Detection of mycoplasma antigens and immune complexes in sera of the children with bronchial asthma

The study was targeted at revealing Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M.p.) and Mycoplasma hominis (M.h.) antigens in blood samples of children with bronchial asthma (BA),both in a free state and those included in circulating immune complexes (CIC). The mycoplasma antigens of one or both species have been detected in one third out of 62 patients with BA. In this group of patients the frequency of detection of specific antibodies twice exceeded that of mycoplasma antigens. Testing paired blood samples of children with BA (n=26) showed, that at receipt in a hospital and a month after primary examination the mycoplasma antigens were detected in 16 and 12 patients, respectively, the association of M.p. and M.h. antigens being more frequent. Data on distribution of antibodies according to immunoglobulin classes testify that basically two (M, G), or four (M, G, A, E) classes were registered in children, the M class antibodies in high percentage of cases (from 36.6 up to 50.0%)being detected in every term of examination. These data indirectly testify that the antigens can be partly included in the CIC structure. The level of the total CIC content in BA children's blood sera one month after hospitalization twice exceeded the value detected at primary examination. Three months later later this parameter decreased not reaching the control value. The differential analysis of the precipitated CIC within the whole period of examination showed that mycoplasma antigens were present in the CIC structure in 87.4 - 65.0% of cases. The data obtained precondition future studies on the role of mycoplasma and M.p. and M.h. antigens included in the CIC in the pathogenesis of BA.     

Isolation and identification of Neisseria in bronchial asthma]

A study was made of 29 strains of neisseria isolated from the mucosa of the pharynx and the bronchi of patients suffering from infectious-allergic bronchial asthma of different severity. Comparison of the strains by 22 tests (including the assessment of the morphological, biochemical and other signs) permitted to establish the species of neisseria with some probability. The species reference was determined in 23 cultures. N. perflava was isolated in 10 cases, N. subflava--in 6, N. flava--in 3 cases and N. sicca--in 4 cases, 2 strains corresponded to apigmentary N. cinerea. The species was not established in 4 cultures. There was found no connection between a definite microbial association and the species of neisseria and the severity of the disease. Pigment species of neisseria should be tested as diagnostic allergens.     

Role of immune complexes in thyroid diseases]

To elucidate the immune complex (thyroglobulin-antibody, Tg-Ab) role in thyroid hormone formation, in vitro iodination of Tg--AB immune complex, bovine intact Tg and that of the patient with euthyroid goiter and partially purified AB to Tg were studied. We compared the amount of iodamine acids (MIT, DIT, T4/mole of Tg) forming during iodination in immune complex with other samples. The results suggest that Tg being in complex with antibodies (up to 30-40 mole of antibodies/mole of Tg) is iodinated forming the enough amount of MIT, decreased amount of DIT and T4. A MIT fraction increase is connected with additional iodination of complex antibodies. We suggest that such processes may take place in the patient body and be involved in pathogenesis of thyroid disease.     

Neurotrophins in bronchial asthma

Allergic bronchial asthma (BA) is characterized by chronic airway inflammation, development of airway hyperreactivity and recurrent reversible airway obstruction. T-helper 2 cells and their products have been shown to play an important role in this process. In contrast, the mechanisms by which immune cells interact with the cells residing in lung and airways, such as neurons, epithelial or smooth muscle cells, still remains uncertain. Sensory and motor neurons innervating the lung exhibit a great degree of functional plasticity in BA defined as 'neuronal plasticity'. These neurons control development of airway hyperresponsiveness and acute inflammatory responses, resulting in the concept of 'neurogenic inflammation'. Such quantitative and/or qualitative changes in neuronal functions are mediated to a great extent by a family of cytokines, the neurotrophins, which in turn are produced by activated immune cells, among others in BA. We have therefore developed the concept that neurotrophins such as nerve growth factor and brain-derived neurotrophic factor link pathogenic events in BA to dysfunctions of the immune and nervous system.     

Antigen detection in substrates containing immune antigen-antibody complexes]

Treatment of immune complexes consisting of different antigens and corresponding IgG with low doses of hydrochloric cystein led to the antibody inactivation, to the complex splitting, and to the release of the antigen. Antibodies being a part of the complex retained their capacity to react with the antiglobulin serum. The optimal doses of cystein leading to the complex splitting and to the IgG inactivation in the immune complex composition failed to act on unbound IgG. The effect of other reducing agents (glutathion and sodium sulfite) on the immune complex was similar to that of cystein. The differences in the effect of cystein on unbound and antigen-bound antibodies indicated that apparantly the combining site of antibody served as a point of cystein application.     

Sensitization to mites in house dust among children suffering bronchial asthma]

The results of studying allergy to domestic dust in 168 patients suffering from bronchial asthma are presented. The diagnosis was made by means of the domestic dust allergen (10000 PNU), fraction E extracted from the whole allergen by Berrens and Young's method, and with lyophilized extract from D. pteronussinus, farinae and Glycyphagus ticks isolated from domestic dust by Voohorst and Spieksma's method. In parallel, IgE was determined in the blood serum of the patients under study by the radio-allergo-sorbent test; IgG was also determined. Microticks proved to be not the only factor determining the activity of domestic dust. Results of diagnosis in vivo and in vitro were found to correlate. The authors believe that the activity of domestic dust allergen formed on account of the reactions of the Maillard's type, in which a significant role was played by the "lysine-sugar) compounds.     

Two types of gas exchange disorders in children with bronchial asthma]

The main parameters of gas exchange, respiration and hemodynamics have been studied in children aged 9-14 during the acute period of bronchial asthma. Two types of gas exchange disturbances (hyperreactive type characterized by O2 consumption increase, and hyporeactive one--by O2 consumption decrease) have been revealed in the beginning of the acute period. It is shown that by the end of this period the O2 consumption has normalized in children of both groups and has become the same as in in healthy ones. The main pathogenetic mechanisms of hypoxic state development in these two types of gas exchange disturbances are discussed.     

Value of ambroxol in treatment of bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis]

Ambroxol (Bronchopront-Mack) was administered to 73 patients with the bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis with expectoration disorders. The drug was given in the dosage forms of slow release capsules, syrup, drops, intramuscular injections and inhalations for about 14 days. All patients have been carefully examined clinically, PEF has been measured, and sputum physico-chemical properties have been tested prior to and 10 days after treatment. Complete disappearance of cough, liquefaction of sputum and clearance of airways have been achieved in 47% of patients. A significant improvement has been noted in 38.4% of cases. The treatment failed in 2.7% of patients. Ambroxol has been well tolerated. No adverse effects on laboratory findings have been noted. Results suggest, that ambroxol is valuable drug in the combined treatment of patients with the bronchial asthma and spastic bronchitis.     

Circulating immunologic complexes in blood sera of bronchial asthma patients treated with attenuated vaccine

The study included 20 patients (8 males and 12 females) with non-atopic bronchial asthma treated with attenuated vaccines. Circulating immune complexes were assayed with two methods prior to and after the treatment of each patient. No increase in serum circulating immune complexes was produced after the treatment. Clinical improvement was noted in 75% of treated patients. Circulating immune complexes were detected in the blood serum of three patients treated without an effect.     

Specific circulating immune complexes and antibody titers in candidiasis]

Titers of antibodies to Candida albicans and specific circulating immune complexes have been studied in patients with chronic candidiasis of the genitals, skin and mucous membranes. In most patients with candidiasis of the skin and mucous membranes specific immune complexes have been detected in the blood serum; their determination increases the diagnostic value of serological tests in this disease.