Effect of the calcium channel blocker verapamil on human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in lymphoid cells

Cell signaling events are known to affect human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication. Treatment of lymphoid CEM cells with the calcium channel blocker verapamil (25-75 microM) enhanced HIV-1 expression in acute, whole virus infection experiments, despite lowering intracellular calcium levels, ablating the acute rise in intracellular calcium normally seen with infection, and lengthening the doubling time of cell replication. Verapamil had no effect on cell surface CD4 expression. Transfection of CEM cells with plasmids containing the HIV-1 long terminal repeat linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase reporter gene showed that verapamil enhanced expression of the HIV-1 long terminal repeat in a dose-dependent fashion. This effect was abolished by mutations in the binding sites for nuclear factor kappa-B. Electrophoretic mobility shift assays confirmed that verapamil induced nuclear factor kappa-B activity in CEM cells. Thus, verapamil, in high concentrations, can potentiate HIV-1 replication in lymphoid cells, and this effect may be mediated by induction of nuclear factor kappa-B.

Etiologic considerations of nonspecific pleuritis

Twenty-three patients with nonspecific pleuritis were studied to determine clinical outcome. After a mean follow-up period of 6 months (1 to 36 months), a diagnosis was reached in 17 patients, while 6 patients remained unknown. The causes of the nonspecific pleuritis diagnosed on initial pleural biopsy were tuberculosis (11 patients, 48%), neoplasm (2 patients, 8.7%), parapneumonic effusion (1 patient), subphrenic abscess (1 patient), congestive heart failure (1 patients), and nephrotic syndrome (1 patient). The diagnosis was made by therapeutic trials (tuberculosis: 11 patients, parapneumonic effusion: 1 patient, congestive heart failure: 1 patient), by repeat pleural biopsy in 1 hepatoma, by open thoractomy in 1 lung cancer, by exploratory laparotomy in 1 subphrenic abscess, and by kidney biopsy in 1 nephrotic syndrome. The WBC counts (more than 2,000/mm3) and lymphocyte percentage (more than 60%) in the pleural fluid were significantly elevated in the patients with tuberculosis compared to those with malignant pleurisy, and other laboratory data were meaningless. As a result of this investigation, we suggest that tuberculous pleurisy is the most common cause of nonspecific pleuritis in Korea and that therapeutic trial with antituberculous medication for patients with high WBC count and lymphocyte percent in pleural fluid can help to locate the nonspecific pleuritis.

Intra-abdominal fat is associated with decreased insulin sensitivity in healthy young men

To distinguish the relative role of intra-abdominal and subcutaneous abdominal fat in metabolic aberrations in upper body fat localization, we measured the relationship between regional fat distribution and insulin sensitivity in nine young men (28.6 +/- 0.7 years; body mass index [BMI], 24.7 +/- 1.3 kg/m2). Regional fat distribution was measured by anthropometric measurement and computed tomography (CT). Insulin sensitivity was measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic glucose clamp. Insulin sensitivity, expressed as the ratio of rate of glucose utilization to the mean plasma insulin concentration during the second hour of glucose clamp (M/I) was negatively correlated with BMI (r = -.91, P less than .001), waist to hip girth ratio (WHR) (r = -.80, P less than .01), subcutaneous abdominal fat area (r = -.90, P less than .001), and intra-abdominal fat area (r = -.88, P less than .01). Stepwise forward regression analysis showed that in addition to BMI, intra-abdominal fat area was a significant correlate of decrease in insulin sensitivity. These findings suggest that intra-abdominal fat play an important role in decreasing insulin sensitivity, even in healthy young men.

The effect of hematocrit alterations on cerebral vascular CO2 reactivity in newborn baboons

