Niveles salivales de teofilina en niños asmáticos: una alternativa para el monitoreo terapéutico / Salivary levels on theofilin asthmatic children: alternative for terapeutic monitory

Con el objetivo de evaluar la aplicabilidad del monitoreo terapeútico de teofilina en muestras de saliva, se estudió la relación entre niveles séricos y salivales de la droga en un grupo de 20 niños asmáticos entre 7 y 18 años de edad, en tratamiento con una teofilina de liberación lenta. En muestras simultáneas de sangre y de saliva extraídas en estado estacionario y 6 horas después de una dosis se encontró una relación lineal, con una correlación significativa (r=0,96, SD 1,4 mcg/ml). Si bien se obtuvo una buena correlación entre niveles séricos y salivales, la variabilidad del 56%del rango terapeútico, no ofrece la precisión requerida para estimar niveles séricos de teofilina a partir de niveles salivales

Niveles salivales de teofilina en niños asmáticos: una alternativa para el monitoreo terapéutico / Salivary levels on theofilin asthmatic children: alternative for terapeutic monitory

Con el objetivo de evaluar la aplicabilidad del monitoreo terapeútico de teofilina en muestras de saliva, se estudió la relación entre niveles séricos y salivales de la droga en un grupo de 20 niños asmáticos entre 7 y 18 años de edad, en tratamiento con una teofilina de liberación lenta. En muestras simultáneas de sangre y de saliva extraídas en estado estacionario y 6 horas después de una dosis se encontró una relación lineal, con una correlación significativa (r=0,96, SD 1,4 mcg/ml). Si bien se obtuvo una buena correlación entre niveles séricos y salivales, la variabilidad del 56%del rango terapeútico, no ofrece la precisión requerida para estimar niveles séricos de teofilina a partir de niveles salivales

Relationships between the biochemical composition of both free smooth surface and approximal plaque and salivary composition and a 24-hour retrospective dietary history of sugar intake in adolescents.

The relationships between the composition of both free smooth surface and approximal plaque and salivary composition and sugar intake assessed from a retrospective 24-hour dietary history were investigated. The inorganic phosphorus concentrations of both types of plaque collected from the permanent dentition were directly related to concentrations in stimulated whole saliva of 45 males aged 12-13 years. The calcium, inorganic phosphorus, water-soluble carbohydrate and protein concentrations of free smooth surface plaque were related to both the time since the last reported sugar intake and the amount of sugar and number of sugar intakes consumed in the previous 24 h as assessed from the retrospective diet histories of 75 females aged 14-15 years. A similar relationship with the reported time since sugar was observed for the calcium and carbohydrate concentrations in approximal plaque, but an association with the reported 24-hour sugar intake was not observed. Fewer statistically significant correlation coefficients were observed between the composition of both types of plaque and the reported sugar intake in the male subjects. The results indicate that the composition of both types of plaque are related to the composition of saliva and the time elapsed since the last sugar intake, but the relationship between the composition of plaque and sugar intake may differ between free smooth surface and approximal plaque.

[Therapeutic research on kidney-tonifying herbs on the adrenocortical function in the aged].

The authors have observed the aging change of the adrenocortical function and the effect of the Kidney-tonifying herbs on such a change. The result showed that there was no statistical difference in the plasma cortisol levels between the aged and the young persons, and so was in the plasma corticosterone levels between the aged and the young rats. As the circulating steroids level depends on the balance of the secretion ability of the adrenal cortex and the peripheral degradation rate of the hormone, the authors measured the corticosterone concentration of the culture solution of the adrenocortical cells in vitro of the rats with different age to observe the secretion ability of the adrenocortical cell exclusively. The result showed that the corticosteróne concentration was significantly lower in the culture solution of the adrenocortical cell of the aged rats than that of the young rats, which suggests that the secretion ability of the adrenal cortex declines with aging. In addition, the authors determined the reserve power of the adrenal cortex with different age and found that the increased multiple of the salivary cortisol concentration 60 minutes after the stimulation of ACTH analogue was markedly lower in the aged persons than that in the young persons. The response of the cultured adrenocortical cells to secret corticosterone to the stimulation of ACTH analogue was also significantly lower in the aged rats than that in the young rats, which suggests that the reserve power of the adrenal cortex was also decreased with aging.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Study on the mechanism of denuded tongue coating due to yin deficiency].

