In the present research, levels of gentamicin (GM) in serum and carrageenan pleural exudate from the rat have been compared, using three evaluation methods: microbiological assay (MA), enzyme-immunoassay (EMIT) and fluorescence-immunoassay (TDX). In a first study, the evaluations carried out by MA and EMIT have furnished comparable data in serum, while statistically significant differences were verified at all times in pleural exudate. On the contrary, in a second study, while the evaluations carried out by MA and EMIT, at all times and in both biological fluids, have produced similar data, the evaluation carried out by TDX consistently supplied higher results, with statistically significant differences at some times (5 min and 60 min for serum, 30 min and 60 min for exudate). Some possible interpretations of these results are discussed.

Seventy-six consecutive patients receiving chemotherapy were evaluated for the antiemetic efficacy and side-effects of the combination of chlorpromazine (CPM) and methylprednisolone (MPN). All patients had previously received the same chemotherapy with metoclopramide in conventional dosage and experienced severe emesis. A significant antiemetic response was achieved in 70% of the patients, and in 28% of them the antiemetic protection was complete. The most common side effects were drowsiness, dry mouth and headache. The combination of CPM and MPN is effective, well tolerated and is recommended for outpatients receiving chemotherapy for cancer.