To evaluate whether baseline hematocrit affects cerebral vascular reactivity to CO2, we studied the cerebral blood flow velocity in the internal carotid artery of newborn baboons, using a pulsed Doppler technique with direct imaging. Velocity responses to varying arterial CO2 tension (PaCO2) levels were first tested under baseline hematocrit (mean +/- SD, 35.9 +/- 4.7%), after hemodilution (hematocrit 20.3 +/- 2.7%), and after hemoconcentration (hematocrit 52.7 +/- 5.2%). The data were analyzed using multiple regression models, in which blood flow velocity values were the dependent variables, and PaCO2, hematocrit, and their interaction terms (product) were the independent variables. Models for the maximum systolic velocity, time-averaged mean velocity, and the end-diastolic velocity revealed a highly significant PaCO2 effect; with each mm Hg PaCO2 increase, the velocities increased between 2.9 and 3.6% (21.8-27% per 1 kPa). PaCO2 and hematocrit interaction terms were also highly significant and inversely related to velocity (negative slopes) in the maximum systolic velocity and time-averaged mean velocity models, suggesting that when the hematocrit is high, the PaCO2-induced increase in flow velocity would be attenuated, and when the hematocrit is low, such a response would be accentuated. The hematocrit effect on PaCO2 reactivity was maximal on maximum systolic velocity and least on end-diastolic velocity. Systolic velocity acceleration slope was significantly reduced when the hematocrit was high, and increased when the hematocrit was low. Based on these findings, we conclude that hematocrit is an important variable affecting the rate of kinetic energy change in the large vessels, thereby influencing cerebral vascular PaCO2 reactivity as assessed in Doppler studies.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Cycloheximide inhibits interferon-gamma-induced class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression in cultured rat thyroid cells

The effects of the agents that are related to intracellular events on interferon-gamma-induced class II major histocompatibility complex antigen expression were studied using the technique of immunocytochemistry. Rat class II major histocompatibility complex antigen (RT1.B) was expressed in 88.3 +/- 3.3% (n = 3) of the functioning rat thyroid cells (FRTL-5) cultured in a medium containing 100 U/ml recombinant rat interferon-gamma (IFN gamma). Deprivation of bovine TSH had no effect on the expression of RT1.B antigen by IFN gamma. A23187 (1 nM to 2 microM) and/or 10 nM to 10 microM phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate did not induce the expression of RT1.B antigen. IFN gamma-induced RT1.B expression was not inhibited by either 10 nM to 100 microM 1-(5-isoquinolysulfonyl)-2-methylpiperazine or 200 nM to 200 microM 8-(N,N-dimethylamino)octyl-3,4,5-trimethoxybenzoate hydrochloride. It was also not inhibited by either 5-200 microM verapamil or 500 nM to 20 microM trifluoperazine. However, 0.01-10 micrograms/ml cycloheximide inhibited IFN gamma-induced RT1.B antigen expression in a dose-dependent manner. These results suggest that IFN gamma induces RT1.B antigen expression in FRTL-5 cells via de novo protein synthesis independent of the cAMP system, phosphatidylinositide system, and voltage-dependent calcium channel.

Multiple protein factors bind to a rice glutelin promoter region

Our goal is to identify cis-acting elements in the regulatory region of the major seed storage protein gene in rice. A glutelin gene (pGL5-1) has been cloned by screening a rice genomic DNA library with synthetic oligonucleotides and with an amplified DNA fragment. A transient expression assay using immature rice seeds shows that its 5' flanking sequence can direct the synthesis of beta-glucuronidase (GUS) when fused upstream of the GUS coding region. Gel-retardation assays were performed to study protein-DNA interactions between putative regulatory sequences of pGL5-1 and nuclear proteins from immature rice seeds. We demonstrate that at least six protein-DNA complexes are formed between the 5' flanking sequence of pGL5-1 (-677 to -45) and nuclear protein factors. By subsequent DNase I-footprinting analyses we defined several protein-binding regions. Two of the protein-binding sequences contain the TGAGTCA motif, which is also present in the -300 element found in the 5' flanking sequences of several storage protein genes of other crop plants, and to which the transcription factors jun and GCN4 bind.

Analysis of long terminal repeat circle junctions of human immunodeficiency virus type 1

Circle junctions of unintegrated human immunodeficiency virus type 1 strain IIIB were analyzed after polymerase chain reaction amplification. Among the 28 colonies sequenced, eight unique circle junction species were detected. Five of the eight species resulted in circle junctions with larger inserts than predicted. A majority of these could result from heterogeneity in generating the U5' long terminal repeat terminus.