Denuded tongue coating is an important sign of serious Yin deficiency. The total number of exfoliated cells increased in the imprint of a Yin-deficient tongue. Not only the cells of the superficial layer but those of the middle layer appeared. Many necrotic cells could also be seen. This picture showed that the cell exfoliation rate of a Yin-deficient tongue was faster than in a normal tongue, caused chiefly by the degeneration and necrosis of the epithelial cells. It is believed that cell necrosis is the principal feature of the Yin-deficient tongue. This is in accordance with the TCM theory that denuded tongue coating is due to exhaustion of Yin fluid. Study on lingual morphology: The filiform papillae disappeared in slices of Yin-deficient tongue. The fungiform papillae had atrophied, the number of strata of epithelial cells reduced, and there were no complete keratinocytes or granules, tonofilaments and membrane coating granules in the cytoplasm. Observation of the microcirculation of fungiform papillae of a Yin-deficient tongue showed: the structure of vessels was abnormal, blood flowed slowly, red blood cells aggregated and the vessels dilated. Microcirculation of the blood was stagnant. The disturbance of microcirculation could accelerate the abnormal metabolism of lingual epithelial cells and cell necrosis, resulting in denuded tongue coating. Analysis of salivary zinc level: The salivary zinc level (0.232 micrograms/ml) of the patients with Yin-deficient tongue was significantly higher than that of healthy subjects (0.099 micrograms/ml). Zinc can affect the formation and function of nuclear spindle in cellular mitosis. The change of zinc level may be a pathogenic factor in Yin-deficient tongue.

Self-regulation of salivary immunoglobulin A by children.

In a prospective randomized controlled study, the possibility that children could regulate their own salivary immunoglobulins was investigated using cyberphysiologic techniques. Fifty-seven children were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Group A subjects learned self-hypnosis with permission to increase immune substances in saliva as they chose; group B subjects learned self-hypnosis with specific suggestions for control of saliva immunoglobulins; group C subjects were given no instructions but received equal attention time. At the first visit, saliva samples (baseline) were collected, and each child looked at a videotape concerning the immune system and was tested with the Stanford Children's Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale. At the second visit, an initial saliva sample was collected prior to 30 minutes of self-hypnosis practice or conversation. At the conclusion of the experiment, a third saliva sample was obtained. Salivary IgA and IgG levels for all groups were stable from the first to the second sampling. Children in group B demonstrated a significant increase in IgA (P less than .01) during the experimental period. There were no significant changes in IgG. Stanford Children's Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale scores were stable across groups and did not relate to immunoglobulin changes.

[Use of an anti-H extract of elder berries in the absorption-elution reaction during the examination of blood stains, saliva and sperm]. / Primenenie v reaktsii absorbtsii-éliutsii èkstrakta anti-H iz plodov buziny travianistoi pri issledovanii piaten krovi, sliuny i spermy.

Parameters of using anti-H extract from elder berries in absorbtion-elution reaction in order to detect H antigen in blood and excretion stains were established.

Effect of eating cheese on Ca and P concentrations of whole mouth saliva and plaque.

A study was undertaken to examine the release of calcium and phosphate from cheese during mastication. Unstimulated saliva was collected for baseline analysis in the initial study followed by saliva collection after chewing different cheeses with and without biscuits. In the second study, volunteers who had abstained from tooth cleaning for 24 h had plaque samples taken from two quadrants, they then chewed cheese in their own personal eating manner, and a second sample of plaque was taken within 5 min. The results showed that the calcium ion concentration of the oral fluids rose from a mean of 30 micrograms/ml to between 200 and 540 micrograms/ml, depending on the type of cheese, but the phosphate concentration fell below baseline. The release of both ions tended to be less when the cheese was eaten with a biscuit. In the second study a highly significant rise in plaque calcium concentration was shown after eating cheese, but no consistent change in phosphate level was found. Acidic soft drinks, following eating, tended to reduce the plaque calcium levels, but no consistent change was found if tea or coffee was taken following the cheese consumption. It is suggested, from these findings, that cheese eaten alone at the very end of a meal raises plaque calcium and might be effective in reducing dental caries.

Parotid salivary gland of the African elephant (Loxodonta africana): structure and composition of saliva.

Specimens from parotid salivary glands of full-grown elephant (Loxodonta africana) a (n=6) and saliva aspirated from their main excretory ducts were examined macroscopically and microscopically and analyzed biochemically. The composition of the saliva was compared to that of the blood. The parotids (n=12; mean = 7.4 kg) are homocrine and of a seromucous nature. Myoepithelial cells are well-developed along intercalated ducts and their processes extend to proximal portions of allied acini. The saliva is hypotonic and contains relatively low concentrations of sodium and glucose and high concentrations of potassium, urea, calcium and phosphorus. Absence of detectable levels of alpha-amylase negates a digestive role and the voluminous secrete evidently aids swallowing by moisturising and lubricating the large mass of ingested leaves, grass and bark.

The effects of progesterone receptor blockade in the luteal phase of normal fertile women.

