Dynamics of Structural Parameters and Accumulation of Collagen Fibrils in Rat Lung after Inhalations of Surfactant-BL at Various Terms of Bleomycin-Induced Alveolitis

Rats were subjected to surfactant-BL inhalations at the early and late phases of bleomycininduced alveolitis. In both regimens, the drug reduced the severity of inflammation. In the acute phase of alveolitis, the therapeutic effect of inhalation was accompanied by activation of the synthesis of fine lose collagen fibrils. In the late phase of alveolitis, inhalation of surfactant-BL thickened the fibrils and diminished their population in alveolar walls.

Therapeutic efficiency of early and late administration of surfactant-BL during bleomycin-induced damage to rat lungs

Surfactant-BL was administered to rats via the inhalation route from day 1 or day 8 after intratracheal injection of bleomycin. Bronchoalveolar lavage and morphological characteristics of the lungs were compared. Administration of surfactant-BL at the early terms efficiently reduced the severity of bleomycin-induced alveolitis and atelectases.

[Modification of the sensitivity of Ehrlich ascitic carcinoma to apoptosis by transfection of thymocyte DNA]

We have demonstrated earlier that the replacement of the plasma membrane components of Erlich adenocarcinoma cells by the ones of thymocytes facilitates induced apoptosis in the tumor cells. Here we questioned whether similar effect can be achieved by transfection of thymocyte DNA. Lyposome transfer of normal DNA did not change the basal level of the programmed cell death. However, transfection activated apoptosis induced by Roentgen irragiation or glucocorticoids. Probably, this effect was due to restoration suppressor genes, which had been lost during the process malignant transformation. These experiments may be useful for the development of gene therapy approaches for tumor sensibilisation.

Introduction of active enzymes into intact Escherichia coli cells by means of liposomes. Phenotypic suppression of uvr A and pol A mutants

Genetically deficient cells were supplied with the missing enzymes, purified from an independent source. The introduction of exogenous enzymes into the cells was effected by two independent methods: plasmolysis and liposome transformation. The latter procedure yielded a homogenous cell population which had been rescued from the defect even if the molecular weight of the enzyme amounted to 70 KD (Kilodaltons).