The increases in specific IgE responses and percentage of eosinophil vacuolization favour a Th-2 type of reaction. The ECP values viewed in isolation may, paradoxically, indicate a Th-1 response; this could, however, have been an artefact due to the method of ECP detection ex vivo. Finally, it would seem that calcitriol does cause some immune augmentation when combined with PZQ therapy in patients with schistosomiasis. However, long-term follow-up is needed to prove that these findings would translate into resistance against re-infection.

In short-term studies cetirizine effectively reduces the early and late phases of the cutaneous hypersensitivity reaction. The aim of this study was to determine its long-term effects on both the vascular and cellular components of the reaction. The skin blister technique was used to collect inflammatory cells after intradermal administration of grass pollen antigen to 10 atopic volunteers. They were treated for 3 months with 10 mg cetirizine twice daily. Tests were done at baseline, before, and 7, 30 and 90 days after initiation of treatment. Blister fluid containing cells was collected on microscope slides at 6 and 24 hours. The area of induration was measured at 0.25, 1, 6, 10 and 24 h. Cetirizine significantly reduced the peripheral blood eosinophil count at 30 and 90 days (75% and 40% reduction respectively); there was no significant change after only one week's therapy. Eosinophil recruitment to and activation in the area of antigen administration were already maximally reduced after 7 days, namely a reduction of 54, 52 and 59% at 10 h, and of 55, 68 and 66% at 24 h, respectively, at 7, 30 and 90 days. The area of induration was significantly reduced after one week of therapy. There was a general tendency towards an increase in the reduction at 30 and 90 days, which reached significance only at the 24 h observation; there was a 24, 51 and 48% reduction from baseline at, respectively, 7, 30 and 90 days. The data clearly show a progressive reduction of induration as well as of cellular events over time.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

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The importance of the chick embryo in embryological research is well known. Several authors have pointed out its applicability, advantages and usefulness in developmental biology, experimental embryology and teratology. The chicken embryo is a proven animal model to screen drugs for their teratological potential. Test solution is applied through a small hole drilled into the shell above the air sac. This method reduces the mortalities associated with piercing the vitelline membrane. Volumes of up to 50 ¹ l can be administered directly onto the vitelline vessels for rapid absorption. Several experimental groups can thus be treated quickly and ef ciently with various concentrations of the drug of interest. Detailed analysis of the effects on a speci c stage or structure is possible by terminating development at that particular stage. Allantoic and amniotic uids can be aspirated and analysed for speci c metabolic products or markers. From the results it is apparent that chemical interference is more recurrent in the development of certain structures as some effects, like ectopia cordis and retarded growth, are seen repeatedly, irrespective of the substance tested. The effects may or may not be dose dependent. In conclusion, our results indicate that the developing chick embryo is indeed a valid and sensitive developmental research tool in a well-controlled experimental environment.

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