运动性哮喘患者中嗜酸细胞、T淋巴细胞、白三烯作用的研究

目的探讨嗜酸细胞、T淋巴细胞、白三烯和运动性哮喘(EIA)的关系.方法分别测定13例运动性哮喘患者和19例非运动性哮喘患者运动前、后血清中的嗜酸细胞阳离子蛋白(ECP)浓度和白细胞介素4(IL-4)mRNA和白细胞介素5(IL-5)mRNA值以及外周血CD+25T淋巴细胞占总淋巴细胞的百分比(CD+25%);另外测定22例运动性哮喘患者运动前和运动后2h尿液中白三烯E4(LTE4)浓度,给予白三烯受体拮抗剂扎鲁斯特治疗;并与正常对照组进行对照.结果哮喘患者运动前ECP和CD+25%与一秒钟用力呼气容积(FEV1)呈负相关(r分别为-0.79、-0.61,P均<0.01).运动性哮喘组与非运动性哮喘组之间IL-4mRNA、IL-5mRNA、CD+25%、ECP在运动前、运动后10和60min比较差异无显著性(P>0.05).运动性哮喘组、非运动性哮喘组、对照组之间最大分钟通气量(Emax)分别为(73.6±34.2)L/min、(69.1±22.1)L/min、(59.6±23.5)L/min,组间比较差异无显著性(P均>0.05).运动性哮喘组运动2h后尿液中LTE4浓度为(225.7±97.4)ng/L与运动前(152.9±89.4)ng/L比较,差异有显著性(P<0.01);服用扎鲁斯特后,运动性哮喘运动后反应与用药前比较明显减轻,其中运动后1h内FEV1下降与时间形成的曲线下面积[AUC0～60min(用药前为1.0用药后为0.3)]、运动后FEV1恢复至运动前所需时间(用药前为75min∶用药后为45min)、运动前、后FEV1下降的百分比(用药前为-22.9%∶用药后为-6.9%,P均<0.01).结论过度通气并非EIA形成的主要因素;T淋巴细胞的激活以及主要由Th2细胞分泌的细胞因子IL-4、IL-5,嗜酸细胞分泌的ECP在EIA的发生中未起主导作用;白三烯在运动性哮喘的发生中起到重要作用.     

血小板活化在哮喘发病中的意义

目的　探讨血小板活化在哮喘发病中的作用。方法　利用酶联免疫法及流式细胞仪分别测定 6 2例哮喘患者和 18名正常对照者血浆 11 去氢血栓烷B2 (11 DH TXB2 )、血栓烷 (TXB2 )浓度和血小板膜CD 6 2P的表达情况 ,并利用荧光酶联免疫法测定部分血清嗜酸细胞阳离子蛋白 (ECP)水平。结果　症状性哮喘组血浆 11 DH TXB2 浓度为 (33 2± 2 7)ng/L ,血小板CD 6 2P阳性百分比为 (2 3 8±3 0 ) % ,平均荧光强度为 2 75± 0 2 9;与健康对照组和缓解组比较差异有显著性 (P分别 <0 0 1、<0 0 5 )。缓解期哮喘与健康对照组比较仅血浆 11 DH TXB2 浓度差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5 )。哮喘发作时血小板活化水平与血清ECP及一秒钟用力呼气容积占预计值百分比 (FEV1占预计值百分比 )、最大呼气流量 (PEF)相关。结论　哮喘发作时存在血小板的异常活化 ,其活化程度与哮喘气道炎症及病情有一定相关性 ,血小板可能通过影响嗜酸细胞功能参与哮喘的发病     

