muramidase and Pneumonia

Topics: Acute Disease; Adult; Ampicillin; Biological Availability; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Injections, Intramuscular; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Pneumonia, Pneumococcal

Antimicrobial effect of lysozyme in combination with a wide set of antimicrobial drugs (38) was studied with respect to 74 bacterial cultures. It was shown that synergism of the antimicrobial effect in the presence of lysozyme was variable for drugs differing in the mechanism of their action and depended on the pathogen species. The most pronounced synergistic effect was observed with respect to grampositive bacteria with the use of many drugs such as benzylpenicillin, ampiox, morphocycline, erythromycin and others. The potentiation effect of lysozyme was less pronounced with respect to Coli bacteria and Pseudomonas. Combination of lysozyme with aminoglycosides such as gentamicin, tobramycin, sisomicin and amikacin resulted in increasing antimicrobial effect with respect to practically all the microbial cultures tested. The clinical trials of the efficient combinations of the antibiotics and lysozyme studied experimentally proved their high efficacy in combined therapy of patients with pneumonia and pyelonephritis of bacterial genesis. Thus, in children with acute pneumonia (92 observations) it resulted in more rapid elimination of the temperature reaction, toxic and cardiorespiratiry syndromes, cough and physical signs of the disease. In treatment of 83 children with pyelonephritis complete clinico-laboratory remission was observed in 81 per cent of the cases against 56.4 per cent in the patients treated with the antibiotics without lysozyme.

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Bacteria; Child; Drug Evaluation; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Drug Synergism; Drug Therapy, Combination; Humans; Microbial Sensitivity Tests; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Pyelonephritis

Rats and mice are considered resistant and susceptible hosts, respectively, for experimental cryptococcosis. For both species, alveolar macrophages (AM) are central components of the host response to pulmonary Cryptococcus neoformans infection. We explored the role of AM in three strains of mice and three strains of rats during cryptococcal infection by comparing the outcome of infection after macrophage depletion using liposomal clodronate. AM depletion was associated with enhancement and amelioration of disease in rats and mice, respectively, as measured by lung fungal burden. The apparent protective role for AM in rats correlated with enhanced anti-cryptococcal activity as measured by phagocytic activity, oxidative burst, lysozyme secretion, and ability to limit intracellular growth of C. neoformans. Furthermore, rat AM were more resistant to lysis in association with intracellular infection. In summary, differences in AM function in rats and mice suggest an explanation for the species differences in susceptibility to C. neoformans based on the inherent efficacy of a central effector cell of the innate immune system.

Topics: Animals; Cryptococcosis; Cryptococcus neoformans; Cytokines; Disease Susceptibility; Female; Immunity, Innate; Lung Diseases, Fungal; Macrophages, Alveolar; Male; Mice; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Muramidase; Nitric Oxide; Pneumonia; Rats; Rats, Inbred BN; Rats, Inbred F344; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Respiratory Burst; Species Specificity

A 75-year-old man had for many years taken the commercially sold medicine PABRON-S whenever he caught a cold. He caught a cold and took the drug six days before admission. When PABRON-S was not available, he took PABRON-GOLD and experienced dyspnea the next day. A roentgenogram at another hospital revealed bilateral diffuse lung shadows. He was referred to our hospital. A thoracic CT scan showed bilateral interstitial shadows. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid contained inflammatory cells including neutrophils and lymphocytes. Examination of a transbronchial lung biopsy specimen showed infiltration of mononuclear cells into the thick alveolar wall and interstitum. A drug lymphocyte stimulation test with PABRON-GOLD was positive. Based on these findings, we believe that this patient had drug-induced pneumonitis caused by PABRON-GOLD. He was treated with a steroid hormone and his symptoms resolved immediately, the abnormal roentgenographic shadows remained longer.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Aged; Codeine; Drug Combinations; Humans; Male; Muramidase; Nonprescription Drugs; Pneumonia

