Neutrophil elastase is a mediator common to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and cystic fibrosis and thought to contribute to the pathophysiology of these diseases. Previously, we found that inhaled hyaluronan blocked elastase-induced bronchoconstriction in allergic sheep through its control of tissue kallikrein. Here, we extend those studies by determining if inhaled hyaluronan c...

Difficulties or failure in airway management are still important factors in morbidity and mortality related to anesthesia and intensive care. A patent and secure airway is essential to manage anesthetized or critically ill patients. Oxygenation maintenance during tracheal intubation is the cornerstone of difficult airway management and is always emphasized in guidelines. The occurrence of respi...

background outer hair cells' (ohcs') dysfunctions as the extent of temporary and permanent threshold shifts (tts and pts) and cochlear damage were assessed in rabbits exposed to continuous noise methods twelve new zealand white rabbits were studied in noise (n) (n=6; exposed to continuous noise; 95 db spl, 500-8000 hz for 8 h per day during 5 consecutive days) and control (c) (n=6; no...

Complications associated with mechanical ventilation have been extensively described in the literature in the last 3 decades.1 From ventilator-induced lung injury to ventilator-induced diaphragmatic dysfunction more recently defined, numerous side effects directly or indirectly related to mechanical ventilation have been identified. As a consequence, so-called lung-protective ventilation could ...

In order to use tracheal gas insufflation (TGI) in a safe and effective manner, it is important to understand potential interactions between TGI and the mechanical ventilator that may impact upon gas delivery and carbon dioxide (CO2) elimination. Furthermore, potentially serious complications secondary to insufflation of cool, dry gas directly into the airway and the possibility of tube occlusi...

Inhalational insulin was withdrawn from the market due to its potential to produce airway hyper-reactivity and bronchoconstriction. So the present study was designed to explore the acute effects of insulin on airway reactivity of guinea pigs and protective effects of salbutamol and beclomethasone against insulin induced airway hyper-responsiveness on isolated tracheal smooth muscle of guinea pi...

The formation of the tracheal network in Drosophila is driven by stereotyped migration of cells from the tracheal pits. No cell divisions take place during tracheal migration and the number of cells in each branch is fixed. This work examines the basis for the determination of tracheal branch fates, prior to the onset of migration. We show that the EGF receptor pathway is activated by localized...

BACKGROUND Penicillium marneffei is the only dimorphic member of the genus and is an emerging pathogenic fungus that can cause fatal systemic mycosis. Penicillium marneffei disseminates hematogenously to other locations. Penicillium marneffei infection most commonly involves the skin, lungs, and reticuloendothelial system, including the bone, bone marrow, joints, lymph nodes, pericardium, liver...

Receptor affinity and drug delivery to the receptor sites could be determinant factors for the increased bronchial responsiveness seen in asthma. Competitive antagonism blockade which is measured as dose ratio-l (DR-I) depends only on these two factors. Therefore, in this study we have examined histamine HI blockade by chlorpheniramine on isolated tracheal chains of asthmatic compared to co...