Anaerobic capacity and maximal oxygen uptake during arm stroke, leg kicking and whole body swimming

In the present study, we determined both anaerobic capacity (the maximal accumulated oxygen deficit) and maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) during arm stroke (A), leg kicking (K), and whole body swimming (S), and compared them. The subjects were six trained college swimmers (two male and four female), aged 20 +/- 1 years. To determine VO2max for A, K and S, VO2max was measured during a 6-min swim at constant water flow rates. VO2 was measured by the Douglas bag method. Anaerobic capacity was determined by accumulated oxygen deficit during exercise lasting 2-3 min according to the methods of Medbø et al. Mean values of VO2max during A, K and S were 2.53 +/- 0.37 L min-1, 2.93 +/- 0.37 L min-1, and 3.23 +/- 0.43 L min-1, respectively. Those in A and K corresponded to 78.2% and 91.0% of that in S. Mean values of anaerobic capacity during A, K and S were 2.15 +/- 0.31 L, 2.52 +/- 1.08 L and 2.99 +/- 0.52 L, respectively. Those in A and K corresponded to 73.3% and 81.7% of that in S. Both VO2max and anaerobic capacity in S were much lower than the sum of A and K, corresponding to only 59.3% and 65.9%, respectively. These results suggest that the total energy production during S is lower than simply the sum of A and K because the potentials of both the anaerobic and aerobic energy releasing processes in the muscle groups involved in A and K cannot be fully reached during S.

Intravenous immunoglobulin therapy for refractory myositis

The efficacy of polyvalent intravenous immunoglobulin therapy (IVIG) was evaluated in three patients with refractory myositis. Patients refractory to conventional therapy, such as corticosteroid administration, corticosteroid or cyclophosphamide pulse therapy [2 with dermatomyositis (DM), 1 with polymyositis (PM)] were treated with IVIG (0.4 g/kg daily) for 5 days. Clinical improvement was apparent within 1-2 months after IVIG and persisted for 19-23 months (DM patients) and 12 months (PM patient). No adverse effects were observed. Thus, IVIG may be considered an effective therapy for refractory myositis.

Plasma concentrations of atrial, brain, and C-type natriuretic peptides and endothelin-1 in patients with chronic respiratory diseases

We measured plasma concentrations of atrial, brain, and C-type natriuretic peptides (ANP, BNP, and CNP, respectively) and endothelin-1 in 20 patients with chronic respiratory diseases (CRD) to establish whether these peptides are increased in patient groups with CRD (group A, PaO2 > or = 60 mm Hg; group B, PaO2 < 60 mm Hg) and whether a correlation exists between the levels of natriuretic peptides or endothelin-1, and blood gas variables. In patients receiving long-term oxygen therapy (LTOT), plasma ANP, BNP, and endothelin-1 were compared before and after LTOT. We compared the levels of plasma ANP, BNP, and endothelin-1 in the presence or absence of right heart overloading (RHO) found in the ECG. Plasma ANP and BNP levels in group B patients were higher than those in group A and control subjects, and endothelin-1 in group B patients was higher than in control subjects. Inverse correlations were found between PaO2 and levels of plasma ANP, BNP, and endothelin-1. Plasma ANP, BNP, and endothelin-1 decreased significantly 25.4 days after LTOT. In 10 patients with RHO findings in the ECG, plasma ANP and BNP levels were significantly elevated compared with those in patients without RHO. These findings show that plasma ANP, BNP, and endothelin-1 are elevated according to the degree of hypoxemia, and they suggest that decreases in plasma ANP, BNP, and endothelin-1 may be used as indexes of the improvement by LTOT, and that plasma ANP and BNP may represent markers of RHO.