Pentoxifylline was evaluated for its ability to enhance inactivation of group B streptococci in lungs of prematurely born rabbits. Mechanisms associated with intrapulmonary streptococcal clearance and the pharmacodynamics of pentoxifylline were also investigated.. Randomized, controlled animal trial.. University research laboratory.. A total of 123 New Zealand rabbits were delivered prematurely by cesarean section and were used for clearance studies. Twenty-three preterm pups were additionally utilized to study the pharmacodynamics of pentoxifylline.. Preterm rabbits were infected with group B streptococcal aerosols and given intraperitoneal injections of either pentoxifylline (25, 12.5, and 12.5 mg/kg) or placebo at 0, 6, and 12 hrs after infection.. At 0, 4, and 24 hrs, the numbers of streptococci were determined in the left lung, while the right lung underwent bronchoalveolar lavage to quantify intra-alveolar leukocytes, phagocytosis of inhaled bacteria, and concentrations of lysozyme and tumor necrosis factor. In a separate experiment, blood and bronchoalveolar fluid from infected animals were analyzed for pentoxifylline content. Streptococcal proliferation was less in pentoxifylline-treated animals than in controls at 24 hrs (p < .01). Pulmonary macrophages and polymorphonuclear leukocytes recovered from bronchoalveolar lavage fluid did not differ in numbers or phagocytic activity. Pentoxifylline-treated animals had lower levels of lysozyme (p < .02) and tumor necrosis factor (p < .005) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid compared with placebo-treated pups. Therapeutic levels of pentoxifylline were achieved in blood and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid.. Despite lowering lysozyme and tumor necrosis factor content in epithelial lining fluid, pentoxifylline improves the inactivation of group B streptococci in preterm rabbit lungs. These findings suggest that increased group B streptococcal clearance was coincident with an anti-inflammatory effect due to pentoxifylline. We conclude pentoxifylline may be clinically useful as an adjunctive therapy for group B streptococcal pneumonia in newborns.

Topics: Animals; Animals, Newborn; Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Colony Count, Microbial; Disease Models, Animal; Drug Evaluation, Preclinical; Fetus; Leukocyte Count; Macrophages, Alveolar; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Pentoxifylline; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia; Rabbits; Random Allocation; Streptococcal Infections; Streptococcus agalactiae; Tissue Distribution; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Bronchi; Child; Child, Preschool; Clinical Enzyme Tests; Humans; Infant; Muramidase; Pneumonia

The study of immunoglobulins and lysozyme in acute pneumonia patients suffering from acute leukemia and bronchogenic cancer of the lungs elicited impairment of local specific and nonspecific body defences. This fact should be taken into consideration when planning immunotherapy in combined treatment of relevant patients.

Topics: Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid; Carcinoma, Bronchogenic; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Lung Neoplasms; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Precursor Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia-Lymphoma

A study was made of the humoral (IgA, G, M, lysozyme and lactoferrin) and cellular links (phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages) of pulmonary local defence as well as sputum adhesion in 177 patients with chronic nonspecific pulmonary diseases (80 patients with chronic obstructive bronchitis, 54 patients with pyo-obstructive bronchitis, 23 patients with chronic purulent bronchitis and 20 patients with chronic nonobstructive bronchitis). A rise of the level of lysozyme and lactoferrin in the bronchial content and sputum as compared to the initial level was accompanied by a decrease in the sputum adhesion and promoted the elimination of exacerbation. In the absence of a rise or reduction of the concentration of lysozyme and lactoferrin over time more prolonged exacerbations and a tendency to purulent complications were noted. A stable drop or absence of IgA in bronchial wash off were observed in patients with IgA selective deficiency, and lung lesions were characterized by inclination to frequent recurrences, lingering exacerbations, concomitant diseases of the accessory sinuses and GI tract disorders. Indices of the phagocytic activity of alveolar macrophages in patients with chronic purulent bronchitis, particularly against a background of chronic alcoholic intoxication, were significantly lower as compared to patients with catarrhal bronchitis.

