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F Gejyo

Publications and source records attributed to F Gejyo.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources
PubMed2000

Down-regulation of interferon-gamma signaling by gene transfer of Stat1 mutant in mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND: Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) is secreted by T lymphocytes and natural killer (NK) cells in the cellular immunity-mediated inflammatory lesion, including endocapillary or extracapillary proliferative glomerulonephritis. It induces and/or enhances multiple histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I and II, intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and Fc receptor expression in renal resident cells, resulting in the initiation and promotion of inflammation. Recently, the signaling mechanism of IFN-gamma has been investigated, and it appears that Stat1alpha is essential for signaling. We investigated Stat1alpha activation by IFN-gamma in mesangial cells and attempted to regulate the signal transduction by gene transfer. METHODS: Western blot with anti-Stat1 and antiphosphotyrosine after immunoprecipitation of Stat1 and Northern blot for detection of Stat1 mRNA were performed. The dominant negative form of Flag-tagged Stat1 was expressed in cultured rat mesangial cells. Flag was immunostained in transfectants, and luciferase reporter assay was carried out to measure the transcriptional activity of Stat1alpha. The expression of IFN-gamma-inducible genes such as MHC class II (Ia-Aalpha) and MHC class II transactivator (CIITA) was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS: Stat1alpha was tyrosine phosphorylated and activated by IFN-gamma in mesangial cells, and the mRNA and protein level of Stat1alpha increased upon stimulation by IFN-gamma. Overexpression of Stat1-mutant lacking 35 C-terminal amino acids strongly suppressed the IFN-gamma-induced signal transduction and inhibited the expression of MHC class II and CIITA genes in mesangial cells. CONCLUSIONS: Stat1alpha is a critical molecule in the signal transduction of IFN-gamma in mesangial cells. The inhibition of an endogenous function of Stat1alpha by gene transfer of the Stat1 mutant may be a new method to reduce the inflammatory effects of IFN-gamma in localized inflammation of the kidney.

Animals↗
PubMed2000

A C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene modifies serum cysteine in dialysis patients.

Patients undergoing hemodialysis have impaired metabolism of such sulfur-containing amino acids as cysteine (Cys) and homocysteine (Hcy), which may lead to accelerated atherosclerosis. Considering that Cys is mainly synthesized from Hcy, a common C677T mutation in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene may affect the serum total Cys (tCys) concentration, as well as total Hcy (tHcy) concentration, through reduced remethylation of Hcy to methionine, even in hemodialysis patients. To identify the independent determinants for the tCys concentration in dialysis patients, we determined MTHFR C/T genotypes and serum concentrations of tHcy, tCys, and vitamins as cofactors in 464 hemodialysis patients. Serum tCys concentration was positively associated with serum tHcy concentration and negatively associated with the MTHFR mutation, although the mutation correlated positively with serum tHcy concentration. Slopes of regression lines relating tHcy and tCys concentrations differed between the MTHFR genotypes, and the relationship was strengthened with a decreasing number of T alleles. Additionally, serum concentrations of folate and vitamin B(12) correlated positively with tCys concentration, whereas they correlated negatively with tHcy concentration. These findings suggest that the MTHFR mutation is an independent predictor for serum tCys concentrations in hemodialysis patients and that a tCys-decreasing effect of the mutation may arise largely from its attenuation of the positive Cys-Hcy correlation. The tCys-increasing effect of folate and vitamin B(12) appears to be linked to their enhancement of Hcy remethylation.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Synthesis of immunoglobulins against Haemophilus parainfluenzae by tonsillar lymphocytes from patients with IgA nephropathy.

