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Biomedical subjects

K F Chung

Publications and source records attributed to K F Chung.

At least 199 records · Page 11Linked to original sources

Expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA in Brown Norway rats exposed to ozone: effect of dexamethasone.

We studied the effects of ozone exposure and dexamethasone on inducible nitric synthase (iNOS) gene expression in Brown Norway rats in vivo. Using a murine iNOS cDNA probe, we detected a 4.4 kb iNOS mRNA by Northern analysis in rat lung. The iNOS signal was weak in control lungs, but increased in lungs exposed to ozone (3 ppm, 6 h). Ozone-induced iNOS mRNA expression was time-dependent, with maximal expression at 2 h, declining by 8 h and increasing again at 24 h postexposure. Dexamethasone significantly reduced the iNOS mRNA expression in the lungs of both controls and ozone-exposed rats. These results demonstrate that ozone inhalation induces iNOS expression in vivo, thus providing evidence at the molecular level for the possible involvement of nitric oxide generation in ozone-induced pulmonary inflammation or lung damage.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Dexamethasone inhibits ozone-induced gene expression of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 in rat lung.

To address the potential role of the chemokine macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) in airway inflammation, we examined whether MIP-2 may play a role in ozone-induced neutrophilic inflammation of airways and its modulation by dexamethasone in rat lung. Following ozone exposure, MIP-2 mRNA expression in the lung peaked at 2 h after exposure and slowly declined thereafter. Dexamethasone suppressed ozone-induced MIP-2 mRNA expression and neutrophil accumulation in the lung. We suggest that the MIP-2 mRNA induction may switch on the neutrophilic influx observed in this model of lung inflammation. Furthermore, the MIP-2 expression is regulated by dexamethasone which may represent one of the mechanisms by which glucocorticoids exert their potent anti-inflammatory properties.

Animals↗

Neurogenic goblet cell secretion and bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs sensitised to trimellitic anhydride.

Trimellitic anhydride is a cause of occupational asthma in humans. We have previously found that tracheal instillation of trimellitic anhydride conjugated to guinea pig serum albumin induces acute bronchoconstriction and airway plasma exudation in sensitised animals, responses mediated primarily via histamine release. In the present study, neural mechanisms mediating bronchoconstriction and goblet cell secretion were determined in trimellitic anhydride-sensitised guinea pigs using the ganglionic blocker hexamethonium to eliminate efferent reflex mechanisms, pretreatment with capsaicin to eliminate afferent mechanisms, or cimetidine and mepyramine to eliminate histamine-mediated mechanisms. The magnitude of secretion of intracellular mucus from tracheal goblet cells was quantified morphometrically as a mucus score which is inversely related to the degree of discharge. Guinea pigs were injected intradermally either with 0.1 ml 0.3% trimellitic anhydride in corn oil or with corn oil alone as control. Fourteen to eighteen days later all sensitised animals had developed specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G1 antibodies whereas the controls had not. Tracheal instillation of conjugated trimellitic anhydride in anaesthetised animals significantly increased airway lung resistance (RL) 24-fold in sensitised guinea pigs (34.3 +/- 7.9 cm H2O.ml-1.s) compared with controls (1.4 +/- 0.1 cm H2O.ml-1.s). Mucus score was significantly reduced by 51% (indicating goblet cell secretion) in sensitised guinea pigs (183 +/- 22 mucus score units) compared with controls (372 +/- 41 mucus score units). The antihistamines significantly inhibited conjugated trimellitic anhydride-induced bronchoconstriction by 89%, but did not significantly affect goblet cell discharge. Hexamethonium alone did not significantly affect conjugated trimellitic anhydride-induced bronchoconstriction or goblet cell secretion.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Airway Resistance↗

Characteristics of youth suicide in Hong Kong.