A Cl- pump in rat brain neurons

Cl(-)-stimulated and ethacrynic acid-sensitive ATPase (Cl(-)-ATPase) of plasma membrane origin in the rat brain is a candidate for an active outwardly directed Cl- translocating system. Biochemistry of Cl(-)-ATPase and ATP-dependent Cl- transport (Km values for ATP and Cl-, nucleotide specificity, pH dependency, and sensitivity to ethacrynic acid) suggested that Cl(-)-ATPase is an ATP-driven Cl- pump. Activity of the reconstituted Cl(-)-ATPase/pump increased in the presence of phosphatidylinositol-4-monophosphate, and this pump activity further increased at an inside-positive membrane potential or in the presence of a protonophore, suggesting that the Cl(-)-ATPase/pump is an electrogenic Cl- transporter, probably regulated by phosphoinositide turnover in vivo. In cultured hippocampal pyramidal cell-like neurons from embryonic rat brain, ethacrynic acid and ATP-consuming treatment increased, but furosemide, an inhibitor of Na+/K+/Cl- cotransporter, decreased, [Cl-]i when monitored using Cl(-)-sensitive fluorescent probes. The stationary levels of [Cl-]i were lower and the effects of ethacrynic acid were more prominent in perikarya than in dendrites, while the effects of furosemide were more obvious in dendrites than in perikarya. The lower perikaryonic [Cl-]i and the marked effects of ethacrynic acid were observed in the later stage rather than in the early stage of culture. Thus, region-specific localization and developmental changes in the activities of Cl- transporters probably result in uneven and age-dependent distribution of Cl- in the neurons.

[Veno-arterial bypass and intraaortic balloon pumping for profound right heart failure--a case report of perioperative right heart infarction]

A combination of veno-arterial bypass (VAB) and intraaortic balloon pumping (IABP) was applied to a 54-year-old male patient whose right heart function was severely damaged immediately following aortic valve replacement. A diagnosis of perioperative myocardial infarction was made with findings of severe hypokinesis of the right heart, new Q wave with ST elevation, and increased cardiac escaping enzyme. The VAB was maintained wih a pump flow rate of 2.0-2.5 L/min. The system was exchanged to the second one 42 hours after the surgery. According to repeated on/off testing, the VAB was successfully weaned on the 5th postoperative day followed by weaning IABP on the 6th postoperative day. This case report shows a recovery from isolated right heart failure by an immediate switching from a cardiopulmonary bypass to VAB and IABP.

[Diagnosis of pulmonary aspergillosis in cases with cavity as sequela of tuberculosis]

Non-invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is frequently seen in cases with cavity as sequela of tuberculosis. Diagnosis of non-invasive pulmonary aspergillosis is not easy except for cases whose chest X-ray findings show a typical fungus ball. How to diagnose pulmonary aspergillosis was studied in 21 patients who showed changes in the radiological findings of cavity as sequela of tuberculosis. We made sputum culture of Aspergillus, measurement of precipitin antibody titer to Aspergillus fumigatus and measurement of PASTOREX ASPERGILLUS in serum and sputum on the 21 patients (group A). PASTOREX ASPERGILLUS in sputum was evaluated in three grades: 1+ approximately 3+. We diagnosed 14 patients as pulmonary aspergillosis (PA group) among the 21 patients taking into account the chest X-ray findings and the results of the above-stated investigations. The types of chest X-ray findings of these 14 patients were fungus ball type (FB) in 2 patients, productive aspergilloma on the inner wall of a cavity (PAIC) in 8, mixed type with FB and PAIC in 2 and non-specific change in 2. However, there were 3 patients with the chest X-ray findings suggestive of PAIC in 7 patients (non-PA group) who were not diagnosed as pulmonary aspergillosis. Sputum culture were positive in 11 patients of PA group (79%) and negative in all patients of non-PA group. Precipitin antibody were positive in 8 patients of PA group (67%) and negative in all patients of non-PA group. PASTOREX ASPERGILLUS in serum were negative in all 21 patients. PASTOREX ASPERGILLUS in sputum were 3+ (+3) in all 14 patients of PA group and in 2 patients of non-PA group and 2+ (+2) in 2 patients of non-PA group. 12 patients of PA group were treated by antifungal agents and 11 patients responded well to the treatment. We also made sputum culture of Aspergillus and measurement of PASTOREX ASPERGILLUS in sputum on 14 patients (group B) who had respiratory diseases with stable cavities and 17 patients (group C) who had respiratory diseases without a cavity. In group B, sputum culture were positive in 1 patient and PASTOREX ASPERGILLUS in sputum were 3+ (+3) in 2 patients, 2+ (+2) in 1 and 1+ (+) in 2. In group C, sputum culture were negative in all patients and PASTOREX ASPERGILLUS in sputum were 3+ (+3) in 1 patient, 2+ (+2) in 3 and 1+ (+) in 2. Measurement of PASTOREX in sputum was a useful tool to diagnose non-invasive aspergillosis in addition to sputum culture and measurement of precipitin antibody titer. The sensitivity of PASTOREX in sputum was high but its specificity was low, however, its specificity could be raised by applying semi-quantitative analysis of PASTOREX in sputum.