BACKGROUND: We previously demonstrated glomerular deposition of Haemophilus parainfluenzae (HP) antigens and the presence of IgA antibody against HP antigens in patients with IgA nephropathy (IgAN). In this report we examine the synthesis of immunoglobulins against HP antigens in tonsillar lymphocytes from patients with IgAN. METHODS: We used tonsillar lymphocytes isolated from the palatine tonsils of 15 patients with IgAN and 16 patients with chronic tonsillitis but without renal disease. We examined lymphocyte proliferation and production of IgA, IgG, and IgM antibodies against HP antigens by measuring thymidine uptake and concentrations of these antibodies in culture supernatants after lymphocyte incubation with HP antigens by ELISA. RESULTS: Lymphocytes from patients with IgAN showed a significantly higher stimulation index (SI) on exposure to HP antigens (thymidine incorporation in tonsillar lymphocytes exposed to HP (c.p.m.)/ thymidine incorporation in unstimulated tonsillar lymphocytes (c.p.m.)) than did controls (P=0. 0015). Lymphocytes from patients with IgAN also showed a significantly higher IgA SI (concentrations of IgA against HP antigens in supernatants from HP-stimulated lymphocytes/IgA against HP antigens in supernatants from unstimulated tonsillar lymphocytes) than did controls (P=0.0004). We found positive correlations between concentrations of IgA and IgG antibodies, between IgA and IgM antibodies, and between IgG and IgM antibodies against HP antigens after HP stimulation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that HP antigens stimulate tonsillar T and B lymphocytes in patients with IgAN and that these patients have polyclonal activation of lymphocytes against HP antigens, with isotype switching of antibody production from IgM to IgA.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

The presence of specialized epithelial cells on the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) in the mouse.

The aggregation of lymphoid cells in the bronchial mucosa has been named the bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (BALT) and investigated in comparison with the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). To elucidate precisely the structure and function of the BALT, the present study examined the age-related change in the mouse BALT by light microscopy. We also observed the characteristics of the overlying epithelium, especially the lectin-binding properties of the epithelial cells, by the combined use of light microscopy (LM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). By LM, lymphoid aggregates were not recognizable in the bronchial mucosa of young (8-10 week-old) mice, while they were commonly found at the second to fourth branching portions of the bronchial tree in older (32-40 week-old) mice. The epithelium overlying the lymphoid aggregates of the mature mice often contained a large number of mononuclear cells. Lectin cytochemistry revealed that UEA1 (Ulex europaeus agglutinin 1) positive cells were not only restricted to the overlying epithelium of the BALT in the older mice but also found in a cell group in the mucous epithelium at the branching portions in the young mice. Comparison between the LM and SEM images of the UEA1-stained whole mount specimens clarified the surface morphology of the lectin-stained epithelial cells, showing them to be non-ciliated cells with a large number of short microvillous projections on the apical surface. TEM studies further demonstrated that the UEA1 reaction products appeared on the plasma membrane of the non-ciliated cells which often enfolded lymphocytes in the old mice. Latex microbeads, which were administrated intratracheally, were selectively taken up by the UEA1-positive cells of the BALT. These results indicate that the mouse BALT has specialized epithelial cells similar to the UEA1 positive M cells in the GALT and probably functions as a part of the mucosal immune system. This study also showed the possibility that the UEA1 positive cells appear in the mucous epithelium before the formation of the BALT.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2000

Treatment of membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis associated with hepatitis C virus infection. Niigata Research Group of Glomerulonephritis and Nephrotic Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: Interferon has been used as a new therapeutic agent for glomerulonephritis since a manifest relationship between membranoproliferative glomerulonephritis (MPGN) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection was documented. However, several side effects and rebound phenomenon have been significant problems. We retrospectively evaluated the therapeutic effect and safety of the standard treatment with steroids and/or immunosuppressive agents for MPGN patients with an HCV infection. METHODS: Remission and renal survival rates as well as clinical and histological data were compared between MPGN groups with or without an HCV infection. In addition, the hepatic function was followed-up after the treatment. PATIENTS: The subjects were 42 biopsy proven MPGN patients. Seven were positive for an HCV infection. Secondary causes of MPGN excluding an HCV infection were omitted. Most patients were treated with steroids and/or immunosuppressive agents. RESULTS: The mean age of the MPGN patients with an HCV infection was significantly higher than that of those without an HCV infection. The renal function and the interstitial change of the former group were significantly worse than those of the latter. Nevertheless, remission and renal survival rates were not significantly different between the two groups. None in the HCV positive MPGN group showed an impairment of hepatic function during the clinical course. However, 2 subjects died from severe pneumonia during the treatment. CONCLUSION: The standard treatment with steroids and/or immunosuppressive agents did not reveal a statistical difference in the therapeutic efficacy between MPGN patients with or without an HCV infection. However, some in the former group showed a poor prognosis.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

Malignant peritoneal mesothelioma associated with deep vein thrombosis following radiotherapy for seminoma of the testis.