Topics: Bronchiectasis; Bronchitis; Chronic Disease; Dysgammaglobulinemia; Humans; IgA Deficiency; Immunoglobulins; Lactoferrin; Lung; Macrophages; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia; Pulmonary Alveoli; Recurrence; Sputum

Topics: Bronchitis; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Muramidase; Pneumonia

A total of 359 patients with acute pneumonia and 152 practically healthy subjects comprising the control group were examined. Immunofluorescence was used to investigate nasopharyngeal washings for detecting antigens of influenza and parainfluenza viruses, respiratory-syncytial virus, adenoviruses, whereas serological studies according to the hemagglutination delay test with diagnostic agents for detecting influenza A1, A2, B, types 1, 2 and 3 parainfluenza, and the complement fixation test were made to detect antibodies against adenoviruses. Serological (65%) and immunofluorescence (63%) studies revealed associations of different viruses: type 3 and 1 parainfluenza, respiratory-syncytial virus (73%) with adenoviruses, influenza B, A2, type 2 parainfluenza. Association of different bacteria was observed in 67% of patients: hemolytic staphylococcus (65%), hemolytic streptococcus (50%), pneumococci (45%), P. aeruginosa (40%), P. mirabilis (35%), E. coli (30%), enterococci (25%). Associations of 3-2 causative agents were predominant (53%). Marked decrease in the content of complement and beta-lysins, elevation of the level of lysozyme were observed in patients with viral-bacterial and viral pneumonias as compared to the same characteristics in patients with bacterial pneumonia and in control group subjects.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Antibodies, Bacterial; Antibodies, Viral; Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides; Blood Proteins; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Immunity, Innate; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Pneumonia, Viral; Proteins

Topics: Child; Child, Preschool; Histocytochemistry; Humans; Leukocytes; Muramidase; Pneumonia

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Phytohemagglutinins; Pneumonia; Serotonin; T-Lymphocytes

Topics: Complement System Proteins; Female; Humans; Lymphocyte Activation; Male; Muramidase; Pneumonia

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Humans; Lung Neoplasms; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pleural Effusion; Pleurisy; Pneumonia; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary

Topics: Adult; Aged; Bronchoscopy; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Prognosis; Sputum; Time Factors; Trypsin; Trypsin Inhibitors

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

Human monocytes, lymphocytes, granulocytes, red cells, and platelets were completely separated from each other by zonal centrifugation on linear sucrose density gradient. The monocytes contained only one tenth the amount of myeloperoxidase, one half the amount of lysozyme, one half the amount of acid ,hosphatase, and one half the amount of beta-glucuronidase found in granulocytes; the monocytes contained no alkaline phosphatase or neutral protease. The lymphocyte fraction contained only acid phosphatase and beta-glucuronidase in amounts one half as much as in the monocytes. Fluctuations in enzyme levels of monocytes and granulocytes were noted following infection. In vitro, the isolated monocytes transformed into macrophages. The results suggest that lymphocytes, monocytes, and granulocytes may be linked biochemically in a differentiation sequence through sets of commonly shared enzymes as well as by groups of enzymes specific for each divergent cell line.

Topics: Acid Phosphatase; Alkaline Phosphatase; Cell Separation; Centrifugation, Zonal; Glucuronidase; Granulocytes; Humans; Leukocytes; Lymphocytes; Monocytes; Muramidase; Peptide Hydrolases; Peroxidase; Pneumonia

Topics: Age Factors; Female; Humans; Immunoglobulins; Infant; Male; Muramidase; Pneumonia

Topics: Acute Disease; Antistreptolysin; C-Reactive Protein; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Muramidase; Orosomucoid; Pneumonia; Sialic Acids

On a model of experimental pneumonia in mice caused by the L-forms of bacteria against the background of diminished immunity a study was made of the therapeutic efficacy of penicillin, lincomycin, lysozyme and gamma-globulin. Lincomycin, particularly in combination with biologically-active preparations, proved to be expedience for the treatment and prophylaxis of pneumonia caused by the mentioned bacteria; a rapid arrest of pneumonic process occurred and more animals survived. In the greater percentage of cases the use of penicillin was accompanied by generalization of the process.

