Echinokokkose der Lunge

Echinococcosis is caused by larvae of the tapeworm Echinococcus. Lung involvement occurs almost exclusively in cystic echinococcosis caused by E. granulosus. Humans can accidentally become intermediate hosts, often by handling infected dogs in endemic areas. The liver is most commonly affected, followed by the lung. The course is usually benign; however, cyst expansion or rupture can lead to symptomatic disease. The diagnosis is based on a previous stay in an endemic area, cyst morphology on imaging, and – if positive – serology. Excision of the cyst with sparing of lung tissue is the treatment of choice. Benzimidazoles, preferably albendazole, are available for perioperative or in the case of inoperability for sole medical therapy. With lung cysts, the indication for drainage procedures is limited to particular cases.     

Effect of ibopamine and the active metabolite epinine on the catecholamine content of rat hypothalamus and brainstem in vitro

The effect of ibopamine (IBO) (SB 7505, SK&F 100168-A), a new drug for the treatment of congestive heart failure, and its active metabolite epinine (EPN) (N-methyldopamine), on the catecholamine content of hypothalamus and brainstem was studied in vitro after monoamine oxidase inhibition with pargyline. IBO and EPN increased levels of epinephrine (EPI) in a concentration- and time-dependent manner in both brain areas without significantly affecting the concentration of other catecholamines. Inhibition of either dopamine beta-hydroxylase, the neuronal EPI and norepinephrine uptake system, or esterase hydrolysis of IBO prevented the increase of EPI, whereas inhibition of phenylethanolamine N-methyltransferase, enzymatic dealkylation or the neuronal dopamine or serotonin uptake system had no influence on the increase of EPI levels. These results suggest that IBO after hydrolysis to EPN can be converted enzymatically to EPI by dopamine beta-hydroxylase in hypothalamus and brainstem. EPN seems to be accumulated into adrenergic and noradrenergic neurons by the high affinity uptake system. Changes in the EPI content of the central nervous system neurons might be responsible for some of the pharmacologic effects of IBO.