No abstract

Mycotoxicosis is a term used to define a toxic reaction due to the ingestion of toxins produced by fungi. Oral ingestion, however, may not be the sole means of exposure. We have recently observed ten patients who had inhaled massive amounts of fungi, which resulted in an apparent toxic pulmonary reaction. Immunologic studies showed no sensitivity to various fungal antigen preparations and histologic study of the lung showed a multi-focal acute process, with primary involvement of the terminal bronchioles containing large numbers of various spores. Cultures from lung biopsy material revealed at least five fungal organisms. A one to ten year followup indicates that avoidance of massive reexposure to fungal dust is the key to the prevention of recurrent pulmonary mycotoxicosis.

No abstract

Potassium salts were infused into the brachial artery while holding the rate of blood flow constant and measuring pressures at four sites along the length of the bed. Small vessel resistance progressively decreased as a function of infusion rate. Arterial resistance did not change and then increased as a function of infusion rate. The net effect was a decrease and then an increase in total resistance. The decrease was associated with lessened responses to norepinephrine and acetylbetamethylcholine, serum potassium concentrations in the leg up to about 8 mEq/l. and no change of serum concentration in the body as a whole. The increase in resistance was associated with serum concentrations in the leg in excess of 8 mEq/l. and slight elevation of concentrations in the body as a whole. The decrease of small vessel resistance was lessened but still present following denervation of the leg and adrenergic blockade. Arterial resistance did not increase following adrenergic blockade. Those findings indicate that potassium excess dilates arterioles in the dog foreleg by a direct action as well as by decreasing the sensitivity of the arteriole to natural pressor substances. The large arterial constriction may be related to an adrenal discharge.