[Prospective clinical study of the combination therapy of auranofin and methotrexate for rheumatoid arthritis--a multi-center study]

In a study to evaluate the usefulness of DMARDs combination therapy for RA, AF and MTX were concurrently given to RA patients who had responded poorly to over three months of monotherapy of either AF or MTX. The study was composed of two stages. In the first stage, patients were concurrently given AF and MTX for six months in order to evaluate the efficacy of combination therapy. In the second stage, patients who had responded to the earlier combination therapy were again put on monotherapy of the additive DMARD. Safety evaluation was conducted with 126 patients, and both efficacy and utility were evaluated in 100 patients. Lansbury index for RA significantly improved in both groups of patients starting with the AF and followed by the MTX combination (Group I) and those who started with MTX alone followed by the AF combination (Group II). The ratio of patients who achieved slight improvement or better in the overall improvement rating was significantly higher in Group I at 74.6%, vs. 51.1% in Group II patients. Ten patients (16.9%) and 2 patients (4.9%) were switched to their additive DMARD monotherapy of MTX and AF respectively, having responded to the combination therapy in stage I with slight improvement or a better rating. Adverse events were observed in 44 patients (34.9%), but the combination therapy neither increased the incidence of adverse events nor caused new adverse events. Combination therapy of AF and MTX appeared to be useful both in terms of efficacy and safety for patients who have experienced the dwindling effect of monotherapy.

Genetic basis of the neurovirulence of type 1 polioviruses isolated from vaccine-associated paralytic patients

We examined four type 1 polioviruses isolated from the stools of patients with vaccine-associated paralytic poliomyelitis in China. All of these isolates were shown to be Sabin derived viruses by restriction fragment length polymorphism assay after polymerase chain reaction and by sequencing of the viral genome encoding the viral coat protein, VP1. However, the same analysis of the 3D coding region suggested that two of the four isolates had the sequence of wild type poliovirus in the tested region. Furthermore there were also point mutations in the 5' non-coding region. One was a single base change from U to C at nucleotide position 525, and the other three were from G to A at position 480. All the four strains were more neurovirulent that Sabin type 1 virus in transgenic mice with human poliovirus receptor gene. The data showed that the nucleotide positions of type 1 poliovirus which were identified to be in favor of the high neurovirulence were indeed changed during natural transmission, and suggested that the point mutation alone or a recombination of the vaccine type with wild type genome results in an acquisition of neurovirulence.

Splenectomy-reduced hepatic injury induced by ischemia/reperfusion in the rat

In the present study, we investigated the role of the spleen in experimental hepatic ischemia/reperfusion in the rat. After a 90-min period of ischemia in the left and middle hepatic lobes, the ischemia was released and the liver was reperfused for up to 24 h. Plasma alanine aminotransferase reached a peak 3 h after the onset of reperfusion, and gradually decreased thereafter. A histological examination revealed evidence of hepatocellular necrosis and degeneration, especially 24 h after the onset of reperfusion. In addition, there was a noticeable accumulation of polymorphonuclear cells in the liver following ischemia/reperfusion. A splenectomy performed just prior to ischemia/reperfusion reduced both biochemical and histological hepatocellular injury. The number of polymorphonuclear cells in the liver following ischemia/reperfusion was significantly reduced in rats subjected to splenectomy, suggesting that the increase in polymorphonuclear cells may contribute to liver injury. The number of mononuclear cells also increased in the marginal zones of the spleen following ischemia/reperfusion, and appeared to be derived from the splenic monocyte/macrophage population, based on immunohistochemical studies. The spleen plays an important role in the pathogenesis of hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury and the splenic monocyte/ macrophage population contributes to liver damage.

