Masayuki Ando

Surface morphology and function of human pulmonary alveolar macrophages from smokers and non-smokers.

Pulmonary alveolar macrophages were obtained by saline lavage from 23 healthy male volunteers--10 non-smokers and 13 cigarette smokers. Lavage produced three times as many alveolar macrophages in smokers than in non-smokers. When macrophages from smokers and from non-smokers were incubated in vitro, more cells from smokers adhered to glass, spread out, and showed enhanced nitroblue tetrazolium (NBT) reduction. The surface morphology of alveolar macrophages from smokers showed more with a plate like appearance and ridge like membrane surface, while the macrophages from non-smokers were predominantly spherical with ruffles. The proportions of cells which stained highly for beta galactosidase were 55% in smokers and 11% in non-smokers. Thus, in a resting state in vitro, alveolar macrophages from smokers were more active than those from non-smokers. When, however, macrophages from smokers and non-smokers were incubated with immunobeads and with opsonised or non-opsonised BCG, the phagocytic activity and stimulated NBT reduction of alveolar macrophages from smokers were similar to or somewhat less than those of non-smokers.

Hypersensitivity pneumonitis induced by a smut fungus Ustilago esculenta.

A case of hypersensitivity pneumonitis caused by a smut fungus Ustilago esculenta is presented.

Effects of erythromycin on experimental extrinsic allergic alveolitis

Recent clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of erythromycin for treating patients with chronic lower respiratory tract inflammation. Mechanisms related to the anti‐inflammatory action are yet to be determined.

Occupational hypersensitivity pneumonitis in Japan : data on a nationwide epidemiological study

OBJECTIVES--Diagnostic criteria were prepared for hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) and a nationwide survey was conducted to investigate epidemiological and clinical characteristics of HP in Japan. The results are presented with special focus on occupational HP and on the key to the diagnosis of HP. METHODS--A questionnaire was completed by 185 doctors from 185 hospitals (response rate 89.5%). All cases were verified according to diagnostic criteria; 835 cases were classified as HP (653 definite and 182 probable). These 835 cases (total HP) and 99 possible cases of HP diagnosed during the 1980s were analysed and presented as a case series study. RESULTS--Occupational HP was noted in 115 cases (13.8%). 21 occupations, and 20 aetiological antigens were listed. Farmers lung: 68 cases (59% of occupational HP) was the most prevalent diagnosis followed by 19 industrial workers who handled chemicals (for example, isocyanate) and 10 office workers. Unique cases of mushroom, greenhouse, and silkworm farmers, and a new type of bagassosis are also described. Adverse environmental conditions, immunological findings on examination, antigen challenge, and pathological findings were all significantly lower for possible than for total HP. This was not true for clinical findings. The differences in antibody analysis (6% positive of possible HP v 59% of total HP) and environmental challenge (3% v 74%) were notable. CONCLUSION--These data suggest that a careful interview about the environment and an antigen panel matched to variations in exposure are the key to the diagnosis.

Summer-type hypersensitivity pneumonitis outside Japan: a case report and the state of the art.

Abstract A 61‐year‐old Korean housewife developed dyspnoea, cough and weight loss in the summer of 1994. The case was diagnosed as definite summer‐type hypersensitivity pneumonitis (SHP) according to the criteria proposed for hypersensitivity pneumonitis and for SHP. Her serum antibodies to Trichosporon were positive. Her symptoms were exacerbated after she returned home and Trichosporon was isolated from the patients home, indicating Trichosporon as the causative antigen. This is the first confirmed case of SHP outside Japan. On the basis of our research in SHP to date, we propose that SHP occurs in other Asian countries and that the assay of anti‐Trichosporon antibodies is useful for the diagnosis of the disease.