Poisoning due to class IA antiarrhythmic drugs. Quinidine, procainamide and disopyramide

Quinidine, procainamide and disopyramide are antiarrhythmic drugs in the class 1A category. These drugs have a low toxic to therapeutic ratio, and their use is associated with a number of serious adverse effects during long term therapy and life-threatening sequelae following acute overdose. Class 1A agents inhibit the fast inward sodium current and decrease the maximum rate of rise and amplitude of the cardiac action potential. Prolonged Q-T interval and, to a lesser extent, QRS duration may be observed at therapeutic concentrations of quinidine. With increasing plasma concentrations, progressive depression of automaticity and conduction velocity occur. 'Quinidine syncope' (a transient loss of consciousness due to paroxysmal ventricular tachycardia, frequently of the torsade de pointes type) occurs with therapeutic dosing, often in the first few days of therapy. Extracardiac adverse effects of quinidine include potentially intolerable gastrointestinal effects and hypersensitivity reactions such as fever, rash, blood dyscrasias and hepatitis. Procainamide produces electrophysiological changes that are similar to those of quinidine, although Q-T interval prolongation with the former is less pronounced at therapeutic concentrations. Hypersensitivity reactions including fever, rash and (more seriously) agranulocytosis are associated with procainamide, and a frequent adverse effect requiring cessation of therapy is the development of systemic lupus erythematosus. Of the 3 drugs, disopyramide has the most pronounced negative inotropic effects, which are especially significant in patients with pre-existing left ventricular dysfunction. As with quinidine, unexpected 'disopyramide syncope' at therapeutic concentrations has been described. Anticholinergic side effects are common with this drug and may require cessation of therapy. Disopyramide therapy may unpredictably induce severe hypoglycaemia. Severe intoxication with the class 1A agents may result from acute accidental or intentional overdose, or from accumulation of the drugs during long term therapy. Acute overdose can result in severe disturbances of cardiac conduction and hypotension, frequently accompanied by central nervous system toxicity. Decreased renal function can cause significant accumulation of procainamide and its active metabolite acecainide (N-acetyl-procainamide), resulting in severe intoxication. Mild to moderate renal dysfunction is less likely to lead to quinidine or disopyramide intoxication, unless renal failure is severe or concurrent hepatic dysfunction is present. Management of acute intoxication with class 1A drugs includes gut decontamination with provision of respiratory support and treatment of seizures as needed. Hypertonic sodium bicarbonate, by antagonising the inhibitory effect of quinidine on sodium conductance, may reverse many or all manifestations of cardiovascular toxicity.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The gdhA gene is located at 38.6 minutes on the Escherichia coli map

We report here that the gdhA gene of Escherichia coli, which encodes the NADP-specific glutamate dehydrogenase, is located at 38.6 min on the map. We have confirmed this location by showing linkage with three Tn10 insertions that are linked to the aroD, pheS, and ansA loci, by complementation by a restriction-mapped lambda clone, and by showing correspondence between the restriction maps of the chromosome and the cloned and sequenced gdhA gene.

Na(+)-H+ exchanger kinetics in adrenal glomerulosa cells and its activation by angiotensin II

We have studied the kinetic properties of basal and angiotensin II (ANG II) stimulated Na(+)-H+ exchange in adrenal glomerulosa cells by measuring changes in cytosolic pH (pHi) and initial rates of 22Na uptake in the presence or absence of dimethylamiloride (DMA). The cells were studied 1) under basal conditions, 2) at constant pHi (6.8) with varied external sodium (Na+o), and 3) at varied pHi with constant Na+o (50 mM). In 2,7-biscarboxyethyl-5(6)-carboxyfluorescein loaded cells under basal conditions, pHi rose from 7.09 +/- 0.02 to 7.19 +/- 0.02 (P less than 0.05) with addition of ANG II (100 nM). Similarly, DMA-sensitive Na influx was enhanced from 9.2 +/- 1.3 to 14.8 +/- 2.1 nmol Na+/mg protein x min (P less than 0.01) by ANG II. In cells acid-loaded by preincubation in Na(+)-free media (pHi 6.8), addition of varying Na+o resulted in a rapid H+ efflux that was markedly inhibited by DMA. DMA-sensitive Na+ influx into these acidified cells with varied Na+o exhibited a Michaelis-Menten constant (Km) of 23 mM and a maximum velocity (Vmax) of 43 nmol Na+/mg protein x min. By varying pHi (from pHi 7.1 to 6.2), DMA-sensitive Na+ influx likewise showed activation with cellular acidification with a pK at pHi 7.09. At pHi 6.8, ANG II decreased the Km for Na+o from 23 to 17 mM and increased the Vmax from 43 to 53 nmol Na+/mg protein x min. The pHi dependence of DMA-sensitive Na+ influx was not affected by ANG II (pK at pHi 7.03). DMA also inhibited AII-stimulated aldosterone secretion and Na+ influx similarly. These results indicate that Na(+)-H+ exchange in adrenal glomerulosa cells is 1) functioning under basal conditions, and 2) is modulated by ANG II with enhanced Na+o affinity and Vmax but without a shift in pHi dependence (similar to ANG II effects on vascular smooth muscle cells). These effects suggest an important role for Na(+)-H+ exchange during ANG II stimulation of aldosterone production by glomerulosa cells.