Gamma knife radiosurgery for arteriovenous malformations: long-term follow-up results focusing on complications occurring more than 5 years after irradiation

The detailed long-term follow-up results of 40 patients treated for cerebral arteriovenous malformations with gamma knife radiosurgery are presented, with special reference to postradiosurgical complications that can develop many years after irradiation. The follow-up period after radiosurgery was 54 to 205 months, excluding one mortality, with a mean and a median of 106 and 97 months, respectively. One patient (2.5%) has, to date, refused all neuroimaging follow-up examinations. Complete nidus obliteration was angiographically confirmed in 26 patients (65%) between 1 and 5 years after radiosurgery. In the remaining 13 patients (32.5%), although significant shrinkage of each nidus was angiographically demonstrated, complete obliteration was not attained during a 3- to 7-year period of follow-up after radiosurgery. Among these 13 patients, 1 underwent surgical extirpation of the nidus and 5 underwent second courses of gamma knife radiosurgery between 3 and 6 years after initial treatment; in 3 of the 5 patients, complete nidus obliteration was angiographically confirmed between 1 and 3 years after the second course of radiosurgery. There were no radiation- or arteriovenous malformation-related mortalities. However, we did experience one angiography-related mortality. We also experienced one morbidity (probably caused by hemorrhagic stroke), which developed 5 years after 2-year postradiosurgical angiography had demonstrated complete obliteration, and three radiation-related morbidities, two of which (hemiparkinsonian syndrome and visual field disturbances caused by delayed cyst formation) occurred 5.5 and 7 years, respectively, after irradiation. Furthermore, we observed another two patients who, although asymptomatic to date, showed delayed cyst formation on magnetic resonance imaging 5 and 10 years after irradiation, respectively. In total, 3 (23%) of 13 patients who underwent computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging more than 5 years after radiosurgery showed delayed cyst formation. In conclusion, long-term follow-up, particularly with the use of neuroimaging techniques, is necessary even after the treatment goal has been achieved.

Amino acid concentration in dementia of the Alzheimer type and multi-infarct dementia

Amino acids were measured in nine cases of dementia of the Alzheimer type, 10 cases of multi-infarct dementia, and 10 healthy controls. The severity of dementia was examined using mini-mental state test (MMST). Amino acid analysis (41 kinds) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum was performed in the Special Reference Laboratories. In the dementia of the Alzheimer type group, methionine and alanine concentrations in the CSF were significantly increased, and the CSF/serum ratios for both the alanine and glycine concentrations were significantly increased, in comparison with the healthy control group. In the multi-infarct dementia group, glycine, methionine, threonine, phenylalanine, and citrulline concentrations in the CSF were all higher than in the healthy control group. Significant negative correlations were found between the MMST score and the alanine, urea, arginine, and alpha-aminobutyric acid concentrations in the CSF. The number of amino acids which exhibited abnormality in dementia of the Alzheimer type and multi-infarct dementia was greater in the present study than in previous reports.

Tissue changes in glutathione metabolism and lipid peroxidation induced by swimming are partially prevented by melatonin

The present study used male Sprague-Dawley rats to investigate changes in glutathione [reduced (GSH) and oxidized GSH (GSSG)]. lipid peroxidation (as indicated by tissue levels of malonaldehyde and 4-hydroxyalkenals), and the activity of the antioxidant enzyme glutathione peroxidase after a bout of swimming (30 min.) with or without melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) treatment. In muscle, the concentration of GSH and the GSH/GSSG ratio were decreased following 30 min. of swimming: these changes are indicative of enhanced oxidative stress. Pretreatment with melatonin prevented these effects. In liver, swimming increased significantly both GSH and GSSG, and decreased the GSH/GSSG ratio. When animals were treated with melatonin, concentrations of GSH and GSSG were also increased after swimming: however, the reduction in the GSH/GSSG ratio was prevented by melatonin. Brain GSH/GSSG ratio was not affected by exercise or by melatonin. Swimming enhanced the levels of lipid peroxidation products is muscle: this was prevented in animals treated with melatonin. Glutathione peroxidase activity was significantly elevated after swimming in both liver and brain with the change not being influenced by concurrent melatonin treatment. It is concluded that swimming imposes an oxidative stress on liver and skeletal muscle and the results show that melatonin confers partial protection against oxidative toxicity, especially in muscle.

Mechanical unfolding of alpha2-macroglobulin molecules with atomic force microscope

alpha2-Macroglobulin was derivatized with a sulfhydryl cross-linker and sandwiched between a mica substrate and a silicon nitride tip, both coated with gold, of an atomic force microscope and force curve measurement was carried out. An extensive downward deflection of the cantilever was observed in the retracting realm of the curve, when and only when the substrate was covered with the derivatized protein. The result was interpreted in terms of the mechanical stretching and unfolding of a single or a few protein molecules.

