Detection of antibodies against various birds, particularly against exotic birds, can be facilitated using the sensitive immunofluorescent technique on avian fixed-intestine cryostat sections. Different fluorescent patterns corresponding to different human anti-avian antibodies have been observed. Sixty of 100 human sera containing antibodies against one avian species, predominantly pigeon, reacted also with all other avian species intestines; the remaining forty were more specific and reacted with a few species only. Cross reactions with antigens in song bird intestines indicated the presence of a broad spectrum of antibodies in patients with bird fancier's lung.

Animals↗

PubMed1981

Theophylline: short term treatment.

In this review article on short term-effects of theophylline, results of studies with single administration of theophylline are compiled, supplemented by several studies with a therapeutic administration up to 4 Days. Data at hand show limited to moderate bronchodilatator effect of theophylline, which is comparable to beta 2-adrenergic drugs only in some studies using high dose regimen with theophylline levels of about 20 mg/l, i.e. with a considerable risk of unwanted side effects. In normal subjects no bronchodilatator effect is present at all, thus differing from beta 2-adrenergic drugs. In contrast, protection against allergic and non-allergic (exercise) stimuli is provided by theophylline already at serum levels about 3-4 mg/l, and with a dose-dependent increase of protection. These data are in accordance with in vitro-studies, demonstrating protection against leukocyte histamine release, rat passive cutaneous anaphylaxis, and mast cell degranulation. In man, there is a transient increase of alveolar ventilation via an increase of total ventilation VE, tidal column Vt, and respiratory frequency f. This phenomenon may, at least in part, be due to an increase of contractility of the respiratory muscles, as suggested by a recent study, demonstrating an inhibition of diaphragmatic fatigue by theophylline. In conclusion, theophylline seems to act via several mechanisms: bronchodilation, protection against various stimuli, increase of ventilation and muscular contractility, which might explain its clinical benefit, although less potent than other drugs as a bronchodilatator of prophylactic agent.

Adrenergic beta-Antagonists↗

PubMed1980

[Pulmological aspects of diagnosis of thoracic pain (author's transl)].

A number of medical disciplines are involved in the diagnosis and therapy of thoracic pain. The origin may be somatic or visceral. Individual diseases are discussed in particular such as myalgia epidemica, intercostal neuralgia, herpes zoster, pleuritis and pneumonia, pulmonary embolism, pneumothorax, mediastinal emphysema, mediastinitis, pulmonary hypertension and the hyperventilation syndrome. Differential diagnosis is also referred to.

Diagnosis, Differential↗

PubMed1980

[Diagnosis of interstitial lung diseases].

Explore the source record for details and available documents.

Amyloidosis↗

PubMed1979

[Parasympathicolytic drugs in treatment of obstructive lung diseases (author's transl)].

In order to investigate the effect of ipratropium bromide in antigen induced bronchial obstruction 8 series of investigations were performed in patients with extrinsic asthma using bronchial provocation tests. The broncholytic effect of ipratropium bromide (0.1 and 0.25 mg in 1 ml solution) was significantly lower when compared with fenoterol and salbutamol and not clearly distinct from untreated controls, when airway resistance, thoracic gas volume and specific airway resistance were measured. No correlation of the effect of ipratropium bromide with bronchial reactivity to histamine, basal values and antigen induced obstruction as well as corticosteroid dependency could be ascertained. Increase of dosage did not lead to improved effectiveness. In contrast protective application of ipratropium bromide before antigen inhalation led to prevention of obstructions did disodium cromoglycate. It is concluded that regular prophylactic application of ipratropium bromide is more effective than bronchospasmolytic application. All forms of obstructive pulmonary disease are thus an indication for parasympathicolytic drugs provided they are used regularly.

Adrenergic beta-Agonists↗

PubMed1979

[The bronchospasmolytic and protective effects of fenoterol, ipratropium bromide, theophylline ethylenediamine and disodium cromoglicicum in inhalation challenge tests; a comparative study (author's transl)].

Two series of tests were carried out with 0.5 milligrams of fenoterol, 0.25 milligrams of ipratropium bromide (both by inhalation) and with 240 milligrams of theophylline (intravenously) in persons with extrinsic bronchial asthma. In the first series (A) the broncholytic effects of the drugs were studied by administering them after inhalation provocation tests. In series B the protective effects of the drugs were studied by giving them before the tests. Untreated probands served as controls; in series B 20 milligrams of disodium cromoglicicum were given in addition. The results in series A showed that fenoterol had significantly higher bronchospasmolytic efficacy than the other drugs which were only slightly effective. In series B, however, all four drugs had an equally potent protective action. The results indicate that regular administration of these agents benefits persons with allergic bronchial asthma whereas in acute asthmatic attacks prompt and adequate bronchospasmolysis can be induced only by sympathomimetic drugs with beta-effects.

Bronchial Spasm↗

PubMed1979

[Treatment of auto-immune diseases with special reference to their pulmonary manifestations (author's transl)].

The treatment of the Goodpasture syndrome, collagenoses (rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, progressive systemic sclerosis/scleroderma, matosus, progressive systemic sclerosis/scleroderma, dermatomyositis/polymyositis), necrotizing angiitis (periarteritis nodosa, Wegener's granulomatosis) and idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is reviewed. Their pathogenesis and morbid anatomy is outlined. The uncommunness of these disorders and their pulmonary manifestations is emphasized. The most frequently employed therapeutic agent are the corticosteroids together with acetylsalicylic acid and indomethacin. The effectiveness of immuno-suppressive and cytostatic drugs (azothioprine, cyclophosphamide, chlorambucil) and of D-penicillamine in the treatment of the different disorders is described. Standard programmes for treating any of these diseases have not yet emerged; the long-term results tend do be unsatisfactory. Co-operation with other specialists (nephrologists, rheumatologists, dermatologists) is often necessary in the treatment of these disorders.

Adrenal Cortex Hormones↗

PubMed1979

[Long-term follow-up of lung function parameters in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treated with prednisone and azathioprin or d-penicillamine (author's transl)].

The prognosis of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is poor, it amounts to 4-6 years (after beginning of the symptoms). Spontaneous remissions are very rare, the corticosteroid monotherapy shows a certain success in only 11-16-20% of the cases. Therefore, since 1970 we carry out a combined therapy (see above); the results, confirmed by pulmonary function tets (vital capacity, static compliance, pO2 at rest and after exercise) will be presented. In summary: (1) Azathioprin and Prednisone: After a treatment of 2 years: 6 patients improved, 2 deteriorated, 3 died; the corresponding figures after 4 years were 6/1/4, after 6 years 3/-/5, after 8 years 2/-/3; (2) D-Penicillamine and Prednisone: After 2 years 3/2/4, 1 unchanged; after 4 years 1/-/4, 1 unchanged. The results of the therapy are discussed especially regarding prognosis of the disease and used drugs.

Azathioprine↗

PubMed1978