We have developed an ELISA for BK-(1-5) (Arg1-Pro2-Pro3-Gly4-Phe5). In rat carrageenin-induced pleurisy, in which a plasma exudation peak was observed 5 h after carrageenin, BK levels in the exudates were negligible (< 60 pg/rat). BK-(1-7) (des-Phe8-Arg9-BK) was detectable (900-400 pg/rat) over the entire course of the inflammation. However, a larger amount of BK-(1-5) was detectable in association with the increase in plasma exudation, showing a peak (8800 +/- 1200 pg/rat) 3 h after carrageenin. Bromelain (10 mg/kg, i.v.) and soy bean trypsin inhibitor (0.3 mg/rat, intra-pleural) significantly reduced BK-(1-5) levels (by 60-93%, 3, 7 and 19 h after carrageenin) and plasma exudation rates (by 61-74%, 3 and 7 h after carrageenin). Dexamethasone (0.3 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced BK-(1-5) levels (by 78%) and decreased plasma exudation (by 70%) 3 h after carrageenin. In nasal allergy patients, antigen challenge of nasal mucosa elevated BK-(1-5) levels and active kallikrein levels in nasal washes. These results verify that BK-(1-5) determined by ELISA is a good indicator for release of kinins in vivo.

No abstract

No abstract

The use of 80 w/v% solution of trichloroacetic acid (TCA) for the treatment of allergic rhinitis was reported. The solution was applied to the inferior turbinates only once bilaterally. The result of the treatment in 77 nonselected cases of perennial allergic rhinitis for over 3 years showed that an improvement was obtained in 72% for nasal obstruction, 60% for sneezing, and 50%for watery nasal discharge. The result o.fprovocation tests after treatment showed an improvement in 77% of the cases, and the histamine concentration in the nasal wash decreased. These results were discussed with reference to the result of our previous histological studies. We concluded that our method o.f treatment using TCA was simple and effective for allergic rhinitis without any serious side effects. (Am J Rhinology 9, 3: [163][164][165][166][167][168] 1995)

Thirty trained female typists performed several consecutive lOmin typing tasks on an adjustable VDT workstation. The experiments were conducted with preferred as well as with imposed settings. The body postures were determined during the typing tasks and the subjects filled out questionnaires at the end of the tasks.The study discloses that the preferred workstation dimensions are associated with mainly 'relaxed' sensations, while imposed dimensions-even if they are similar to the mean values of preferred settings-cause an increased incidence of static load symptoms in the sense of increased tension or impairments in the neckshoulder-arm-hand area. The preferred keyboard levels are mainly distinctly higher than those recommended in standards and brochures. A chair with a high backrest and a proper support to rest forearms and wrists are preconditions for the preferred postures at VDT workstations.