哮喘患者肺段过敏原激发试验后淋巴细胞白细胞介素-4受体的变化

目的　了解白细胞介素 4受体 (IL 4R)在过敏性哮喘中的作用。方法　将研究对象分为过敏性哮喘组 (8例 )和对照组 (8例 ) ,哮喘患者行肺段过敏原激发试验 (SAP) ,分离正常人及哮喘患者SAP前和SAP 18h后的外周血单个核细胞 (PBMC) ,取 1× 10 6个细胞培养 2 4h及 48h ,利用流式细胞仪及酶联免疫吸附试验分别测细胞膜IL 4Rα和上清液中的可溶性IL 4Rα。结果　哮喘患者SAP前CD19+ 淋巴细胞IL 4Rα表达阳性率为 (72 .6± 12 .9) % ,明显低于对照组的 (87.9± 5 .6) % ;2 4h培养后CD3 + 及CD4+ 淋巴细胞IL 4Rα表达阳性率分别为 (2 7.2± 8.6) %及 (3 4.3± 11.2 ) % ,明显高于对照组的 (16.4± 6.0 ) %和 (2 0 .0± 8.1) %。SAP后CD3 + 及CD4+ 淋巴细胞IL 4Rα表达阳性率分别为 (2 8.6± 9.8) %及 (3 6.2± 13 .4) %较SAP前的 (17.2± 7.2 ) %和 (2 4.1±9.8) %明显升高 ;且 2 4h培养后PBMC产生可溶性IL 4Rα为 (2 .5 4± 3 .47) pg/ml较SAP前(72 .40± 5 6.86) pg/ml明显减少 (P <0 .0 5 )。 结论　外周血淋巴细胞IL 4Rα的上调及产生可溶性IL 4Rα的能力下降可能在过敏性哮喘发病过程中起重要作用     

老年非小细胞肺癌患者外周血T淋巴细胞活化抗原表达的临床研究

目的　观察老年非小细胞肺癌患者外周血T淋巴细胞活化抗原CD3+ /CD2 5 + 、CD3+ /HLA DR+ 和CD3+ /CD6 9+ 的表达。　方法　应用流式细胞双色免疫荧光标记术对 4 5例老年肺癌患者上述 3种外周血T淋巴细胞活化抗原表达进行检测 ,并与非老年肺癌组、健康老年对照组和老年良性病变组对比。　结果　 4 5例老年肺癌患者外周血T淋巴细胞中CD3+ /CD2 5 + 、CD3+ /HLA DR+ 和CD3+ /CD6 9+ 表达 (分别为 7 2 4± 1 85、2 8 4 6± 5 39和 7 78± 2 6 3)低于健康老年对照组(分别为 10 35± 2 5 4、37 16± 5 5 1、11 0 2± 2 18)和良性病变组 (分别为 9 5 3± 3 0 2、35 33± 5 2 3、10 6 7± 2 4 5 ) ,P <0 0 1。老年组与非老年组表达水平比较差异有显著性 (P <0 0 5或P <0 0 1)。对照组和老年良性病变组之间差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 )。Ⅲ、Ⅳ期 (分别为 7 15± 1 13、2 5 32±5 2 3、7 14± 2 81)和Ⅰ、Ⅱ期 (分别为 8 0 6± 1 2 1、30 2 7± 6 0 5、8 4 3± 2 6 7)表达比较 ,差异有显著性 (P <0 0 1)。中、高分化程度的肺癌患者其表达 (分别为 8 2 3± 1 2 3、34 0 5± 6 6 1、11 2 5± 3 2 2 )明显高于低分化程度的肺癌 (分别为 7 0 2± 1 35、2 5 31± 5 87、5 31± 3 5 7) ,P <0 0     

扎鲁司特对运动性哮喘的作用

目的　研究白三烯受体拮抗剂 -扎鲁司特对运动性哮喘的治疗作用。方法　 2 8例运动性哮喘患者随机分为治疗组和对照组 ,在测定运动前和后基础 FEV1 和 FVC后分别给予扎鲁司特和安慰剂一周 ,观察其运动试验前和后的临床症状和肺功能变化。此外还测定了运动前后的尿白三烯值。结果　给药后治疗组运动试验转阴率 80 % (12 / 15 ) ,对照组运动试验转阴率 2 3% (3/ 13) ,二组转阴率相比 ,统计学有显著差异 P<0 .0 1)。尿白三烯 (u L TE4)运动前为 39.14± 34.5 5 pg/ μmol.Cr,运动后 2 h为 44 .5 5± 34.13pg/ μmol.Cr(P<0 .0 1)。结论　扎鲁司特对运动性哮喘患者具有明显的保护作用     

支气管肺泡灌洗液T淋巴细胞亚群和细胞DNA含量分析对肺癌的诊断价值

目的　探讨支气管肺泡灌洗液T淋巴细胞亚群和细胞DNA含量分析对肺癌的诊断价值。方法　用流式细胞仪对 3 0例肺癌和 12例肺良性病变患者的支气管肺泡灌洗液 (BALF)作T淋巴细胞亚群和细胞DNA含量分析 ,并与纤维支气管镜活检和刷检比较。结果　中央型肺癌组BALF中CD3 + (11.473± 3 .677) %、CD4+ (3 .660± 1.60 5 ) %、CD8+ (2 .3 49± 0 .880 ) %和CD4+ /CD8+ (1.411± 0 .3 0 9) ,周围型肺癌组BALF中CD3 + (12 .2 73± 4.42 5 ) %、CD4+ (2 .897±0 .695 ) %、CD8+ (2 .2 5 9± 0 .5 91) %和CD4+ /CD8+ (1.3 0 7± 0 .2 45 ) ;肺良性病变组BALFCD3 +(2 5 .0 78± 7.13 8) %、CD4+ (13 .2 44± 4.15 9) %、CD8+ (7.63 1± 3 .713 ) %和CD4+ /CD8+ (2 .2 78±0 .619) ,前两组显著低于后组 (肺良性病变组 ) (P <0 .0 0 1)。以异常二倍体为阳性标准 ,诊断肺癌的敏感性为 83 % ,特异性为 92 % ;中央型肺癌异常二倍体阳性率为 89% ,与活检 (95 % )和刷检(68% )比较 ,差异无显著性 (P >0 .5和P >0 .1) ;周围型肺癌异常二倍体阳性率为 82 % ,显著高于活检 (2 7% )和刷检 (2 7% )阳性率 (P均 <0 .0 5 )。结论　肺癌患者免疫功能低下 ,是肿瘤发生发展的原因之一 ,支气管肺泡灌洗液细胞DNA含量分析是诊断肺癌 (尤     

小剂量茶碱调节哮喘患者T淋巴细胞的活性

目的 :观察茶碱对哮喘患者血清T淋巴细胞活性影响。方法 :检测哮喘患者每d给予茶碱控释片 4 0 0mg治疗 6周前后血清可溶性白细胞介素 2受体 (sIL 2R)浓度、T淋巴细胞亚群和IgE水平变化。结果 :哮喘患者经茶碱治疗 6周后其血清sIL 2R浓度显著下降 ,从治疗前 ( 0 31± 0 10 )U/L ,降低到治疗后 ( 0 2 5± 0 0 6 )U/L ,P <0 0 5。茶碱能显著提高哮喘患者外周血中的CD8T淋巴细胞数 (从治疗前的 18 9%± 4 4 %提高到治疗后的 2 5 8%± 5 9% ,P <0 0 5 ) ,同时CD4 /CD8%相应地显著降低 (P <0 0 5 )。茶碱并有降低哮喘患者外周血中IgE水平的趋势。结论 :小剂量茶碱能抑制哮喘患者血清T淋巴细胞活性 ,不仅具有抗炎作用 ,还有免疫调节作用 ,为评价茶碱在哮喘治疗中的作用提供了依据。     