A 52-year-old man developed malignant peritoneal mesothelioma 17 years after radiotherapy for seminoma of the testis. Although asbestos exposure is considered to be the major risk factor for the development of malignant mesothelioma, prior therapeutic radiation has also been postulated as a causative factor. The unexplained appearance of ascites or pleural effusion within a previously irradiated area should be considered suggestive of malignant mesothelioma in any long-term survivor of cancer. In addition, the patient suffered a deep vein thrombosis four years before the diagnosis of mesothelioma. Deep vein thrombosis is a common complication of malignant disease, and is often the first clue to occult malignancy.

Humans↗
PubMed2000

[Multiple nodular and patchy shadows in chest radiograph in a patient with autoimmune hemolytic anemia associated with chronic thyroiditis].

A 65-year-old woman was admitted because of dyspnea and persistent cough. Her chest radiograph and CT films revealed multiple nodular and patchy shadows in bilateral lungs, indicating bronchiolitis obliterans organizing pneumonia (BOOP)-like shadows. Autoimmune hemolytic anemia was diagnosed because peripheral blood cell analysis revealed anemia (hemoglobin, 5.5 g/dl) with increased reticulocytes (253/1000), and positive direct and indirect Coomb's tests. In addition, decreased diffusion capacity and mild hypoxemia (PaO2, 71 Torr) were recognized. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) showed the increased number of total cells and lymphocytes, and a decreased CD4(helper)/CD8(suppressor) ratio (= 0.65). Histopathological features of transbronchial lung biopsy showed an infiltration of lymphocytes in the alveolar walls and spaces, and thickening of the alveolar walls. A discrepancy was apparent among roentgenogram, histopathological findings and BALF results. Open lung biopsy had not been performed because of severe hemolytic anemia and lack of informed consent. In addition, the patient suffered from chronic thyroiditis with positive thyroid autoantibody. After oral administration of prednisolone, both pulmonary shadows and anemia improved. We concluded that autoimmune hemolytic anemia may be associated with steroid-sensitive interstitial lung lesions in some cases. Further immunologic studies are necessary to elucidate the relationship between autoimmune hemolytic anemia and interstitial lung shadows.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody positive alveolar hemorrhage during propylthiouracil therapy for hyperthyroidism].

A 62-year-old woman had been treated with propylthiouracil(PTU) for hyperthyroidism. Because bloody sputum, dyspnea, and severe hypoxemia developed, the patient was admitted to our hospital. Chest X-ray and chest computed tomographic (CT) films disclosed diffuse infiltrative shadows in both lung fields. Bronchoalveolar lavage revealed abundant hemosiderin-laden macrophages. Alveolar hemorrhage associated with myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA) positive vasculitis syndrome was diagnosed because of the high serum level of MPO-ANCA. After the initiation of steroid therapy and termination of PTU, the infiltrative shadows in both lung fields disappeared, PaO2 improved, and MPO-ANCA decreased. There have been some reports of MPO-ANCA positive vasculitis syndrome developing during PTU therapy, but most were concerned with renal disease. We concluded that PTU and similar agents should be given consideration as one of the possible causes of MPO-ANCA-induced alveolar hemorrhage.