This paper explores the intrapersonal and sociocultural factors behind youth suicide in Hong Kong. The coroner's court reports of consecutive population-based youth suicide (below age of 25 years, n = 303) cases from 1986 to 1992 were reviewed. Compared with other countries, Hong Kong had low male but high female youth suicide rates. The number of undetermined deaths did not significantly affect the estimated suicide rates. Cross-cultural differences in youth suicide rates may be understood from a differential distribution of risk factors and cultural attitudes towards role behaviours and suicide. Youth suicides in Hong Kong were characterised by a high prevalence of psychiatric disturbances and age-normative precipitants; both findings bear great resemblances to samples studied elsewhere. The results were evaluated in light of studies in different sociocultural backgrounds and highlighted the universality and specificity of youth suicide in Hong Kong.

Adolescent↗

Inhibition of allergen-induced lung eosinophilia by type-III and combined type III- and IV-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitors in brown-Norway rats.

We examined the effect of a type IV (rolipram) and a combined type III and IV (Org 20421) isoenzyme-selective phosphodiesterase inhibitor upon allergen-induced pulmonary eosinophil recruitment in sensitised Brown Norway rats. Rats were sensitised with ovalbumin intraperitoneally and later challenged with ovalbumin aerosol which induced a significant increase in the total eosinophil and neutrophil count in bronchovalveolar lavage fluid at 24 hours (from 0.38 +/- 0.12 to 1.36 +/- 0.18 x 10(6), p < 0.01 and from 0.06 +/- 0.01 to 0.33 +/- 0.07 x 10(6), p < 0.01) respectively. Pretreatment with rolipram (30 mumol/kg) and Org 20421 (30 mumol/kg) abolished the eosinophilia and neutrophilia evoked by ovalbumin. We conclude that type IV and possibly type III isozyme phosphodiesterase inhibitors may regulate, directly or indirectly, eosinophil and neutrophil activity and/or those cells responsible for attracting them into the lung.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Insulin-like growth factor I is a major fibroblast mitogen produced by primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells.

1. The ability of airway epithelial cells to produce insulin-like growth factor I may be important in the pathogenesis of subepithelial fibrosis observed in the airways of patients with asthma. We determined whether human airway epithelial cells are capable of producing polypeptide mediators that could induce fibroblast proliferative activity, in particular insulin-like growth factor I. 2. We examined 12 primary cultures of human airway epithelial cells grown to confluence on collagen gel-coated dishes. Using a colorimetric assay based on the uptake and subsequent release of Methylene Blue, increased proliferation of human fetal lung fibroblasts was detected in conditioned media from airway epithelial cells. The median stimulation of fibroblast proliferation was 49.9% (range 25.6-113.3%) above control values (observed at 1:2 dilution of media). 3. A neutralizing antiserum to insulin-like growth factor I partly inhibited fibroblast proliferation induced by epithelial cell conditioned media by 52.2% (49.9-109%; n = 5). 4. Radioimmunoassay for insulin-like growth factor I in conditioned media demonstrated a median concentration of 54.1 ng/ml (32.4-96.8 ng/ml). 5. Insulin-like growth factor I mRNA was detected in epithelial cell monolayers by Northern blot analysis using an insulin-like growth factor I cDNA probe. 6. The insulin-like growth factor I gene is expressed in cultured human airway epithelial cells, which also secrete insulin-like growth factor I protein. Insulin-like growth factor I also accounts for the major mitogenic activity for fibroblasts of cultured human epithelial cell conditioned media. Insulin-like growth factor I may function in a paracrine manner to modulate fibroblast behaviour and may be involved in airway processes, such as those occurring in asthma.

Bronchi↗

Induction of macrophage inflammatory protein 2 gene expression by interleukin 1 beta in rat lung.