Identification of lipopolysaccharide-binding proteins in 70Z/3 cells by photoaffinity cross-linking

A radioiodinated, photoactivatable derivative of Salmonella minnesota Re595 lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used to label LPS-binding proteins in 70Z/3 cells. The labeled proteins were resolved by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and visualized by autoradiography. 125I-Labeled-2-(p-azidosalycylamido)1,3'-dithiopropionamide S. minnesota Re595 LPS (125I-ASD-Re595) labeled a limited number of proteins. The most prominent of these had a apparent molecular mass of 18 kDa. Less prominent labeling of 25- and 28-kDa proteins was also seen. Labeling was saturated by 5 micrograms/ml 125I-ASD-Re595 and was inhibited by a 10-100-fold excess of unlabeled LPS or lipid A. Labeling was maximal within 30 min at 37 degrees C; much less labeling occurred at lower temperatures. The proteins labeled with 125I-ASD-Re595 appear to be on the surface of the cell, since they can be digested by trypsin and were found in the membrane fraction of the cell but not in the cytosol. Studies with competitive inhibitors suggested that the proteins bind to the lipid A region of the LPS molecule. Biologically inactive lipid A analogs were poor inhibitors of labeling, suggesting that the LPS-binding proteins could discriminate between active lipid A and inactive analogs. These studies suggest that the 18- and 25-kDa proteins bind specifically to the lipid A region of the LPS molecule and should be considered as candidates for a functional LPS receptor.

Negative correlation between the change in bone mineral density and serum osteocalcin in patients with hyperthyroidism

To assess the changes in bone mineral density and osteoblastic activity in patients with hyperthyroidism and to investigate the relationship between those changes, we measured bone mineral density and serum osteocalcin in 109 patients with Graves' disease, comprising 75 untreated patients and 34 patients under treatment, and 200 normal controls. The degree of change in bone mineral density was quantified with Z transformation, in which we used means and SDs of bone mineral densities obtained in the process of age- and sex-matched 1:1 pairing developed by ourselves. Bone mineral density was low in female patients with hyperthyroidism in the spine, femur neck, trochanter, and Ward's triangle, but was not low in male patients. Serum osteocalcin was elevated in patients with untreated Graves' disease and correlated negatively with the Z values of bone mineral densities of the spine, femur neck, and trochanter. In conclusion, indices of osteoblastic activity were elevated in patients with hyperthyroidism, probably secondary to a thyroid hormone-induced increase in bone resorption which resulted in reduced bone mineral density. Quantification of the change in bone mineral density by using the parameters derived in the process of age- and sex-matched pairing seems to be an efficient method for statistical analyses.

Lipopolysaccharide induces hyporesponsiveness to its own action in RAW 264.7 cells