诱导痰EOS及ECP在过敏性哮喘诊断中的意义

目的　观察雾化诱导痰中嗜酸性细胞 (EOS)和嗜酸性细胞阳离子蛋白 (ECP)在过敏性哮喘诊断中的意义。方法　 30例过敏性哮喘和 13例健康志愿者进行超声雾化诱导 ,挑取痰栓 ,进行嗜酸性细胞计数和分类并测定上清液嗜酸性细胞阳离子蛋白。结果　健康对照组中无嗜酸性细胞出现 ,在过敏性哮喘组有 6 6 .7%出现嗜酸性细胞 (P<0 .0 1) ;健康组 ECP为 138.6± 6 8.9ng/ml,哮喘组 ECP为 10 6 5 .2± 112 4.1ng/ ml,有显著差异性 (P<0 .0 1)。在过敏性哮喘组中对 17例患者 ,诱导痰中 EOS阳性率为70 .6 % ,外周血中嗜酸性细胞阳性率为 11.8% (P<0 .0 1)。结论　诱导痰方法在过敏性哮喘诊断中具有重要的参考价值 ,EOS在诱导痰中更易检出 ,比外周血更敏感 ,有助于哮喘的辅助诊断     

慢性阻塞性肺疾病患者病毒感染的研究

目的　探讨病毒感染与慢性阻塞性肺疾病 (COPD)的关系及在其发病机制中的作用。方法　收集 91例COPD急性加重期患者 (A组 )、4 2例稳定期患者 (B组 )和 2 5名正常对照者 (C组 ) ,应用间接酶联免疫吸附实验 (ELISA)对三组患者血清进行呼吸道合胞病毒 (RSV)、单纯疱疹病毒 1型(HSV 1)、副流感病毒 (PIV)、腺病毒 (ADV)、巨细胞病毒 (CMV)的特异性抗体IgM、IgG检测。同时对 2 8例IgM阳性病例 (D组 )和C组患者 ,采用流式细胞技术检测T淋巴细胞亚群CD3 、CD4、CD8。结果　三组患者RSV、HSV 1、PIV、ADV、CMV、IgM抗体阳性率比较 ,A组 (12 %、8%、6 %、2 %、3% )与B组 (0 %、0 %、0 %、0 %、0 % )和C组 (0 %、0 %、0 %、0 %、0 % )比较 ,差异有极显著性 (P <0 0 0 1)。三组患者IgG抗体阳性率比较 ,A组 (47%、4 1%、12 %、14 %、10 % )与B组 (43%、33%、12 %、7%、7% )间比较差异无显著性 (P >0 0 5 ) ,但与C组 (0 %、8%、0 %、0 %、0 % )比较 ,差异均有显著性 (P <0 0 1)。CD3 、CD4、CD8CD4/CD8检测结果表明 ,D组分别为 0 6 2± 0 0 7、0 30± 0 0 4、0 31± 0 0 3、1 0 6± 0 16 ,C组分别为0 6 5± 0 0 6、0 4 0± 0 0 5、0 2 8± 0 0 3、1 5 2± 0 2 4 ,D组与C组CD4、CD4/CD8、CD8间比较     