BACKGROUND: Recruitment of inflammatory cells in the lungs may contribute to tissue injury as a result of mediators released from these cells. Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1 beta) is a potent inducer of neutrophil accumulation, a process that may require local protein biosynthesis. Macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2) is a approximately 6 kD heparin binding protein and is a member of the C-X-C superfamily that causes significant neutrophil chemotaxis and activation in vitro. A study was performed to determine whether IL-1 beta could induce the expression of MIP-2 in the lungs of Brown-Norway rats. METHODS: rhIL-1 beta (500 U) or 0.9% NaCl was injected intratracheally and bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) cells and lung tissues were evaluated for MIP-2 mRNA expression after RNA extraction by Northern blot analysis. MIP-2 probe was prepared from cDNA obtained by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of BAL cells obtained from a rat treated with lipopolysaccharide. RESULTS: There was no detectable MIP-2 mRNA in the lungs of control rats but a marked enhancement of the expression at four hours with no expression at 12 hours and a slight expression at 24 hours. IL-1 beta induced a significant influx of neutrophils into BAL fluid with a transient increase in macrophages. In situ hybridisation of lungs using MIP-2 cDNA probe labelled with digoxigenin showed expression of MIP-2 mRNA in airway mononuclear cells and airway epithelium at four hours after IL-1 beta; at 24 hours the signal had nearly gone. CONCLUSION: IL-1 beta induces the expression of MIP-2 mRNA in rat lung. MIP-2 may be one chemokine that could contribute to IL-1 beta induced neutrophil influx.

Animals↗

Inhaled frusemide and exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children with asthma.

BACKGROUND: Nebulised frusemide has been shown to be protective against bronchoconstricting stimuli in adult asthmatic subjects and against cold air challenge in children. Animal studies suggest that inhaled frusemide may be more effective in the young. METHODS: A double blind placebo, controlled, crossover study on the effect on exercise of pretreatment with frusemide (20 mg) from a metered dose inhaler via a large volume spacer (Volumatic) was performed in 12 asthmatic children. Exercise testing consisted of eight minutes of running on a treadmill in an environmentally controlled laboratory. RESULTS: Deterioration in lung function was less after frusemide than after the placebo exercise tests. The mean (95% CI) maximum percentage falls in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) were 14.4% (7.7 to 21.0) for placebo and 5.7% (2.3 to 9.0) for frusemide. CONCLUSIONS: Inhaled frusemide via a metered dose inhaler reduces exercise-induced bronchoconstriction in children.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Effects of sodium metabisulphite on guinea pig contractile airway smooth muscle responses in vitro.

BACKGROUND: Sodium metabisulphite (MBS) is known to induce bronchoconstriction in asthmatic patients. The effects of MBS on guinea pig airway smooth muscle and on neurally mediated contraction in vitro have been examined. METHODS: Tracheal and bronchial airway segments were placed in oxygenated buffer solution and electrical field stimulation was performed in the presence of indomethacin (10(-5) M) and propranolol (10(-6) M) for the measurement of isometric tension. Atropine (10(-6) M) was added to bronchial tissues. RESULTS: Concentrations of MBS up to 10(-3) M had no direct effect on airway smooth muscle contraction and did not alter either tracheal smooth muscle contraction induced by electrical field stimulation at all frequencies or acetylcholine-induced tracheal smooth muscle contraction. There was a similar response in the absence of epithelium, except for potentiation of the response induced by electrical field stimulation at 0.5 Hz (24 (10)% increase). However, MBS (10(-5), 10(-6) and 10(-7) M) augmented neurally-mediated non-adrenergic non-cholinergic contractile responses in the bronchi (13.3 (3.2)%, 23.8 (9.6)%, and 6.4 (1.6)%, respectively). MBS had no effect on the contractile response induced by substance P, but at higher concentrations (10(-3) M and 10(-4) M) it caused a time-dependent attenuation of responses induced by either electrical field stimulation or exogenously applied acetylcholine or substance P. CONCLUSIONS: MBS had no direct contractile responses but enhanced bronchoconstriction induced by activation of non-cholinergic neural pathways in the bronchus, probably through increased release of neuropeptides. At high concentrations MBS inhibited contractile responses initiated by receptor or neural stimulation.

Acetylcholine↗

Effects of neuropeptides on human lung fibroblast proliferation and chemotaxis.