Bacterial endotoxin (lipopolysaccharide, LPS) has the property of inducing hyporesponsiveness or tolerance to its own effects. This phenomenon has been demonstrated in man and experimental animals. The cellular changes that contribute to LPS tolerance are not understood. One mechanism of tolerance could involve a diminished response to LPS by key effector cells such as macrophages. Here we describe experiments designed to determine the mechanism whereby LPS produces a hyporesponsive state to its own effects. Because of the importance of the monokine known as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) in mediating many of the diverse effects of LPS, we have studied induction of TNF-alpha at the mRNA and activity level in the murine macrophage-like cell line RAW 264.7. Hyporesponsiveness can be induced by exposure of RAW 264.7 cells to low doses of LPS for more than 6 h prior to challenge with a second, normally stimulatory dose of LPS. This hyporesponsiveness is characterized by a diminished ability of LPS to increase steady state levels of TNF-alpha mRNA, is not due to an increased rate of TNF-alpha mRNA degradation, and is specific for LPS since LPS-pretreated and control cells produce similar amounts of TNF-alpha in response to challenge with heat-killed Staphylococcal aureus. The presence of indomethacin during the primary and/or challenge LPS treatment has no effect on the induction of acquired hyporesponsiveness. Thus, cyclooxygenase products are probably not involved in the development of LPS-induced hyporesponsiveness. These studies provide the basis for a better understanding of the cellular mechanisms that contribute to LPS tolerance.

Cerebral artery flow velocity acceleration and deceleration characteristics in newborn infants

To evaluate maturational differences in the cerebral artery blood flow velocity characteristics, we measured the middle cerebral (MCA) and basilar artery blood flow velocity and time intervals using a real-time imaging pulsed Doppler system in 39 preterm and 25 term infants. Preterm MCA and basilar artery mean Doppler spectral area under the curve were approximately 22 and 25% lower than the corresponding term values, with a significant increase during gestation as revealed by regression models. Paradoxically, the mean MCA systolic acceleration and deceleration slopes were approximately 28 and 18% higher in preterm than in term infants: acceleration 701.2 +/- 160 cm/s2 versus 546.4 +/- 156.5/s2 (p less than 0.005), and deceleration 222.2 +/- 71.6 cm/s2 versus 188.2 +/- 52.2 cm/s2 (p less than 0.05), respectively. Similarly, acceleration and deceleration pressure half times for MCA were about 15 and 18% shorter in the preterm (p less than 0.01 and less than 0.005). Multiple regression models controlling for velocity and frequency terms revealed an inverse relationship between gestational age and MCA acceleration (p less than 0.005), and a positive relationship between gestational age and MCA acceleration pressure half times (p less than 0.02). In preterm infants the MCA specific index of pulsatility was about 32% higher (p less than 0.05) than in the term, which was also inversely related to gestational age in a regression model controlling for velocity terms (p less than 0.02). However, the basilar artery acceleration and deceleration slopes were not significantly different between term and preterm groups, nor showed a significant gestational age effect in the multiple regression models.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Ultrasonic evaluation of erythrocyte aggregation dynamics

The dynamics of aggregation and disaggregation of blood of varying hematocrit in oscillatory flow in a distensible horizontal tube was determined by measuring the developing echo intensity of the blood samples with a 10 MHz B-mode ultrasonic scanner. Early aggregation could be detected within 10 sec. of stoppage of flow. The rate of echo intensity buildup and thus, presumably the rate of aggregation when flow was stopped was inversely related to hematocrit, as was the rate of echo intensity reduction when flow was resumed. Polycythemic blood of 60% hematocrit showed no echo intensity increase over 5 min. Increasing the shear stress when flow was resumed resulted in rapid decreases in aggregation. In all cases, disaggregation following flow resumption was faster than aggregation following flow stoppage.

Temporal aspects of DNA and RNA synthesis during human immunodeficiency virus infection: evidence for differential gene expression

The kinetics of retroviral DNA and RNA synthesis are parameters vital to understanding viral growth, especially for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which encodes several of its own regulatory genes. We have established a single-cycle growth condition for HIV in H9 cells, a human CD4+ lymphocyte line. The full-length viral linear DNA is first detectable by 4 h postinfection. During a one-step growth of HIV, amounts of viral DNA gradually increase until 8 to 12 h postinfection and then decrease. The copy number of unintegrated viral DNA is not extraordinarily high even at its peak. Most strikingly, there is a temporal program of RNA accumulation: the earliest RNA is greatly enriched in the 2-kilobase subgenomic mRNA species, while the level of 9.2-kilobase RNA which is both genomic RNA and mRNA remains low until after 24 h of infection. Virus production begins at about 24 h postinfection. Thus, viral DNA synthesis is as rapid as for other retroviruses, but viral RNA synthesis involves temporal alteration in the species that accumulate, presumably as a consequence of viral regulatory genes.