粉尘螨浸液免疫治疗螨性哮喘患者的免疫功能观察

目的　探讨粉尘螨变应原浸液免疫治疗对螨性哮喘患者免疫功能的影响。　方法　用粉尘螨浸液和平喘药分别对实验组和对照组螨性哮喘患者进行免疫治疗和对症治疗 ,用ELISA法检测患者治疗前、后血清总IgE、螨特异性IgE、螨特异性IgG、IL 2和IL 4水平 ,用生物素 链霉亲和素法检测患者治疗前、后外周血CD3 + 、CD4+ 、CD8+ 和CD4+ /CD8+ 。　结果　患者血清总IgE、螨特异性IgE、螨特异性IgG治疗前分别为 (2 92 .3 5± 112 .46)IU/ml、(2 5 1.68±12 5 .15 )IU /ml和 (5 87.64± 3 5 4.68)IU /ml ,治疗后分别为 (2 65 .74± 12 4.67)IU /ml、(2 97.5 6± 172 .2 7)IU /ml和(82 4.5 1± 42 8.2 6)IU /ml,两者相比 ,螨特异性IgG显著上升 (P <0 .0 1)。外周血CD3 + 、CD4+ 、CD8+ 、CD4+ /CD8+ 治疗前分别为 (5 5 .87± 7.2 3 ) %、(3 8.43± 6.43 ) %、(3 0 .14± 5 .2 4) %和 1.2 6± 0 .5 6,治疗后分别为 (65 .83± 6.5 5 ) %、(4 2 .72± 6.2 6) %、(2 8.5 7± 4.67) %和 1.5 8± 0 .62 ,CD4+ /CD8+ 比值上升 ,差异显著 (P <0 .0 5～P <0 .0 1) ;治疗前、后IL 2和IL 4的水平分别为 (2 .16± 0 .3 8) pg/ml、(3 .49± 0 .5 7) pg/ml和 (1.64± 0 .82 )pg/ml、(1.0 3± 0 .78) pg/ml ,差异均具显著性 (P <0 .0     

T-lymphocyte activation and the levels of eosinophilic cationic protein and interleukin-5 in asthmatic children with acute exacerbation and effect of glucocorticoid treatment.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the immunologic parameters and the effects of glucocorticoid treatment, the absolute numbers of CD4+/CD25+ T lymphocytes, eosinophil counts, levels of eosinophilic cationic protein (ECP), and interleukin (IL)-5 in peripheral blood of patients having acute asthma exacerbations and healthy children were investigated. Samples for the absolute numbers CD4+/CD25+ T lymphocyte and eosinophil count, ECP, and IL-5 were obtained before (day 1) and after (day 5) glucocorticoid treatment. Forced expiratory volume in 1 second and peak expiratory flow rate were measured on days 1 and 5 in asthma patients (n = 25) and in the control group (n = 15). The absolute numbers of CD4+/CD25+ T lymphocyte and eosinophils, levels of ECP, and IL-5 were significantly greater, while forced expiratory volume in 1 second and peak expiratory flow rate were significantly less in the patients with asthma than in the control subjects on day 1. These parameters normalized after glucocorticoid treatment with clinical improvement by day 5. Glucocorticoid treatment is associated with clinical and laboratory improvement achieved in patients with acute asthma exacerbations.     

孟鲁司特钠治疗运动诱发性支气管收缩的临床研究

目的　观察孟鲁司特钠治疗轻、中度支气管哮喘(简称哮喘)并发运动诱发支气管收缩(EIB)或运动性哮喘(EIA)的治疗及预防作用。方法　采用前瞻性开放、自身治疗前、后对照的方法。选择轻、中度哮喘并运动激发试验阳性患者30例,给予孟鲁司特钠每晚10mg治疗1个月。分别于治疗前1d、治疗后3d及4周进行运动激发试验。主要观察运动后的前60min一秒钟用力呼气容积(FEV1)自基线下降的百分比时间曲线下面积(AUC0~60min),运动后FEV1最大下降程度(FEV1最低值)及自最低FEV1恢复至运动前基值5%以内所需的时间(FEV1最低值恢复时间)。结果　孟鲁司特钠治疗前1d、治疗后3d和治疗后4周,运动激发试验后AUC0~60min分别为(39±21)、(13±14)、(12±14)%·min,治疗前、后比较差异有统计学意义(P<001);FEV1最低值分别为(18±06)、(21±06)、(23±08)L,治疗前、后比较差异有统计学意义(P<001);FEV1最低值恢复时间分别为(51±36)、(26±28)、(25±33)min,治疗前、后比较恢复时间显著缩短(P<001),并持续1个月。EIB/EIA患者孟鲁司特钠治疗前、后肺功能[FEV1、峰流速(PEFR)]均可维持接近正常且无明显变化。吸入糖皮质激素不能预防EIB/EIA。结论　孟鲁司特钠对轻度哮喘患者并发EIB/EIA疗效和预防作用显著,而且安全、快捷。     