An increase in subepithelial mesenchymal cells and associated connective tissue is a feature of bronchial asthma. We determined whether neuropeptides could modulate fibroblast activity, particularly with respect to proliferation and chemotaxis. Human lung fibroblasts were cultured with neurokinin A (NKA), substance P (SP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), and calcitonin-gene-related peptide (CGRP). After 48 h, fibroblast proliferation was measured by a colorimetric assay based on the uptake and subsequent release of methylene blue. The chemotactic response to neuropeptides was determined with the use of a modified Boyden chamber. Both NKA and SP (10(-7)-10(-4) M) stimulated human lung fibroblast proliferation in HFL1 and IMR-90 fibroblasts. VIP and CGRP had no effect on fibroblast proliferation. NKA alone stimulated fibroblast chemotaxis maximally at 10(-10) M. Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity of 0.52 and 5.2 pmol/10(6) cells was assayed in IMR-90 and Hs68 fibroblasts, respectively. Phosphoramidon (5 x 10(-6)-10(-5) M), an NEP inhibitor, enhanced fibroblast proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Thus neuropeptides have the potential to cause activation of mesenchymal cells, and neuropeptide release may contribute to the structural abnormalities observed in asthmatic airways.

Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide↗

Corticosteroid inhibition of macrophage inflammatory protein-1 alpha in human monocytes and alveolar macrophages.

One of the major inducible cytokines secreted by mononuclear phagocytes is macrophage inflammatory protein 1 (MIP-1), which consists of two homologous polypeptides, MIP-1 alpha and MIP-1 beta. MIP-1 alpha possesses chemotactic and stimulatory activities for lymphocytes, eosinophils, and monocytes and may play a role in various pulmonary inflammatory conditions. We investigated the expression and release of MIP-1 alpha from human peripheral blood monocytes (PBM) and alveolar macrophages (AM) after stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta), tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma and the inhibitory effects of corticosteroids. LPS and IL-1 beta only enhanced MIP-1 alpha mRNA and protein in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. Dexamethasone (10(-9) to 10(-4) M) inhibited the basal and induced production and expression of MIP-1 alpha. In PBM, dexamethasone (10(-6) M) reduced LPS- and IL-1 beta-stimulated production of MIP-1 alpha protein by 50 and 63%, respectively, maximally at 24 h, whereas the inhibition of mRNA expression occurred maximally at 4 h. Similar trends were observed for AM. MIP-1 alpha mRNA decay was only slightly decreased in the presence of dexamethasone. Inhibition of LPS-induced MIP-1 alpha mRNA by dexamethasone was attenuated by the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide, indicating the involvement of a protein intermediate. Corticosteroids are a potent inhibitor of IL-1 beta- and LPS-induced expression of MIP-1 alpha through mechanisms involving mainly inhibition of transcription and to a minor degree by reducing mRNA stability. Corticosteroids may be effective anti-inflammatory agents by preventing the expression of chemokines such as MIP-1 alpha.

Base Sequence↗

Ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness: role of superoxide anions, NEP, and BK receptors.

We investigated the role of reactive oxygen species in ozone-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in Brown Norway rats. Airway responsiveness to inhaled acetylcholine (ACh) and bradykinin (BK) and inflammatory cell recruitment in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured in vivo. Neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity assay and measurement of BK-receptor binding sites in Brown Norway rat lungs were carried out in vitro. Apocynin (5 mg/kg), an inhibitor of superoxide anion-generating NADPH oxidase, was administered perorally 30 min before a 3- or 6-h exposure to 3 ppm of ozone, and the animals were studied 18-24 h postexposure. Ozone induced increases in airway responsiveness to ACh and BK and in neutrophil counts in BALF. Apocynin inhibited the increase in airway responsiveness to BK but not to ACh without affecting the neutrophil counts in BALF. The antioxidants allopurinol and deferoxamine prevented ozone-induced AHR to both ACh and BK but did not reduce neutrophil counts. To further examine the mechanisms of ozone-induced AHR to BK, we measured NEP activity and the density of BK receptors in vitro after ozone exposure. Ozone exposure had no significant effect either on NEP activity or on the affinity and the number of BK receptors in lungs from rats treated with or without apocynin. We conclude that superoxide anions released from inflammatory cells in the airway may be involved in ozone-induced AHR. Inactivation of NEP or upregulation of BK receptors do not appear to be involved, but the possibility of localized changes cannot be excluded.

