Yukihiro Ago

The central inhibitory effect of interleukin-1 on gastric acid secretion.

The effect of interleukin-1 (IL-1) on gastric secretory functions was examined in pylorus-ligated conscious rats. Intracisternal (i.c.) injection of IL-1 beta (1-100 ng) induced dose-related, long-lasting inhibition of gastric acid output, which was due to the reductions of both the amount and the acid concentration of the gastric juice. A much higher dose of IL-1 alpha was required to achieve identical effects on gastric acid secretion when it was given by intravenous routes. The i.c. injection of IL-1 alpha also had an inhibition of gastric secretion. This inhibitory effect of i.c. applied IL-1 beta on gastric acid secretion was completely abolished in indomethacin-pretreated animals but not in reserpine-pretreated ones. These results suggest that IL-1 may have an inhibitory action on the regulation of gastric secretory functions by its central action which is dependent on the eicosanoid metabolism.

Acute electrical stimulation of lateral hypothalamus increases natural killer cell activity in rats

Natural killer cell (NK) activity in WKA and SD rats was found to be significantly higher following electrical stimulation of the lateral hypothalamus (LH) compared to sham operated. There was no such difference between sham operated rats and those receiving electrical stimulation in the frontal cortex as a control. Operations were performed under sodium pentobarbital anesthetic, and NK activity against YAC-1 target cells was measured 20 h later using 51Cr release assay. The LH area stimulated is a potent reward center and that stimulation of this point increased NK activity opens the possibility that pleasure might play a role in cellular immunity.

Attack stress and IgE antibody production in rats

The effect of stress on production of immunoglobulin E (IgE) in rats was investigated, the IgE being titrated by passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA) reactions. In rats, exposed to attack by other rats made aggressive by intraventricular injections of 6-OHDA for one hour per day for three consecutive days before the first immunization, there was no difference in the titer of IgE as compared to the control rats, but, in the rats exposed to stress procedure before the second immunization, the production of IgE was significantly suppressed.

Psychosomatic aspects of skin diseases from the standpoint of immunology.

The psychosomatic aspects of skin disease were studied both clinically and experimentally, from the standpoint of immunology. We found that emotional stress has a great influence on the immune system, as was manifested in skin disease. Skin test in allergic patients significantly improved with autogenic training and relaxation. For clarification of the effects of autogenic training and relaxation, various parameters were simultaneously assessed during the treatment. The serum levels of histamine and dopamine-beta-hydroxylase fluctuated, as determined by the microvibration test. The levels of IgE and findings on the PK test varied only slightly. Before the onset of urticaria, there were changes in the life-style and considerable stress in daily life as well as exposure to an allergen. Using mice subjected to stress, the functions of T cells and macrophages were evaluated. Stress appeared to have a definite influence on the functions of these cells, as related to the important role of the immune system and skin. Thus, the role of stress in clinical disease must always be given consideration.

Cold urticaria associated with immunoglobulin M serum factor.

A case of cold urticaria, thought to be due to IgM, is presented. Passive transfer (PT) activity was manifested in cryoglobulin-free serum and in up to 20-fold dilutions of fraction I, the IgM-containing fraction obtained by Sephadex G-200 column chromatography. PT test results were positive with serum absorbed with cold agglutinins, and with heat-treated (56 degrees C, 4 hr) serum. These results were negative with cryoglobulin and after absorbing the supernatant of fraction I with anti-IgM. Skin adhesion time was within 24 hr. The in vivo histamine release during cold stimulation was recorded and in this patient, antihistamine administration proved the best method to alleviate the symptoms.

Plasminic Activity and Emotional Stress

Hereditary angioneurotic edema (HANE) is clearer in the etiology than the other types of angioneurotic edema. It shows abnormal serum complemental activity and various clinical signs. It has been repo

Atopic Disposition and Bronchial Reactivity to Inhaled Acetylcholine in Young Adults with a History of Asthma in Childhood

The atopic disposition, indicated by positive skin reactions and IgE antibody titers etc., and the bronchial reactivity to inhaled acetylcholine were examined on the following three groups: (1) 20 young adults with a history of childhood asthma who have been symptom-free for more than 4 yr; (2) 20 current asthmatics, and (3) 20 healthy young adults. Young adults with a history of childhood asthma remained atopic in their disposition even after complete clinical remissions of their childhood asthma. However, they had a lower bronchial reactivity as compared with current asthmatics, although the bronchial reactivities of both groups were apparently higher than the control group.

Specificity Concepts in Japan

In this study, the authors discuss whether there are any differences in the acquired factors, such as psychosocial factors, related to the age at the onset of psychosomatic disorders, and whether or not there are any characteristics which can be considered unique to Japanese asthmatic patients. Many firstborns were found in those whose onset age was below 10 or in their teens. In those patients who had the onset of asthma in their 20s or 30s many women suffered problems with their mother-in-law after marriage or with their husbands who were interested only in work. We have also discussed that behind these phenomena, problems of parent-child relationship in early childhood were hidden.

Self-control over stress

Abstract In keeping with the main theme of this Congress—Life Stress, Social Stress and Disease— I wish to discuss the significance of holistic or psychosomatic self-control in the prevention and treatment of disease, the need of which has become evident through our clinical experiences and studies. This discussion will be preceded by some clinical observations of asthma, which, in particular, highlight its bio-psychosocial nature and serve as an example par excellence of the significance of holistic approaches.

Environmental Stress Factors and Bronchial Asthma

The stressors in the environment, especially psychosocial factors, do not always act pathogenically upon the individual. Whether or not psychosocial factors become pathogenic depends not only upon the power of these factors but also upon the individual’s predisposition, how he perceives and copes with them.