Ion assisted deposition of thermally evaporated Ag and Al films

Optical, electrical, and microstructural effects of Ar-ion bombardment and Ar incorporation on thermally evaporated Ag and Al thin films are investigated. The results show that as the momentum supplied to the growing films by the bombarding ions per arriving metal atom increases, the refractive index at 632.8 nm increases and the extinction coefficient decreases, lattice spacing expands, grain size decreases, electrical resistivity increases, and trapped Ar increases slightly. In Ag films, stress reverses from tensile to compressive and in Al films compressive stress increases. In the Al films the change in optical constants can be explained by the variation in void volume. The reversal of stress from tensile to compressive in Ag films requires a threshold level of momentum. The increase in electrical resistivity is related to the decrease in grain size and increase in trapped Ar in both types of film. Many of these properties correlate well with the momentum transferred, suggesting that the momentum is an important physical parameter in describing the influence of ion beam on growing thin films and determining the characteristics of thin metal films prepared by ion assisted deposition.

Simultaneous determination of refractive index, its dispersion and depth-profile of magnesium oxide thin film by spectroscopic ellipsometry

A new method of using the spectroscopic ellipsometry technique to determine (a) the true (or bulk) refractive index of the film material, (b) the dispersion of the above refractive index with wavelength, (c) the thickness of the film, and (d) the distribution of the voids in the film is presented.

Changes of peripheral T lymphocyte subsets following treatment in patients with bronchogenic carcinoma

We evaluated the changes of peripheral leukocyte counts, lymphocyte counts, and percentage of lymphocytes and T cell subsets (OKT4(%), OKT8(%) and OKT4/OKT8) in 49 untreated lung cancer patients of whom 23 were followed up after therapy (8 pulmonary resection, 15 chemotherapy). Total WBC counts were significantly increased in stage I or II compared to controls and were decreased after operation. Total counts and percentage of lymphocytes were decreased (esp. stage III NSCLC, SCLC esp. ED, squamous) and were persistently decreased after treatment in nonresponders. OKT8(%) was decreased (esp. SCLC, squamous, adenocarcinoma, all stages of NSCLC, and ED of SCLC) and was persistently decreased in stage III after treatment. The OKT4/OKT8 ratio was increased (esp. adenocarcinoma and stage III NSCLC) and returned to the normal range after treatment. In nonresponders, total lymphocyte counts were decreased before treatment compared to responders and persistently decreased before and after treatment compared to controls, and OKT8(%) was persistently decreased after treatment compared to controls. In conclusion, immunoabnormalities in patients with lung cancer might be improved following treatment.

[Effect of praziquantel treatment on pulmonary lesions of rats infected with Paragonimus iloktsuenensis]

An experimental pathological study was performed to observe the effect of praziquantel treatment on the pulmonary lesions of the rat lung fluke, Paragonimus iloktsuenensis. The metacercariae were obtained from the freshwater crab, Sesarma dehaani, and 40 rats (wistar) were fed each with 10 metacercariae. On 20 rats praziquantel treatment (100mg/kg/day x 5 days) was done at 5 weeks after the infection while remaining 20 rats were kept untreated for use as controls. The drug-treated rats and the untreated ones were sacrificed 3, 7, 14, 21 or 28 days later for the observation of lung pathology. The rats infected with P. iloktsuenensis showed remarkable pulmonary changes; gross features of hemorrhagic and nodular worm capsules protruded on to the surface of the lung, and histologically local atelectasis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and egg granuloma around the worm capsules each containing one or two worms. Praziquantel treatment of the rats was shown to be highly effective in killing the worms and to lead them to degenerate, as early as in 3 days post-treatment. Almost all worms in the lung were dead and absorbed by the host cells in 21 days post-treatment, except a few living ones seen in a rat of 14-day post-treatment group. In most of the rats treated the pulmonary lesions showed the signs of resolution; regression of worm capsules with mummification of worms, decrease of inflammatory cell infiltration, improvement in the degree of atelectasis, and decreases in the frequency and size of the egg granuloma. From the results it is concluded that praziquantel is highly effective for the treatment of rat P. iloktsuenensis infection in the lung, not only by its direct killing effect of the worms but also due to the excellent resolution capacity of the pulmonary tissues.