丹参注射液对哮喘患者的疗效及CD4^＋CD25^＋调节性T细胞的影响

目的观察丹参注射液治疗支气管哮喘（哮喘）患者的疗效及对CD4＋CD25＋Treg调节性T细胞（CD4＋CD25＋）的影响,探讨丹参注射液治疗哮喘的新机制。方法 62名哮喘患者随机分成对照组和丹参治疗组,记录试验前、后患者的临床症状评分、FEV1、PEF,流式细胞仪检测患者外周血单个核细胞（PBMCs）中CD4＋CD25＋Treg的比例。结果两组患者临床症状评分均较治疗前显著减少,治疗组的减少更为明显,且与对照组相比,差异具有显著性（P〈0.05）;两组患者FEV1、PEF、CD4＋CD25＋Treg的比例均较治疗前显著增加,治疗组的增加更为明显,且与对照组相比,差异具有显著性（P〈0.05）。结论丹参注射液可有效治疗哮喘,其机制可能与促进CD4＋CD25＋Treg的产生有关。     

The characteristics of different diagnostic tests in adult mild asthmatic patients: comparison with patients with asthma-like symptoms by gastro-oesophageal reflux

BACKGROUND: Diagnosing asthma cannot be always easy. It is important to consider the validity of the diagnostic tests, and/or how much more commonly they are positive in patients with asthma compared to healthy subjects and, particularly, to patients with asthma-like symptoms. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the validity of diagnostic tests for asthma, in terms of sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, in patients with bronchial asthma compared to patients affected by gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) with asthma-like symptoms, and healthy control subjects without asthma and gastro-oesophageal reflux (GER). DESIGN: Single-center, cross-sectional, observational study. PATIENTS: We studied 60 patients with mild asthma, 30 patients with GERD and asthma-like symptoms and 25 healthy control subjects. MEASUREMENTS: We measured provocative concentration of methacholine causing a 20% fall in the forced expiratory volume in 1s (MCh PC(20)/FEV(1)), the amplitude percent mean of peak expiratory flow (A%M of PEF), derived from twice-daily readings for >2 weeks, the FEV(1)/forced vital capacity (FEV(1)/FVC) ratio, the eosinophil count in blood and in induced sputum and the serum eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) levels. RESULTS: FEV(1)/FVC ratio, A%M of PEF, blood eosinophils counts and serum ECP levels were less sensitive and specific when the reference population was composed of patients with asthma-like symptoms by GER. While, MCh PC(20)/FEV(1) and induced sputum eosinophils count were the most sensitive (both 90%) and specific (89% and 92%, respectively) tests. CONCLUSION: Our findings demonstrate that MCh PC(20)/FEV(1) and the induced sputum eosinophil count are the most useful objective tests in patients with mild asthma. All patients with asthma presented both an MCh PC(20)/FEV(1) <1500 microg and eosinophils count in the induced sputum >1%.     

Therapeutic effect of zafirlukast as monotherapy in steroid-naive patients with severe persistent asthma

