muramidase and Alveolitis--Extrinsic-Allergic

Own experiences in practical application of immunohistochemistry are demonstrated in cases of lung fibrosis, sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and allergic vasculitis. Methods for demonstration of immunoglobulins (IgG, IgE) are useful in diagnosis of allergic vasculitis (IgG) and allergic alveolitis (IgE). Lysozyme is an important morphological parameter for the estimation of the activity of sarcoidosis. First results of application of antisera against mycobacteria and Kveim antigen are discussed in respect to more precise differential diagnosis of granulomatous lung diseases (sarcoidosis, tuberculosis).

Topics: Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic; Antigens, Bacterial; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Immunohistochemistry; Lung; Lung Diseases; Muramidase; Mycobacterium; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Sarcoidosis; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Vasculitis

A model of allergic alveolitis was developed in inbred mice. Antigen suspension prepared from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris was applicated intranasally in C3H/He mice. Lung histology, serum IgG and IgA antibodies and serum lysozyme were followed during the course of sensitization. The lung histology showed an increased number of intra-alveolar macrophages and leucocytes in sensitized mice. Interstitial peribronchiolar and perivascular infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells and a few granulomas were also detected. An increase in the prevalence as well as titers of IgG and IgA antibodies was recorded during sensitization. An elevation in serum lysozyme level was also observed in sensitized mice. The lung histology of control animals was essentially normal and no increase in antibody titers or lysozyme levels was detected. Intranasal application of antigen prepared from Thermoactinomyces vulgaris seems to produce in mice allergic alveolitis resembling human farmer's lung.

Topics: Administration, Intranasal; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic; Animals; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antigens, Bacterial; Disease Models, Animal; Female; Immunization; Immunoglobulin A; Immunoglobulin G; Leukocytes; Lung; Macrophages; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred C3H; Micromonosporaceae; Muramidase; Pulmonary Alveoli; Time Factors

Serum angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity was studied in healthy controls, in 57 untreated sarcoidosis patients, and in 164 patients with other chest or lymph node diseases. The serum ACE activity of healthy persons was independent of sex, intake of meals, and smoking habits. There were no diurnal variations. Healthy children had a significantly higher ACE mean value than adults, whose ACE activity was not affected by age. The sarcoidosis patients had the highest ACE mean values, but those of patients with silicosis and asbestosis were also significantly elevated. Pulmonary cancer patients had decreased serum ACE activity, which was probably due to antimitotic treatment. Serum lysozyme (LZM) concentrations did not correlate with normal ACE activity, but the correlation between elevated ACE and LZM was significant in sarcoidosis and silicosis, and the trend was clearly the same for asbestosis. This indicates separate sources for these enzymes when ACE activity is normal, and a common source, i.e. macrophages, when ACE activity is increased. ACE production in certain diseases involving macrophages may be due to the bradykinin inhibiting effect of this enzyme.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alveolitis, Extrinsic Allergic; Asbestosis; Bronchitis; Female; Hodgkin Disease; Humans; Lung Diseases; Lung Neoplasms; Lymphatic Diseases; Lymphoma; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Fibrosis; Sarcoidosis; Silicosis; Thoracic Neoplasms; Tuberculosis, Lymph Node; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary