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Biomedical subjects

J A Tami

Publications and source records attributed to J A Tami.

11 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Exacerbated muscle dysfunction by procainamide in rats with experimental myasthenia gravis.

The induction of experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) has long been shown to result in inefficient function of the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and concomitant impairment of AChR-dependent neuromuscular communication. As an animal model of human myasthenia gravis, AChR-immunized rats demonstrate symptoms of MG very similar to those observed in human patients resulting from the presence of circulating anti-AChR antibodies which interfere with the normal function of the receptor. In addition to antibody antagonists of neuromuscular function, a variety of drugs have been observed to be associated with possible exacerbations of impaired neuromuscular function leading to myasthenic crisis in some MG patients. One drug, the cardiac anti-arrhythmic agent, procainamide, has been reported to cause both pre-synaptic and post-synaptic electrophysiologic effects at the neuromuscular junction. The study described below extends these observations to include the demonstration of perturbed AChR-dependent contractile muscle function in a rat model of MG.

Animals↗
PubMed1992

Introduction to immunology.

The immune system is a complex network of components functioning to provide host defense. This network consists of immunologic cells and their products (e.g., interleukins and colony-stimulating factors), organs, tissues, complement, and major histocompatibility complex antigens. These components are organized into specific and nonspecific immune systems, the major functional activities of which include antigen presentation and cell-mediated cytotoxicity.

Complement System Proteins↗
PubMed1990

Procainamide-induced myasthenic crisis.

We describe a case of procainamide-induced respiratory failure in a myasthenic patient with no prior history of respiratory weakness. Respiratory failure was induced secondary to procainamide alone since no N-acetyl-procainamide level was detectable. The patient's strength rapidly improved and he was successfully extubated 12 h after the offending dose.

Aged↗
PubMed1987

T cell hybridomas reactive with the acetylcholine receptor and its subunits.

A panel of thirty cloned rat-mouse T cell hybridomas was prepared by fusion of acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-reactive rat T cells with the mouse thymoma BW5147. The T cell hybrids were demonstrated to be AChR reactive by their ability to secrete IL 2 in response to either AChR itself or by purified AChR subunits (alpha,beta,gamma, or delta). Various patterns of AChR subunit reactivity were observed, suggesting a predominant recognition of the alpha subunit, and also a considerable cross-reactivity from one subunit to another.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Immunology for the clinical pharmacist.

Major advances in the field of immunology within the past decade have led to greater understanding of the immune network. The immune system is finely balanced, with cells communicating both by direct contact and through soluble mediators. Drugs may exert their effects at different sites within the immune network. To understand fully how these drugs act and how side effects may occur, clinicians must comprehend the basic workings of the immune system.

Antibody Formation↗
PubMed1986

The immune system.

The components and functions of the immune system are described, and the clinical applications of agents that affect the immune system are discussed. Through both nonspecific and specific responses, the immune system recognizes and destroys or eliminates harmful foreign substances with which a host comes into contact. Nonspecific responses are usually associated with the first introduction of a foreign substance into the body and consist mainly of phagocytosis and inflammation. When the same substance, or antigen, is introduced into the body on subsequent occasions, antibodies specific for that antigen combine with the antigen and activate a complex network of specialized cells and soluble cellular secretions that eliminate the substance from the body. Certain antigens are inherited and are found on the cells and tissues of the body; these antigens play a major role in human allotransplantation, blood transfusions, and certain disease states. Recent advances in biotechnology have made it possible to alter an individual's immunologic response with such agents as azathioprine, cyclosporine, or monoclonal antibodies or to augment an individual's antitumor defenses with immunopotentiators. As the products of biotechnology are used more frequently in the hospital setting to treat or prevent disease, pharmacists will need to have a good understanding of the immune system to appreciate the functional capacity of and the problems that may exist with these agents.

Antibodies↗
PubMed1986

Monoclonal antibody technology.

The development, production, limitations, and uses of monoclonal antibody (MoAb) technology are presented. The first MoAbs were developed in 1975 using a process whereby the antibody-producing spleen cells of mice that had been immunized against sheep red blood cells were fused with the cells of a mouse myeloma cell line, producing hybridomas. These hybridoma cells are used to produce MoAbs, which are antibodies that will bind to only one specific target site on an antigen. Large quantities of MoAbs are grown, either in cell cultures or in the peritoneum of mice, and harvested. Although large quantities of MoAbs can be produced, these techniques are limited because of the potential for contamination by mouse viruses and the inability of the hybridomas to yield sufficient quantities of MoAbs. MoAbs are currently used in diagnostic techniques, including pregnancy tests and drug assays, as well as in tests for detecting viral and bacterial infections and cancer. MoAbs, coupled with dyes or radioactive isotopes, can be used in imaging techniques. Other possible applications of MoAbs include tissue typing, purification, therapy of cancer and autoimmune diseases, and treatment of drug toxicities. As the use of MoAbs in health care increases, pharmacists will need to have a good understanding of the functions and applications of these agents.

Antibodies, Monoclonal↗