Acetylcholine↗

Role of neutral endopeptidase in bronchial hyperresponsiveness to bradykinin induced by IL-1 beta.

Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) induces bronchial hyperresponsiveness (BHR) to bradykinin but not to acetylcholine. We examined whether this was mediated through the inhibition of neutral endopeptidase (NEP) activity and/or through the enhancement of airway microvascular leakage (AML) by IL-1 beta. We administered human recombinant IL-1 beta (500 U) or saline intratracheally and 24 h later measured the airway responses to bradykinin (1 mM; 45 breaths). IL-1 beta-treated rats showed a decrease of 18.5 and 21.1% of NEP activity in the lungs and tracheobronchial tree, respectively (P < 0.05), associated with an augmented response in total lung resistance to bradykinin but with no increase in Evans blue dye extravasation used as a marker of AML. Phosphoramidon (0.1 and 1 mM; 90 breaths), an NEP inhibitor, induced a dose-dependent increase in lung resistance to bradykinin without further enhancing BHR induced by IL-1 beta. Bradykinin-induced AML was not enhanced by phosphoramidon in either saline- or IL-1 beta-treated rats. Similarly, after captopril (1 mM; 90 breaths), an inhibitor of angiotensin-converting enzyme, there was no further enhancement of BHR to bradykinin induced by IL-1 beta. BHR to bradykinin induced by IL-1 beta may result from an inhibition of peptidase activity, such as NEP and angiotensin-converting enzyme, and is not associated with an enhancement of AML.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Capsazepine inhibits cough induced by capsaicin and citric acid but not by hypertonic saline in guinea pigs.

Acidic solutions mimick many of the effects of capsaicin (Cap), including pain, bronchoconstriction, cough, and sensory neuropeptide release. Evidence from the use of the Cap antagonist capsazepine suggests that in some cases protons act at the Cap receptor. In the present study, we have investigated whether cough evoked by Cap and citric acid (CA) is mediated specifically via the Cap receptor on airway sensory nerves. We have examined the effects of capsazepine on Cap-, CA-, and hypertonic saline-induced cough and also on CA-induced nasal irritation in awake guinea pigs. Capsazepine was nebulized for 5 min before cough challenges with Cap for 5 min and CA for 10 min. Control animals were pretreated with vehicle alone. Capsazepine (100 microM) inhibited the cough response to 30 microM Cap from 0.77 +/- 0.14 coughs/min in control animals to 0.23 +/- 0.08 coughs/min (P < 0.05) and to 80 microM Cap from 1.4 +/- 0.23 to 0.3 +/- 0.11 coughs/min (P < 0.01). There was no effect, however, of lower concentrations of capsazepine (5 and 10 microM) against Cap-evoked cough. At a concentration of 100 microM, capsazepine also inhibited the coughing induced by 0.25 M CA from 1.8 +/- 0.26 to 0.93 +/- 0.31 coughs/min (P < 0.05) but not that induced by 0.5 M CA. Nasal irritation induced by 0.25 M CA, but not by 0.5 M CA, was also inhibited by capsazepine from 2.47 +/- 0.37 to 0.75 +/- 0.31 nose wipes/min (P < 0.05). This inhibitory effect of capsazepine did not appear to reflect a nonspecific suppression of the cough reflex, since cough evoked by exposure to hypertonic (7%) saline for 10 min was unaffected by pretreatment with capsazepine (100 microM). These data show that capsazepine is a specific inhibitor of Cap- and CA-induced cough in guinea pigs. Moreover, they suggest that low pH stimuli evoke cough and nasal irritation by an action at the Cap receptor, either directly or through the release of an intermediate agent.

Animals↗

Effect of a novel potent platelet-activating factor antagonist, modipafant, in clinical asthma.

