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Biomedical subjects

F Loi

Publications and source records attributed to F Loi.

5 recordsLinked to original sources

Pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis in rats following intratracheal injection of pyrite particles.

Wistar rats were injected intratracheally with pyrite particles and after 6 and 12 mo, lungs were evaluated for histological changes. Results were compared with rats that were given particles of galena, lead silicate, travertine, and quartz. Under the light microscope no significant changes were observed in the lungs from animals treated with galena, lead silicate, and travertine. In the lungs from animals that received quartz, a typical nodular fibrosis was observed. Moreover, both pyrite-treated rats and quartz-treated rats developed pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis; the lesions were much less prominent and severe in animals injected with pyrite than with quartz. These results indicate that pyrite, like only a few other types of dust that are different from quartz, can evoke the development of pulmonary alveolar lipoproteinosis in rats.

Animals

Lead silicate toxicity: a comparison among different compounds.

The aim of this report is to point out the relative toxicity of different commercial products containing lead silicates by studying their in vitro solubility and rate of absorption via the respiratory and digestive systems, compared with those of red lead (lead tetroxide). In vitro solubility was tested, by a modified Brimsdown method, with bidistilled water, saline, blood serum, pleural fluid, and dilute hydrochloric and acetic acids as solvents. Experimental animals were administered 25 mg equivalent mean doses using an intragastric tube or endotracheal intubation. Results showed that in vitro solubility gradually increases from distilled water, through saline and biological fluids, to acidic media. Lead absorption via the respiratory system is rapid and persistent, with small differences among the tested compounds. Less information can be gained from intragastric experiments. No correlation was found between in vitro solubility and in vivo absorption. On the other hand, in vitro studies must be strictly standardized. The relative absorption of the different materials, compared with red lead showed that all of them have to be regarded as equally toxic.

Absorption

[Plasma beta-2-microglobulin in rheumatoid arthritis].

The beta 2 microglobulin (beta 2m) is a low molecular weight protein, recognized on the cellular membranes of numerous nucleated cells and strictly correlated to the antigens of Major Histocompatibility Complex. Many authors have demonstrated an increase of the plasmatic beta 2m in different inflammatory diseases and, particularly in rheumatic ones, as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), Reiter's syndrome, Ankylosing Spondylitis, Systemic lupus erythematosus. We have also investigated the behaviour of the plasmatic beta 2m in 52 RA patients and in 17 healthy subjects. The beta 2m was measured in serum, by radioimmunoassay. We have demonstrated that the plasmatic beta 2m has moderately increased in the serum of RA patients, even if there is not a significant difference when compared to the normal subjects.

Adult

[Work posture and changes in the spine of sewing workers in the clothing industry].

An evaluation was made of the posture risk and occurrence of alterations of the spine in a sample of female sewing machine operators in the clothing industry. The results revealed a greater risk for sewing operators of contracting spinal disorders compared with a control population matched for sex and age. The cause of these disorders appears to be due to the fact that the work station cannot be adjusted to the anthropometric requirements of the individual subject, and also because the seated position is maintained for long periods.

Adolescent