The effects of a single, variable dose (5 to 200 mg) of RU38486 (RU486) (Roussel-Uclaf, Paris, France) in the first half of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle were studied in 30 normal fertile volunteers. Quantitative histologic techniques were employed, and the results were compared with normal ranges derived from a separate, normal, fertile population. It was found that RU486 inhibited glandular secretory activity, accelerated degenerative changes, induced various vascular changes, increased stromal but not glandular mitotic activity, and did not affect the predecidual reaction. The superiority of morphometric analysis over traditional dating criteria was demonstrated in this study of endometrial responses to an exogenously administered agent. In addition, it was found that temperature drop occurred in 56%, menstrual induction in 43%, luteolysis in 24%, mood change in 23%, and thirst sensation in 3% of women studied. Both menstrual induction and changes in hypothalamic function after the administration of RU486 occurred independently of luteolysis and so were likely to be the direct result of progesterone receptor blockade in these organs. Menstrual induction was significantly related to the dose given and the day on which RU486 was administered. Mood change was significantly related to the day on which RU486 was given. Most of the effects of RU486 occurred around 48 hours after its administration.

PIP: The effects of a single, variable dose (5-200 mg) of RU38486 (RU486; Roussel-Uclaf, Paris, France) in the 1st 1/2 of the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle were studied in 30 normal fertile volunteers. Quantitative histologic techniques were employed, and the results were compared with normal ranges derived from a separate, normal, fertile population. It was found that RU486 inhibited glandular secretory activity, accelerated degenerative changes, induced various vascular changes, increased stromal but not glandular mitotic activity, and did not affect the predecidual reaction. The superiority of morphometric analysis over traditional dating criteria was demonstrated in this study of endometrial responses to an exogenously administered agent. In addition, it was found that temperature drop occurred in 56%, menstrual induction in 43%, luteolysis in 24%, mood change in 23%, and thirst sensation in 3% of the women studied. Both menstrual induction and changes in hypothalamic function after the administration of RU486 occurred independently of luteolysis and thus were likely to be the direct result of progesterone receptor blockade in these organs. Menstrual induction was significantly related to the dose given and the day on which RU486 was administered. Mood change was significantly related to the day on which RU486 was given. Most of its effects occurred around 48 hours after administration.

Role of salivary epidermal growth factor in the maintenance of physicochemical characteristics of oral and gastric mucosal mucus coat.

The involvement of salivary epidermal growth factor (EGF) in the maintenance of oral and gastric mucosal mucus coat dimension and chemical characteristics was investigated using sialoadenectomized rats. Examination of the oral and gastric mucosal surface by phase contrast microscopy and Alcian blue uptake revealed that deprivation of salivary EGF caused a 31-36% reduction in mucus coat thickness and a 38-43% reduction in adherent mucin content. Chemical analyses indicated that the mucus coat of sialoadenectomized group exhibited a 21-28% increase in protein and a 67% decrease in covalently bound fatty acids, a 30% decrease in carbohydrates, and a 32-37% decrease in lipids. Sialoadenectomy also evoked changes in the chemical composition of mucus glycoprotein component of oral and gastric mucus coat reflected in the lower content of sulfate (25-26%), associated lipids (24-25%), and covalently bound fatty acids (67-75%). Intragastric supplementation of EGF had no effect on the physicochemical changes caused by sialoadenectomy in the oral mucosal mucus coat, while nearly complete restoration to normal characteristics occurred in the gastric mucosal mucus coat. The results suggest that salivary EGF is essential for the maintenance of mucus coat dimension and quality needed in the protection of alimentary tract epithelium.

Metronidazole clearance: a one-sample method and influencing factors.

After 96 administrations of metronidazole to 36 subjects, it was found that the clearance could be determined from one plasma sample, the dose, and a volume of distribution estimated from sex, age, body weight, and height, without loss of precision and accuracy compared with conventional clearance determinations (r greater than 0.97). In 230 sample pairs the plasma and saliva concentrations of metronidazole were identical (r = 0.99). In 119 subjects the one-sample clearance of metronidazole was unimodally distributed. Body weight (r = 0.28) and the alcohol consumption (r = 0.23) correlated with the metronidazole clearance. In the same subjects the consumption of tobacco (r = 0.28), alcohol (r = -0.19), coffee/tea (r = 0.27), age (r = -0.24), and sex (r = 0.28) correlated with the antipyrine clearance. The clearances of metronidazole and antipyrine were correlated (r = 0.34). The differential influence of the environmental factors on the elimination rates supports differential metabolism of metronidazole and antipyrine.

Saliva concentrations of some selected proteins and glycoprotein markers in man after supplementary intake of beta-carotene.