Platelet-activating factor (PAF), proposed as an important inflammatory mediator in asthma, reproduces several of the features of asthma, such as microvascular leakage, mucus secretion, bronchoconstriction, and possibly increased airway responsiveness. Modipafant (UK-80,067) is the (+)-enantiomer of UK-74,505, a potent and specific PAF antagonist. We have assessed the effect of modipafant over 28 d in adult subjects with moderately severe asthma in a placebo-controlled parallel group study. A total of 218 patients with asthma were enrolled into the single-blind run-in, of whom 120 (93 males and 27 females, mean age 41.0 yr) entered the double-blind treatment phase after demonstrating symptomatic asthma in the final week of the single-blind run-in phase. Patients could take up to 1600 micrograms inhaled corticosteroid and an inhaled beta 2 agonist as rescue medication. A total of 59 patients with asthma took modipafant (one 50 mg capsule twice daily), and 61 took matched placebo. There was no significant difference between placebo and modipafant in diurnal variation in PEF, morning and evening PEF, clinic FEV1, rescue bronchodilator usage, symptom score, or airway responsiveness. We previously showed that the racemate UK-74,505 had no effect on antigen challenge, and this study shows that the active (+)-enantiomer modipafant has no effect in chronic asthma. This suggests that PAF is not an important mediator in asthma.

Adult↗

Salbutamol inhibits pulmonary effects of platelet activating factor in man.

Inhaled platelet-activating factor (PAF) provokes considerable pulmonary gas exchange disturbances in normal man and in patients with mild asthma, similar to those observed in acute severe asthma. To further examine the mechanisms involved in PAF-induced ventilation-perfusion (VA/Q) mismatch, eight healthy, non-atopic, nonsmoking subjects were studied after administration of PAF aerosol (24 micrograms). They had been previously treated with inhaled salbutamol (300 micrograms) in a randomized, double-blind, cross-over, placebo-controlled design. After placebo, PAF provoked a fall in total arterial white cell count with a rebound leukocytosis. As shown in a previous study, an overall index of VA/Q inequality (DISP R-E*, 1.64 +/- 0.10) showed a threefold increase (P < 0.006) that accounted for the increase (79%) in AaPO2 (p < 0.04) after PAF, while the respiratory system resistance (Rrs) rose by 16% (p < 0.02). In contrast, after pretreatment with salbutamol inhaled PAF had no effects on pulmonary gas exchange, Rrs, or white cell count; facial flushing and cough were also hindered. The results are consistent with the hypothesis that salbutamol inhibits PAF-induced venoconstriction in both the airway and pulmonary microcirculation.

Administration, Inhalation↗

Immunomodulation by theophylline in asthma. Demonstration by withdrawal of therapy.

Theophylline is the most widely used anti-asthma drug worldwide and is classified as a bronchodilator, although there is increasing evidence that it may have immunomodulatory effects. We have investigated the effects of theophylline withdrawal under placebo control in 27 asthmatic patients (25 to 70 yr) treated with long-term theophylline who were also treated with high dose inhaled corticosteroids. We measured asthma symptoms (diary card), lung function (spirometry and home records of peak expiratory flow), and peripheral leukocyte populations using dual color flow cytometry. In eight of these patients, we examined fiberoptic bronchial biopsies by immunocytochemistry. We also studied peripheral blood lymphocytes in eight asthmatic patients who have never received theophylline. Mean steady state plasma theophylline concentrations during theophylline therapy were 8.6 +/- 0.9 mg/L. Theophylline withdrawal was associated with a significant increase in asthma symptoms, particularly at night, and a fall in spirometry and morning peak flow. This was accompanied by a significant fall in peripheral blood monocytes (CD14+, activated CD4+ T-lymphocytes (CD4+/CD25+) and activated CD8+ T-cells (CD8+/HLA-DR+) in patients with a plasma theophylline > 5 mg/L. The lymphocyte populations in theophylline-naive patients were similar to those found after theophylline withdrawal. Bronchial biopsies showed a mirror image of the peripheral blood with an increase in CD4+ and CD8+ lymphocytes in the airway. Chronic treatment with theophylline, even at low plasma concentrations, controls asthma symptoms and has effects on T-lymphocyte populations in the peripheral blood which are the inverse of those observed in the airways.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Adjuvants, Immunologic↗