Characterization of the tachykinin NK2 receptor in the human bronchus: influence of amastatin-sensitive metabolic pathways.

1. The aim of this study was to characterize the tachykinin NK2 receptor subtype mediating the spasmogenic response in the human isolated bronchus. The motor response to neurokinin A (NKA) and the selective NK2 agonist [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10), as well as the antagonistic effects of cyclic (L659,877) and linear (MEN 10376) peptide NK2 antagonists were assessed in the presence or absence of amastatin (an inhibitor of aminopeptidases A and M). 2. NKA was more potent than [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10) in eliciting bronchoconstriction (pD2 being 7,43 and 6,87 respectively). In the presence of amastatin (1 microM), the estimated affinity of [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10), but not that of NKA, was significantly increased to yield a pD2 of 7,44. 3. L659,877 and MEN 10376 inhibited [beta Ala8]NKA(4-10)-induced contraction with similar affinities; pA2 values were 5.7 +/- 0.22 and 6.3 +/- 0.32, respectively. Amastatin (1 microM) increased the potency of MEN 10376 to 7.28 +/- 0.46, whereas that of L659,877 was unaffected. 4. In the presence of amastatin the pseudopeptide MDL 28,564 behaved as a partial agonist. 5. We conclude that the NK2 receptor subtype present in the human bronchus has properties similar to those described for the circular muscle of the human colon and thus may be classified as a 'NK2A' subtype. We show that the apparent potency of peptides, bearing N-terminal acidic residues, is influenced by an amastatin-sensitive peptidase, possibly aminopeptidase A.

Therapeutic approach in pulmonary mycetoma. Analysis of 27 patients.

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary mycetoma is a characteristic clinical-radiological lesion due to colonization of aspergillus or candida species in pre-existing pulmonary cavities following a number of diseases. METHODS: We revisited 27 records of such admitted patients (19 M, 8 F; range age 16-27 yrs) analysing diagnostic approach and therapy. Predisposing conditions were sequelae of tuberculosis or lung abscess, bronchiectasis, bullous emphysema, leukaemia/ lymphoma, diabetes mellitus, corticosteroids and/or immunosuppressant administration and antiblastic chemotherapy. All patients had a characteristic chest X-ray and the most common symptoms were cough and haemoptysis. Diagnosis of pulmonary mycetoma was based on positive sputum culture for aspergillus or candida species and/or positive result for aspergillus precipitin test. Eleven patients received only medical treatment, eight pts only a surgical one and eight patients both medical and surgical ones. Antifungal drugs administered were itraconazole or amphotericin B or fluconazole. RESULTS: In the follow-up, six out of eleven patients who had received only medical treatment, cannot be found; five patients or their relatives were interviewed by phone: two of them enjoyed good health and three had died. Sixteen patients underwent thoracic surgery and one of them died because of postsurgical complications. In the follow-up, only nine patients out of this last group were interviewed by phone 2 to 8 years after surgery: seven of them enjoyed good health while two patients had died because of disease not related to pulmonary mycetoma. CONCLUSIONS: Aspergilloma treatment is related to the extension of disease and clinical conditions of patients but surgical resection associated with drug administration, when possible, is the treatment of choice.

[Intrathoracic meningocele. A case report and review of the literature]. / Il meningocele intratoracico. Descrizione di un caso e revisione della letteratura.

In this article the Authors describe a case of intrathoracic meningocele. That was diagnosed in a young asymptomatic woman after surgical resection. After a complete and accurate review of the literature, the Authors underline the rarity of the find while they also note the association of this pathology with Von Recklinghausen's neurofibromatosis. They also discuss etiology and clinical diagnostic aspects as well. In conclusion the Authors insist that with new diagnostic imaging techniques available today it is possible to accurately diagnose this disease preoperatively in most patients. This fact along with improved therapeutic regimens makes surgical excision almost free from the complications that were at one time observed.