Vitamin A has profound effects on cell biology, morphology and function of excretory cells. In the present study we investigated the effect of supplementation with beta-carotene (provitamin A) on the secretion of salivary glycoproteins and some antibacterial components. Eighty-nine men, drawn from a larger double-blind pilot study among Finnish men of a high socio-economic standard, participated in this study which lasted for 60 days. The men were allocated either to beta-carotene supplementation of 20 mg a day or to placebo treatment. At the end of the study samples of stimulated whole and parotid saliva were collected and examined for total protein as well as hexosamine, sialic acid, thiocyanate and the activity of salivary peroxidase. The secretion rate of whole saliva was calculated and the activities of lysozyme, a bacteria aggregating glycoprotein (BAGP) and secretory IgA were measured in parotid saliva. Significantly higher levels of beta-carotene, but not retinol, were found in serum and whole saliva in the beta-carotene group compared to the placebo group. Retinol or beta-carotene could not be detected in parotid saliva. No difference was found either in saliva secretion rate or in the composition of whole or parotid saliva between the beta-carotene and the placebo group.

Selenium and glutathione peroxidase in human saliva and other human body fluids.

Human body fluids such as mixed saliva, erythrocyte, plasma and mature breast milk were analysed for selenium (Se) and Se-dependent glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), which is the only active form of Se known in man. Selenium-dependent GSH-Px activity was detected for the first time in human mixed saliva. Body fluid GSH-Px, Se and protein contents expressed in terms of volume increased in the order, saliva less than milk less than plasma less than erythrocyte. However, the sequence of increase for GSH-Px (U/mg protein) and GSH-Px-bound Se (%) was plasma less than milk less than erythrocyte less than saliva, and that for Se (ng/mg protein) was erythrocyte less than saliva less than plasma less than milk. Significant positive correlations were found between GSH-Px and Se contents and between protein and Se contents expressed per volume for human saliva, erythrocyte and the whole human fluids investigated. Positive correlations between erythrocyte and plasma Se (ng/mg protein) and between plasma and saliva GSH-Px-bound Se (%) were also significant.

[Psoriasis. Sodium, potassium, chloride--analysis in sweat, saliva and urine--selective ultraviolet phototherapy]. / Psoriasis. Natrium, Kalium, Chloride--Analysen im Schweiss, Speichel und Urin--Selektive Ultraviolett Phototherapie (SUP).

It has been recognised that the sweat (extracellular area) excreted from those affected with psoriasis contains twice the amount of sodium and four times the amount of potassium in comparison to those not affected with psoriasis. According to Saalmann, after HUV therapy (SUP) there is a significant reduction of the saliva sodium content (intercellular area) not only with psoriasis patients, but with all other patients receiving radiation therapy as well. This result has never before been described in the literature. Therefore, on the one hand, completely new aspects of psoriasis and therapy can be recognized, and on the other hand, of the effects of SUP.

Separation of human IgA1 and IgA2 using jacalin-agarose chromatography.

A lectin isolated from the tropical jackfruit, jacalin, previously reported to precipitate human immunoglobulin A (IgA), and conjugated to agarose was used to separate the two subclasses of IgA from secretions. Jacalin-agarose binds specifically to the D-galactose moiety of IgA1 but not to IgA2 which has a different carbohydrate content and structure. IgA2 passed through the jacalin-agarose column and was collected in the void volume. IgA1 was eluted from the lectin by 0.8 M galactose. Of a representative diluted anti-alpha chain-purified colostral IgA preparation containing 50.2 micrograms IgA1 and 55.8 micrograms IgA2, 40.3 micrograms IgA1 (80.3% of the original) and 49.6 micrograms IgA2 (88.9%) was collected following jacalin-agarose chromatography. The jacalin-purified IgA1 fraction contained 8.0% IgA2 and the IgA2 fraction contained no IgA1. In addition, the IgA1 and IgA2 fractions had naturally occurring antibody activity to a normal oral bacterium. The method is easy, reproducible and specific and has many applications to mucosal immunological investigations.

X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic studies of the adsorption of salivary constituents on enamel.

Time-dependent change of adsorption of salivary components on the outermost surface layer of enamel was studied by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. Adsorption of proteinaceous components, as monitored in terms of the relative mass of nitrogen, was detected within 30 min, increased with time, and reached a plateau at 90 min. Thus, the ratio of nitrogen to calcium in the two-hour sample increased to about 240 times that in the control sample. The ratio of carbon to nitrogen on the surface decreased to about one-half of that in the control sample. The data established the time required for equilibrium between the proteinaceous component in saliva and the amount of material adsorbed onto the tooth surface.