Topics: Animals; gamma-Globulins; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; Immunosuppressive Agents; L Forms; Leukemia, Lymphoid; Lincomycin; Mercaptopurine; Mice; Muramidase; Penicillins; Pneumonia

Topics: Chronic Disease; Humans; Muramidase; Nephelometry and Turbidimetry; Pneumonia; Sputum

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Chronic Disease; Humans; Hypersensitivity; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Neutrophils; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia; Sputum; Staphylococcus; Streptococcus

Topics: Acute Disease; Animals; Antilymphocyte Serum; Humans; Immunosuppression Therapy; L Forms; Leukemia; Leukocyte Count; Mercaptopurine; Mice; Muramidase; Penicillins; Pneumonia; Prednisolone

On the assumption that increased urinary lysozyme concentration (;lysozymuria') indicates tubular proteinuria and therefore impaired tubular function, urinary lysozyme has been estimated in acute disorders where transient disturbances of renal function might be expected, in cases diagnosed clinically as extrarenal uraemia, and in a few examples of acute renal disease. Reversible lysozymuria occurred with hypokalaemia, postoperative ;collapse', electrolyte depletion, severe extrarenal infection, acute pyelonephritis, the nephrotic syndrome, after a few apparently uncomplicated surgical operations, and very transiently after ventricular fibrillation abolished by DC shock. There was no lysozymuria with severe uraemic heart failure, aspirin and paracetamol poisoning, or severe jaundice, nor in two cases of acute glomerulonephritis. Although lysozymuria may occasionally be useful in the clinical diagnosis of acutely disordered renal function, the results suggest that its value is limited; on the other hand, they have provided information on renal pathophysiology in acute disease.

Topics: Acetaminophen; Acute Disease; Aspirin; Electroshock; Glomerulonephritis; Heart Failure; Humans; Hypokalemia; Jaundice; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Kidney Failure, Chronic; Kidney Tubules; Muramidase; Myocardial Infarction; Nephrotic Syndrome; Pneumonia; Postoperative Complications; Proteinuria; Pyelonephritis; Uremia; Ventricular Fibrillation

Topics: Adult; Bone Marrow; Butanols; Creatinine; Freezing; Humans; Leukocyte Count; Meningitis; Methods; Muramidase; Myeloproliferative Disorders; Neutrophils; Osteomyelitis; Pneumonia; Staphylococcal Infections; Ultrasonics; Uremia

Topics: Acute Disease; C-Reactive Protein; Complement System Proteins; gamma-Globulins; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Properdin

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Age Factors; Aged; Antibodies; Antineoplastic Agents; Blood Bactericidal Activity; Burns; Child; Complement System Proteins; Drug Resistance, Microbial; Escherichia coli Infections; Female; Humans; Immunity; Middle Aged; Muramidase; Parotitis; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia; Polysaccharides, Bacterial; Pseudomonas Infections; Sepsis; Serratia marcescens; Staphylococcal Infections; Stimulation, Chemical

Topics: Age Factors; Antigen-Antibody Reactions; Child; Child, Preschool; Complement System Proteins; Female; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Newborn, Diseases; Male; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Properdin; Respiratory Tract Infections

Topics: Adolescent; Body Temperature; Child; Child, Preschool; Complement System Proteins; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Leukocyte Count; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia; Prednisolone; Rheumatic Fever

Topics: Adenoids; Adolescent; Anabolic Agents; Asthma; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Humans; Immune Sera; Inflammation; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Saliva; Skin Tests; Tonsillitis

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Child; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Glycoproteins; Humans; Methods; Muramidase; Neuraminic Acids; Pneumonia

Topics: Acute Disease; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Muramidase; Pneumonia

Topics: Acute Disease; Chronic Disease; Humans; Leukocytes; Muramidase; Phagocytosis; Pneumonia

Topics: Humans; Lung; Muramidase; Pneumonia; Tuberculosis