Paraquat toxicity and oxidative damage. Reduction by melatonin

The ability of melatonin to protect against paraquat-induced oxidative damage in rat lung, liver, and serum was examined. Changes in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) plus 4-hydroxyalkenals (4-HDA) and reduced and oxidized glutathione concentrations were measured. Paraquat (50 mg/kg) was injected i.p. into either Sprague-Dawley or Wistar rats with or without the co-administration of 5 mg/kg melatonin. Paraquat alone increased MDA + 4-HDA levels in serum and lungs of both rat strains, with these increases being abolished by melatonin co-treatment. Paraquat also decreased reduced glutathione levels and increased oxidized glutathione concentrations in lung and liver; these changes were negated by melatonin. The effect of melatonin on paraquat-induced mortality was also studied. Paraquat at a dose of 79 mg/kg was lethal for 50% of animals within 24 hr; when administered together with melatonin, the LD50 for paraquat increased to 251 mg/kg.

A case of dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor of the parietal lobe with characteristic magnetic resonance imaging

The case of a 4 year old boy with a dysembryoplastic neuroepithelial tumor (DNT) of the left parietal lobe is reported. The DNT was located mainly in the cortex and showed no mass effect on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). T1-weighted images of the DNT showed the characteristic findings of lesion hypointensity, but with a well preserved gyrus-like configuration. This lesion was isointense to the normal cortex on proton density imaging and hyperintense on T2-weighted imaging. The characteristic features on T1-weighted and proton density imaging in this patient were useful in differentiating DNT from other types of tumors. Histologic findings in DNTs, which include the presence of both glial and neuronal cells without atypia and no definite transitional zone between the adjacent disorganized cortical cell layers, suggest that DNT is not a true neoplasm but rather a dysplastic lesion. It is clinically important to differentiate this tumor both from other benign tumors and malignant tumors which have different prognoses and therapies. The distinctive MRI findings, as well as the histologic features of DNT, support the diagnosis in the clinical setting.

[Laser laparoscopic cholecystectomy]

Clinical use of the Polish Nd-YAG laser with "naked fibre"--type tip in the laparoscopic cholecystectomy is discussed. Eleven subsequent patients with the symptomatic cholelithiasis confirmed with ultrasonography have been operated with this technique. Laser served mainly to dissect gall bladder from the liver. Biliary duct and cystic artery have been clipped. No complications of the laparoscopic laser cholecystectomy have been noted. Gall bladder wall has been perforated in 3 patients operated with contact technique. However, there have been no technical problems, and further preparation of the gall bladder has been successfully completed with laser in all cases. A value of laser in laparoscopic cholecystectomy seems lower than that of electrocautery. However, a non-contact photocoagulation in the hemostasis of blood vessels in gall bladder removal site seems promising. Laser prolongs the duration of surgery and markedly increases its cost. Further investigations are required to evaluate laparoscopic laser cholecystectomies as the effects of laser beam in the abdominal cavity remains unknown.

Increased matrix metalloproteinases as possible cause of osseoarticular tissue destruction in long-term haemodialysis and beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis

Immunolocalization of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMPs) in periarticular tissues of beta 2-microglobulin amyloidosis patients was investigated. MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) the most strongly expressed of the MMPs, was localized in the synovial lining cells, mesenchymal cells in granulation tissue and nodular amyloid deposits, and chondrocytes within areas of cartilage erosion. Expression of MMP-1 was correlated with the degree of macrophage infiltration and synovial cell hyperplasia, but it was not correlated with the degree of amyloid deposition or haemodialysis period. Expression of MMP-1 appeared more intense than that of TIMP-1 and TIMP-2 in highly inflammatory cases. MMP-2 was mildly expressed in the interstitial fibroblasts and MMP-3 was faintly stained in the extracellular matrix of the synovial membrane. MMP-9 (gelatinase B) was found to be strongly positive in the osteoclasts which increased in the progressing osteolytic lesion from the destructive arthropathy. These results suggest involvement of MMPs in inflammation with an imbalance between expression of MMPs and TIMPs being closely related to pathogenesis of the destructive arthropathy.

