leukocyte influx or vascular leakage but does protect against respiratory failure and improves lung mechanics in single lung transplantation in dogs.

We examined 20 patients undergoing coronary bypass grafting for coronary artery disease with NYHA classifications of II and III who had been treated with beta-blocking agents. Patients were randomised for administration of either adrenaline (0.1 microgram/kg/min) or amrinone (bolus 1 mg/kg, continuous infusion of 5-10 micrograms/kg/min), if following cardiopulmonary bypass their cardiac index was < 2.4 L/min/m2 with normal peripheral resistance and normal or increased right- or left-ventricular filling pressures. Over a period of 1 hour, the hemodynamic parameters mean arterial pressure (MAP), cardiac index (CI), heart rate (HR), coronary perfusion pressure (CPP), total peripheral resistance (TPR), as well as the pressure-work index (PWI) were registered or calculated. By means of a coronary sinus catheter myocardial arterio-venous oxygen content difference (AVDO2cor), myocardial blood flow (MBF), using the thermodilution method, and myocardial oxygen consumption (MVO2) could be measured or calculated. Simultaneously, arterial and myocardial lactate concentrations and, using the arterio-venous lactate ratio, myocardial lactate extraction or production were quantified. Using a transseptal approach, the left-ventricular pressure curve was measured and used to differentiate for myocardial contractility (dp/dtmax). Following induction of anesthesia and after cardiopulmonary bypass, plasma levels of the used beta-blocking agent were determined. Both substances caused a significant increase in myocardial contractility, with adrenaline showing a more potent effect than amrinone. Both substances caused a significant increase in CI with a mild increase in HR. Amrinone caused a significant drop in TPR, while MAP remained practically constant.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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