STUDY OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the efficacy of the leukotriene receptor antagonist zafirlukast (Accolate), 20 mg twice daily, as monotherapy in patients with severe persistent asthma (defined by an FEV1 < 60% of predicted before treatment and frequent night-time symptoms). DESIGN: Data were analyzed from a subgroup of 261 steroid-naive patients (zafirlukast, n = 149; placebo, n = 112) from four randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 13-week trials with similar experimental designs, entry criteria, and clinical assessments. PATIENTS: These patients were mostly men (57%) older than 30 years (56%) with pulmonary obstruction, ie, FEV1/FVC ratio < 0.7 (79%), and reversible airway disease demonstrated by a 15% increase in FEV1 after inhaled bronchodilator use. RESULTS: At end point, patients who received zafirlukast monotherapy had significant (p < 0.05) improvements from baseline, and compared with placebo, in FEV1, morning and evening peak expiratory flow (PEF), daytime asthma symptoms, nighttime awakenings, and beta2-agonist use. A stratified analysis based on the FEV1/FVC ratio showed an interaction between treatment and the amount of airflow obstruction for nighttime awakenings and mornings with asthma. Moreover, 37% of patients in both treatment groups had PEF variability > or = 20% (an indirect measure of airway inflammation). Zafirlukast patients with PEF variability > or = 20% had increases from baseline in the morning and evening PEF of approximately 40 and 11 L/min, respectively. For patients who take zafirlukast and who have a PEF variability of < 20%, the morning and evening PEF increased by 25 and 30 L/min, respectively. Regardless of the degree of PEF variability, zafirlukast significantly (p < 0.05) increased morning and evening PEF compared with placebo. CONCLUSION: Patients with severe persistent asthma who received zafirlukast as monotherapy had clinically significant improvements across all efficacy measures compared with placebo and significant reductions in PEF variability.     

Enhancement of leukocyte cytotoxicity after exercise-induced asthma

We have previously shown that there were elevations of neutrophil chemotactic activity (NCA) and increases in the percentages of neutrophil and monocyte complement rosettes after exercise-induced asthma (EIA). These observations suggested that leukocyte activation may occur after EIA, possibly as a result of the release of mast-cell-associated mediators. In the present study, we have attempted to establish whether neutrophils and monocytes are functionally altered after EIA as assessed by changes in their cytotoxic capacity. Cytotoxicity was assessed by a direct visual killing assay using opsonized (complement-coated) schistosomula of Schistosoma mansoni as target organisms. Neutrophils and mononuclear cells obtained from 8 patients after exercise-induced asthma (EIA+ve) had increased cytotoxicity for opsonized schistosomula for as long as 60 min after exercise. These changes were preceded by elevations in the concentrations of serum high molecular weight NCA (which were maximal at 10 min after exercise). In asthmatic patients who did not develop exercise-induced asthma (EIA-ve), no significant increases in neutrophil or mononuclear cell killing of schistosomula, or serum NCA concentrations, were observed. There was a highly significant correlation (p less than 0.001) between the reduction in FEV1 and the increases in neutrophil cytotoxicity. In 5 EIA+ve patients, administration of disodium cromoglycate (cromolyn) prior to the exercise task inhibited both the enhancement in neutrophil and mononuclear cell cytotoxicity, as well as the elevations in circulating NCA and the reductions in FEV1.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Exercised-induced asthma in soccer players ages from 8 to 13 years

The purpose of this study was the detection of exercise induced asthma in soccer players aged 8-13 years. Thirty boys, 8-13 years old participated in the study. They were coming from an athletic team of north of Thessaloniki. The study included clinical examination, administration of a respiratory health questionnaire and the exercise -- free running -- test with spirometric measurements. Spirometric measurements were performed by using a microspirometer, before exercise and 2, 5, 10, 15 and 30 min after a 6 min free running exercise (80 - 90 % max heart rate). The highest forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV (1)) value before exercise was compared with the lowest of post exercise values. The results showed a decline in FEV (1) > 15 % in 12 out of 30 children. Particularly, decline in FEV (1) was present in 1 (11 %) out of 9 children with free personal medical history but positive family history for asthma, in 3 (25 %) out of 12 children with allergies, and in 8 (89 %) out of 9 children with asthma. Symptoms were reported by 9 of 12 children with fall in FEV (1) > 15 %, during the 6 min exercise test, who had no symptoms during the soccer games. Identification of EIA by exercise challenge test in young athletes is a useful component for the diagnosis of bronchial hyperresponsiveness. Similar studies should be performed on older and younger athletes who participate in different sports and games.