Antibodies, Antineutrophil Cytoplasmic↗
PubMed2000

Clinical significance of anticentromere antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the clinical significance of anticentromere antibodies (ACA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS: Two hundred sixteen patients with SLE who were treated in our department were surveyed cross sectionally for the presence of ACA using indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cell lines. ACA were identified by their discrete speckled pattern. Antibodies to the major centromere protein, CENP-B, were also studied with ELISA. Serial determinations of anti-CENP-B were carried out using stored serum samples, if available. RESULTS: ACA were recognized in 12 (5.6%) patients with SLE. All patients were receiving steroid therapy, with a mean dose of prednisolone of 14.4 mg/day. These patients also tested positive for anti-CENP-B with high titers despite the low serological disease activity in most. Three or more CREST features were observed in 2 patients and 2 others had no such features. Both patients without CREST features had a relatively short disease duration. The age at onset of SLE was significantly higher and Raynaud's phenomenon was more frequent in patients with ACA than in patients without ACA. In 8 of 10 patients tested, retrospective analysis using stored sera revealed no consistent change in anti-CENP-B titers over time. CONCLUSION: The presence of ACA in patients with SLE is apparently more frequent than previously believed. Patients with SLE with ACA may be a distinct subgroup. A longterm followup is warranted to fully determine the clinical significance of ACA in patients with SLE.

Adolescent↗
PubMed2000

[Levofloxacin-induced eosinophilic pneumonia complicated by bronchial asthma].

A 76-year-old woman who had complained of cough and productive sputum since mid-January, 1999, was admitted to our hospital with fever and dyspnea on February 4, 1999. She had been treated with levofloxacin at an outpatient clinic. On admission, she had orthopnea, and auscultation revealed coarse crackles and wheeze in the bilateral lung fields. Chest x-ray and CT films showed non-segmental infiltration in bilateral lung fields. Laboratory data revealed eosinophilia in peripheral blood (= 24%) and sputum (= 10%), airflow limitation, hypoxemia (PaO2: 46 Torr), and increased airway responsiveness to methacholine (Dmin: 0.127 units). A bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid showed increased total cells and a 55% increase in eosinophils, and CD4/CD8 ratio was decreased to 0.8. In addition, IL-5 was increased in BAL fluid. Transbronchial lung biopsy specimens revealed infiltrations of eosinophils in the alveolar and interstitial compartments. Histological features of the bronchial biopsy specimens included increased eosinophils in the submucosa and goblet cell metaplasia. The woman was diagnosed with eosinophilic pneumonia complicated by bronchial asthma. She was given theophylline, pranlukast hydrate, and an inhaled beta 2 receptor agonist (procaterol hydrochloride), and pre-admission drugs including Levofloxacin were discontinued. Her symptoms were improved, peak expiratory flow rate and PaO2 increased, airway responsiveness to methacholine decreased (Dmin: 0.615 units), and radiographic abnormalities disappeared without steroid therapy. A leukocyte migration test for levofloxacin was weakly positive. An environmental provocation test in the patient's home gave negative results. A challenge test for levofloxacin was not performed due to a lack of informed consent. Based on these findings, we diagnosed this case as levofloxacin-induced lung injury manifesting as eosinophilic pneumonia complicated by bronchial asthma. Levofloxacin should be added to the list of agents that can produce eosinophilic pneumonia.

Aged↗
PubMed2000

[Susceptibilities of bacteria isolated from patients with lower respiratory infectious diseases to antibiotics (1998)].

