elastin and Tuberculosis--Pulmonary

In this review article, the effects of old age on lung structure and function are discussed. Changes in lung morphology and biochemistry are correlated with changes in lung mechanics and gas exchange, as well as with the respiratory system's adaptability to the stresses of exercise and sleep. The effects of aging on the lungs' defense mechanisms are related to pulmonary diseases of the elderly.

Topics: Adaptation, Physiological; Aging; Animals; Asthma; Carcinoma, Bronchogenic; Closing Volume; Collagen; Diaphragm; Elastin; Humans; Lung; Lung Neoplasms; Maximal Expiratory Flow-Volume Curves; Nucleic Acids; Pneumonia; Proteins; Proteoglycans; Pulmonary Circulation; Pulmonary Diffusing Capacity; Pulmonary Gas Exchange; Residual Volume; Respiration; Total Lung Capacity; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Vital Capacity

Topics: Collagen; Cost of Illness; Elastin; Europe; European Union; Health Care Costs; Humans; Matrix Metalloproteinases; Sputum; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

The contribution of some adaptation hormones to the process regulating production of autoantibodies to collagen (Abc) and elastin (Abe) was studied in leprosy (37 patients) and tuberculosis (31 patients). In both mycobacterioses the Abc and Abe titers were increased and inversely correlated with endogenous cortisol levels. In leprosy the antibody titers directly correlated with the triiodothyronine (T3) levels which were significantly higher than the values in healthy controls. A new approach to research for remedies and methods of preventing and curing autosensitization to connective tissue is suggested by combining medications according to individual endocrine and immune indices.

Topics: Adult; Autoantibodies; Collagen; Connective Tissue; Elastin; Female; Growth Hormone; Hormones; Humans; Hydrocortisone; Leprosy, Lepromatous; Male; Middle Aged; Thyronines; Triiodothyronine; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

In a study of caseous pulmonary nodules, it was found possible to identify the cellular and connective tissue background of the caseous material. In the absence of liquefaction, the connective tissues were found to retain their reaction to special stains indefinitely, and fibrin could be identified for periods up to one year after the onset of caseation. This allowed recognition of the part of lung involved and of pathological changes which had preceded caseation. Identification of the site of the suppurative "focus" in the respiratory bronchiole was important because bacilli could be found there most readily. Though lesions often outlined the acinus with clarity, the only value of the term "acinar" was to define the limits of one particular lesion.

Topics: Coloring Agents; Connective Tissue; Elastin; Fibrin; Granulation Tissue; Humans; Lung; Pathology; Staining and Labeling; Terminology as Topic; Tuberculosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary