Biomedical subjects

M Kashiwagi

Publications and source records attributed to M Kashiwagi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

PubMed2005

Resolution of primary amyloidosis by melphalan and prednisolone: a case report.

We here report a case of a 50-year-old man who showed histologically evident resolution of primary amyloidosis by melphalan and prednisolone. The patient was admitted to our hospital for further evaluation of nephrotic syndrome and remarkable hepatomegaly with refractory ascites, on September 11, 1998. Laboratory tests at presentation showed nephrotic syndrome with slight renal impairment and elevation of the enzymes of the biliary system. Monoclonal light chains were not detected in the serum or urine by immunoelectrophoresis. A renal biopsy revealed global deposition of amyloid in all glomeruli, interstitium and blood vessels. Immunofluorescence staining was positive for kappa light chains. Liver biopsy specimens showed extensive deposition of amyloid along sinusoid walls. Bone marrow aspiration contained 7% plasma cells but no clusters or abnormal cells. Based on these findings, systemic AL- (amyloid light chain) amyloidosis was diagnosed, and the treatment with combinations of melphalan and prednisolone was started from October 1998 at intervals of 4-6 weeks. Renal impairment progressed, resulting in the initiation of maintenance hemodialysis in February 1999. Reinfusion of ascitic fluid into the hemodialysis circuit had been performed from March 1999 for refractory ascites, and ascites disappeared in July 1999. Furthermore, urinary output increased after 14 courses of chemotherapy. Renal function gradually ameliorated with a concomitant reduction in the enzymes of biliary system, and finally hemodialysis was discontinued in April 2001. Sixteen courses of chemotherapy were administered by April 2001. Proteinuria was negative in August 2001. A second renal biopsy was performed on November 20, 2001, which showed markedly decreased amyloid deposition and a proliferation of mesangial cells and increase in matrix in various degrees. We report a case of a patient with primary amyloidosis who was successfully treated by melphalan and prednisolone, resulting in marked resolution of renal amyloidosis.

Alkylating Agents↗

PubMed2004

[Quality of routine ultrasound in twin pregnancy in a Swiss Canton].

AIMS: Optimal prenatal management of twin pregnancies requires diligent sonographical evaluation. In Switzerland the efficiency of routine ultrasound during pregnancy has recently become a point of debate. Aim of this study was to evaluate the quality of routine ultrasound of twin pregnancies in Kanton Aargau. METHOD: Standardised prospective postal interview of each practitioner caring for twin pregnancies during the time period of August 1st, 1998 to July 30th, 1999 in Kanton of Aargau. We chose the Aargau Kanton as being representative of the Swiss population in general on the basis of its average demographic and geographical condition. In addition, evaluating an entire Kanton allows the comparison of data with the official data of the Federal Statistical Office. RESULTS: 81 twin pregnancy cases were delivered during this time period. 65 interviews could be analysed which provided full information. The first sonographic diagnosis of twin pregnancy was confirmed at a mean of 11 (5 - 32) weeks gestation. All twin pregnancies were diagnosed before the onset of labour. 2/65 of the twin pregnancies remained undiagnosed until the 3rd trimester. In one of these cases the patient had refused an ultrasound examination. In 57/65 cases clear information about amnionicity, but in only 53/65 cases additional information about chorionicity was gained. CONCLUSION: All twin pregnancies were detected sonographically before delivery. Determinations of amnionicity and chorionicity were possible in 87 % and 81 %, respectively, which could be improved.

Female↗

PubMed2003

Strong polarization toward Th1 immune response in ANCA-associated glomerulonephritis.

AIM: Human immune response can be classified into 2 different subsets of T helper cells (Th1 and Th2) based on the pattern of cytokine production. In modern immunology, Th1/Th2 paradigm helps to explain the different inflammatory effector pathways and outcomes in human diseases. The present study was designed to determine the type of immunological response that influences anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody-(ANCA) associated glomerulonephritis (GN) using cytokine analysis of peripheral T cells and diseased kidney tissues. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We analyzed peripheral blood Th1/Th2 ratio in 91 patients with primary GN, including 10 cases of ANCA-associated GN. Tissues were immunostained with markers of T cells and macrophages and osteopontin (OPN). Intrarenal expression of IFN-gamma and IL-4 mRNAs was evaluated by reverse transcriptase (RT)-PCR. RESULTS: Peripheral Th1/Th2 ratio was significantly higher in ANCA-associated GN (19.4 +/- 9.4, mean +/- SD, n = 10), than those in healthy controls (7.6 +/- 4.1, n = 27), IgA nephropathy (9.6 +/- 5.6, n = 45), membranous nephropathy (7.1 +/- 4.4, n = 13), minimal-change nephrotic syndrome (8.2 +/- 4.5, n = 13) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (8.3 +/- 3.9, n = 10) (p < 0.01, each). In 7 of 10 cases of ANCA-associated GN, Th1/Th2 ratio decreased significantly after treatment with corticosteroid from 21.0 +/- 12.0 to 9.0 +/- 6.6 (p < 0.05). Immunohistochemical staining showed numerous infiltrating T cells, macrophages and OPN-positive cells in both glomerular tuft and cellular crescent; OPN-positive cell distribution was similar to that of macrophages. Intrarenal expression of IFN-gamma mRNA was strongly enhanced whereas a weak expression of IL-4 mRNA was observed especially in advanced cases showing tubulointerstitial injury. CONCLUSION: Both peripheral and renal immune responses are strongly polarized toward Th1 type immune response in ANCA-associated GN. Peripheral Th1/Th2 ratio may reflect the immune responses in renal injury of ANCA-associated GN.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Hypertension in a pregnancy with renal anemia after recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) therapy.

Management of renal anemia in pregnancy remains a major issue. We report the use of human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) combined with parenteral iron sucrose in a pregnancy with chronic glomerulonephritis, progressive anemia and initially normal blood pressure. Therapy from 32 weeks gestation increased the hematocrit by 0.4% daily and the hemoglobin from 8.6 to 10.3 g/dL within 2 weeks. Despite the improvement of anemia, Cesarean section had to be performed at 34 weeks due to acute hypertension, preeclampsia and worsening renal function. Blood pressure remained elevated postpartum. Because of symptomatic postpartum anemia with a hemoglobin of 7.5 g/dL on the 5th postoperative day rhEPO in combination with parenteral iron sucrose was readministered over 3 following days. Blood pressure reached a maximum of 210/130 mm Hg 3 weeks later. Possible causes include advancing preeclampsia and renal disease, but also rhEPO (due to its intrinsic vascular effects and/or the rapid response of the hematocrit), and a combination of both.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Elevated levels of soluble CD163 in sera and fluids from rheumatoid arthritis patients and inhibition of the shedding of CD163 by TIMP-3.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate levels of soluble CD 163 in sera and fluids from rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients and elucidate the mechanism that regulates the shedding of CD163. Levels of soluble CD163 in sera and fluids from RA patients were examined by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay and Western blotting. To determine the effects of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMPs) on the shedding of CD163 from monocytes/macrophages, levels of soluble CD163 in cultures of monocytes/macrophages and the expression of CD163 on monocytes/macrophages in the presence or absence of TIMPs were examined by a sandwich enzyme immunoassay and flow cytometry, respectively. The clinical marker that was most associated with serum levels of soluble CD163 was levels of CRP. TIMP-3, but not TIMP-1 or TIMP-2, inhibited the shedding of CD163 from monocytes/macrophages. It was shown that serum levels of soluble CD163 are a sensitive and reliable marker to monitor activated macrophages in synovitis from RA patients and the results imply that the responsible proteinase for the shedding of CD163 is not a member of the matrix metalloproteinases, but is likely to be a member of ADAMs.

Adult↗

PubMed2002

Superimposition of post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis on the course of IgA nephropathy: predominance of Th1 type immune response.

A 23-year-old man was admitted with macrohematuria and systemic edema appearing after an acute upper respiratory tract infection. He had been diagnosed 6 years earlier with IgA nephropathy (IgA-N). On admission, hypertension, nephrotic syndrome and hypocomplementemia were evident together with a high titer of anti-streptokinase (ASK). Renal biopsy showed severe glomerular mesangial proliferation, segmental endocapillary proliferation and crescent formation. Immunofluorescence microscopy (IF) showed strong deposition of C3 and reduced deposition of IgA. Electron microscopy showed a so-called "hump" on the epithelial side of the glomerular basement membrane. These features were consistent with post-streptococcal acute glomerulonephritis (PSAGN) superimposed on IgA-N. Following 2 weeks of observation, blood pressure, C3 level and ASK titer returned to normal ranges, although nephrotic syndrome was still evident, which necessitated oral prednisolone (30 mg/day) therapy. Another biopsy taken 2 months later demonstrated regression of endocapillary proliferation and IF showed decreased deposition of C3. Immunohistochemical staining of the specimen taken on admission revealed the presence of numerous T cells and macrophages in the interstitium. Macrophages were also seen in the glomerular tuft. Many interstitial infiltrating cells were positive for interferon-gamma, but their number diminished after treatment. Our findings suggest that PSAGN complicating pre-existing IgA-N activates cellular immunity and augments renal tissue injury.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

New method of derivatization and headspace solid-phase microextraction for gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric analysis of amphetamines in hair.

A simple method for hair analysis of methamphetamine (MAMP) and amphetamine (AMP) by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was developed using simultaneous headspace solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) with derivatization. After alkaline-digestion of hair, the analytes derivatized with heptafluoro-n-butyryl chloride were adsorbed on a polydimethylsiloxane-coated fiber by HS-SPME and analyzed by GC-MS. Their mass spectra were, respectively, observable at 1 ng per sample. The standard curves in the range of 0.1-100 ng were linear. The intra-day coefficients of variation at each 0.5 ng were 12.5% for AMP and 3.8% for MAMP. The applicability of this method was demonstrated in some case studies.

Amphetamines↗

PubMed2001

TIMP-3 is a potent inhibitor of aggrecanase 1 (ADAM-TS4) and aggrecanase 2 (ADAM-TS5).

The proteoglycan aggrecan is an important major component of cartilage matrix that gives articular cartilage the ability to withstand compression. Increased breakdown of aggrecan is associated with the development of arthritis and is considered to be catalyzed by aggrecanases, members of the ADAM-TS family of metalloproteinases. Four endogenous tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs) regulate the activities of functional matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes that degrade most components of connective tissue, but no endogenous factors responsible for the regulation of aggrecanases have been found. We show here that the N-terminal inhibitory domain of TIMP-3, a member of the TIMP family that has functional properties distinct from other TIMPs, is a strong inhibitor of human aggrecanases 1 and 2, with K(i) values in the subnanomolar range. This truncated inhibitor, which lacks the C-terminal domain that is responsible for interactions with molecules other than active metalloproteinases, is produced at high yield by bacterial expression and folding from inclusion bodies. This provides a starting point for developing a biologically available aggrecanase inhibitor suitable for the treatment of arthritis.

ADAM Proteins↗

PubMed2001

Long-term histological prognosis and serum fibrosis markers in chronic hepatitis C patients treated with interferon.

BACKGROUND: Interferon (IFN) therapy is effective in 20-40% of patients with chronic hepatitis C, but the relationship between histological changes and the response to interferon is still unclear. We investigated the long-term histological prognosis and the changes of serum fibrosis markers after interferon therapy relation to the response. METHODS AND RESULTS: One hundred and eighteen patients with chronic hepatitis C who received interferon therapy were divided into four groups based on the detection of viremia and the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level after treatment. A histological examination was performed by using the histological activity index and the criteria of the METAVIR score. Serum fibrosis markers were used to measure the levels of hyaluronic acid and type IV collagen 7s. Responders, whose serum ALT levels became normal after treatment, demonstrated histological improvement. Histological improvement was more rapid in sustained virological responders with hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA seronegativity than in biochemical responders with HCV-RNA seropositivity. Only sustained virological responders exhibited histological cure. In partial responders, whose serum ALT levels decreased to less than twice the upper of normal, and non-responders whose serum ALT levels were not reduced, liver fibrosis was unchanged or showed progression. Serum fibrosis markers increased with progression of the histological stage and varied depending on the response to interferon. CONCLUSION: Normalization of serum ALT levels after interferon therapy led to a histological improvement, and that with viral clearance achieved histological cure. Serum fibrosis markers were useful indicators for long-term according to the response of IFN therapy.

Adult↗

PubMed2001

Phospholipase A2 isoforms in acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE: To assess phospholipase A2 isoforms during human and experimental acute necrotizing pancreatitis. Phospholipase A2 isoforms (group I, II, and IV) were examined in acute pancreatitis tissues in humans and rats to determine whether the exocrine pancreas itself is a source of these mediators. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Phospholipase A2 has important regulatory functions, especially in inflammation. METHODS: Using Northern blot analysis and immunohistochemistry, the expression and localization of phospholipase A2 isoforms were analyzed in pancreatic tissue obtained from 21 patients with acute necrotizing pancreatitis and in pancreatic tissues of rats with acute edematous and necrotizing pancreatitis. Rat samples were examined daily for 1 week. RESULTS: In human acute pancreatitis, phospholipase A2-I mRNA expression was 8.9-fold decreased. By contrast, phospholipase A2-II (7.8-fold) and phospholipase A2-IV (8.1-fold) mRNA levels were increased. By in situ hybridization, phospholipase A2-IV was found to be expressed in remaining acinar and ductal cells adjacent to the necrotic areas. Immunostaining revealed moderate to intense phospholipase A2-II immunoreactivity in remaining acinar and ductal cells next to the necrosis. In rat pancreatitis, phospholipase A2-II mRNA levels in the pancreas were unchanged in the early phase (8 hours) but markedly increased after 24 hours, with a fluctuating pattern until day 7. CONCLUSIONS: Enhanced expression of phospholipase A2-II and A2-IV isoenzymes in human and experimental acute pancreatitis suggests that these enzymes play a role in modulating the inflammatory reaction in the pancreas. Because phospholipase A2-II and A2-IV mRNA was strongly present in remaining viable pancreatic acinar and ductal cells, the pancreas itself seems to be at least partly a source and a regulator of phospholipase A2-II- and A2-IV-dependent inflammatory reactions in acute pancreatitis.

Adolescent↗

PubMed2001

Enhanced expression and release of C-type natriuretic peptide in freshwater eels.

C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) is recognized as a paracrine factor acting locally in the brain and periphery. To assess the role of CNP in teleost fish, a cDNA encoding a CNP precursor was initially cloned from the eel brain. CNP message subsequently detected by ribonuclease protection assay, using the cDNA as probe, was most abundant in the brain followed by liver, gut, gills, and heart. Expression was generally higher in freshwater (FW) than in seawater (SW) eels, but not in the brain. Plasma CNP concentration measured by a newly developed homologous radioimmunoassay for eel CNP was higher in FW than in SW eels. The CNP concentration was also higher in the heart of FW eels but not in the brain. These results show that CNP is abundantly synthesized in peripheral tissues of FW eels and secreted constitutively into the circulation. Therefore, CNP is a circulating hormone as well as a paracrine factor in eels. Together with our previous demonstration that CNP-specific receptor expression is enhanced in FW eels, it appears that CNP is a hormone important for FW adaptation. Because atrial NP (ANP) promotes SW adaptation in eels, CNP and ANP, despite high sequence identity, appear to have opposite effects on environmental adaptation of the euryhaline fish.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2001

Distribution of stanniocalcin 1 in rat kidney and its regulation by vitamin D3.

Stanniocalcin is a glycoprotein hormone first described in fish as a hypocalcemic factor, and recently its mammalian counterpart has been identified. Localization of stanniocalcin 1 and its regulation of expression were determined in control and 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3-treated rats. Immunoreactivity for stanniocalcin 1 was detected in the loop of Henle, macula densa cells, distal convoluted tubule (DCT), and cortical collecting duct (CCD), and also faintly in the medullary collecting ducts. Pre-embedding electron-microscopic immunocytochemistry revealed stanniocalcin 1 in the apical membrane of cells of loop of Henle, DCT, and principal cells of CCD. The expression of stanniocalcin 1 was increased by elevated plasma calcium via 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 treatment. In conclusion, stanniocalcin 1 was expressed in the apical membrane of distal nephron segments and enhanced by vitamin D3.

Animals↗

PubMed2001

Transdermal estrogen replacement therapy and vasomotor response.

Previous studies have shown that acute administration of estrogen improves endothelial function in postmenopausal women, but there has been little investigation of the chronic effects of transdermal estrogen replacement therapy. The present study assessed the effect of transdermal estrogen replacement therapy (0.025 mg / day for 4 weeks, the normally applied dosage in Japan) on flow-mediated endothelium-dependent vasodilation of the brachial artery (B-mode ultrasound) and forearm cutaneous blood flow (laser Doppler flowmetry), and plasma hormonal and lipid levels in 12 normolipidemic postmenopausal women. Neither resting vascular diameter, flow-mediated vasodilation, nor time to peak vasodilation, showed significant changes after the estrogen therapy. In contrast, resting forearm cutaneous blood flow decreased significantly after the estrogen therapy. The time to the peak reactive hyperemia in the forearm skin was slightly shortened, and the % change in reactive hyperemia decreased slightly after the therapy. These findings seemed to reflect the inhibition of hot-flush symptoms associated with vasomotor abnormalities in cutaneous tissue. The lack of improvement in flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery despite the inhibitory effect on cutaneous vasomotor abnormalities may be related to the low plasma estradiol concentration obtained with the present transdermal therapy (42.4+/-15.2 pg / ml), a finding which supports the estrogen threshold hypothesis in hormone replacement therapy.

Administration, Cutaneous↗

PubMed2000

PKCeta associates with cyclin E/cdk2/p21 complex, phosphorylates p21 and inhibits cdk2 kinase in keratinocytes.

PKC is activated on the cell membrane by phospholipids, thereby transducing signals to intracellular pathways. We provide here another function of PKC, namely, regulating cell cycle by interaction with the cyclin E/cdk2/p21 complex. Among the 10 isoforms of PKC, PKCeta is predominantly expressed in squamous cell epithelia and induces terminal differentiation of keratinocytes. PKCeta that is endogenously expressed or overexpressed was found to associate with the cyclin E/cdk2/p21 complex in keratinocytes of mice and humans. Requirement of a possible adaptor protein to the binding was suggested by the reconstitution of PKCeta and the cyclin E/cdk2/p21 complex which were prepared from human keratinocytes or Sf9 insect cells. Colocalization of PKCeta with cdk2 and cyclin E was observed in the cytoplasm, particularly in the perinuclear region. p21 was phosphorylated in the complex in a PKC-activator dependent manner. Association of PKCeta with cdk2 resulted in marked inhibition of cdk2-kinase activity when measured by phosphorylation of Rb. Dominant negative PKCeta associated with the cyclin E/cdk2/p21 complex, but caused a little inhibition of cdk2 kinase activity. Among the known regulatory mechanisms of cdk2 activity, dephosphorylation of Thr160 was demonstrated. Oncogene (2000) 19, 6334 - 6341.

Animals↗

PubMed2000

Multiplicity, structures, and endocrine and exocrine natures of eel fucose-binding lectins.

Lectins, a group of proteins that bind to cell surface carbohydrates and play important roles in innate immunity, are widely used experimentally to distinguish cell types and to induce cell proliferation. Eel serum lectins have been useful as anti-H hemagglutinins and also in lectin histochemistry as fucose-binding lectins (fucolectins), but their structures have not been determined. Here we report the primary structures and the sites of synthesis of eel fucolectins. Eel serum fucolectins were separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and sequenced. cDNA cloning, based on the amino acid sequence information, and Northern blot analysis indicated that 1) the fucose-binding lectins are secretory proteins and have unique structures among the lectins, exhibiting only weak similarities to frog pentraxin, horseshoe crab tachylectin-4, and fly fw protein; 2) there are at least seven closely related members; and 3) their messages are abundantly expressed in the liver and in significant levels in the gill and intestine. The lectin-producing hepatic cells were identified by immunostaining; in the gill, exocrine mucous cells were stained, suggesting that serum fucolectins derive from the liver. Using primary culture of eel hepatocytes, the message levels were shown to be increased by lipopolysaccharide, suggesting a role for fucolectins in host defense. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis showed that eel fucolectins have a SDS-resistant tetrameric structure consisting of two disulfide-linked dimers.

Amino Acid Sequence↗

PubMed2000

Headspace solid-phase microextraction and gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric screening for volatile hydrocarbons in blood.

Optimization for headspace solid-phase microextraction (SPME) was studied with a view to performing gas chromatographic-mass spectrometric (GC-MS) screening of volatile hydrocarbons (VHCs) in blood. Twenty hydrocarbons comprising aliphatic hydrocarbons ranging from n-hexane to n-tridecane, and aromatic hydrocarbons ranging from benzene to trimethylbenzenes were used in this study. This method can be used for examining a burned body to ascertain whether the victim had been alive or not when the burning incident took place. n-Hexane, n-heptane and benzene, the main indicators of gasoline components, were found as detectable peaks through the use of cryogenic oven trapping upon SPME injection into a GC-MS instrument. The optimal screening procedure was performed as follows. The analytes in the headspace of 0.2 g of blood mixed with 0.8 ml of water plus 0.2 microg of toluene-d8 at -5 degrees C were adsorbed to a 100-microm polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) fiber for 30 min, and measured using the full-mass-scanning GC-MS method. The lower detection limits of all the compounds were 0.01 microg per 1 g of blood. Linearities (r2) within the range 0.01 to 4 microg per 1 g of blood were only obtained for the aromatic hydrocarbons at between 0.9638 (pseudocumene) and 0.9994 (toluene), but not for aliphatic hydrocarbons at between 0.9392 (n-tridecane) and 0.9935 (n-hexane). The coefficients of variation at 0.2 microg/g were less than 8.6% (n-undecane). In conclusion, this method is feasible for the screening of volatile hydrocarbons from blood in forensic medicine.

Burns↗

PubMed2000

Phrenic nerve conduction in infancy and early childhood.

Diaphragmatic action potentials (DAPs) were mapped on the thorax bilaterally in 16 neurologically normal infants and 8 boys aged 1 to 4 years during artificial ventilation after thoracic surgery. Transcutaneous stimulation was used to activate the phrenic nerve at the supraclavicular fossa at the end of an artificial inspiration. The DAPs were of positive polarity and were recorded on the ipsilateral anterolateral chest wall over the sixth to the eighth intercostal spaces, with a maximal peak at the seventh intercostal space. The DAP latencies gradually decreased from 6 to 8 ms at birth to about 5 ms at the age of 1 year, despite an increase of conduction distance. Statistical analyses revealed that DAP amplitude did not correlate with age. The latencies and amplitudes of the DAPs displayed little interside variation. The results are valuable not only as a reference for the diagnosis of patients with phrenic nerve palsy, but also as an indicator of the normal development of the phrenic nerve.

Action Potentials↗

PubMed2000

Localization of porcine trappin-2 (SKALP/elafin) in trachea and large intestine by in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry.

Trappin-2 (SKALP/elafin), an elastase inhibitor, belongs to a unique family of proteinase inhibitors that are covalently anchored at the site of action through their transglutaminase substrate domain and are collectively called trappins. The transglutaminase substrate domain is therefore called "cementoin moiety". Currently, human, porcine, and bovine trappin-2 (SKALP/elafin) have been characterized. Previously, we showed that porcine trappin-2 (SKALP/elafin) occurs mainly in the trachea and large intestine. To determine the localization of trappin-2 (SKALP/elafin) at the cellular level, we carried out in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry using the porcine trachea and large intestine and found that trappin-2 (SKALP/elafin) is produced in the goblet cells of the tracheal epithelium and of the large intestinal crypts. These locations suggest that trappin-2 (SKALP/elafin) is secreted onto the luminal surface of the trachea and crypts of Lieberkuhn and plays a protective role against destructive bacterial proteinases.

Animals↗