Identification of pentosidine as a native structure for advanced glycation end products in beta-2-microglobulin-containing amyloid fibrils in patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis

beta-2-Microglobulin (beta-2m) is a major constituent of amyloid fibrils in patients with dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA). Recently, we found that the pigmented and fluorescent adducts formed nonenzymatically between sugar and protein, known as advanced glycation end products (AGEs), were present in beta-2m-containing amyloid fibrils, suggesting the possible involvement of AGE-modified beta-2m in bone and joint destruction in DRA. As an extension of our search for the native structure of AGEs in beta-2m of patients with DRA, the present study focused on pentosidine, a fluorescent cross-linked glycoxidation product. Determination by both HPLC assay and competitive ELISA demonstrated a significant amount of pentosidine in amyloid-fibril beta-2m from long-term hemodialysis patients with DRA, and the acidic isoform of beta-2m in the serum and urine of hemodialysis patients. A further immunohistochemical study revealed the positive immunostaining for pentosidine and immunoreactive AGEs and beta-2m in macrophage-infiltrated amyloid deposits of long-term hemodialysis patients with DRA. These findings implicate a potential link of glycoxidation products in long-lived beta-2m-containing amyloid fibrils to the pathogenesis of DRA.

Tachykinins mediate the potentiation of antigen-induced bronchoconstriction by cold air in guinea pigs

The role of tachykinins in the potentiation of antigen-evoked bronchoconstriction induced by inhalation of cold air was studied in guinea pigs. Cold air was delivered through a tracheal cannula to anesthetized, artificially ventilated guinea pigs sensitized with ovalbumin and pretreated with atropine (1.4 micromol/kg). Inhalation of cold air increased total pulmonary resistance (RL) in a time-dependent manner; inhalation of cold air for 10 or 15 minutes, but not for 5 minutes, produced a significant increase in RL. Aerosolized ovalbumin (5 breaths) increased RL in a dose-dependent manner (0.5% to 5%). Inhalation of cold air for 5 minutes significantly enhanced both the peak and the duration of the increase in RL induced by 0.5% ovalbumin. The tachykinin neurokinin 2-receptor antagonist, SR 48968 (0.3 micromol/kg intravenously) inhibited both the peak and the duration of the bronchoconstriction induced by 5-minute inhalation of cold air and ovalbumin (0.5%), whereas it did not affect the response to ovalbumin (0.5%) alone. These findings suggest that exposure to cold air potentiates the bronchoconstriction response to antigen and that this potentiation is mediated by tachykinin release from sensory nerves.

Effects of intravenous L-dopa on P300 and regional cerebral blood flow in parkinsonism

The P300 and regional cerebral blood flow were measured before and after intravenous injection of L-dopa in 10 patients with idiopathic Parkinson's disease and 10 patients with vascular parkinsonism. The P300 was measured with an evoked potential recorder using an oddball paradigm and the regional cerebral blood flow was measured using the stable xenon computed tomography method. The P300 latency was significantly longer and the regional cerebral blood flow in the cerebral cortex and basal ganglia was significantly lower in the Parkinson's disease group and the vascular parkinsonism group than in the age-matched healthy control group. The intravenous injection of L-dopa improved these abnormalities significantly in the Parkinson's disease group but did not improve these abnormalities in the vascular parkinsonism group. Cognitive function is considered to be impaired in Parkinson's disease and vascular parkinsonism and L-dopa is considered to improve it in Parkinson's disease.

Cold air-induced bronchoconstriction is mediated by tachykinin and kinin release in guinea pigs

In the present study, we investigated the role of acetylcholine, tachykinins and kinins in the bronchoconstriction induced by cold air inhalation. Cold air was delivered to anaesthetised, artificially ventilated guinea pigs through a tracheal cannula. Inhalation of cold air increased the maximum total pulmonary resistance (RL) in a time-dependent manner, reaching a maximum after 15 min of exposure. The increase in RL induced by exposure to cold air for 10 min was not affected by pretreatment with atropine (1.4 mu mol/kg, i.v.); it was abolished by the tachykinin NK2 receptor antagonist, SR 48968 (0.3 mu mol/kg, i.v.) and was reduced by 58% by the kinin B2 receptor antagonist, HOE 140 (0.1 mu mol/kg, i.v.). These findings suggest that cold air induces bronchoconstriction in guinea pigs via a cascade that involves the release of kinins and tachykinins.