The bacteria isolated from the patients with lower respiratory tract infections were collected by institutions located throughout Japan, since 1981. Ikemoto et al. have been investigating susceptibilities of these isolates to various antibacterial agents and antibiotics, and analyzed some characteristics of the patients and isolates from them each year. Results obtained from these investigations are discussed. In these 18 institutions around the entire Japan, 532 strains of presumably etiological bacteria were isolated mainly from the sputa of 438 patients with lower respiratory tract infections during the period from October in 1998 to September in 1999. MICs of various antibacterial agents and antibiotics were determined against 85 strains of Staphylococcus aureus, 100 strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae, 96 strains of Haemophilus influenzae, 75 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (non-mucoid strains), 6 strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (mucoid strains), 38 strains of Moraxella subgenus Branhamella catarrhalis, 26 strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae etc., and the susceptibilities of 517 strains were assessed except for those strains that died during transportation. S. aureus strains for which MICs of oxacillin (MPIPC) were higher than 4 micrograms/ml (methicillin-resistant S. aureus: MRSA) accounted for 60.0%. Vancomycin (VCM) and arbekacin (ABK) showed the most potent activities against MRSA. But one of MRSA showed resistance to ABK with the MIC of 64 micrograms/ml. The sensitive strains of MRSA to VCM have decreased. The frequency of penicillin (PC)-intermediate S. pneumoniae (PISP) + PC-resistant S. pneumoniae (PRSP) have increased in 46.0% for 1998 comparatively from 30.9% of 1997's. But PRSP decreased, and PISP increased into 39.0% of 1998 years from 19.8% of 1997's. Panipenem (PAPM), imipenem (IPM) and faropenem (FRPM) showed the most potent activities against S. pneumoniae with MIC80s of 0.125 microgram/ml or below. Against H. influenzae and M. (B.) catarrhalis, almost all the drugs showed good activities. The sensitive strains of them against ceftazidime (CAZ) decreased in 1997, but those have increased in 1998. Inversely, the susceptibility of them against cefotiam (CTM) had been higher in 1997, but those have been lower in 1998. Tobramycin (TOB) showed the most potent activity against P. aeruginosa (both mucoid and nonmucoid strains). All drugs except ampicillin (ABPC) were active against K. pneumoniae. A quite few of K. pneumoniae showed low susceptibilities. Also, we investigated year to year changes in the characteristics of patients, their respiratory infectious diseases, and the etiology. The examination of age distribution indicated that the proportion of patients with ages over 70 years was 48.6% of all the patients showing a slight increase in every year. About the proportion of diagnosed diseases as follows: Bacterial pneumonia was the most frequent with 40.2%. The ratio of it has increased slightly, and the increased rate was 10% in patients with ages over 70 years compared with the results in 1997. Chronic bronchitis have decreased slightly with 27.6% in 1998. Number of strains isolated from patients before administration of antibiotics were more than those after administration of them in chronic bronchitis, but these were almost same number in bacterial pneumonia. Administration of antibiotics has changed the results of the frequency of isolation of bacterial species. Bacterial isolations before administration of antibiotics were as follows: S. pneumoniae 26.7%, H. influenzae 23.8%, S. aureus 13.3% and M. (B.) catarrhalis 10.8%. The frequencies of S. aureus decreased after antibiotics administration over 15 days, but the frequencies of P. aeruginosa (both mucoid and non-mucoid) was not affected. The frequencies of P. aeruginosa was 45.5% after administration over 15 days. The frequencies of S. pneumoniae decreased upon administration of antibiotics, these were only 4.5% over 15 days. The frequencies of H. (

Anti-Bacterial Agents↗
PubMed2000

[Efficacy of sustained-released theophylline on peak expiratory flow rate in asthmatic patients].

Nocturnal worsening is an important problem in asthma management. We evaluated the efficacy of two sustained-released theophylline formulations, administered twice-a-day (TD) and once-a-day (UP). In 20 asthmatic patients with low peak expiratory flow rate (PEF) in the morning (< 80% of predicted) administered TD (mean dose 475 mg/day) for 2 weeks, we evaluated PEF, diurnal variability of PEF, symptom score, results of spirometry and serum theophylline concentration (STC) and then changed theophylline, from TD to UP (mean dose 470 mg/day) for 2-4 weeks. PEF in the morning was higher during the UP period (mean +/- SD: 335 +/- 110 L/min) than during the TD period (mean +/- SD: 308 +/- 95 L/min) (p < 0.05), and diurnal variabirity of PEF was lower during the UP period (17.1 +/- 8.0%) than TD period (22.9 +/- 13.4%) (p < 0.05). However, there were no changes in PEF at night or daytime, symptom score, spirometry parameters or STC during the study period. The improvement in morning PEF observed in this study was consistent with the differences in pharmacokinetics between the two theophylline formulations. Morning PEF was increased during the UP period, probably because STC in the early morning during the UP period was higher than STC during the TD period.

Adult↗
PubMed2000

[Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a patient with superior vena cava syndrome caused by lung cancer].

A 48-year-old man was treated with chemotherapy and irradiation therapy for superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) caused by adenocarcinoma of the lung, and his symptoms subsided temporarily. However, the same symptoms recurred, and severe snoring during sleep and daytime hypersomnolence developed. Obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS) was diagnosed by respiratory inductive plethysmography. After chemotherapy, the symptoms of edema of the face and arms, snoring, and daytime somnolence tendency were alleviated, and the patient's apnea hypopnea index decreased remarkably. In addition, lateral cephalograms disclosed improved patency of the upper respiratory tract and dilation of the soft palate. These findings suggested a relationship between SVCS and OSAS. OSAS may cause a deterioration of circulatory dynamics and the quality of life when it develops secondary to SVCS. Therefore, it is necessary to determine whether OSAS is present and accordingly provide suitable treatment in patients with SVCS.

