Biomedical subjects

E A Altenberger

Publications and source records attributed to E A Altenberger.

3 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed1996

Detection of IL-5 and IL-1 receptor antagonist in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid in acute eosinophilic pneumonia.

BACKGROUND: Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is an idiopathic cause of respiratory failure, characterized by very high numbers of alveolar eosinophils without significant blood eosinophilia. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine which cytokines are associated with acute eosinophilic pneumonia. METHODS: Soluble IL-1 type II receptor and the cytokines IL-1 beta, IL-1ra, IL-3, IL-5, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha were measured in serum and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from two patients with acute eosinophilic pneumonia during both acute and convalescent phases. RESULTS: Compared with patients with adult respiratory distress syndrome, the patients with acute eosinophilic pneumonia had high bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of IL-5, IL-1ra, and soluble type II IL-1 receptor but not IL-1 beta, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, IL-3, or granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid levels of IL-5 and IL-1ra fell after resolution of symptoms. In the serum of patients with acute eosinophilic pneumonia, IL-5 was not detectable, and IL-1ra was initially high but fell after corticosteroid treatment. CONCLUSION: Acute eosinophilic pneumonia is characterized by locally high levels of IL-5, IL-1ra, and soluble type II IL-1 receptor in the alveolar space.

Acute Disease↗

PubMed1995

Detection of soluble type II receptor in the presence of its natural ligand IL-1 beta. Quantification by sandwich ELISA.

The type II interleukin-1 receptor (IL-1R II) is a newly described 60-68 kDa protein expressed on monocytes, neutrophils, and lymphocytes. It is hypothesized that a 45 kDa soluble form of the IL-1R II attenuates the proinflammatory effects of IL-1 by preventing its binding to the type I IL-1 receptor. However, very little information exists regarding the detection of soluble IL-1R II. Specifically, there are no reports to date characterizing IL-1R II detection by enzyme-linked immunoassay in the presence of IL-1 beta or characterizing IL-1 beta detection in the presence of IL-1R II. This study addresses the detection and quantitation of IL-1R II and IL-1 beta by a number of sandwich ELISA formats and characterizes the sensitivity of detection in the presence of competitive cytokines. We generated two distinct IL-1R II sandwich ELISAs that can detect receptor down to a level of 50 pg/ml. One, M22/R2, detects only unbound IL-1R II and the other, M2/R2, detects both bound and unbound IL-1R II. In this context, a 4:1 molar ratio of IL-1 beta to IL-1R II interferes with the IL-1R II detection by the M22/R2 but not the M2/R2 ELISA. Conversely, IL-1R II at physiologically relevant concentrations interferes with the detection of IL-1 beta by three distinct IL-1 beta ELISA formats. Taken together, these studies suggest that when measuring samples that may contain both IL-1 beta and IL-1R II, careful attention must be given to assay specificity.

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay↗

PubMed1989

Bell's palsy.

Idiopathic facial (Bell's) palsy is an affliction commonly seen and managed by the family physician. Although the prognosis is generally good, steroids and cromolyn sodium have each been advocated to enhance full recovery. Surgical exploration of the nerve is indicated when the diagnosis is unclear. Various measures may be necessary to protect the eye.

Adult↗