Immunohistochemical studies were made of the distribution of various cytokeratins (CK), Clara cell secretory protein (CC10), surfactant protein A (SP-A) and type VII collagen in normal human airways. Electron microscopic studies were made to identify hemidesmosomes and anchoring fibrils on the basal surfaces of the epithelial cells. CK19 was detected in all epithelial cells, and CK17 in all basal cells. CK14 was coexpressed in a few basal cells, and this coexpression was decreased in the distal airways. Two types of basal cells were recognized. One type, found mainly in large airways, was characterized by abundant intermediate filaments and well-developed hemidesmosomes and anchoring fibrils. The second type contained few intermediate filaments and poorly developed hemidesmosomes and anchoring fibrils. Reactivity for type VII collagen was found along the basement membrane throughout the airways, but not in the alveoli. Clara cells were reactive for CC10 and CK17, but not for CK14 and SP-A. The bronchiolar cuboidal cells in the respiratory bronchioles were positive only for CK19. Surfactant protein A was present only in type II alveolar epithelial cells. Thus, two types of basal cells are present in airways, and the bronchiolar cuboidal cells appear distinct from these basal cells, Clara cells and type II alveolar epithelial cells.

ClearLight performed eight times over 4 weeks can be useful in the treatment of acne. Further investigation will be needed to elucidate the mechanism of action of ClearLight.

1 Efonidipine, a derivative of dihydropyridine Ca 2 þ antagonist, is known to block both L-and T-type Ca 2 þ channels. It remains to be clarified, however, whether efonidipine affects other voltagedependent Ca 2 þ channel subtypes such as N-, P/Q-and R-types, and whether the optical isomers of efonidipine have different selectivities in blocking these Ca 2 þ channels, including L-and T-types. 2 To address these issues, the effects of efonidipine and its R(À)-and S( þ )-isomers on these Ca 2 þ channel subtypes were examined electrophysiologically in the expression systems using Xenopus oocytes and baby hamster kidney cells (BHK tk-ts13). 3 Efonidipine, a mixture of R(À)-and S( þ )-isomers, exerted blocking actions on L-and T-types, but no effects on N-, P/Q-and R-type Ca 2 þ channels. 4 The selective blocking actions on L-and T-type channels were reproduced by the S( þ )-efonidipine isomer. 5 By contrast, the R(À)-efonidipine isomer preferentially blocked T-type channels. 6 The blocking actions of efonidipine and its enantiomers were dependent on holding potentials. 7 These findings indicate that the R(À)-isomer of efonidipine is a specific blocker of the T-type Ca 2 þ channel.

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