Adenocarcinoma↗
PubMed1999

Interaction between A beta(1-42) and A beta(1-40) in Alzheimer's beta-amyloid fibril formation in vitro.

We analyzed the interaction of two kinds of amyloid beta-peptides (A beta), i.e., A beta(1-42) and A beta(1-40), in the kinetics of beta-amyloid fibril (fA beta) formation in vitro, based on a nucleation-dependent polymerization model using fluorescence spectroscopy with thioflavin T. When 25 microM A beta(1-42) was incubated with increasing concentrations of amyloidogenic A beta(1-40), the time to proceed to equilibrium was extended dose-dependently. A similar inhibitory effect was observed when 45 microM A beta(1-40) was incubated with increasing concentrations of A beta(1-42). On the other hand, when 50 microM of nonamyloidogenic A beta(1-40) was incubated with A beta(1-42) at a molar ratio of 10:1 or 5:1, A beta(1-42) initiated fA beta formation from A beta(1-40). The lag time of the reaction shortened in a concentration-dependent manner, with A beta(1-42). We next examined the seeding effect of fA beta formed from A beta(1-42) (fA beta(1-42)) on nonamyloidogenic A beta(1-40). When 50 microM of nonamyloidogenic A beta(1-40) was incubated with 10 or 20 microg/mL (2.2 or 4.4 microM) of fA beta(1-42), the fluorescence showed a sigmoidal increase. The lag time of the reaction was shortened by fA beta(1-42) in a concentration-dependent manner. However, the time to proceed to equilibrium was much longer than when an equal concentration of fA beta formed from A beta(1-40) (fA beta(1-40)) was added to A beta(1-40). The fluorescence increased hyperbolically without a lag phase when 25 microM A beta(1-42) was incubated with 10 or 20 microg/mL (2.3 or 4.6 microM) of fA beta(1-40), and proceeded to equilibrium more rapidly than without fA beta(1-40). An electron microscopic study indicated that the morphology of fA beta formed is governed by the major component of fresh A beta peptides in the reaction mixture, not by the morphology of preexisting fibrils. These results may indicate the central role of A beta(1-42) for fA beta deposition in vivo, among the different coexisting A beta species.

Alzheimer Disease↗
PubMed1999

The role of Pseudomonas aeruginosa elastase as a potent inflammatory factor in a rat air pouch inflammation model.

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic pathogen, can cause life threatening infections in patients compromised by underlying respiratory disease like bronchiectasis, cystic fibrosis and diffuse panbronchiolitis. Most strains of P. aeruginosa produce some kind of protease with broad substrate specificities during the infectious state in the host. P. aeruginosa elastase, one of the strongest exotoxins, has a tissue-damaging proteolytic activity and is capable of degrading such plasma proteins as immunoglobulins, complement factor and cytokines. The present study focused on the effect of P. aeruginosa elastase and was designed to evaluate the neutrophil accumulation at the inflammation site mediated by P. aeruginosa elastase in the inflammatory response in the host. An air pouch model in rats, considered as a useful model of inflammation, was used to analyze the number of leukocytes, the volume of exudate and the concentration of interleukin-8 after the injection of P. aeruginosa elastase into the pouch cavity. The number of neutrophils and the volume of exudate in the pouch cavity increased significantly at 4 h, peaked at 8 h in a dose-dependent manner and then decreased at 24 h. The concentration of interleukin-8 in pouch fluid peaked 4 h earlier than the peak of the neutrophil number. The enzymatic activity of P. aeruginosa elastase seemed to reinforce the inflammation process. The influence of lipopolysaccharide contamination was negligible. Although these observations were made in the subcutaneous cavity, they indicate that P. aeruginosa elastase plays a role as an immunoprovocative factor in the inflammatory response in cases of infection with P. aeruginosa.

Air↗